Tajik



Tradition title rus: 
Таджики
Areal ID: 
5.4.2.3
Tradition analysis result motif count all: 
394.00
Tradition analysis result motif count cosmo: 
69.00

Linked Motifs

MotifNameDescription
a14aThe conflict between the Sun and the MoonThe Sun and the Moon are or were enemies, either permanently or in particular situations
a3Male sun and female moonThe Moon is female or bisexual, the Sun is male
a35Spots on the lunar discDark spots on the lunar disc are dirt, blood, paint, traces of beating, burning, scratching, etc. on the Moon person's body or face (Kiliwa: spots on the Sun) and do not form any particular figure
a35cScars and wounds on the Moon’s faceDark spots on the Moon are scars and wounds on her face
a4Female sunThe Sun is female, the Moon is male or (more rare) also female
a6The Sun and the Moon are femalesBoth the Sun and the Moon are considered to be females (incl. cases when the gender is not directly specified but both emerge from parts of the body of a female person)
b115Evergreen treesConiferous or some other trees or shrubs (subshrubs) became evergree when the life elixir was spilled on them by chance
b33Mother of windFemale person is incarnation of wind, mother of winds, etc.
b33aPerson dies of cold in the springWhen it becomes warm, a person or animal (bird) decides that the winter is over (most often an old woman goes to graze her animals) but dies of cold or the animals that had been deiven to the pasture die
b33dThe old woman of winterOld woman is incarnation of winter, is associated with snow, or there are several cold days between winter and spring (or fall) associated with a certain old woman
b46Big Dipper is seven menEvery one of the seven main stars of the Ursa mayor is a an adult man
b46cBig Dipper is seven persons or animalsEvery main star of the Big Dipper is interpreted as a particular person or animal
e11The burned skinMagic person reveals his true nature and/or remains with the real people after the object responsible for preserving the non-human appearance (usually an animal skin) is destroyed (usually burned)
e31aCreators and rescuers of a girlSeveral men take part in rescuing, creation or reanimation of a girl (rare: a bird) or several women take part in the reanimation of a dead man or they differetly express their grief. It is asked whose role was crucial (who behavior more noble) and/or who should be the spouse of the reanimated person. Or three men make something valuable and it is asked whose role in the corresponding enterprise was more important
e32People born from treesFirst people are born by trees or come out of a tree, flower, reed
e9The mysterious housekeeperPerson observes traces of some activity that takes place in his (rare: her) house in his (her) absence and then takes by surprise the responsible one
e9hDove-wifeA man marries dove-woman
f62Incognito at the feastAn (ostensibly) sick (ugly, weak, poorly clad) person remains at home when others go to the feast. The person comes by himself or herself looking like a handsome man or beautiful girl. The man (woman) does not recognize him (her) and feels against her (him) sexual interestю (All texts with motif k57, Chinderella, are also included into f62)
f70Potiphar's wife: false accusation of sexual abuseWoman makes vain overtures to young man and/or falsely accuses him of sexual abuse. Her husband believes that the young man is guilty, kills or tries to kill him
f70aDisordered clothes as evidence against innocent manTo accuse a man or boy of (sexual) abbuse, a woman tears her clothes, smears or scratches her body pretending to be attacked
f70bRevenge of a rejected womanA woman revenges on a man who rejected her love but necessary not pretends to be an object of sexual harassment from his part
f71Susan and the old men (the innocent slandered maiden)An innocent girl or young woman rejects a man who attempts to seduce her. The man accuses her of loose conduct, ultimately the truth comes to light
f83aIndecent proposal made through childrenAnimal person comes to children of a big predator and tells them that he will copulate with their mother (or that he will beat her)
f86Conditional signalPerson summons with a certain signal a non-human being (usually his or her sexual partner or his or her protégé). Another person spies, uses the same signal or pronounces the same words and kills the being who comes to him (or uses this being sexually himself)
f9A dangerous womanFor different reasons, sexual contact with a woman is deadly dangerous for a man
f9fAsmodeusDemon (snake) regularly kills woman’s husbands during the first night, the woman herself being ignorant about the reason of their death
f9f1Snake inside womanPoisonous snake (snakes, scorpions) comes out of the mouth of a woman {Motif F9f1 and K100c are almost identical but F9f1 links to a cluster of etiological/cosmological motifs related to the idea of a dangerous woman while K100c is related to adventures}
g31Trees tied up with a ropePersons put a rope around many trees and fells them all together or pretends to do it
h16aRivers of bloodRivers (lakes) of blood (also of puss, bones, sweat or water used for washing of corpses) are mentioned in narratives (in different context)
h36The muddled messagePerson is sent by god to bring instructions or certain objects but distorts, forgets or replaces them. This has fatal consequences for humans or for a certain species of animals. (Lithuanian case can be a mistification)
h36aOrigin of death from the falsified messagePerson distorts instructions that he must pass to others, intentionally lies, forgets or replaces certain objects that must be given to others. Because of this human beings become mortal (do not revive after death)
h36fRaven is a failed messengerRaven is sent to deliver important object or message. It distorts message, loses object
h36ffDeath and the ravenRaven is responsible for introduction of permanent death
h49cFaithful falcon killedA tame bird (more rare: domestic animal) seems to be aggressive against its master (usually a falcon knocks the cup from the hand of a thirsty king). The master kills the bird (animal) only to find that the it saved his life
h51The demonic horseA horse eats people or is associated with antagonist of the God
h6aPeople and plantsMortal humans are contrasted with (almost) immortal trees that shed their bark, become green again after winter sleep or propagate by sprouts
h6bThe life-medicine spilled on plantsThe life-medicine is accidentally spilled not on men but on plants which become evergreen, capable for regeneration or producing fruits
h6bbThe lost objectsAnimal person is sent to pass to the people certain objects or substance but loses or replaces them. Because of this people miss possibility to become immortal or their life becomes difficult
h6cThe immortal ravenRaven is associated with death or contrasted with people as an immortal with mortals (is sent to the medicine of immortality; drinks itself water of immortality; gives instructions concerning funeral rites; etc.)
i100bThe Pleiades are a group of peopleThe Pleiades are any people (of any ages and sex, combined data of i99-i100a)
i121Twin constellationsTwo constellations (usually Ursa major and Ursa minor) are interpreted as twin objects of the same type (two animals, two carts, etc.)
i126Funerals in the skyUrsa major or other circumpolar constellation is a stretcher on which a dead or sick person is carried, a dead body ready for the burial, a tomb
i127Ursa major is a bedUrsa major is a bed, a cot, a bedstead
i25The bribed guardsWay to the place of a certain person is guided by dangerous creatures (which often stand on the both sides of the pathway). Person placates them by gifts or nice talk, and they let him or her go the both ways, sometimes being punished for this by their master
i25aBones to cowsPerson sees that food put for certain animals is inedible for them and corrects situation (usually gives to herbivorous animals food that was given before to predators and vice versa)
i25bTo clean an oven with her own hairIt is told about women who had no tools at all and were using parts of their body instead
i25cTo name bloody river the river of vineOn her or his way to the destination, person (on his or her way back) names dangerous or repulsive objects and beings beautiful and nice, thus securing their loyalty
i3Weapon of ThunderThe lightning (and thunder) is (produced with) an object (axe, sword, mirror, belt, stones, skin, etc.) in hands of anthropomorphic being
i40Rainbow bowRainbow is a bow
i46Rainbow beltRainbow is the ornamented part of the clothes, its decoration, a belt
i46aOld woman’s rainbowRainbow is associated with an old woman
i50aTorn off legs of the helpful animalDemon tears off or devours one by one legs of aт animal who helps the hero, usually of his riding horse
i52Fish the earth-holderWorld is supported by fish or fish-like monster or the earth itself is such a monster
i59Milky Way is spilled strawMilky Way is a trace of people who spilled on their way something related to agriculture (straw, chaff, hay, more rare flour, peas)
i62Milky Way is a riverMilky Way is a sky river, water body, chain of beings that swim
i82bVenus is femaleMorning and/or Evening Star is a female personage
i82iVenus is Zahra (Zuhra, Zura, etc.)The name of an object of the night sky (usually Venus) is like Zakhra, Zukhra, Zura, etc.
