μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Inhospitality reproved enigmatically.

Tests. · Tests of cleverness. · Riddles. · Enigmatic statements. · view the constellation · filed as H594

Within the index

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

3 finer motifs beneath it
Enigmatic statement: roof has no eaves. (Else it would give the beggar shelter.) Enigmatic statement: the tank (pond) does not belong to you. (Else you would have given the beggar fish to eat.) Enigmatic statement: the flocks are only rocks and grass. (Else you would have given the beggar milk and curds.)
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 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 Enigmatic welcome of host. Sounds very inhospitable but properly interpreted makes guests welcome Enigmatic counsels of relatives (other than father) Other enigmatic statements

ask the rhapsode about this motif · search the shelf for “inhospitality” · wander