μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Within the index

Filed under Forethought in defences against others.

2 finer motifs beneath it
Wild-boar sharpens tusks when no enemy is in sight. Tells fox that when enemy comes there are other things to doMan decides to make himself strong in peaceful times rather than wait until attacked
Filed beside it
Practical and impractical defencesDefences by strengthening one's own weakest spotsDefence when one needs it mostMan slays another in order not to be slain himselfYouthful fencer yields to infuriated opponent who has picked up a pestle. "Two against me. I surrender."Foolishness of king's taking a washerman for chief minister; washerman makes no preparation for war and kingdom is conquered. [Inadvertant duplication of U129.3.]

wander