μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Literal following of instructions about actions.

The wise and the foolish. · Fools (and other unwise persons). · Literal fools. · Literal obedience. · view the constellation · filed as J2461.1

Within the index

Filed under What should I have done (said)? The mother teaches the boy (the man his wife) what he should say (do) in this or that circumstance. He uses the words in the most impossible cases and is always punished.

8 finer motifs beneath 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 Numskull told to steal something heavy brings millstone Literal numskull destroys inherited property since his sister has instructions not to object to his actions
Filed beside it
Literal following of instructions about greetings. Numskull gives wrong greeting and is told how to give the correct one. When he tries it, however, the conditions are wrong Literal numskull laughs at his child's death Master tells servant (sarcastically) to take a year to do errand. Servant stays away a year and then returns to claim salary Numskull told not to forget to get the handsel (a little token extra in the bargain); brings it but leaves what he has been sent to buy Literal fool: fool told to follow his nose in a journey, runs head against tree, climbs it To sell some cloth for four rupees. Fool refuses to take six rupees for it Asking favor when master is in good humor. Fool waits till master is laughing at servant's stupidity Numskull told to attract girl's attention by throwing pebble at her flings large stone which breaks her head
Carried in tale types

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