i86aDown turns into snowSnow is created from bird's down when certain bird in the sky shakes itself or certain person shakes his or her clothes made of bird down
i89The lost caravanThere is an evil star or constellation that brings death and misfortune; usually travelers mistake at night some star for Morning Star, set off, take a wrong direction and perish or get into trouble
i95aOrion is a balanceOrion is a balance, scales
i99The Pleiades are boys or menThe Pleiades are a group of boys or men, or a group of different people but predominantly males
j17Frogs in hairInstead of lice, there are other (bigger or dangerous) creatures in the hair of some persons or he or she pretends that his or her hair is infested with them
j25aSon of the graveMother dies or is killed. Her (still unborn) baby-son is buried with her. He comes out of the grace, meets people, then returns to the grave but ultimately agrees to remain with the people
j28bA hot sconeA youth gets to know that a woman (usually his mother) conceals from him important information about his father, brothers or bride. He causes her pain (usually putting hot scone, handful of hot grain, etc. into her hand) making her tell him the truth
j32To identify the night thiefSome valuables (foals, hay, apples, etc.) are regularly stolen. Nobody (the elder brothers) is able to catch the thief and only the hero (the younger brother) finds who it is
j32aTo guard father’s graveBefore passing away a man asks his sons to guard his grave for a certain time or to bring something to his grave. The youngest son goes and obtains valuables
j32dPrincess in a tower (The glass mountain)The girl will marry a man who (riding on a horse or otherwise) would quickly reach a place that is almost inaccessible (the top of a tower, a mountain, the upper floor of a palace, the top of a staircase, bridge, the bottom of a deep cavity, etc.). Usually the girl herself is in the corresponding place
j32fThe stolen applesBeing on guard, the hero gets to know who steals regularly fruits (usually apples) from the garden
j46Enemy drownsAntagonist perishes falling into the water or trying to cross a water body
j54bEnemy of his mother, friend of his brotherSon of the antagonist and the hero have the same father or mother (or they are nephew and uncle). When the antagonist conspires against the hero his (her) son becomes friend and companion of the hero
j62People turned into stonesPerson transforms people who come to him or her into inanimate objects, usually stones
j62cSister asks her brother to obtain impossibleTo get rid of a young man, his female antagonist uses a stratagem. She tells his sister (rare: tells directly him) about some wonderful objects and the girl is overcome with the desire to have them. An attempt to obtain these objects entails a risk for one’s life. The youth sets off to obtain the objects
k100aTobiasA young man lets free a fish or an animal that was caught or he or his father renders a help to somebody. When the young man sets off for a journey, the grateful creature or person in guise of a stranger or animal becomes his companion and protector
k100bA grateful deadA young man helps to bury a man (pays the debts of the dead man, honors a saint). When the young man sets off for a journey, the grateful dead (the saint) in guise of a stranger becomes his protector
k100cGirl’s bridegrooms are bitten by a snake. The hero or his companion eliminate the source of danger
k101Night dances of girlsEvery morning girl' or (rare) boy’s clothes are in disorder, the boy looks very tied. People spy on her (or on him) and discover that she or he spends nights in the non-human world
k102Woman associated with the hero conspires in favor of his enemyA woman who initially is friendly to the hero (his mother, sister, more rare his wife, sexual partner) begins to cooperate with his enemy. For this she provokes the hero to do something that is mortally dangerous for him
k102a2Conflict between mother and son Mother tries to kill her son (children) because he interferes with her love affair
k102a5To fill a vessel with tearsA woman must fill a vessel or two with her teas (rare: blood). Usually after this the time of her punishment will come to the end or the punishment depends on which of the vessels will contain more tears
k102bTo ride for the last timeTo kill a boy (a girl), the antagonist first needs to get rid of his or her horse. When they are ready to kill the horse, the boy (the girl) rides on his horse away saving his or her life
k103Helpful cowCow (ox, bull) helps an orphan child or a young woman who got into trouble
k103aTree raises its branchesA plant (tree, vine, lotus) that has grown up rapidly does not let anybody besides the hero or the heroine to climb it or to pick its fruits (flowers)
k103bCow the spinnerA cow (goat) magically spins or weaves: eats the yarn and extracts the thread, suggests to wind the yarn over its horns, etc.
k106Thrown to cowsTo get rid of a baby child or of the magic cock, they throw him into enclosure for animals, but cows or other animals do not trample the child or cock down
k107aIron shoes to be worn outWandering to the purpose of her or his travel person has to worn out her or his iron shoes or staff
k110Reflection of golden swordPerson must get a treasure from the bottom of water body. He understands that what he sees is a reflection in water while the treasure is high in a tree
k114Brothers leave home after their sister is bornSeveral brothers leave home immediately after their mother gives birth to a girl. Usually they do not want to have another brother and hope that this time a girl will be born but chance or by evil intent a signal is given that not a girl but a boy is born again. The brothers are disappointed and leave, the girl grows up and travels in search of them
k117aTo make a mute woman speakA girl who keeps silence is promised to one who would make her speak; a man with much difficulty makes his magic wife speak
k118The prohibited roomMaster of the house allows person to feel himself (herself) free bit not to look into particular place. The person breaks prohibition
k118aA portrait of an unknown beautyAfter seeing a portrait of an unknown beauty, a man is eager to meet her
k12Woman is lost and returnedBy trick or by force, a rival or adversary kidnaps hero's wife or bride. The man gets her back
k121Wanderer at a crossroadIt is written at a crossroad that following one of the paths person will safely return and following another it will not return (there is often a third path following which person either returns or not). Hero follows the dangerous path
k123Old woman’s curseA youth or (rare) girl offends an elder woman. Her words make him or her to be overcome by desire to undertake something dangerous (usually to get a particular marriage partner)
k123bA broken distaffA youth spoils an elder woman’s distaff or yarn. This episode is a trigger for the narrative
k126Wolf pays for the eaten up horseA wolf (lion, etc.) or a demon eats up hero's horse but gives him a fair compensation (usually provides a wife)
k127Brothers transformed into animalsA girl has many (more than three) brothers, they turn into birds or animals (rare: into plants; killed by magic), ultimately become human again
k131Men fight over magic objectsA man on a journey meets tree or two persons who are quarreling over the division of magic objects (a flying carpet, seven mile boots, etc.). The man promises to render a judgment, but he asks first to try our the objects or suggests the owners to run a race and uses opportunity to escape with the objects
k132Invincible chickenPerson of a small size (often a chicken) overcomes powerful adversary despite all attempts to destroy him thanks to objects and animals met on the way and preserved in his bag or inside his body
k133Foam-flecked horseEvery morning a horse is exhausted because animals or demonic creatures ride it at night
k135Seven with one strokeA weak and timid man or boy overcomes accidentally powerful enemies and gets high esteem
k135aCoward expelled from his homeA coward or lazy-bones irritates his household so much they expel him home. He travels and overcomes mighty enemies thanks to his ingenuity or good luck
k136aGirl’s hair picked up from a riverA man finds the woman’s hair that was carried by water and decides to marry its owner
k14Precious advicesA man gives his last money for simple advices. Each of them saves his life or helps to achieve success or he does not follow the advices and gets into trouble
k146Life-medicine brought by the hero is used to revive himThe hero is sent to bring a life-medicine. On his way back a friendly woman replaces the real medicine with a useless one or keeps part of it for herself. Using the medicine she revives the hero when he is treacherously killed
k147Hero's horse brings his remains and he is revivedEnemy cuts hero’s body into pieces and ties them to his horse or the horse itself picks them up and brings to his master’s friends. They revive him.
