Other enigmatic statements.
Tests. · Tests of cleverness. · Riddles. · Enigmatic statements. · view the constellation · filed as H599
Motif
Within the index
Filed under Enigmatic statements. Apparently senseless remarks (or acts) interpreted figuratively prove wise.
6 finer motifs beneath it
Girl will not drink of water which had no father or mother (i.e., stagnant)Enigmatic statements of a sham mad man (Hamlet)Clever flatterer: Sir, you are a full moon, and my sovereign is a new moon (the full moon will decline, but the new moon has but started on its growth)Man asked to kill thousands, press hundreds beneath his arm, etc. (To shave his head, put some hairs under his arm, etc.)Enigmatic counsel: uproot old trees and plant new ones (dismiss old governors and appoint new)Give coals orange color, let glimmer of gold appear like expanse of heaven, prepare two heads of darkness. (Request for chickens for breakfast.)
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 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)