μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

Unpromising magic object chosen. Hero refuses to take one that cries out "take me!"

Reversal of fortune. · Modesty brings reward. · Modest choice best. · view the constellation · filed as L215

Filed across the traditions
  • Tonga Beckwith Myth 25, Gifford 20
  • Africa (Benga) Nassau 114 No. 11
  • Jamaica *Beckwith MAFLS XVII 269 No. 81.
  • general Roberts 204
Within the index

Filed under Modest choice best.

Filed beside 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 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 “unpromising” · wander