The supposed magic spell. The thief orders the farmer to crawl into a tub and to sit there quietly and not look about, while he makes a magic spell (cure him of childlessness). Meanwhile, he steals all the farmer's property — Mythoi

Motif

The supposed magic spell. The thief orders the farmer to crawl into a tub and to sit there quietly and not look about, while he makes a magic spell (cure him of childlessness). Meanwhile, he steals all the farmer's property.

Deceptions. · Thefts and cheats. · Thefts. · Means of hoodwinking the guardian or owner. · view the constellation · filed as K341.22

Filed across the traditions

Lithuanian Balys Index No. 1629*
Italian Novella Rotunda (K341.16)
India Thompson-Balys.

Within the index

Filed under Owner's interest distracted while goods are stolen.

Filed beside it

Trickster reports lost money; searchers leave him in possession of premises. Unable to find a place by the inn fire the trickster mentions that he has lost money on the road. One by one the guests slip out to search and leave him the fire Thief shams death and steals Thief distracts attention by apparently hanging (stabbing) himself Thief persuades owner of goods to dive for treasure. Meantime robs him Owner enticed to chase game while goods are stolen Shoes dropped to distract owner's attention. The thief drops two shoes in different places and steals a ram while the shepherd goes after the shoes Animal's cry imitated to distract owner's attention from his goods. Meantime rascal steals an animal Thief pretends to show how horse can be stolen; rides it off Thief tells his pursuer that the thief has gone to heaven by way of a tree. While the man lies on the ground and looks up, the thief steals his horse Trickster bribes guards to start a fight. While the master goes to investigate, the trickster enters his bed with his wife Owner's attention distracted by man fishing in street. Meanwhile the man's confederates rob the dupe Trickster falsely announces marriage celebration and distracts owner's attention Tailor throws piece of cloth out of the window. The stingy woman has the tailor come to her house to cut cloth. He throws a piece out of the window, "the devil's share". While the woman has gone after it he cuts off a piece for himself Thief steals belongings of his wife's paramour while the latter is calling on her One thief distracts attention of owner while other steals Stone thrown to attract attention of shark guardians. Man then slips in cave and steals lobsters

Carried in tale types

The Supposed Magic Spell · ATU 1629* 1 recorded variant

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