μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Three young men arrested tell who they are.

Tests. · Tests of cleverness. · Riddles. · Enigmatic statements. · view the constellation · filed as H581

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Filed under Enigmatic statements. Apparently senseless remarks (or acts) interpreted figuratively prove wise.

4 finer motifs beneath it
Arrested man tells who he is: before his father the great incline the head and give blood and money (barber) Arrested man tells who he is: the hospitable fire of his father is sought (bean merchant) Arrested man tells who he is: father throws himself into the ranks and holds them (weaver) Arrested farmer tells who he is: one son is thief (priest), second beggar (teacher), and third murderer (doctor)
Filed beside it
Girl given enigmatic commands must do the opposite Riddling answers betray theft or adultery Clever youth (maiden) answers king's inquiry in riddles. (Cf. H561.4.) Other riddling answers Enigmatic conversation of king and peasant Riddling remarks of traveling companion interpreted by girl (man) at end of journey King gives enigmatic order to minister Enigmatic counsels of a father. Taken literally bring trouble, but when properly interpreted are valuable Extraordinary actions explained Enigmatic statement made clear by experience Suitors receive enigmatic answers. Girls answer in single words, which, when arranged in certain order, show that they accept Inhospitality reproved enigmatically Enigmatic welcome of host. Sounds very inhospitable but properly interpreted makes guests welcome Enigmatic counsels of relatives (other than father) Other enigmatic statements

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