k148The stolen coltsEvery night or every year a mare gives birth to a colt but every time it is stolen
k14aThrown into the oven himselfAn antagonist orders to kill the first one who will come in the morning to a certain place. The hero becomes late by chance, the antagonist or his wife or son come and are thrown into the fire
k14cMan mistakes his son for his wife’s loverComing home after a long absence, a man understands that there is another man in his house but keeps patience and discovers that it is his own son or a close kin of his wife
k154aMen in the haremSolving a riddle, a boy or youth unmasks a daughter (wife, minister) of a powerful person: house-maids (or some of them) are men, the minister plans to kill his master)
k155Prince grown up in seclusionA man (usually a king) isolates his son (daughter) in a closed room, Once the boy (girl), usually because of some chance event gets to see the world outside and his (her) isolation comes the end
k156Will flowers wither undeer the pillow?A girl conceals her real identity and pretends to be a young man. To identify real sex of the person, flowers are put under his/her pillow or the mattress. If it is a man, the flowers should remain fresh and if a girl, wither (or, if it is a woman, milk in a pot under the bed will be fermented)
k156aTests to reveal the sex of a person People suspect that a young man is a disguised girl and suggest tests to identify the real sex of this person
k157Robbers killed one by onePerson tricks his enemies to leave their enclosure one by one and cuts off their head as soon as the next one appears before him. In rare cases the multi-headed enemy thrusts his heads on by one and the hero cuts them off
k157aVanished husband recognized by keeping innFor finding the lost husband (wife, benefactor), person regularly assemble together the chance people to hear what they are saying (usually sets up an inn, bakery, bathhouse and the like where guests are stimulated to talk). One of the people proves to be the lost one or his or her story helps to find the lost one
k159Peas poured under the feetWhen two persons are fighting, somebody wants one of them fall (while another be firm on his feet) and for this throws something under his feet
k161The liberated dragonPerson imprisoned a dragon (demon, Thunder, etc.) and warns the other not to open a certain room (not to give water to the prisoner, etc.). The instruction is broken and the demon liberates himself that has undesirable consequences
k166Forty girlsA group of girls forms a community or an armed contingent and acts independently from the men
k167The children's kingA boy who plays making believe that he is a king demonstrates wisdom and/or magic capacities
k168aFood turns into cut off limbsA man believes that he holds something edible in his hands (a head of an animal, bread, melon, etc.) but these objects turn into cut off human heads or limbs
k172Deaf bride without hands and feetWhen a potential bridegroom comes to a man, the latter tells that his daughter is a deformed cripple. The bride proves to be a beauty
k173PlacidasA powerful and rich man loses everything that he has, is separated with his wife and children and they with each other. Later he obtains everything back, his family is united again
k174Fingering thrown into a pitcherA person puts (usually inconspicuously) his or her fingering or other small personal object into a pitcher with which a servant (girl) has come to take water. The servant's mistress or master finds the ring and understands that the person is nearby
k176A man in search of the womanA (young) man sets off to find or to return his bride or his wife
k179Bride purchased for her weight in goldAn object (usually the bride) purchased for the sum of money equivalent (or bigger) than its weight in gold (silver) or a heap of valuables as high as the corresponding person
k1fConflict because of a womanA man maroons another because of jealousy or because he plans to take hold of his wife
k2The destroyed ladderHero climbs up (e.g. to a tree) or down (e.g. into a deep cave) by ladder, rope, from branch to branch, etc. The rope etc. breaks or is intentionally destroyed and the hero cannot return to the ground. (All cases of motif K2A, besides the Koreans, also contain motif K2)
k27 (motif is not in the correlation table)Competitions and difficult tasksPerson is suggested to fulfill tasks that are mortally dangerous or cannot be fulfilled without supernatural helpers or capacities. The person fulfills the tasks and remains alive. A contest between persons has form of a competition or game in which the loser is deprived of his status or life
k27aOrdeal: survive coldAn ordeal: to survive cold (frosty night outdoors, chamber with ice, cold water and snow)
k27fThe task: to get a womanA task-giver asks the hero to get for him a particular woman
k27gOrdeal: to bathe in a boiling liquidPerson is ordered to bathe in a (boiling) milk or other hot liquid or to jump into fire. He remains unharmed but his adversary usually dies
k27h1To bring fruitsA task-giver asks person to bring fruits of a tree that is difficult to be reached
k27hhTo sort grainA task: to sort a large amount or small particles of different kind (usually seeds of different plants) mixed in container or to count such particles or to pick up the spilled grains
k27n1Task-giver is a king or a chiefPerson who gives difficult tasks to the hero and/or person who demands the fulfillment of certain conditions from those who want to marry his daughter is a prominent figure in social hierarchy. He is a head of the socio-political unit of community or super-community level and is neither a member of the hero’s household nor a mythical being
k27nnEnvious ministerNot the powerful person himself but his official or adviser tries to get rid of the hero and suggests that the person should give the hero difficult tasks
k27qMilk of the wild beastHero is sent to bring milk of a wild animal or milk in possession of a dangerous creature or person
k27q1Lion’s milk in the lion’s skinHero is sent to bring milk of a lioness in a skin of another lion, usually the lioness’ cub
k27rTo visit the world of the deadA task: to bring object or news from the land of the dead
k27r1The burnt person proves to be unharmedThe antagonist believes that the hero was burned but returned from the other world alive and prosperous therefore he asks burn him (her) or his representatives
k27r2The dancing applesA task: to bring objects (usually fruits) that act like people, i.e. dance, sing and the like
k27sContest: a raceContest: a race
k27x2To steal an egg from under the birdPerson is able to steal an egg (a nestling, to put it back) from under the bird (to change the bird’s feather; to steal an embryo from animal’s womb, etc.)
k27x3The man persecuted because of his beautiful brideA powerful person coverts a beautiful bride or wife of a man and gives him impossible tasks to get rid of him
k27x4Climb a tree with a full glass in handPerson must climb a tree (pole, rock) with a full open vessel in hand and not a drop should be spilled
k27zGame of chance for life and deathPerson becomes a master of another after winning a game (game of chance or Intellectual game but not a sport tournament)
k27z2a2Unrecognized wife visits her husbandA man marries a woman but abandons her without consummating his marriage. She visits him in disguise and ultimately he gets to know who was his beautiful companion. Usually the wife gives birth to his son (three sons) and upon seeing the boy, the man realizes that it is his own child
k27z2bThe killed dollComplicated relations between a poor girl and a prince lead to his attempt to kill his bride in the nuptial night. The girl puts a doll in her bed, the prince pierces it with a sword and takes the sweet juice (honey, sugar) with which the doll was filled for the blood. He repents his deed but the real girl appears and the couple is happy
k27z3Cat with a lampA man trains a cat (monkey, dog) to hold lighted candle (lamp) on its head or to extinguish the light by a signal. When a mouse (a rat) runs through the room, the cat drops the candle (forgets about the lamp) and chases the mouse
k27z7To get know what is the rose of the heartA person promises to fulfill somebody’s request if another gets to know why certain man or woman acts regularly in a strange way
k27zyHero between two ogressesA youth (a girl) lives in the house of an ogress. To get rid of him (her) the ogress asks him (her) to bring some object from other ogres (often from her mother) who must kill him or her. The hero or heroine escapes and kills all the ogres
k28Father or uncle is rival and enemyMaternal uncle or father (or grandfather if he replaces father who is not mentioned) of the young man is his rival or enemy and tries to kill him
k29aSurviving in a fireHero demonstrates his supernatural abilities remaining alive in a burning hot chamber, stove, bonfire, among burning vegetation
k2aHero marooned in the underworldHero is sent to the lower world though a well, precipice, etc. After he obtains valuables (young women), his envious companions cut the rope to get rid of him but he succeeds in returning back
k32The false wifeAn ugly, old, lazy, etc. woman or (in Chaco) a male trickster comes to man under disguise of his wife or bride who is driven out, confined to the underworld, killed, etc.
k32gPunishment: torn apart by horsesTo punish an antagonist, he or she is tied to a horse (camel, bull) and dragged or he or she is torn apart (usually by horses)
k32g1Forty horses or forty knives?Person is asked to choose between objects that have utilitarian value, often forty (seven, etc.) horses or forty knives. Usually the person does not understand that the question is about different kinds of execution
k32h3Punishment: burned aliveTo punish an antagonist, he or she is burned alive. (Episodes in which the burning of the dangerous being is not a punishment but an effective way to get rid of him or her are not considered)
k33Drowned woman remains aliveA young woman is transformed into an animal, pushed into the water, into the underworld or she herself has to plunge into water (acquire animal form). Her connection with the human world is not completely lost, however, and usually she is helped to return to the people
k33aYounger brother transformed into animalSiblings (most often younger brother and elder sister) leave their home. One of them (most often the brother, most rare several brothers) turn into animal (usually an ungulate) or (rare) a bird but (in the most cases) ultimately acquires his or her human form again
k33dPeau d'asneA man discovers that a beautiful girl hides herself under a guise of an ugly and dirty servant, under a skin of an animal or in an object that is brought into his house
k33hThe cat, the dog and the magic objectA man obtains an object that fulfills his wishes. The object is stolen but brought back by the animals (which had been saved by the man before)
k34Fatal swingPerson kills others inviting them to sit on a swing and launching them into water, on rocks, etc.
