In the 1902 short story "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, the monkey's paw grants three wishes to its owner. These wishes, however, come at a high price and come with severe consequences. The paw is believed to have a supernatural ability to fulfill the desires of those who possess it. However, it does so in a twisted and malevolent way.
In the story, when a person makes a wish while holding the monkey's paw, their desire is granted. However, it is tainted by tragedy and unforeseen consequences. Each wish is followed by unfortunate and tragic events that bring misery and despair to the wisher. The central theme of the story revolves around the dangers of tampering with fate and the moral implications of greed and unchecked desires.
While the monkey's paw is a fictional artifact, its power serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of seeking supernatural intervention to fulfill one's desires.