μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Scholars’ trail — 2references

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.

  • general Type 1525D
  • general *BP III 391 n. 2.
Within the index

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

4 finer motifs beneath it
Baby's cry imitated to distract owner's attention from his goodsCattle let loose so as to distract owner's attention from his goodsCat made to mew so as to distract owner's attention from his goodsGolden deer sent to entice girl's guardians away, so she can be abducted
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 fireThief shams death and stealsThief distracts attention by apparently hanging (stabbing) himselfThief persuades owner of goods to dive for treasure. Meantime robs himOwner enticed to chase game while goods are stolenShoes dropped to distract owner's attention. The thief drops two shoes in different places and steals a ram while the shepherd goes after the shoesThief pretends to show how horse can be stolen; rides it offThief 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 horseTrickster bribes guards to start a fight. While the master goes to investigate, the trickster enters his bed with his wifeOwner's attention distracted by man fishing in street. Meanwhile the man's confederates rob the dupeTrickster falsely announces marriage celebration and distracts owner's attentionTailor 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 himselfThief steals belongings of his wife's paramour while the latter is calling on herOne thief distracts attention of owner while other stealsStone thrown to attract attention of shark guardians. Man then slips in cave and steals lobstersTrickster entices children to dance and steals their food
Travels with
Attempted capture by ringing cowbell to sound as if cow has wandered far away. (Cf. K341.7.)
Carried in tale types

wander