ディカーニカ近郷夜話　後篇Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka: The Later Part

What you'll learn

The narrator, Foma, recalls a story about his grandfather's encounter with a demon. The grandfather, after failing to dance properly, goes to find a treasure he believes is buried, but is tricked by a demon. He digs up a pot but finds only filth inside. The grandfather learns never to trust the devil.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～が最後 N1Once something happens, it's the end; indicates that once an action is taken, there is no turning back.
  捉まつたが最後、とんと、逃げ出すことも出来はせぬ。
• ～ておく N4To do something in advance, or to leave something as is.
  目標だけでもつけて置かう！
• ～てしまう N4Expresses completion of an action, often with a sense of regret or finality.
  まつたく、もう話には倦きてしまつた！
• ～てみる N4To try doing something.
  よく考へてみれば、この世にはどんなこともあり得る。
• ～からには N3Since; now that; expressing that something is inevitable given a certain situation.
  化生のものが一旦人を誑らかさうと見込んだからには、どこまでも誑らかさずには措かぬ。

Cultural notes

• Cossack Culture in the StoryThe story references Cossacks (哥薩克) and mentions a Cossack who later borrows the land. Cossacks were known for their military traditions and farming in the steppes of Ukraine and Russia. The grandfather's interactions with wagon drivers (運送屋) and the setting of a melon patch reflect rural Cossack life.
• Superstitions about DemonsThe story is steeped in folk superstition, where the demon (悪霊) is blamed for bad luck and tricks. The grandfather's failed dance and treasure hunt are attributed to demonic interference, reflecting a common theme in Slavic folklore.

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Topics

Short Storyfolkloresupernaturalhumorouseerieaozora bunko