μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Numskull told to steal something heavy brings millstone.

The wise and the foolish. · Fools (and other unwise persons). · Literal fools. · Literal obedience. · view the constellation · filed as J2461.1.7

Filed across the traditions
  • India *Thompson-Balys.
Within the index

Filed under Literal following of instructions about actions.

1 finer motif beneath it
Numskull as thief: tries to carry off grinding-stone when told by confederates to bring out heavy things. Told to bring shiny things; brings out looking glass
Filed beside it
Literal numskull drags jar (bacon) on string. He has sent a pig home alone. Told that he should have led it by a string Literal numskull is gay at a fire. He has wept at a wedding and been told to be gay Literal numskull throws water on roasting pig. Told that he should have thrown water in the fire when the house burnt Literal numskull cuts peas into four parts. Told that he should have cut up the pancakes which he has eaten whole Literal fool strangles the hawk. On last trip he has lost the gloves and has been told that he should have put them in his bosom. He puts the hawk inside his shirt Literal fool carries the harrow in his hand. He has killed a sparrow by his stupidity and has been told that he should have carried it in his hand Literal numskull destroys inherited property since his sister has instructions not to object to his actions
Carried in tale types

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