Laughing fish reveals unjust judgment. A severe judgment is rendered for a small offence. As the convicted man is being led away, a dead (dried) fish is heard to laugh. The fish reveals that he has laughed at the foolishness of the judge who, while he punishes minor offences severely, is unable to see the capital crimes in his own household. (Cf. D1281.) — Mythoi

Motif

Laughing fish reveals unjust judgment. A severe judgment is rendered for a small offence. As the convicted man is being led away, a dead (dried) fish is heard to laugh. The fish reveals that he has laughed at the foolishness of the judge who, while he punishes minor offences severely, is unable to see the capital crimes in his own household. (Cf. D1281.)

Magic. · Magic objects. · Function of magic objects. · Magic objects effect changes in persons. · Magic object gives supernatural information. · view the constellation · filed as D1318.2.1

Cited in the index

general *Bolte Reise der Söhne Giaffers 216. India: Thompson-Balys, *Penzer I 46ff., VII 254, IX 142. – Cf. Child I 241, II 501b, IV 452a, V 288b.

Within the index

Filed under Dead fish reveals guilt.

Travels with (Thompson’s cf.)

Magic dead fish

Carried in tale types

The Clever Young Woman at the End of the Journey · ATU 875D 10 recorded variants

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