μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
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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 oppositeRiddling answers betray theft or adulteryClever youth (maiden) answers king's inquiry in riddles. (Cf. H561.4.)Other riddling answersEnigmatic conversation of king and peasantRiddling remarks of traveling companion interpreted by girl (man) at end of journeyKing gives enigmatic order to ministerEnigmatic counsels of a father. Taken literally bring trouble, but when properly interpreted are valuableExtraordinary actions explainedEnigmatic statement made clear by experienceSuitors receive enigmatic answers. Girls answer in single words, which, when arranged in certain order, show that they acceptInhospitality reproved enigmaticallyEnigmatic welcome of host. Sounds very inhospitable but properly interpreted makes guests welcomeEnigmatic counsels of relatives (other than father)Other enigmatic statements

wander