μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Magic speaking reed (tree) betrays secret. King has whispered secret to hole in the ground. Reed growing from this hole tells the secret.

Magic. · Magic objects. · Function of magic objects. · Magic objects effect changes in persons. · Magic object gives supernatural information. · view the constellation · filed as D1316.5

Filed across the traditions
  • Irish myth *Cross
  • India Thompson-Balys.
  • general *Köhler-Bolte I 383 n. 1, 511, 587
  • general Sébillot RTP I 327, VII 356
  • general *Zs. d. deutschen morgenland. Gesel. XL 549
  • general Crooke FL XXII 183
  • general *BP IV 147 n. 7 (Celtic): *Basset 1001 Contes II 258
Within the index

Filed under Magic object reveals truth. (Cf. D1318.)

1 finer motif beneath it
Voice comes forth from tree, revealing truth
Filed beside it
Stone reveals truth. (Cf. D931.) Magic lamp indicates falsehood by lighting. (Cf. D1162.1.) Speaking spittle reveals truth. (Cf. D1001.) Magic ring permits owner to learn person's secret thoughts. (Cf. D1076.) Magic goblet (cup) indicates truth or falsehood. (Cf. D1171.6.2.) Magic sod indicates falsehood by turning grassy surface downward, truth by turning it upward. (Cf. D934.1.) Magic collar indicates falsehood by squeezing throat (hand, foot), truth by falling to ground. (Cf. D1068.) Magic epistle (brought from apostle) assures wearer will utter truth. (Cf. D1266.1.) Pig cooked when true story is told. (Cf. D1281.1.) Sword turns upon owner when untruth is uttered. (Cf. D1081.) Magic root reveals truth when water is poured over it. (Cf. D967.) Magic bird's tongue reveals truth. (Cf. D1011.6.)
Carried in tale types

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