k35bThe most delicious dishHero gives his rivals the food provided by him by order of the king but the king finds this food poisonous, useless or tasteless while the food presented by the hero is excellent even if it looks not so good
k35cOgre in a wellAn ogre (a dragon, king of the sea) has not killed a man who descended to him as other people had thought but rewarded because the greeted him and/or gave a correct answer to his question
k36Bewitched into animalPerson is temporary transformed into animal (usually into a dog or coyote or into donkey, ox, etc.). When he acquires his human guise again, the antagonist suffers similar transformation. In some texts only the hero or only the antagonist is transformed
k38Hero helps the nestlingsFor helping its children, their powerful mother or father who is a giant bird or (rare) other flying being helps the hero
k38bThe nestlings and the aggressive snakeA serpent or water monster regularly devours or injures children of a bird or other flying creature (almost always nestlings of giant bird). The hero kills the serpent (monster)
k38b4Serpent comes out of the waterPowerful bird has its nest on the tree that stands in or nearby the body of water. The serpent (reptilian monster) comes out of it to devour the nestlings
k38cBird brings the hero to his destinationAfter the hero helps a powerful bird (usually does good to her nestlings), the grateful bird brings him to the place where he is eager to get or tells to do it one of her nestlings. (It is not the vertical movement between layers of the world. According to the Sumerian variant, the bird endows the hero with capability to move with extraordinary speed and directs him to his destination)
k38e4Palace of gold and silver bricksA palace (castle, crypt, church, bridge) made of gold and silver modules (usually bricks, more rare planks) is mentioned in narratives (in different context)
k38fThe dragon-slayerA reptile monster demands humans (usually virgins) as a sacrifice or abducts a girl or closes sources of water. Hero kills him. Monster’s victims do not play an active part in the plot
k38f1The cut off tonguesKilling a monster or an animal, the hero cuts of and hides a piece of its body, usually a tongue. (In most of the cases, the imposter claims the deed to himself and when he cannot demonstrate the cut off piece, the hero unmasks him)
k38f4Fire-breathing monsterFrom the mouth of a monstrous creature or person who is the enemy of the hero fire is coming out; its breath is fire
k39Man feeds his own flesh to a creature who helps himPerson has to feed powerful creature (usually a giant bird) giving it regularly pieces of meat. When meat supply is exhausted, he cuts off a piece of his own flesh
k56The kind and the unkind girlsOne of (step)sisters, co-spouses or young female neighbors meets a being that is able to reward and to punish. She behaves herself properly and is rewarded. Another (other) girl comes to the same being but behaves in a wrong way and is punished (not rewarded).
k56a2aTo wash herself in the red waterThe girl becomes beautiful or ugly after washing herself in the water of particular color
k56a4bYarn is gone with a windA girl is told to clean (to spin) yarn (to weave, etc.). The yarn (spindle, a piece of fabric, etc.) is carried away by the wind. In search of it the girl comes to a person who makes her beautiful (gives precious gifts and the like)
k56a4cTo wash something black making it whitePerson must wash something black making it white or vice versa (yarn, clothes, board, etc.)
k56a4fThe unkind girl becomes uglyThe supernatural person does not like the behavior of the unkind girl and punishes her making her ugly (disfigured)
k56a4gThe ugly girl: outgrowths on her faceAfter her visit to the supernatural person the unkind girl gets ugly outgrowths on her face or head (tail, horns, warts, etc.)
k56a9Helpful mouse rings a bellUsing a bell (drum, etc.) an animal (usually a mouse) produces sounds which the antagonist who is blind or is outdoors takes for the sounds produced by the hero (heroine). Thanks to this the hero escapes
k57CinderellaA girl who conceals her beauty and/or is poor and oppressed by her stepmother puts on a splendid attire and comes incognito to a feast where a man of high status falls in love with her. He marries her after identifying her by an object given to her or lost by her or (rare) seeing how she changes her clothes
k58Construction of watercausePerson builds a watercourse or digs a well as a condition of marriage. (Usually the woman breaks her promise to marry the winner and she or her bridegroom die)
k60aHow strong are these bonds?Person lets be firmly tied up when another one say that it's only a joke (e.g. a test to see can the first one break bonds)
k60bInvitation to coffinPerson is lured into a trap being invited to lie in a box or a hole to measure it. Being unable to liberate himself from the box etc., the person remains in power of his enemies
k66Extraordinary companionsSeveral companions have extraordinary abilities (one who runs fast, one who eats great quantities, one who produces or can withstand severe frost, etc.); a hero comes across and takes for companions several men, each of them being involved into a special and unusual activity
k66bHero presents the received princesses to his companionsTravelling from one place to another, hero lets his companions live there (usually presents to each one a princess that he received for his deeds) and continues his journey. When he gets into trouble, companions rescue him
k66cThe bear takes human spouseThe bear (lion) takes a woman for sexual partner or the she-bear takes a man. They have children who look like humans or bear cubs. More rare the woman gives birth to her son in the bear den because being abducted by the bear she was pregnant
k66dThe bear’s (adopted) sonThe (adopted) human child of a bear has superhuman strength
k67aA drowned wifeA man who has a low social position is a nuisance for persons of high position. He gets to know that they plan to drown him or his preperty (rare: to strangle him) and tricks them to drown instead one of them or their own property
k67dFlight of the master with his goods in the bagA master (ogre, devil, wife) tries to get away from his farmhand (her husband). The farmhand hides in the master’s bag (chest) so that the master unwittingly takes him along
k72Three maidensPowerful person listens in conversation of three (rare: two or four) women. Each of them tells what she would do if the person marries her. One promises to bear his son (children) who would have wonderful qualities, two others promise to practice some kind of work or (more rare) marry people of lower status
k72aA ban to kindle any lightA king notices that his ban to kindle any light during the night is broken
k73Children of the youngest wifeA young woman promises to bear a wonderful children (wonderful son). In her husband's absence other people (co-wives, mother-in-law, etc.) try to kill the mother and/or the child, usually slandering the young woman
k73aBaby child substituted with object or animalHostile women substitute baby of the newly made mother with an animal or an object (inform the baby’s father that his wife has given birth to an animal or an object)
k73a4Baby child substituted with a pupHostile women substitute baby of the newly made mother with a pup (inform the baby’s father that his wife has given birth to a pup)
k73a5Baby child substituted with a kittenHostile women substitute baby of the newly made mother with a kitten (inform the baby’s father that his wife has given birth to a kitten)
k73a8The wonderful children: brother and sisterWoman gives birth to wonderful boy and girl. Being substituted with animals or objects and thrown away, they survive and triumph over their enemies
k75The youngest daughter is willing (The loathsome bridegroom)A girl (usually the youngest of several sisters) does not reject but marries a poor, sick, dirty, old, too young, non-human, etc. man who later demonstrates his supernatural qualities
k75aThrown apple hits the chosen oneBoy or girl selects one person among many throwing an object (usually an apple) into him or her. This way a girl makes a choice of a husband, a young man of a bride, a boy identifies his father
k75a1The youngest son-in-law should live in the stableThe sovereign orders his youngest daughter (together with a man chosen by her) to live in conditions that do not correspond to her high status. Her father does not know that her chosen one is not a poor wretch as he seems to be but a prince
k75a2The gardenerThe unrecognized hero works as a gardener at the powerful person
k76bSnake son and snake husband An (adoptive) son is a snake who turns into handsome man. The snake is the magic spouse of princess, lost and returned
k77bThe animals in night quarters (Bremen town musicians)Domestic animals abandon their masters. They find an empty house or build a house. Robbers or the predator animals come there. The domestic animals attack (or just frighten) them. The robbers (predators) do not understand who are their enemies, are scared and run away
k77b1The wolf flees from the wolf-headWhen domestic animals meat the predators, they – deliberately or unintentionally – behave in such a way that the predators escape in panic
k77cOnes who hide in a house frighten dangerous enemyObjects and/or domestic animals live in a house. When dangerous enemy comes, they attack him, he dies or escapes (all texts with K77A and K77B included)
k80Repetitive reincarnationPerson (usually a young woman) turns into different objects or creatures which another person destroys one by one. However, the person is reincarnated again and again and ultimately acquires her or his original form
k80aA bird or an object tell about a murderAn object or a creature that emerged from remains, decorations, etc. of a killed person tells about his or her fate. Usually a reed grows from the person's grave and a pipe made from the reed tells the story
k80a1Bird tells about a murderA bird (that usually emerges from the remains of a murdered person or being incarnation of his or her soul) punishes the murderer or tells people about the crime
k80c1The tell-tale calf’s headA person brings to a king or has at his home something edible. At the decisive moment fruits or meat turn into human remains. The person imprisoned (and executed)
k83The sons on a quest for a wonderful remedy for their fatherTo cure a sick person or to make him (rare: her) young again it is necessary to bring a remedy from a distant country. The medicine is brought and the sick person is cured (becomes young)
k88aThe blinded brideWicked stepmother (aunt, a rival) blinds a young woman. The heroine returns her eyes (often gets them back in exchange for some values)
k88bFood exchanged for eyesA companion promises to share water or food with a thirsty or hungry person on condition that he or she allows to blind him or her
k8aJonah: swallowed by monsterPerson gets into the belly of water being or into the belly of giant creature which appearance and living place remain vague. He kills the monster from the inside and/or returns to earth by himself (i.e. not extracted by other people)
k8cJonah: swallowed by terrestrial animalPerson gets into the belly of ground animal or bird. He kills it from the inside and/or returns to earth by himself (i.e. not extracted by other people)
k8dJonah: swallowed by anthropomorphic beingPerson (often an animal-person) gets into the belly of anthropomorphic being. He kills it from the inside and/or returns to earth by himself (i.e. not extracted by other people)
k91The invisible battleHero's dogs or horse or (rare) he himself fight with his adversary in the underworld (under the water). Those who are waiting for the outcome of the combat understand who overcomes whom by the color of water or foam that rises to the surface, or the color animal who comes first to the surface
k92aThe princess responsible for her own fortuneA girl driven away from home or married to a poor man become prosperous
k93Twin brothers and a womanAfter a series of adventures and victories, the hero gets into trouble. His twin brother or the best friend follows his traces, gets across the same persons but overcomes the last enemy and revives (liberates) the hero
k93b2Conception from eaten fruitAfter eating a fruit (usually an apple, in Northern traditions also an egg), the sterile woman gives birth to a son or twins
k94Bird of luck (eaten up head)Person eats magic bird, fish, small animal, or fruit and becomes prosperous and powerful
k95The twining branches (united in death)Two persons who loved each other (usually a man and a girl) are buried in one grave or not far from each other. After the burial something related to this event takes place (two plants grow up and stretch their branches to each other, smoke of two funeral pyres is merged, two birds flu out from the grave, two stars appear on the sky, etc.)
