μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

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.

Reversal of fortune. · Modesty brings reward. · Modest choice best. · view the constellation · filed as L211

Filed across the traditions
  • Spanish Exempla Keller
  • Italian Novella *Rotunda
  • India *Thompson-Balys
  • Chinese Graham
  • Japanese Anesaki 320
  • Malay V. Ronkel Catalogus der Maleische Handschriften te Batavia (Den Haag, 1909) 48
  • Africa (Angola) Chatelain 121 No. 10, 229 No. 41, (Benga): Nassau 225 No. 33.
  • general Type 480
  • general *Cox 501ff.
  • general Cosquin Lorraine No. 17
  • general *Chauvin III 99 No. 4
  • general *Crane Vitry 153 No. 47
  • general *Oesterley No. 251
  • general *Roberts 200
  • general *Cosquin Contes indiens 527
  • general Boccaccio Decameron X No. 1 (Lee 294)
  • general *Ward II 122
  • general Herbert III 196
  • general *Wesselski Märchen 213 No. 18

…and 3 more.

Within the index

Filed under Modest choice best.

Filed beside it
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
Carried in tale types

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