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The Mowing-Devil
A 1678 pamphlet describes a farmer's field mowed in a perfect circle overnight. He'd refused to pay his mower, who said 'the Devil himself should mow it.' That night, the field glowed, and circles appeared. The first crop circle?
August 22, 1678
Hertfordshire, England
10+ witnesses
The Mowing-Devil is a 17th-century account that some consider the first crop circle report.
The Pamphlet
According to documented history:
In 1678:
- A pamphlet was published
- Describing strange events
- In Hertfordshire, England
- A farmer’s oats were mysteriously mowed
- In perfect circles
The Story
The tale tells:
- A farmer needed oats mowed
- The laborer asked too much
- Farmer said he’d rather the Devil do it
- That night, the field glowed
- Morning revealed circles
The Image
The pamphlet’s woodcut:
- Shows a devil with scythe
- Mowing a circular pattern
- In the crop
- Famous image
- Widely reproduced
The Connection
Some believe this is:
- The first crop circle account
- Evidence of ancient phenomenon
- Not a modern hoax
- Pre-industrial mystery
- Though others dispute
Skeptical View
Critics argue:
- It’s just a folk tale
- The “mowing” was different from circles
- Modern crop circles are hoaxes
- No continuous tradition
- Story is allegorical
Legacy
The Mowing-Devil:
- Is cited by crop circle believers
- Shows similar pattern interest
- Historic curiosity regardless
- Part of folklore
- Debate continues