μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Enigmatic statement made clear by experience.

Tests. · Tests of cleverness. · Riddles. · Enigmatic statements. · view the constellation · filed as H592

Within the index

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

5 finer motifs beneath it
"Love like Salt." Girl compares her love for her father to salt. Experience teaches him the value of salt Poison in nectar: wife who betrays husband to his enemies Nectar in poison: mistress who saves her lover Dogs in human shape: friends who seduce man's wife Donkey ruling a kingdom: king condemning man unjustly
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 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 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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