Hammet left his village with only his clothes, a lantern, a bag of walnuts, and an uncanny ability to crack open a walnut with his bare hand. Hammet left to seek his fortune, for he had four older brothers and sisters, and there was nothing left for Hammet.

Hammet came upon a small forest beside a small kingdom. The king had promised his daughter’s hand to any who could chop the whole forest in one night. Hammet dropped his lantern as he passed in the night. In the morning the king saw his forest burned to the ground and was dismayed; the princess was secretly pleased.

Hammet discovered a rabbit that claimed it was a mighty general, who had been cursed by the wizard king she served. She asked Hammet to pierce her ears with a golden needle to free her. He ate well on stew that night.

Sleeping one night in a cave, Hammet awoke surrounded by gold. Taking all he could carry, Hammet left for home, but the devil confronted him. In exchange for the gold, Hammet’s soul, unless Hammet could best the devil at a wager.

“I bet I can open this walnut with my bare hand.”