k95aThorny bush between rosesTwo lovers are buried in one grave or nearby. Two plants that grow up on the place stretch their branches to each other but a thorn grows in between them as an incarnation or symbol of a person who prevented the happy marriage
k96Fifty sonsMany brothers marry or have to marry in such a way that all their wives are (were) sisters
k99Prophecy of future sovereiniyA young man or (rare) a girl has a (day-)dream that predicts his or her future triumph. The dreamer either conceals or reports its contest to his family and in both cases is punished for too high opinion of himself. In the beginning the dreamer sometimes sells his dream to another young man, who becomes the protagonist of the tale. Adventures that follow explain the contest of the dream. The youth becomes rich and happy (e.g. marries heiresses of two kingdoms, that in the dream were symbolized by two suns or a sun and a moon), the girl marries king's son
k99a2The sold dreamPerson has a dream, another person buys it and acquires the fortune that the dream promised
k99bEloping with the wrong manAt night a girl’s lover has to carry her away but falls asleep or is late. She is carried away by another man who happened to be on the place
l100dThe entrapped suitorsA pretty, faithful wife is courted by one or several men, one of them usually a clergyman. With her husband’s consent, she invites the suitor(s) to a private rendezvous. Before the first man’s wishes are gratified, the next one arrives and then the husband himself. The suitor or suitors are caught in an uncomfortable position and then killed, punished in some other manner, ridiculed, made to pay ransom, to work, etc.
l100d1Mollah in the baby cradleA cleric or administrator visits a woman after the dark. When her husband knocks at the door, the woman, according to the scenario elaborated by her and her husband, tells the guest to lie in the cradle. She answers the husband that it is their baby son. The husband becomes or shams to become transform the adult into the baby (shaves his beard off, knocks out his teeth, grasps an axe to cut his feet off). The disgraced guest runs away
l100gThe goose with one legThe servant is asked to prepare a goose (chicken, etc.), eats one leg and maintains that the goose had only one leg enforcing his point by showing geese who stand on one leg. The master shoots away the geese so that they use both legs. Usually the servant replies that if he had frightened the roasted goose, it would have showed its second leg as well
l103bAnimals carry hero away from a demonA girl or a boy gets to demonic person. Sitting on the back of domestic animal (usually a calf, a bull) the girl (boy) escapes from the demon who pursues her (him). Usually several different animals in succession try to carry the girl away but the demon overtakes them and only the last animal brings her home
l104Fugitive and pursuer change guisesA fugitive turns in succession into different animals or objects. A pursuer does the same, every time becoming an animal or a person who is dangerous for the fugitive in his given guise
l106b Journey to the other world in search of the lost objectIn search of a lost object, usually carried away by water or wind, a girl or (rare) a boy comes to a powerful person, gets the object back and/or is rewarded. The object is related to the everyday life, it has no ritual significance and is not a weapon
l108The wolf and the kidsAn (animal) person gives a signal (special song, etc.) to his relative or friend who lets him or her in. Antagonist imitates the person's voice or guise and the relative lets him in
l108aGoat kills the antagonistA predator animal (ogre, ogress) swallows people or animals. The goat (rare: the sheep) punishes him or her and usually saves the victims (most often opens the ogre’s belly open and the swallowed ones come out alive)
l108cThe white handTo make himself unrecognizable by the victim, a predator or ogre demonstrates clothes, limb, etc. that look like clothes or limb of his victim's mother, etc.
l110The devourerA demonic being swallows a multitude of people and animals. When it is killed and cut open, the swallowed ones come out alive or are revived
l126The bird indifferent to painA small bird makes a powerful anthropomorphic person lose his temper. The bird cannot be annihilated, cries from inside person's stomach, the person suffers or dies
l15dThe external soulLife of a person or creature is preserved outside of his (her, its) body. Person or creature dies after the corresponding object is destroyed
l15dThe external soulLife of a person or creature is preserved outside of his (her, its) body. Person or creature dies after the corresponding object is destroyed
l15eHero’s life in his swordHero's life is in certain object, usually in his weapon. When antagonist steals the object, the hero dies but revives after his friends or brothers find the object and bring it back
l15fHeroine’s life in her necklace, ATU 412A young woman or (rare) a youth falls dead when her necklace (rare: an organ) is stolen from her and revives again as soon as she gets it back or when the antagonist takes it off
l15hThe external soul: three or more objects one inside the otherAn object that contains the life (soul) of a person is inside two or more creatures or other objects (like an egg in a duck, a duck in a hare, etc.) or the zoomorphic soul container tries to escape and turns in succession to other animals (three or more transformations)
l15h3Person’s soul is in an insect (worm)An object that contains certain person’s soul / death is inside other object, the latter is in the third one (etc.). The last receptacle of the life is an insect or a worm
l19bBeings with odd number of headsBeing (any besides birds) with more than ten heads or with odd (but more than one) number of heads are described in tales or represented in art. If beings with ever more number of heads are named, the row ends with a being that has odd (or more than ten) number of heads
l37aTo get know causes of problems
l37bSecrets accidentally overheardPerson accidentally overhears secrets of animals or demons and thus gets to know the causes of his and other people's misfortunes
l39Hero is compelled to descend from a treeWhen a person climbs a tree, a demon comes to it and carries the person away, or the person follows the demon to his world by his own will
l39cQuickly grown fruit treeA boy (rare: girl) climbs a fruit tree that is recently grown up (usually from a seed thrown by the boy) to eat fruits. An ogress tries to make him (her) descend to the ground
l39dTo pass an apple from hand to handA boy climbs a tree to eat fruits. A demon asks him to share the fruits with her (him) but not to throw them to the ground but give them from hand to hand. The demon grabs the boy and carries him away
l41Hero escapes on the wayAn ogre or ogress catches a person and carries his or her prey home but the person escapes on the way or immediately after reaching the ogre's house
l42bCredulous children of the ogreAn ogre's child or (rare) wife believes in what hero tells him (or her) and releases him. Usually the hero kills the child and puts its meat to cook in the very pot where the ogre planned to cook the hero
l44Show me your head!A man hides in a shelter. An ogre wants him to demonstrate certain parts of his body. The man demonstrates or parts of the body of an animal or some objects. The ogre believes that his adversary is a powerful creature
l44a1The louse-tortoise A man and a demonic person agree to compare their lice. When the man demonstrates a tortoise (a frog), the demon believes that the man is the strongest of them
l57aHero's body part is returned by his companionThe antagonists acquire person’s organ or body part (his remains) . Another person gets back what has been stolen and the first one revives (becomes strong again)
l65aThe cannibal sisterA girl born to the family or found proves to be a monster, devours people. Her brother escapes, (usually marries and returns home, finds that everybody had been eaten up), runs away, she pursues him but cannot get
l65a1Horse’ legs eaten offA demonic person devours in succession parts of the hero’s horse, each time coming back to the hero and returning again to the horse. (Often asking the hero, if he has ridden on a three-. two-. one-legged horse)
l65bDogs save their masterA demonic woman or (rare) her paramour or a monster is going to kill a man usually after driving him up a tree. At the last moment the man's dogs or other animals or birds who are the man's pets come and kill the demon
l65b3The escape on the treePersons climbs a tree and thanks to this escapes from a demon (who usually tries to fell the tree)
l65b4Tooth as an axePerson extracts his or her tooth to use it as a weapon or a tool (often an axe)
l72The obstacle flightRunning away from a dangerous being, person throws small objects behind him or her which turn into mighty obstacles on the way of the pursuer
l72aComb becomes a thicketRunning away from a dangerous being, person throws a comb (a brush) that turns into mighty obstacle (usually a thicket) on the way of the pursuer. (In South America the motif is probably of European origin)
l72bWhetstone becomes a mountainRunning away from a dangerous being, person throws objects that turn into mighty obstacles on the way of the pursuer. One of the thrown objects is a whetstone which turns into a mountain
l72cObstacle flight: the thrown mirrorRunning away from a dangerous being, person throws a pair of scissors behind him or her creating an obstacle on the way of the pursuer
l72gObstacle flight: the thrown saltRunning away from a dangerous being, person throws salt creating an obstacle on the way of the pursuer
l72iObstacle flight: the thrown soapRunning away from a dangerous being, person throws a piece of soap creating an obstacle on the way of the pursuer (a slippery mountain, a river, etc.)
