μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Devil cheated of his promised soul. The man saves it through deceit.

Deceptions. · Deceptive bargains. · Deception in payment of debt. · Devil cheated of his promised soul. · view the constellation · filed as K210

Filed across the traditions
  • Irish Beal XXI 312f., O'Suilleabhain 34, 36
  • Lithuanian Balys Index No. 3390, Legends Nos. 490f., 749f.
  • Missouri French Carrière.
Within the index
9 finer motifs beneath it
Devil cheated by imposing an impossible task Devil cheated by being frightened Devil pounded in knapsack until he releases man Devil's magic power turned on himself. The hero who is riding the devil as a horse receives supernatural strength from plucking a hair from the devil's mane. He then spurs the devil until he agrees to forego his bargain for the man's soul Devil cheated by pretended hanging. The man has promised himself to the devil in return for money. He stuffs his clothes with straw and hangs them up. The devil thinks the man has hanged himself and is satisfied Devil to release man for performing seemingly impossible task. The task is performed by trickery Devil gets another soul instead of one bargained for. The devil bargains with a man for his soul, but the man fulfills his contract and escapes. In envy two persons commit suicide. The devil rejoices that though he lost one he has gained two Devil cheated by religious or magic means. Missouri French: Carrière Other ways of cheating the devil of his promised soul
Travels with (Thompson’s cf.)
Man has witch aid him in reaping contest, the devil to get the hindmost. The devil tries to take the man but gets shadow instead. (Cf. G303.19, K210.) Person sells soul to devil in exchange for witch powers. (Cf. G281, M211, K210ff.) Liar escapes from devil: quest for greater liar. (Cf. G303.16.19.3, K210, X905.) Man cheats devil of reward: to have man if he gets him at first grasp. Man holds cat which flies in devil's face. (Cf. K210.)
Carried in tale types

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