The text recounts several legends from different places where individuals outwit the devil. In Durango, Mexico, a bridge remains unfinished as no one can place the last stone, believed to be due to a worker's bet with the devil. In Valparaíso, a man named Martin Seek makes a pact for wealth but avoids losing his soul by being buried in an anti-seismic mausoleum. Another tale tells of a young man who uses crosses to protect his cattle from the devil. The final story is about Mariano Altamira from Testán Jalisco, who trades his wife's soul for youth and seduction powers but is outsmarted by his wife, resulting in him being transformed into a dog. These narratives blend folklore with themes of cleverness, faith, and morality.
Here are the key facts:
1. There is a legend about a bridge in Durango, Mexico, that was built with the help of the devil.
2. The bridge was started in 1913 and was built over a canal.
3. Three workers were tasked with finishing the bridge, but they were unable to complete it.
4. One of the workers made a deal with the devil to finish the bridge in exchange for his soul.
5. The devil finished the bridge, but the worker was able to outsmart him and save his soul.
6. The bridge still exists today and is considered a tourist curiosity.
7. There is a tomb in Cemetery Number 3 in Playa Broad that is said to belong to Martin Seek, a Spanish immigrant who made a pact with the devil.
8. Martin Seek made a deal with the devil to become rich in exchange for his soul, but he was able to outsmart the devil and save his soul.
9. Martin Seek built an anti-seismic mausoleum with his tomb in the center, supported by four feet, so that his bones would not touch the floor.
10. The tomb remains untouched to this day, and legend has it that the devil still searches for Martin Seek's soul.
11. There is a legend about a man named Francisco who defeated the devil in a musical duel.
12. Francisco was a virtuoso accordion player who began playing at the age of 4.
13. The devil challenged Francisco to a musical duel, but Francisco was able to outplay him and save his soul.
14. Francisco's story is told in the Colombian film "The Devil's Accordion" and in the story "La Caña de la Gran Bestia" by José Francisco Socarrás.
15. There is a legend about a man named Mariano who made a deal with the devil to become a great seducer and regain his youth.
16. Mariano's wife, Herminia, discovered the deal and was able to outsmart the devil by trapping him in a bottle.
17. The devil was unable to escape from the bottle, which contained holy water, and was forced to keep his word and free Herminia from his clutches.
18. Mariano was punished for his deal with the devil by being transformed into a dog.
19. Herminia took pity on Mariano and cared for him in his canine form.
20. The legend of Mariano and Herminia is still told today in the town where they lived.