l81Demon’s firePerson sets off in search of fire and finds it in the house of a demon. The demon makes harm to the person
l81a2Demon comes to drink blood of a girlWhile the men of the household are not at home, a demonic person comes to drink blood of a girl or young woman or make her harm other way. Initially the men do not understand why the girl becomes thin
l93aHelpful foxCunning fox, jackal or coyote saves particular person or many people, helps them
l94Child promised to demonA demon helps a man or a woman or lets him or her free. As a reward, the person is forced to promise to give the demon his child
l95aFloating lungsA lung or a liver lies on a road or floats in a pond etc. As soon as person touches them, a dangerous demon appears in front of him
l96Sold in animal’s guise and comes backPerson can transform himself or herself into an animal or an object. Being sold in this guise, he or she achieves his or her aims and becomes a human again
l96bThe yogi boiled in his own pot of oilA man comes into the power of a yogi or demon. He asks the man to walk round the boiling pot of oil or to prostrate himself before the image of a deity. The man asks him to show how to do it and pushes him in or the pot or beheads him
m100bJump from a cliffAn animal-person provokes another to jump from of a bluff or cliff (tree) because his father (grandfather, etc.) could do it. The one yielded to provocation jumps and dies or is caught by the provoker
m101aAnimals learn to fear menA big predator (bear, lion, tiger) boasts about being stronger than a man. Being told that it’s not so, he finds a man and suggests to struggle but is killed or badly injured as a result. Cf. motif M101
m109The tail-fisherAnimal person puts his tail (penis) down and waits in hope to get something edible. The tail (penis) is torn or cut off, the person escapes or dies
m112Animals dig a wellAn animal person refuses to dig or clean a source of drinking water together with other animals or birds but takes advantage of the results of the work
m113For certain bird water is tabooDuring the hottest month of the summer or permanently birds of certain species are prohibited to drink from the water bodies. Usually they can quench their thirst only from rain drops and dew on leaves and cry calling for rain
m114aClothes of stonePerson is suggested to make clothes of stone or iron or to skin a stone
m114hTo build a house in the airPowerful person orders to build a house in the air. The man finds a clever solution for this puzzle
m116Wisdom of hidden old man saves kingdomPeople are ordered to kill their fathers or (rare) mothers (the Nyoro: to deprive them of power and property; the Baluch: not to take them setting off for the journey). An old man concealed by his son helps to resolve difficult problem
m11bMeat extracted from bodyA woman serves a man a good meat cut from her own body and does not do it anymore when the man got to know about the source of the meat
m127Lost tail of the foxAfter losing his tail (ear) an (animal) person tries to trick other animals of his species or other people of his group to lose their tails (ears) too
m127aThe quail makes the fox laughTrickster animal asks a bird to make him laugh. The bird sits on the head of a woman (child, cow, etc.), other person tries to kill the bird, hits the wife (breaks cow's horn, etc.). Or the bird distracts person attention to let the trickster steal the person’s food
m127bA jug as a trapAnimal person attaches a vessel or its part to his body, puts it into the water, the vessel is heavy and drags him into the water
m134A tower of wolvesAnimals, demons or people stand one on another making a tower. The lowest one jumps off (bends, jerks), all the rest fall to the ground
m135aThe wolf's reversesWolf (more rare other predator animal) comes to different (more than two species) domestic animals (animals and people) to eat them but agrees to fulfill their requests and remains without his meal and usually becomes beaten (killed)
m135bWolf regrets for being so stupidWolf (rare: jackal, fox) comes to different domestic animals (rare: only to one animal) to eat them but agrees to fulfill their demands. As a result he remains hungry and usually beaten and accuses himself that his ways were so stupid (“Am I a mollah to read?”)
m137The weak predator imitates the strong oneThe weak predator tries to imitate the strong one but is unable to accomplish actions that the strong one does easily
m142Fox blames his tailFox blames his tail for being useless when escaping from the pursuers (usually he punishes his tail and gets killed himself as a result)
m145The lion in a wellA weak (animal) person demonstrates a strong one his reflection in water. The latter believes that an animal like he contests his supremacy, invites him for a visit, etc., usually jumps in and drowns
m146The fox gets bait from trap by luring wolf into itAn animal knows that food is in a trap or poisoned and tricks another to take it
m147aFoxes will meet at the bazaarWhen two foxes (wolves) meet, one of them asks another when their next meeting will be. Another one answers that at the bazaar where pelts are sold (at the fur-dresser, etc.)
m149Tell them that I am a stumpStrong antagonist is going to kill the hero (a person or a weak animal). Another person or animal pretends not to know about the situation and tells that the antagonist is in search to be killed. The hero is saved. Usually the latter asks the man not to give him out and answer that it is a stump, a log and the like near him. This opens possibility to treat the antagonist as a corresponding object (to cut it with an axe, to tie up, etc.)
m149aTreaty with the tigerA man, light-mindedly or against his own wish, makes an agreement with a dangerous predator. He does not want (cannot) keep it or breaks it and the predator is going to kill him but the man remains alive
m149bDogs insideA man tells that there are dangerous animals inside him (or in a box he has) that can come out. A predator who was going to eat the man up (or to bite him) believes him and runs away
m152Why only one wolf?When a weak animal or a person gets to see a predator animal or an ogre, he says in a loud voice (or asks to say his wife or children) something that frightens the predator (ogre): why the predator (ogre) brought to him is lean (small; only one instead of several), or it is good that more food gets to his house, etc. The predator (ogre) runs away
m152Why only one wolf?When a weak animal or a person gets to see a predator animal or an ogre, he says in a loud voice (or asks to say his wife or children) something that frightens the predator (ogre): why the predator (ogre) brought to him is lean (small; only one instead of several), or it is good that more food gets to his house, etc. The predator (ogre) runs away
m152bBrave donkey and cowardly lionGetting to see a donkey (horse, deer) for the first time, a strong predator thinks that this animal is dangerous. His further interpretation of the herbivorous’ behavior supports this impression
m152cThe donkey and the lion crossing a riverA weak companion of a big predator pretends to be strong and brave. Almost drowned сrossing a river and saved by the predator, he pretends to be angry (“Because of you I let a fish go”, etc.)
