Myths and Tales form Greece and Romania May 2012 | Page 124

After the 3 years Death returns, and Ivan is still at the gate and she
gets trapped in the pouch once more. God knows of Ivan’s ruse but plays
along for a second time so Death is told capture the young for three years,
and then misbehaved children for another three. Ivan again misinterprets
the command, forcing Death to eat first young trees, then twigs, for a total
of six years. Once her ordeal is over, she is back at Heaven's entrance,
and again in front of Ivan. He again traps her, telling her that this is
revenge for people she has killed "since Adam", and informing her that she
will no longer be allowed out of the bag.
God lets Ivan know that he should hand in his pouch and prepare
for his own timely death, leaving him three days to prepare. The man uses
this time to reflect on his adventures and makes himself a coffin. When
Death returns to him, Ivan claims not to be aware of how people are
supposed to be laid to rest. He exasperates her by dropping himself into
the coffin every which way but the proper one, until she decides to teach
him. Once Death is on her back, eyes closed and hands crossed on her
chest, Ivan seals the coffin lid and traps her inside. God again intervenes,
and is upset about the soldier's tricks: while he gives up in front of Ivan's
determination to live, he punishes him to spend eternity as an old man.