μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Devil cheated by imposing an impossible task.

Deceptions. · Deceptive bargains. · Deception in payment of debt. · Devil cheated of his promised soul. · view the constellation · filed as K211

Filed across the traditions
  • Lithuanian Balys Legends No. 636.
  • general Type 1170–1199
Within the index

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

1 finer motif beneath it
Devil is cheated by giving him task: counting the letters in the church Bible. He is unable to read the holy words
Filed beside it
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

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