The Legend of Stingy-Jack

There are many legends surrounding Halloween, and Jack-O-Lanterns in particular.  One of my favorites is the Legend of Stingy-Jack.  On this Pre- Hallows Eve I share this legend with you.

Origin of the Legend

The Legend of Stingy-Jack is an Irish folktale. Stingy-Jack has been called Jack the Smith, Jack the Drunk, and Jack of the Lantern.  I call him Stingy-Jack.

Stingy-Jack was known in his Irish village and for miles around as a manipulator, trickster, and one who enjoyed the drink too much.  Legend has it that the Devil heard of Stingy-Jack and his reputation.  The Devil wanted to know whether Jack indeed lived up to his reputation, as this made the Devil rather jealous if Jack were more vile than the Devil himself.



Jack and the Devil met up one night and began drinking ale.  Jack did not want to pay for the ale he had been drinking and convinced the Devil to turn himself into a silver coin.   By this time Jack was quite drunk and his bill was quite large.   Stingy-Jack convinced the Devil he would pay for his ale with the silver coin.
   

When the Devil turned into the silver coin Stingy-Jack did not pay his bill.  He placed the coin in his pocket.  Also in his pocket was a silver crucifix.  The silver crucifix prevented the Devil from transforming into his Devil form.  To free the Devil Jack demanded the Devil would not come for his soul for 10 years.  The Devil agreed and was freed

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Ten Years Pass

Jack and the Devil meet up again. Jack thought the Devil had come to claim his soul.  This time Jack convinced the Devil to climb an apple tree so Jack could eat a piece of fruit before he was taken to the underworld.  The Devil agreed.   While the Devil was in the tree Jack surrounded the apple tree with crucifixes. The Devil was freed after Stingy-Jack  convinced the Devil that he would never take his soul to the underworld.   

 

 

It is not known how many years Stingy-Jack continued his way of life.  When he died he was stopped by St. Peter at the gates of Heaven. Stingy-Jack was not allowed into Heaven due to his previous lifestyle. 

 

Stingy-Jack presented himself at the entrance to the underworld.  The Devil kept his word and would not allow Stingy-Jack's soul into the underworld.

 

Jack was given an ember of lighted coal which he placed in a hollowed out turnip.  With a lighted ember Jack roams the earth between good and evil for eternity.  Such is the legend of the Jack-O-Lantern.

   

Till next time stay well, stay happy

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