μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Enigmatic conversation of king and peasant.

Tests. · Tests of cleverness. · Riddles. · Enigmatic statements. · view the constellation · filed as H585

Filed across the traditions
  • India Thompson-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 opposite Three young men arrested tell who they are Riddling answers betray theft or adultery Clever youth (maiden) answers king's inquiry in riddles. (Cf. H561.4.) Other riddling answers 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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