μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Scholars’ trail — 3references

The index’s own references — the collections where scholars sighted this story-shape, tradition by tradition. Titles on our shelf are live links; the rest is the frontier, not yet shelved.

  • IrishBeal XXI 312f., O'Suilleabhain 34, 36
  • LithuanianBalys Index No. 3390, Legends Nos. 490f., 749f.
  • Missouri FrenchCarrière.
Within the index
9 finer motifs beneath it
Devil cheated by imposing an impossible taskDevil cheated by being frightenedDevil pounded in knapsack until he releases manDevil'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 soulDevil 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 satisfiedDevil to release man for performing seemingly impossible task. The task is performed by trickeryDevil 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 twoDevil cheated by religious or magic means. Missouri French: CarrièreOther ways of cheating the devil of his promised soul
Travels with
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

wander