Ep 5. The Soldier and Death

In Jim Henson's The Storyteller season 1 episode 5, titled The Soldier and Death, we are introduced to a disillusioned soldier returning from war only to find himself in a world where his sword no longer has any use. In his travels, he stumbles upon a mysterious estate where he is welcomed by an old woman who offers him shelter for the night. The old woman tells the soldier the story of a greedy king who was granted three wishes by the devil in exchange for his soul.

As the story unfolds, the soldier is transported into the kingdom of the greedy king, where we witness the king's three wishes come to life. However, each wish comes with a dark twist that ultimately leads to the king's downfall. The first wish leads to the king's newfound wealth and power being undermined by his own jealousy and paranoia. The second wish brings the king a beautiful and loving queen, but also causes him to lose her due to his own selfishness and greed. The third and final wish sees the king summoning Death to him, in order to cheat his own fate. However, as with all deals with the devil, there is a price to be paid.

The soldier is left contemplating the story and the consequences of greed and the pursuit of power, and he leaves the estate with a new perspective on life. As he continues his journey, he encounters Death and engages in a game of wits with the figure, wherein Death agrees to spare him if the soldier can best him in a series of challenges. The soldier must use his intelligence and wit to outsmart Death and ultimately prove that he is worthy of life.

Throughout the episode, we are transported into a magical world that is brought to life through Jim Henson's impeccable puppetry and extraordinary storytelling. With stunning visuals and a powerful message, The Soldier and Death is a timeless tale that reminds us of the importance of gratitude, humility, and the value of life. It is a testament to Jim Henson's ability to combine creativity, imagination, and meaningful storytelling, creating a collection of stories that are beloved by audiences of all ages and generations.