μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Scholars’ trail — 1reference

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.

  • IndiaThompson-Balys.
Within the index

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

2 finer motifs beneath it
The four coins. (Focus.) King: What do you do with the four coins you earn? Peasant: First I eat (feed self); second I put out at interest (give my children); third I give back (pay debts); fourth I throw away (give my wife.)King: Why did you not do it (marry so that sons could help you)? Peasant: I did, but it was not God's will (I married three times but it was not God's will to give me sons)
Filed beside it
Girl given enigmatic commands must do the oppositeThree young men arrested tell who they areRiddling answers betray theft or adulteryClever youth (maiden) answers king's inquiry in riddles. (Cf. H561.4.)Other riddling answersRiddling 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