μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Uriah letter. Man carries written order for his own execution.

Deceptions. · Killing or maiming by deception. · Other fatal deceits. · view the constellation · filed as K978

Filed across the traditions
  • Irish *Cross, O'Suilleabhain 38, Beal XXI 314
  • Icelandic Herrmann Saxo II 262ff., Boberg
  • Spanish Exempla Keller
  • Jewish *Neuman
  • India *Thompson-Balys
  • Buddhist myth Malalasekera I 828, II 267
  • Japanese Ikeda. See also all references to K511.
  • general *Types 428, 930
  • general *Aarne FFC XXIII 64ff., 91
Within the index

Filed under Other fatal deceits.

2 finer motifs beneath it
Message of death. Man carries unwittingly an oral order for his own execution Message of death lost
Filed beside it
Flesh of certain animal alleged to be only cure for disease: animal to be killed. (The sick lion.) Camel induced to offer himself as sacrifice. Other animals feign to offer themselves to the lion as food. The lion eats the camel Rope cut and victim dropped. Man is being hauled up on the rope Barber killed when hero reports king's ancestors need his services in heaven Man with deformed head slays his barbers Secret of strength treacherously discovered Daughter pulls out father's magic life-containing hair. As soon as it is taken out he dies Fatal deception: changed message from oracle Dupe induced to stand under falling tree Dupe persuaded to climb tree. Tree felled and dupe killed Man is lured into sitting in a mechanical chair and is killed Magic horse lent by fairy in disguise brings about death of mortal Murder induced by bribery (lands, riches, wives) Person thrown out of magic airship and killed Dupe persuaded to go to dangerous place; killed
Carried in tale types

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