The concept of a Pact with the Devil, familiar in the legend of Faust, is an element in many folktales. It is essentially a contract with the devil; an agreement.

The bargain is always a dangerous one, for the price of the Devil’s service is the wagerer’s soul. The tale may have a moralizing end, with eternal damnation for the foolhardy venturer. Conversely it may have a comic twist, in which a wily peasant outwits the Devil, usually on a technical point.

The story of Theophilus of Adana, a saint who made a deal with the devil, predates the Faust legend and is a likely partial inspiration.

The compact between human hubris and diabolical intelligence raises the old tale to its cultural peak in Goethe’s Faust.

From the Faust Book: Doctor Faustus’ Instrumentum, or Devilish and Godless Writ

I, JOHANN FAUSTUS, Dr.,

Do publicly declare with mine own hand in covenant & by power of these presents:

Whereas, mine own spiritual faculties having been exhaustively explored (including the gifts dispensed from above and graciously imparted to me), I still cannot comprehend;

And whereas, it being my wish to probe further into the matter, I do propose to speculate upon the Elementa;

And whereas mankind doth not teach such things;

Now therefore have I summoned the spirit who calleth himself Mephostophiles, a servant of the Hellish Prince in Orient, charged with informing and instructing me, and agreeing against a promissory instrument hereby transferred unto him to be subservient and obedient to me in all things.

I do promise him in return that, when I be fully sated of that which I desire of him, twenty-four years also being past, ended and expired, he may at such a time and in whatever manner or wise pleaseth him order, ordain, reign, rule and possess all that may be mine: body, property, flesh, blood, etc., herewith duly bound over in eternity and surrendered by covenant in mine own hand by authority and power of these presents, as well as of my mind, brain, intent, blood and will.

I do now defy all living beings, all the Heavenly Host and all mankind, and this must be.

In confirmation and contract whereof I have drawn out mine own blood for certification in lieu of a seal.

Doctor Faustus, Adept in the Elementa and in Church Doctrine.

(From the Wolfenbüttel Manuscript. “Historia and Tale of Doctor Johannes Faustus.” )

From the The Tragedie of Doctor Faustus

Faustus:
Then, Mephistophilis, receive this scroll,
A deed of gift, of body and of soul.
But yet conditionally, that thou perform
All covenants, and articles, between us both.

Mephistophilis:
Faustus, I swear by hell and Lucifer
To effect all promises between us both.

Faustus:
Then hear me read it, Mephistophilis,
On these conditions following.

First, that Faustus may be a spirit in form and substance.
Secondly, that Mephistophilis shall be his servant, and be by him commanded.
Thirdly, that Mephistophilis shall do for him, and bring him whatsoever.
Fourthly, that he shall be in his chamber or house invisible.
Lastly, that he shall appear to the said John Faustus, at all
times, in what shape and form soever he please.
I, John Faustus of Wittenberg, Doctor, by these presents, do
give both body and soul to Lucifer, Prince of the East, and
his minister Mephistophilis, and furthermore grant unto them
that four and twenty years being expired, and these articles
written being inviolate, full power to fetch or carry the
said John Faustus’ body and soul, flesh, blood, into their ha-
bitation wheresoever.

By me John Faustus.

Mephistophilis:

Speak, Faustus, do you deliver this as your deed?

Faustus:

Ay, take it, and the devil give thee good of it.

Christopher Marlowe, The Tragedie of Doctor Faustus (B text) Act 2.