μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Filed across the traditions
  • Breton Sébillot Incidents s. v. "rivière"
  • Irish Plummer cxlviii, Cross
  • Icelandic Boberg
  • England Baughman
  • Spanish Exempla Keller
  • India *Thompson-Balys
  • N. Am. Indian *Thompson Tales 276 n. 15b
  • Africa (Zulu) Callaway 82, 93
  • general *Frazer Old Testament II 456ff.
  • general (Hottentot): Bleek 75 No. 36.
Within the index

Filed under Magic object miraculously opens and closes.

10 finer motifs beneath it
Water becomes shallow so man is able to cross the river Magic salt causes waters to divide. (Cf. D1039.2.) Magic rod causes waters to divide and close. (Cf. D1254.2.) Magic root causes waters to divide and close. (Cf. D967.) Magic powder causes waters to divide. (Cf. D1246.) Saint's bachall causes sea to divide. (Cf. D1277.) Magic stick causes waters to divide. (Cf. D956.) Magic diamond on ogre's waist opens passage in tank by its reflection on water Magic brick causes waters to divide. (Cf. D935.4.) Magic formula causes sea to open up. (Cf. D1273.)
Filed beside it
Mountains or rocks open and close. (Cf. D931, D932.) Symplegades. Rocks that clash together at intervals. (Cf. D931.) Magic forest opens and closes for hero to pass. (Cf. D941.) Underground passage magically opens Self-opening tree-trunk. (Cf. D950.) Magic charm causes door to open. (Cf. D1273.)
Travels with (Thompson’s cf.)
Magic gem causes river waters to recede. (Cf. D1071, D1551.) Man proof against wet. (Cf. D1524.1, D1540, D1551, D2125, D2151.) The waters of seas, lakes, and streams turn aside and let the holy man walk through untouched by moisture. (Cf. D1551.) Passing through sea unscathed. (Cf. D1551.)
Keeps company with — shares receipted episodes
Creator's grandmother. Casually mentioned in the course of the creation myth Divinity's departure for west Culture hero's (divinity's) expected return. Divinity or hero is expected to return at the proper time and rescue his people from their misfortunes. Often joined with A571 Boneless man turned over to produce seasons Tabu: looking into box (Pandora) Magic airships Magic canoe. (Cf. D1121.) Canoe made by magic Love-compelling man sickens of bargain. A man given the power of making all women love him is smothered to death by them Rising and falling sky. Sky rises and falls at horizon, giving periodic access to the other world Modesty brings reward Kind and unkind. Churlish person disregards requests of old person (animal) and is punished. Courteous person (often youngest brother or sister) complies and is rewarded

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