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Stingy Jack
The man who tricked the Devil twice and was denied both Heaven and Hell. Now he wanders Earth forever with only a carved turnip to light his way. The origin of the Jack-o'-lantern.
Ancient - Present
Ireland
1000+ witnesses
Stingy Jack is a figure from Irish folklore whose tale explains the origin of the Jack-o’-lantern.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Stingy Jack:
- Was a clever drunkard
- Tricked the Devil twice
- Was denied Heaven for his sins
- Was denied Hell for tricking Satan
- Now wanders Earth eternally
The First Trick
Jack’s first deception:
- Invited the Devil for a drink
- Convinced Satan to become a coin
- To pay for the drinks
- Instead, pocketed the coin
- Next to a silver cross, trapping the Devil
The Second Trick
Ten years later:
- The Devil returned
- Jack asked for one apple before Hell
- The Devil climbed a tree
- Jack carved a cross in the trunk
- Trapping Satan again
The Final Deal
Jack’s terms:
- The Devil must never take his soul
- Satan agreed to escape
- Jack lived out his life
- Continued drinking and deceiving
- Eventually died
The Wandering
After death:
- Heaven rejected his sinful soul
- Hell rejected him per the deal
- The Devil gave him an ember
- Jack carved a turnip lantern
- Now wanders the Earth forever