μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Animal languages. The various animals have languages of their own. (Cf. B251.1.2.)

Animals. · Animals with human traits. · Speaking animals. · view the constellation · filed as B215

In our texts — keyword-matched, unreviewed
Cited in the index
  • general *Type 517, 670, 671
  • general *BP I 131, 322, 323 n. 1
  • general **Aarne FFC XV
  • general *Chauvin V 180, 296.
Within the index

Filed under Speaking animals.

7 finer motifs beneath it
Animals taught one another's language Bird language Dog language Fox language Frog language Serpent language Insects' language
Filed beside it
Person frightened by animals successively replying to his remarks. Example: Man riding horse and followed by dog tells horse to jump over a hole. Horse says, "I will not." Man turns to dog and says, "Isn't that strange – a horse talking!" The dog says, "Yes, isn't it." Often the man runs, meeting other animals which answer him, until he falls exhausted Talking animal or object refuses to talk on demand. Discoverer is unable to prove his claims: is beaten Formerly animals and man spoke the same language. God took the power of speech from the animals because men refused to kill speaking beasts Animal uses human speech Animal understands human speech Animal whistles (sings, etc.) Knowledge of animal languages. Person understands them Animal language learned
Travels with (Thompson’s cf.)
Animals speak to one another at Christmas Cows speak to one another on Christmas. (Cf. B215.)
Carried in tale types

ask the rhapsode about this motif · search the shelf for “languages” · wander