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Motifs
- Dead called from their graves to make statement. E387.1.1
- Complacent wife agrees with all of husband's absurd statements. H474
- Clever prince interprets enigmatic statements. H561.9
- Enigmatic statements. Apparently senseless remarks (or acts) interpreted figuratively prove wise. H580
- Enigmatic statement betrays incest. (Cf. T411.) Woman, recognizing cleric as her son by her father (Fiachna), gives him a drink of milk and says, "I give drink to my brother; he is Fiachna's son, he is Fiachna's grandson; his mother is Fiachna's daughter." The son's reply shows that he understands the situation. H582.2.1
- Enigmatic statement made clear by experience. H592
- Enigmatic statement: roof has no eaves. (Else it would give the beggar shelter.) H594.1
- Enigmatic statement: the tank (pond) does not belong to you. (Else you would have given the beggar fish to eat.) H594.2
- Enigmatic statement: the flocks are only rocks and grass. (Else you would have given the beggar milk and curds.) H594.3
- Other enigmatic statements. H599
- Enigmatic statements of a sham mad man (Hamlet). H599.2
- King makes absurd statement about flowers. Flatterer agrees: it is the king he serves, not the wretched flowers. J817.2.1
- Clever pleading: youth in court for calling king a fool, proves truth of statement because king allowed self to be duped by alchemist. J1162.4
- Clever interpretation of judge's statement. J1193
- The servant to improve on the master's statements. The wooer makes boasts to the girl and the servant always doubles the master's boast. Finally the master says, "I have poor eyesight." – The servant, "You don't see at all." (Or the master coughs and apologizes; the servant says that he coughs all night.) J2464
- Paramour poses as unsuccessful suitor. When surprised with the wife he tells the husband that he has been trying to force the woman, with no success. The wife supports the statement. K1517.5
- Reinstatement of true bride. K1911.3
- Doubt of veracity of goddess' statement punished. Q221.7