Short story - Ulf and the Fire God

On a warm August afternoon, a strange visitor entered the village of Lettuce and stopped before the first villagers he encountered.

—Tell me where I can spend the night. I am very tired and must eat and sleep before continuing my journey —he said in a strong voice.

The villagers, a young man chopping wood and his grandfather who accompanied him, turned their heads to look at him and recognized him immediately. The elderly man quickly said:

—Behind the tower you see over there, at the edge of the Unknown Lands, you’ll find the farm of Ulf, the kindest and strongest Viking in the village. He will surely host you well and give you what you need.

The stranger thanked him and continued walking to Ulf’s farm. The grandson, who had not moved since the stranger appeared, sighed in relief.

Ulf had just entered his cabin, carrying vegetables he had just harvested, when he sensed someone standing in the open doorway.

—Are you Ulf? —asked the stranger.

—That’s me, come in, you are welcome in my home —said Ulf, who had immediately recognized the stranger.

—I am Logi, and I need a place to eat and sleep before continuing my journey.

—And so it will be —replied Ulf —You can sleep in this room, and I’ll start preparing dinner right away.

Ulf prepared many varied dishes. The stranger was Logi, the God of Fire. His flaming beard and insatiable appetite were renowned everywhere. If the God of Fire were left hungry, he was capable of consuming the plates, the furniture, the house, and everything in his path. He could even destroy entire villages.

After a while, Ulf served the food. Large platters filled with delicious dishes covered the entire table.

—Everything looks wonderful —said Logi with a big smile, visible amidst the flames of his beard. —Now tell me, where is the meat? —he asked, seeing that all the dishes were made of cooked vegetables and fruits.

—In my home, and in this entire village, we don’t eat meat from any animal. But I assure you, you won’t be left hungry.

—How is that possible?! —shouted the God of Fire— A man must eat meat to be strong! How else will I reach my destination? What poor excuses will I have to give for my delay? If you don’t eat meat, I doubt you’re as strong as they claim!

Ulf grew a bit nervous. He was angering the God of Fire, and this could bring great trouble, not only for him but for the entire village. It was his duty to calm him before it was too late.

—Allow me to show you that everything on this table will make you even faster and stronger than the meat you speak of. I see you still have energy for a little competition. —The God was intrigued by this proposal and allowed Ulf to continue.— Do you see that large ash tree right at the border of the Unknown Lands? It’s a sick tree that I need to cut down. Whoever can run to it and fell it first will be the winner. If you win, I’ll get your meat. If I win, you’ll eat what I’ve served.

Ulf and Logi stepped out of the cabin and prepared themselves outside. The race to the ash tree wasn’t too long, but it was a considerable distance. Logi burned brightly, but Ulf remained calm because since his arrival, the God of Fire had been shrinking due to his fatigue. Ulf believed he might actually have a chance to win—after all, defeating a god isn’t easy!

The two began running swiftly, but Ulf managed to take the lead. He reached the ash tree, embraced it, and uprooted it from the ground. He set it aside and returned to the starting point, where he waited for Logi, who was just a few steps behind.

—I am amazed! No one has ever beaten me, especially not a mere mortal!

—I must admit, it wasn’t easy —Ulf replied— Even as tired as you are, you’ve been the best opponent I’ve ever faced. Now, let’s go in and enjoy the good food to help you recover.

Logi sat at the table with a suspicious look. He recognized some dishes, but others seemed strange to him. Besides, could all this truly restore his strength? Ulf began eating enthusiastically, and the God followed suit. He started with one dish, then the second, and soon he had eaten three-quarters of everything on the table.

—My flames have never been so big and bright! —exclaimed the God in astonishment— You have my respect, Ulf. You are a good man—and very strong, too! I’ll never doubt you again. I’ll reach my destination and tell our story. You’ve earned the respect of the gods.

The next morning, Ulf woke up to find that Logi was no longer there and the house was empty. The only sign that the God had been there was the lit fireplace. Inside, flames that changed colors danced—flames that would never extinguish.