μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Modest choice best.

Reversal of fortune. · Modesty brings reward. · Modest choice best. · view the constellation · filed as L210

Filed across the traditions
  • Spanish Espinosa Jr. Nos. 71, 74, 139, 191
  • Italian Basile Pentamerone III No. 10
  • Icelandic Boberg
  • Japanese Ikeda
  • N. Am. Indian (Zuñi) Benedict II 340
  • Africa Werner African 196, 205
  • Cape Verde Islands Parsons MAFLS XV (1) 277 No. 91
  • West Indies Flowers 559.
  • general Types 480, 580. See also references to L211 and L221. Scala Celi 26a No. 171
  • general *Roberts 177, 198
Within the index
7 finer motifs beneath it
Modest choice: three caskets type. Objects from which choice is to be made are hidden in caskets (or the like). The worst looking casket proves to be the best choice Choice among several gifts. The worst horse, armor, or the like proves best Poor girl chosen rather than the rich. Treasure follows Old chosen rather than new. Fortunate choice Unpromising magic object chosen. Hero refuses to take one that cries out "take me!" Poor game proves rich Accustomed rags preferred to new garments. A Brahmin returns home to find a palace instead of a cottage; he recognizes his wife only after she throws off her jewels and ornaments to stand before him in her old rags

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