μῦθοι Mythoi
Motif

The teller reduces the size of his lie.

Humor. · Humor of lies and exaggeration · Humor of lies and exaggeration. · view the constellation · filed as X904

Within the index

Filed under Humor of lies and exaggeration.

2 finer motifs beneath it
The liar reduces the size of his lie when his brother steps on his toes to remind him of his lying habits Liar reduces the size of his yarn when challenged
Filed beside it
One lie a year. A man who tells but one lie a year is believed because of his general truthfulness. Amusing results Liar comes to believe his own lie. He tells a lie so often that he believes it himself. (Cf. X611.) Lie used as catch tale. (Cf. Z13.) Lying contests Would not lie for a trifle. Liar tells of shooting large number of animals with one shot (an odd number, usually 99). When asked why he did not make it a round number (or an even hundred), he replies indignantly that he would not lie for one pigeon (rabbit) Man has servant corroborate his lies. Rewards him poorly. Servant exposes him Lie: sea has burned up. (Often with answer: "Many fried fish.") Other stories about liars [First Edition: X910. Münchhausen tales.]
Carried in tale types

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