Most legends concerning the devil involve a bargain in which the devil
provides assistance to someone, and returns later to collect that person's soul as payment. The Farmer's Curst Wife seems to be an exception.
    I've always suspected that the favor granted was the ability to plow the farmer' land with only a hog, or a pig and a cow instead of the horses which the farmer lacked. Has anyone encountered a version that explained why the Devil felt he was entitled to claim a member of the farmer's family?