m153Letter on the hoofThe wolf (lion, etc.) is going to eat a horse (mule, etc.). The horse asks him to look at his hoof (for different reasons) or eat him from his hindquarters forward; then he kicks him
m153bWolf rides a horseWolf is killed or injured when he accepts a suggestion of the horse (donkey, etc.) to ride it
m156The ungrateful one returned to captivityAn (animal) person saves a dangerous animal from a snare or the like. The saved one is going to kill his savior but the third person saves the second (usually tricks the first one to captivity again)
m156aObjects that give the answersDangerous animal seeks to kill a person or other animal who rescued it from captivity. The dangerous animal and its victim agree to ask somebody else if a good deed should be repayed with a bad one. Inanimate objects are among those who answer to this question
m157cYou are hens and I am the cockTo put a person into an awkward position, others demonstrate chicken eggs that they prepared beforehand. (Usually, having no egg with him, the person says that he is the only cock while all the others are hens)
m158Tops or butsTwo animals (an animal and a person, an ogre and a person, etc.) agree to divide a crop in such a way that one would take what is above the ground and another what is beneath ground. One of them (several times makes a wrong choice (takes turnip tops and wheat roots)
m158aDividing the harvest (The unjust partner)Two animal persons work their land together and agree to share the profits. While one is working hard, another only pretends to be useful but claims for himself (greater) part of the harvest
m159The lion’s shareThe strongest predator (usually a lion) suggests one of his companions to shares the booty. He is not satisfied by results and beats the companion. When another companion becomes to divide, he gives everything to the strongest one and explains that the injured one taught him the right way of sharing
m160Unkind words are more painful than woundA strong predator animal and a man become friends. The animal hears how the man or his wife complains about him (e.g. criticizes the bad smell of his mouth) and asks the man to strike him with an axe, knife and the like. Later he comes to demonstrate his healed wound and explains that the physical wound can be healed unlike the psychological one. Or the animal dies because of his wounded feelings as soon as he understands that the man betrayed him
m162Eating his own innardsPerson pretends to eat his own innards or flesh and persuades the other to do the same. Other believes and kills themselves
m164aStinking mouth of the lionThe lion asks animals does his mouth stink (or his den dirty) and kills both those who answer, Yes, and flatterers who answer, No. The smart one tells that he has the sniffles and is unable to answer
m165Fur coat for the wolf One animal person promises to sew a fur coat (or boots) for another and asks to bring him ever more sheep. He eats the meat and sews nothing
m166Piece among animalsTo lure his potential victim down from a tree, a predator pretends not to be dangerous (usually announces that it has been decreed that all animals are united in piece). The victim is dubious and usually asks the predator to announce the same news to the dogs. The predator runs away
m169Medicine for the sick lionIn the presence of powerful person one of his subjects is plotting against the other. The other answers that the problem can be resolved if the first one would be maimed (usually a part of his body used as a medicine). The schemer is killed or injured
m170Pilgrimage of the animalsAn animal person pretends to have no other interests than to fulfill religious rules and prescriptions (to confess his sins, to make a pilgrimage, to become vegetarian, etc.) and kills those who have believed him
m171The profitable exchange: from a pea to a horsePerson or animal stays for a night and the next morning declares that his possessions (which value is none or negligible) are lost. Or other persons whom the trickster meets really use or spoil objects that the trickster gives them. Every time he receives in compensation objects or animals with ever bigger value, the last acquisition usually being a costly animal or a girl. (All texts with motifs M171A and M171C contain also the motif M171)
m171cIn exchange for a thornSomebody pulls out a thorn from a person’s body (cuts off the end of the animal’s tail, etc.) and throws it away or slightly injures the person. As a result the person is compensated with something more valuable than the lost object
m180Fox and crane invite each otherAn animal person invites another and serves his food in such a way that he is unable to taste it. Then the other invites the first animal and puts him in similar situation
m182The tarbabyThe (animal) person threatens another to beat him and sticks to him with all his limbs in succession. Usually it is a figure smeared with some sticky substance that the person takes for somebody alive
m185On the tail of the fast one (animals)A slow and a fast animals (or not flying bird) agree to race. The slow one imperceptibly sticks to the fast one’s body (or to a vehicle) and getting to the finish pretends to come there simultaneously with the fast one or before him
m185aOn the tail of the winner (all versions)Birds, animals or fish compete as about who is the fastest or can fly higher than others. A weak one imperceptible sticks to the body of the fastest or strongest and wins
m187bThe swiftest runner must receive the harvestThe swiftest runner must receive the harvest
m188The painted jackal Animal person is highly respected by others after he changes his looks by chance; is smeared with a paint or gets a necklace-like object around his neck which he is unable to pull off
m191Cat and wild animalsThe fox (dog, squirrel) lives with the cat and poses him as a strong and dangerous animal. The wild predator animals are scared and bring him meat
m191aBelling the catThe mice decide to tie a bell on the cat, so they can hear when the cat comes. Usually they cannot find anyone to tie it on her
m191bIngratitude and injury are hard to forgetA man feeds a snake (rare: a fish; does not do it any harm) and the snake makes him rich (is friendly). His son (rare: someone else or the man himself) injures the snake (kills its young) and dies (if son; because of the bite). The snake refuses to keep former friendship with the man: both of them remember the inflicted pain
m193Flight inside pumpkinTo pass unnoticed dangerous animals on his or her way back, person crawls into a gourd, a big cattle, etc. and is rolling inside it along the road, or he walks transforming his appearance in a bizarre way
m193aThe fleeing pancakeКолобок
m197The effectiveness of fireSeriously or demonstrating absurdity of the situation, a person tries to cook something using a fire (a source of light) that is far away from the object to be cooked
m197The effectiveness of fireSeriously or demonstrating absurdity of the situation, a person tries to cook something using a fire (a source of light) that is far away from the object to be cooked
m197cSham physician: using the flea powderA huckster sells powder that he guarantees will kill fleas (rats, etc.). When someone asks how to use it, he relies that one has to catch the flea, hold its mouth (eyes) open and put powder in it. When the customer says that it would be easier simply to crush, the seller agrees with him
m197dThe shortened stickA judge gives sticks to all the suspects in a court case and tells them that the guilty one’s stick will grow during the night. The guilty man cuts a bit off his stick and thus is discovered
m198Wise brothers (the king is bastard)When three brothers (rare: a person) are Invited to khan (judge, king, etc.) and served delicious food, they claim that the food and drink have a taste (smell) of a corpse, dog, goat etc. and/or their host is of a low descent or a bastard. Investigation confirms that their deduction was correct
m198aWise brothers (the strayed camel)Three or four brothers (rare: one man) see the track of a domestic animal and are able to deduce how it looked like (lame, had no tale, carried oil and honey, etc.) or they deduce how the man who had stolen the animal looks like
m198a1The eldest: it is round, the middle: it is hard, the youngest: it is a nut!Three brothers in succession and without obvious reason describe an object or a person which or whom they have never seen
m198a2Rubin with a flawA wise man demonstrates that an object considered by others as valuable (a precious stone, a sword, etc.) have a flaw and is worthless
m198a3Who did steal the ruby?One of the brothers steals a treasure for which all of them have equal rights or he is a bastard. Brothers come to a powerful person and want him to say who of them is the thief or the bastard. Usually the person tells a story and discovers the guilty one considering his reaction
m198a4Which was the noblest act?Listeners of a story must answer whom they liked more: a husband who let his wife go to another man, a robber who did not harm her, or the other man who immediately sent her back to her husband
m198bThe pretended astrologerA person who has not a bit of a skill to expose thieves and find the lost objects does it successfully thanks to a series of lucky coincidences
m198b2Grasshopper by name, the astrologerA king (landlord, etc.) suggests to guess what he has in his hand (in a box). It is an insect there (usually a grasshopper). The man says that now you, Grasshopper, is caught. People think that he gave the correct answer
m198b3Roof of the mosque falling inA pretended diviner finds by chance stolen objects, he is generously rewarded. Once he, for some reason, pushes in the most impolite way the ruler (the people) out of the building. Immediately after this the roof of the building falls in. The prestige of the diviner becomes higher than ever
m199iScreaming or whistling contextA man (boy) and an ogre (devil, bear, etc.) have a screaming or whistling context. The man uses a trick (binds ogre’s eyes and strikes him on his head with a heavy object; blows a horn at the ogre’s ear; pretends to bind their heads that they would not break because of his whistling, etc.). The ogre acknowledges the man to be stronger than he
m199lHero shows his enemy how well he can jump or fly When an ogre exhales or lets go a bent down tree with a man on its top, the man is flung far away but explains that he jumped by his own will to repair the roof, to catch a bird, etc.
