Innocent man executed because his neck fits the noose (or the like)

Motif

Innocent man executed because his neck fits the noose (or the like).

The wise and the foolish. · Fools (and other unwise persons). · Absurd lack of logic. · Other logical absurdities. · view the constellation · filed as J2233.1

Filed across the traditions

India *Thompson-Balys.

Within the index

Filed under Logically absurd defenses. Thief brought to judgment for breaking into house blames mason for building poor house. Mason blames maker of mortar, who blames potter, who blames pretty woman who diverted his attention. She blames goldsmith who caused her to go for her earrings. Goldsmith has no one to blame but he is too old to make a good execution. Hence a shopkeeper across the way is convicted.

1 finer motif beneath it

Men hang old bedridden weaver instead of young, valuable member of colony after the young man has accidentally killed an Indian. The Indian tribe demands punishment

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