The Demon Farmer Story in English: Short Stories for Kids

Short stories are a mine of knowledge for both adults and kids. When we particularly talk about children, stories become an excellent medium for teaching them crucial life skills. In addition, they also help hone their mental, emotional, and intellectual faculties.

In this article, we will examine the short story The Demon Farmer. It is a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and making the most of every opportunity. The story revolves around a farmer and his encounter with a demon. Read ahead to find out what happens to them!

Origin of the Demon Farmer Story 

Although the Demon Farmer story has no specific origin, it comprises themes that we have seen in other stories like the Invisible Man by HG Wells, Jack and the Beanstalk, and much more. The crux of the story, where an almighty power (like the giant) uses his cunningness to try and deceive a helpless farmer, is pretty universal and echoes in various folktales from the world over.

Summary of How the Farmed Deceived the Demon

The Demon Farmer story in English revolves around a farmer who lives on an isolated island with his large family. Although they were all alone and knew nothing of the outside world, they were always happy and content. The farmer and his family had no great wealth, but they were self-reliant and cultivated whatever crops they needed. In short, everything was going well for the farmer.

However, one day, in the middle of the year after the crops had started to grow, the farmer and his family suddenly heard an unusual roar – a loud noise that sent shivers down their spine. Thereafter, the weather changed abruptly. Torrential rains began pouring down, the day turned into night, and the birds who were out and about ceased to sing. The animals ran back to their shelters, and the family on the island also sought shelter in a nearby area. The unfortunate part is that the adverse weather conditions continued for days, and the farmer grew anxious.

On the eighth day, the weather cleared, and the farmer and his family were overjoyed. But, their glee was short lived as soon they realised their crops were destroyed. The family grew desperate, and the farmer embarked on a novel journey to save everyone from starving to death. One day, he made a long journey into an eccentric place. Initially, the farmer was worried and tense. But, suddenly, he saw a massive tree with luscious fruits in the middle of a broad meadow. He decided to treat himself a bit and satiated his hunger by consuming the red fruits and then dozed off.

But, suddenly, he was awakened by a loud noise and realised that the owner of the place was coming. Can you guess who the owner was? It was a giant but was 10x the size of ordinary humans, had a long tail, and two horns growing out his head. The farmer was frightened to his wits. He stood motionless till the giant came up to him. The farmer did the sanest thing he could think of at the moment: he explained to the giant that he had made this long journey in search of food for his family, who were starving owing to crop failure. Surprisingly, the giant was calm and delighted to see such a righteous man. He said that he would help the farmer if he fulfilled a promise.

Then, the Farmer Story in English continues. The giant from the eccentric land was called the Demon by folks, hence our story's name. The demon then gave the farmer a smooth, round stone with magical powers and said that he could have the stone for five years. But, after five years, the farmer and family would become the slaves of the demon. The farmer readily agreed without paying much heed to the consequences.

The demon informed the farmer, "You must squeeze the stone when you wish to become invisible and put it in your mouth when you wish to return to human form." Thus, with the powers of invisibility rendered upon him, the farmer crossed the water that washed ashore on the isolated island where he lived. It was his first interaction with the outside world, his first dealing with society. He was astounded as he realised that there were restaurants where he could eat.

He felt a pang of hunger and decided to eat in a shop. He put the stone in his mouth, became visible, entered the restaurant, ordered all he could, and ate a hearty meal. But, at the time of paying, the invisible man used his stone to become invisible and vanished into thin air. The restaurant owner was alarmed by such a spectacle and began making a hue and cry. Everyone was trying to find the farmer/thief, but to no avail, as nobody could see him.

Then, the farmer saw a bank and used his power of invisibility to steal tons and tons of gold and silver. Although there was some hue and cry, and the farmer/bank robber was almost caught by the guards and got a good beating, he could run away using his invisibility stone. Then, the farmer went straight to his home, where his children and wife were waiting. He gave them all the money and told them he had earned a fortune. The family became wealthy and purchased all they needed from the city on the mainland. Time passed, and the farmer and his family were happy again.

But, soon, the gloomy day was about to come, and his five-year deal with the demon was about to expire. Thus, the farmer made preparations to return to the demon’s land. He went to the eccentric place and met the giant under the same tree. But, the giant was displeased to see the farmer alone, without his family – which was also a part of the promise. The demon told the farmer that he would cage the farmer in a cave and go to find his wife and children. But, the farmer used his quick thinking and then with the help of his magical stone, became invisible. He then took a tree branch and began beating the demon until the latter surrendered and begged for mercy.

The farmer then went home, and heaved a sigh of relief as from then onwards; there was no more of the demon and the deal. He and his family continued to live in peace, prosperity, and happiness. So, there we have it, a summary of the Farmer and the Devil story.

A Farmer Working on His Field

Moral of the Farmer Story

There is a lot to unpack in the Demon story. The first thing we can learn is that it is very much possible to be happy alone, or in small groups. We do not need a big circle of people around us to feel happiness. Just like the farmer was happy on an isolated island with his family, we also can find peace and contentment in being alone.

Another pivotal thing that we can learn is to be quick-witted, and make the most of every opportunity laid in front of us. How the farmer deceived the demon is applaud-worthy and results from intelligence and spontaneity. Thus, we can reach our goals and milestones and overcome any hurdle with quick thinking.

Note to Parents

Parents should read out to the Demon Farmer to their children, as it is an interesting tale with invaluable lessons. The story revolves around a farmer and his encounter with a demon. It is a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and making the most of every opportunity.