Give the Devil His Due (1984) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Dorota wants to eliminate Petr to gain full control over his inheritance and the family mill. After marrying Petr's father and quickly becoming a widow, she sees the young boy as an obstacle to her absolute power and wealth. She uses her influence with the Governor to have Petr arrested, attempting to permanently remove him from her path.

Foreshadowing: Dorota's scheming nature is established immediately after the wedding when she begins plotting against Petr.

• dorota
• petr
• inheritance
• mill
• arrested

Janek, an inexperienced young devil sent to collect Dorota for Hell, made a critical error by confusing Petr's grandmother with his target. The mix-up occurred because Janek was new to his demonic duties and failed to properly identify Dorota. Lucifer was furious and ordered him to correct the mistake immediately.

Foreshadowing: Janek's incompetence is highlighted throughout his early missions.

• janek
• grandmother
• hell
• mistake
• dorota

Janek lost his powers when soldiers discovered and burned his magical wolf's tail, which was the source of his supernatural abilities. Without it, he became just an ordinary young man stuck in the army. He eventually received a new tail to restore his powers.

Foreshadowing: The burning of the tail marks the moment Janek becomes truly vulnerable and dependent on Petr.

• janek
• wolf tail
• powers
• army
• burned

Petr was granted three wishes after working in Hell: a magical coat that produces golden ducats and changes his appearance, the freedom of his imprisoned grandmother, and permission to take the Corporal to Hell. These wishes transformed his fortune and allowed him to achieve his goals.

Foreshadowing: The wishes were promised after Lucifer decided to release Petr from his Hell service.

• wishes
• lucifer
• coat
• ducats
• grandmother
• corporal

Petr chose Adélka because she was the one who recognized his true worth when he appeared as a poor man and loved him genuinely. Angelína initially rejected him as a beggar, while Adélka supported him and became his steadfast ally throughout his troubles. When Petr arrived at the castle as a wealthy suitor, Adélka was the one who still loved him for who he was.

Foreshadowing: Adélka's loyalty is established early when she vows to help Petr despite his poverty.

• petr
• adélka
• angelína
• marriage
• love
• chosen

At the end, Angelína unknowingly married Lucifer himself. While Petr was marrying Adélka, Angelína's path crossed with Lucifer, and she ended up becoming his wife without realizing he was the Devil. This was part of the consequences for her earlier actions and choices.

Foreshadowing: The story hints at a darker fate awaiting those who mistreated Petr.

• angelína
• lucifer
• marriage
• devil
• ending

Lucifer demanded that Janek bring the Governor to Hell in addition to the others. This was because the Governor had been corrupted by Dorota's influence and had helped her persecute Petr unjustly. The Governor's complicity in Dorota's schemes made him a target for Hell's judgment.

Foreshadowing: Lucifer's demand comes after Petr uses his wishes to orchestrate the villains' downfall.

• lucifer
• governor
• hell
• dorota
• punishment

The magic coat could produce unlimited golden ducats and transformed Petr's appearance into someone more dignified. Petr used this wealth to help the Count, who was bankrupt, in exchange for permission to marry his daughter. The coat also allowed Petr to lure the Governor and Corporal to their doom by appearing as a generous wealthy man.

Foreshadowing: The coat's power was evident from the moment Petr received it.

• coat
• magic
• ducats
• wealth
• Petr

Petr and Janek abducted Dorota as revenge for her crimes - she had murdered Petr's father, seized control of the mill, and conspired to have Petr arrested and eliminated. Taking her to Hell ensured she faced divine punishment for her wicked deeds, which aligned with the fairy tale's theme of poetic justice.

Foreshadowing: Dorota's crimes accumulate throughout the first half of the story.

• dorota
• abduction
• hell
• revenge
• punishment

Janek befriended Petr after losing his powers in the army and being stranded there. Both were trapped in difficult situations - Petr was being bullied by the Corporal, and Janek was powerless and alone. Their shared hardships created a bond, and Petr promised to help Janek regain his lost powers, forging their alliance.

Foreshadowing: The friendship begins when they meet in the army camp.

• janek
• petr
• friendship
• army
• powers