Conversely, it may have a comic twist, in which a wily peasant outwits the devil, characteristically on a technical point. For most of religions the tale may have a bad end, with eternal damnation for the foolhardy venturer. The bargain is a dangerous one, as the price of the Fiend's service is the wagerer's soul. It was also believed that some people made this type of pact just as a sign of recognising the minion as their master, in exchange for nothing. According to traditional Christian belief about witchcraft, the pact is between a person and the Devil or another demon, trading a soul for diabolical favours, which vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, fame and power. Engraving of Faust's pact with Mephisto, by Adolf Gnauth (circa 1840)Ī deal with the Devil (also called a pact with the Devil, Faustian bargain, or Mephistophelian bargain) is a cultural motif exemplified by the legend of Faust and the figure of Mephistopheles, as well as being elemental to many Christian traditions.
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