The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE BEGGAR WHO WAS JESUS

LONG AGO IN ARMENIA A BEGGAR WAS SEEN GOING FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE
TRYING TO GET SOME FOOD. WITH MOST OF HIS HOPE GONE, HE CAME TO THE
HOUSE OF AN ARMENIAN PRIEST AND HIS WIFE. THE WOMAN OPENED THE DOOR
AND GAVE THE BEGGAR SOME FRESH BREAD WHICH SHE WAS BAKING AT THE
HEARTH. HE THANKED HER AND ASKED HER FOR ONE MORE FAVOR. THE FAVOR
WAS THAT HE COULD GIVE HER A KISS. SHE OBLIGED. THE BEGGAR WAS
THOUGHT TO BE JESUS. WHEN HER HUSBAND CAME HOME SHE TOLD HIM WHAT
HAPPENED. HE ANSWERED HER, "FOR GOD'S SAKE, WOULD YOU JUMP IN THE
FIRE? SHE ANSWERED YES AND THREW HERSELF INTO THE HEARTH. WITHOUT
HER HE FELT THERE WAS NO REASON TO LIVE AND SO HE THREW HIMSELF INTO
THE FIRE. IT IS SAID AT THIS SPOT A SHRINE HAS BEEN ERECTED AND A
SPRING FLOWS WHICH HEALS THE SICK."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; WALSH COLLEGE ; CAMPUS ; TOLD AT

Keyword(s): IRONY GOOD VS. EVIL

Date learned: 03-21-1970