Thief detected by sieve and shears. Sieve put on open shears and then grasped by two fingers so as to balance. Charm recited. If sieve trembles when name is called, that person is guilty — Mythoi

Motif

Thief detected by sieve and shears. Sieve put on open shears and then grasped by two fingers so as to balance. Charm recited. If sieve trembles when name is called, that person is guilty.

Tests. · Tests of truth. · Other tests of truth. · view the constellation · filed as H251.3.3

Filed across the traditions

England Baughman
Danish Kristensen Danske Sagn VI (1900) 389ff., (1936) 188ff.
general Kittredge Witchcraft 198ff. nn. 83–94

Within the index

Filed under Other magic object tests truth.

Filed beside it

Tree tests perjury Thief detected by psalter and key. Closed Bible with key inside at magic text loosely held by diviner and client. Name of suspected thief on end of key. As verse is spoken, if name is that of thief, book and key will turn around Stick with money in it breaks and betrays thief who swears his innocence Oath taken before image. If oath is false the image turns around (or changes color) Chain around neck tests truth. Tightens when wearer speaks falsehood Magic object cast on water sinks if person is guilty Magic object clings to hand of guilty person Magic spring detects perjury: disfigures perjurer False judgment by judge causes fruit to fall. Just judgment by judge causes fruit to be perfect Pig that can be boiled only after four true stories are told Truth-testing vessel Magic cup as test of truth and falsehood Calumniated princess' dead body fails to rot; accuser repudiated

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