A lot of variants on 'The Jolly Beggar', where a beggar comes to the farm-house, asks for lodging, and as there is no 'spare bed' he is given the choice to either lie in the barn, or 'by the kitchen fire'

The beggar invariably chooses the fireplace.
Later on that evening, the farmer's daughter gets up out of bed to lock the door and is confronted by the sight of a naked beggar, and she quickly jumps into bed with him, and they get up to all sorts of things.

The 'maid' loses her virginity this way and curses the beggar and throws him out of the house.

The image of the beggar is often associated with King James VI of Scotland (James I of England), who was known for travelling around his kingdom in disguise, and seeking lodgings.

I have heard no references to Pied Pipers, though...or Prometheus for that matter.

B.