No images found for this plant ID: 3402.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3402" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

pelos del diablo

Scientific Name: Aristida portoricensis

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Los Tres Pelos del Diablo / The Devil's Three Hairs

This entry explores the tale known as "Los Tres Pelos del Diablo" (Spanish), "The Devil's Three Hairs" (English), "Der Teufel mit den drei goldenen Haren" (German), and "Paholaisen kolme kultaista hiusta" (Finnish), a popular folktale, notably one collected by the Brothers Grimm.

Story Summary

  • The story typically begins with the birth of a child who is prophesied to marry the king's daughter.
  • The king, attempting to defy this prophecy, sends the child, now a young man, on a seemingly impossible mission: to retrieve three golden hairs from the Devil himself.
  • The hero undertakes a journey to the underworld, often encountering helpful figures, including the Devil's grandmother, who aid him in his quest.

Distribution and Habitat

The tale appears in various cultures and languages, indicating its widespread appeal and adaptation across different regions. References are found relating to Argentina and Mexico, and of course, Germany where the Grimm Brothers originally collected the tale.

Quirky Facts

  • The tale is associated with both the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales and South American Folklore.
  • Some interpretations associate the "seven hairs of the devil" with the seven deadly sins.

Resources

  • The Brothers Grimm's collection of fairy tales.
  • Numerous online videos, audio recordings, and printed versions of the story in multiple languages.