Where Fleas Came From

One day, the Lord God and Saint Peter were walking along the banks of the Loire River, between Chamalières and Vorey. As they strolled, they discussed people and how difficult it was to guide them onto the right path. At a bend in the river, Saint Peter suddenly pointed out to the Lord God a woman in rags lying on the sand, basking in the sun. The woman was still young, but her face expressed a desperate boredom. Nothing escapes the Lord God, and He immediately saw that this woman was bored from idleness.

Then, out of His boundless kindness, He reached into His deep pocket, took out a handful of fleas, and threw them onto the woman, saying:

"Woman, idleness is the mother of all vices. Here is something to keep you occupied!"

From that day on, women have had fleas. And, having nothing else to do, they amuse themselves by searching for them on themselves.

More fairy tales

• The Farmer and His Master
• Barbaik Lokho and the Brownie
• How the Devils Outsmarted
• The Tale of the Nine Lamb Brothers and Their Sister
• Brenborjo and Jeanne