Presented here is a retelling of a folktale from Ukrainian and Slavic folklore followed by a brief discussion. The story has similarities to tales from several different countries, and like them is a myth of the origin of the mole and gives a warning which is very relevant to this day.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MOLE

This story tells how a rich man, and a poor man once shared a field. The poor man was humble and respectful and followed God’s laws the best he could. The rich man was proud and scornful, following no rules but his own. One year, both simultaneously sowed their allotted parts with the same type of seed. With the help of God, the poor man’s seed grew healthy and abundant, giving an excellent yield. However, the seed of the rich man, who scorned the…