μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif
Scholars’ trail — 4references

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.

  • EnglishHibbard 71, Wells 158 (Amis and Amiloun)
  • IcelandicGöngu Hrólfs saga 274ff.
  • West IndiesFlowers 512.
  • general N. Am. Indian (Arapaho): Dorsey and Kroeber FM V 74 No. 37
Within the index

Filed under Death escaped through disguise, shamming, or substitution.

3 finer motifs beneath it
Substitute smoker. The hero is compelled to smoke a fatal pipe, but the helpful insect which he carries on his head smokes the pipe for himEscape by substituting self for another condemned to die. Holy man substitutes self for deacon held by heathenTwo wicked men put to a fiery test ask for a third (pious) man to be tested together with them
Filed beside it
Escape by disguiseEscape by shamming deathEscape by shamming illnessEscape by use of substituted object. The object is attacked rather than the intended victimCaptor's bag filled with animals or objects while captives escapeEscape by substituting another person in place of the intended victimEscape from battle by magic invisibilityEscape under mantle of invisibilityEscape by successive disguisesEscape by reversing shoes (boat)Captors deceived into believing captive is planning to stay with them: vigilance relaxed. Captured general orders heavy boxes taken into the temple. These are thought to be gold and it is concluded that he will not try to leave. He escapesPrincess cuts hair to escape captor who holds her hair in hand while sleeping with her

wander