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What Happened to The Men Who Made a Deal With the Devil?

Thoughty2・15 minutes read

Various legends and historical figures, like Bob Dylan and Johann Georg Faust, have been rumored to make deals with the devil for success, talent, or wealth, leading to supernatural abilities, personal struggles, and eternal damnation. These stories serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of selling one's soul for earthly desires.

Insights

  • Bob Dylan claimed to have made a pact with the chief of this world and the unseen world to achieve fame in his music career, showcasing a belief in supernatural dealings for success.
  • The folklore surrounding individuals like Robert Johnson, Faust, Paganini, and Jonathan Moulton illustrates a recurring theme of making deals with the devil for exceptional talent, wealth, or knowledge, emphasizing the allure and consequences of such agreements throughout history.

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Recent questions

  • What is the legend of Faust?

    Faust, based on Johann Georg Faust, is a story of a man who makes a deal with the devil for ultimate knowledge.

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Summary

00:00

"Deals with the Devil: Legends Revealed"

  • Bob Dylan, a renowned singer-songwriter, mentioned in an interview that he made a deal with the chief of this world and the unseen world to achieve fame and success in his music career.
  • In the music industry, especially in blues, there are legends of musicians making deals with a specific entity at the crossroads to gain exceptional musical talent, like Robert and Tommy Johnson.
  • Martin Scorsese's documentary, "No Direction Home," reveals how Dylan's musical skills drastically improved after a few months in New York, leading to him being called a shape changer or a man possessed by his friends.
  • Throughout history, there have been myths and legends of individuals making deals with the devil, with the New Testament suggesting that the devil, not God, is the Prince of this world.
  • The devil is often portrayed as a personification of evil, with John Milton's "Paradise Lost" depicting him as a fallen angel who rebels against God due to his pride.
  • Faust, a famous legend, tells the story of a man who makes a deal with the devil for ultimate knowledge, based on the real-life figure Johann Georg Faust, who was widely known for his supernatural abilities and mysterious reputation.
  • Bernard Fokker, a Dutch sailor in the 17th century, was rumored to have sold his soul to the devil to become the fastest sailor, leading to supernatural modifications on his ship and eternal damnation as the captain of the Flying Dutchman.
  • Niccolò Paganini, a virtuoso violinist, was rumored to have had a pact with the devil from birth, showcasing extraordinary musical talent but facing personal struggles and rumors of dark deeds, leading to his eerie appearance and supernatural performances.
  • Jonathan Moulton, a Civil War hero, allegedly made a deal with the devil to gain immense wealth, with the devil filling his boots with gold daily until Moulton tried to deceive him, resulting in the devil burning down his house in retaliation.
  • Moulton's story ends with his mysterious disappearance from his coffin after his death, leaving a legacy of greed and deceit in his dealings with the devil.

17:22

Selling One's Soul for Gold: Biblical Reflection

  • The devil took the molten body to hell, leaving only a small pot of gold with a demonic insignia in the coffin, prompting reflection on the worth of selling one's soul, as highlighted in the Gospel of Matthew.
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