09/03/2025
The history of the "deal with the devil" trope originates in Christian demonology and folk tales, exemplified by the legend of Theophilus of Adana, who made a pact in the 6th century to regain an ecclesiastical position. The most famous version is the Faustian legend, popularized by Marlowe's Doctor Faustus in the 16th century, about a scholar trading his soul for knowledge. This motif later became a popular literary device, appearing in works like Stephen Vincent Benét's The Devil and Daniel Webster, and is also associated with cultural figures like the blues guitarist Robert Johnson and the violinist Giuseppe Tartini.
Origins in Christian & Folk Tradition
Theophilus of Adana (6th Century):
One of the earliest forms of this story involves Theophilus, who became a bishop and later sought a pact with the devil to regain power, signing a contract in blood to deny his faith.
The Legend of Faust:
The "deal with the devil" concept is central to the Faustian bargain, a myth that likely has roots in this historical figure. The legend features a person who makes a pact for knowledge, fame, or power, ultimately leading to their soul's damnation.
Popularization in Literature
Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus
: In the late 1500s, the English playwright dramatized the Faust legend, creating one of the most enduring versions of the pact. The play depicts a scholar signing a contract in blood with Lucifer's messenger, Mephistophilis, to gain forbidden knowledge.
Other Literary Examples:
The theme continues in later works, such as Stephen Vincent Benét's short story "The Devil and Daniel Webster", where a farmer sells his soul but is defended by a lawyer.
Cultural & Musical Connections
Musical Figures:
The trope is linked to real-life and legendary musicians. The Italian violinist Giuseppe Tartini reportedly wrote his "Devil's Trill Sonata" after a dream of the devil playing his violin, and the blues legend Robert Johnson is often said to have made a deal at a crossroads for his musical talent.
Folk-tale Variants:
The concept appears in numerous folklore traditions, such as the American story of Jonathan Moulton, who outwitted the devil in a deal for gold.
Themes and Significance
Human Ambition and Greed:
The bargain often explores themes of human ambition, the lust for power, and the ethical compromises people make.
Moral Choice:
It serves as a powerful cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of choices and the potential for eternal damnation.
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