μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Scholars’ trail — 3references

The index’s own references — the collections where scholars sighted this story-shape, tradition by tradition. Titles on our shelf are live links; the rest is the frontier, not yet shelved.

  • general *BP I 198, II 361f.
  • general Köhler-Bolte Zs. f. Vksk. VI 59 (to Gonzenbach No. 1)
  • general *Wesselski Märchen 197.
Within the index

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

3 finer motifs beneath it
Riddling answer betrays theftRiddling answers betray adulteryWoman's question to her husband disguised as woman, how many men she had in one night. This is properly understood as, how many helpers he had, and answered by lifting ten fingers
Filed beside it
Girl given enigmatic commands must do the oppositeThree young men arrested tell who they areClever 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