About the fiery man

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An old moneylender once lived on Karlova Street. He lent money to people in need, but his interest rates were so high that few were able to repay the loan. Yet the moneylender knew no mercy, and he managed to deprive many a poor soul of even the roof over their heads. As his wealth grew, so did the fear for his money: he socialised with nobody, hardly ever left the house, and when his neighbours saw him on the street, he did not even respond to their greetings. Every evening, the lights in his cottage burned late as he counted the gold coins in his chest.

One night, a fire broke out on Karlova Street in the house right next to the old moneylender’s. Neighbours from all around rushed over to help extinguish the fire, carrying crying children and furniture out of the flames, helping to rescue and extinguish the fire as best they could. Only when the flames engulfed the roof did the old moneylender rush out of the neighbouring door, but not to help. His neighbours called out to him, but he didn’t say a word and stumbled away towards the Vltava River with a heavy bag of money slung over his shoulder. That was the last the people ever saw of him.

After some time, his ghost began to haunt Karlova Street. People began to see the old moneylender staggering down the street at midnight with a heavy load on his shoulders, begging someone to help him. It is said that whoever helps him carry the bag of money from Karlova Street to Old Town Square will rescue the unfortunate moneylender. But if a passer-by takes pity and approaches him, the old man turns into a fiery figure with burning coals instead of eyes, and the venturesome individual quickly reconsiders his help and runs away.

 

Based on the book 77 pražských legend by Alena Ježková (77 Prague Legends).

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