m202Thorn removed from lion’s pawPerson removes a thorn from the paw (bone from the throat) of a strong and dangerous animal or a demon, the animal (demon) is grateful
m29bTrickster-fox, jackal or coyoteIn episodes related to deception, absurd, obscene or anti-social behavior the protagonist is fox, jackal or coyote
m29b1The wolf is a failureBecause of its stupidity and unsocial behavior, the wolf suffers a reverse, is injured or dies
m29b2The bear is a failure/enemyBecause of its stupidity or unsocial behavior, the bear suffers a reverse, is injured or dies
m29b3The fox (jackal, coyote) is a failureBecause of its stupidity and unsocial behavior, the fox, jackal or coyote suffers a reverse, is injured or dies
m29gTrickster-hare or rabbitIn episodes related to deception, absurd, obscene or anti-social behavior the protagonist is hare or rabbit
m29w1The leopard is a failure Because of its stupidity and unsocial behavior, the leopard (panther) suffers a reverse, is injured or dies
m29w2The tiger is a failure Because of its stupidity and unsocial behavior, the tiger suffers a reverse, is injured or dies
m29w3The lion is a failure Because of its stupidity and unsocial behavior, the lion suffers a reverse, is injured or dies
m29z1The Bald-headedA bald person acts in narratives (thence his usual name: Taz, Tazchi, Kal, Keloglan, Kechal etc.)
m30Trickster falls downPerson or creature who has no wings or is unable to fly on a long distance attempts to ascend to the sky or to fly far away but falls down or, deprived of his wings, remains in a place from which he is unable to return
m38dAnimated objects perish one after anotherTwo or several animated objects or small animals and live or travel together and perish one after another when they make the most simple acts
m38d2The bean, the straw and the coalSeveral (usually three) small animated objects travel but fail to cross a river (usually perish attempting to cross it)
m38d3Clod of earth melts awayAn animated object who is a clod of earth (flour, salt) melts away when he gets wet under the rain or going to fetch water
m39a2cThe sowing of saltFool (or a person who pretends to be mad) sows salt (small objects) like grain
m39a3Had your daughter horns?Fool kills a person, throws the body into a pond or a well. His relation throws there a dead goat. Searching for the corpse in the pond, the fool asks if the killed person had horns, etc. People see that he is really crazy and do not suspect him of a crime
m39a3Had your daughter horns?Fool kills a person, throws the body into a pond or a well. His relation throws there a dead goat. Searching for the corpse in the pond, the fool asks if the killed person had horns, etc. People see that he is really crazy and do not suspect him of a crime
m39a4aFool’s customer is an animal or an objectA fool gives meat, a domestic animal, cloth etc. to an animal (plant, inanimate object) and thinks that the latter will pay him later or asks an animal to do some work. Claiming money or products of the work, he finds treasure
m39a4cConversation of the fool with a birdHearing the cry of a bird (often, an owl) and thinking that the bird speaks with him, the fool eventually finds treasure
m39a5aThe sausage rainBecause telling the truth a stupid son (wife, husband)) can bring misfortune upon the family, his mother (wife; her husband) mystifies him (her) making him or her describe events that are definitely impossible. People take him (her) for a fool and let alone.
m39a6Misunderstood instructions: to cut a roadA wayfarer asks his companion in an allegorical for to tell a story. The companion takes his words in the direct sense and acts stupidly or thinks that his companion is a fool
m39a6cKing the craftsmanA poor girl agrees to marry a prince only if he learns some craft. He does it, marries the girl and then gets into hands of some criminals. He promises them to produce valuable object that they can sell for good money. His wife or (rare) his father recognize his work (or read signs of the object). He is released, the criminals killed
m39a6dA coded messageA person sends to his or her kinsmen or spouse through other persons a text or an object. Only the receiver understands the real meaning of words or of the object, saves the sender and/or destroys his enemies
m39a6iAnswer betraying a theftPerson asks a servant to bring another some food or object and to pass certain words which for the servant have no meaning. Hearing these words, the recipient understands that the servant had appropriated part of what he had to bring
m39dSeries of clever unjust decisionsIn succession and unintentionally a man causes a series of accedents. The injured parties bring him before a judge. In each case the judge makes decisions that are formally logical but patently unacceptable and saves the man
m39eWhat sort of a tree?Asking about minor details of the case, a judge demonstrates that the plaintiff (or the defendant) lies because he does (not) know about them
m39fHe had a hat, had he a head?A fool loses his head (usually bitten off by a bear). His wife or companions cannot say had he his head before but remember that he certainly had a hat (beard)
m57aBeads discharged from the bodyInstead of common body discharges a man or a woman urinates, spits, etc. beads, flowers, gold and other valuables; valuables are produced by the very presence of particular person
m57a1Flowers blossom where she puts her feet Where the beautiful woman steps, treasure appears, flowers blossom, etc.
m57a3Female person is the producer of valuablesInstead of common body discharges a a woman urinates, spits, etc. beads, flowers, gold and other valuables; valuables are produced by the very presence of particular female person. See motif m57a
m57cGold producing animalAn animal (ass, cow, horse, goat, bear, leopard) extracts gold or food from its body or person makes others believe that it is so
m57dBeat, cudgel!Person gets one by one magic objects that bring food or treasure. Other people replace them with common objects or take them away by force. The person takes his property back (usually beating the thieves with magic cudgel or whip)
m57d1Bird presents objects and fulfills wishesA bird gives a man several magic objects in succession (or one object which helps to get others) or fulfills in succession a series of his wishes
m74aStrange names of the babiesAn animal person pretends to be invited to be godfather or he gives names to different places along which he travels in a sledge, boat, etc. The names look strange but become understandable when other people or animals get to know that their companion has devoured all the supplies
m74aaTheft of food by playing godfatherAn animal person pretends (several times) that he has to make a visit (that he has been invited to be godfather at a baptism or invited to a funeral or wedding) but instead eats secretly food supplies
m74bWho has eaten up the fat?To demonstrate that the thief who had eaten food supplies is somebody else or to declare somebody else as a victim to be eaten up, animal person smears his sleeping companion with remains of the food or body excretions (exchanges the excretions)
m75bHero inside carcassA man hides in a skin or carcass of a big animal. A bird carries it to its nest without knowing that the man is inside
m75cTreasure on mountain topA man sends another one to top of a mountain or a tree to obtain treasure for him. To go back is impossible but the man survives
m78A tiny boy (Thumbling)Tiny boy as small as a thumb, a pea and the like taunts people, predator animals, ogres
m78dPea-boyA pea (bean, grain) or a pellet of cheep’s dung turns into a tiny boy (rare: girl); a child is as small as a pea. Or his mother conceived him after eating a pea
m83bWhose dream is better?Two (or more) (animal)-persons agree that whichever of them has the most wonderful dream may eat all the food. The first one tells about a feast that he participated in his dream. His companion answers that he was sure that after such a feast (after getting into the paradise, etc.) the first one would not need the food, so he has eaten it alone
m85The fox bluffsAn animal person (usually a fox or a jackal) threatens to cut down a tree on which mother bird (squirrel) made its nest unless she will throw down one of her nestlings (squirrel children) or eggs. Another bird lets the mother bird know that the predator is unable to realize his threat
m91The killed corpsePerson pretends that a person (often his or her mother, spouse or lover) who recently died is alive, claims that the death of the false alive resulted from negligence of others and gets a reward
m91c1Herd from the river bottomPerson gets other person’s possessions by trick (or pretends to get it; usually another person is drowned instead of him) and then demonstrates his possessions (usually a herd) and explains that he had received everything at the river bottom. His enemies believe him
m91c2Put into the bagPerson is put into a bag (a cage, tied up, etc.) to be drowned, burned, etc. He pretends to be in this situation by his own will or because he refuses to marry a princess, to become a chief and the like. Another person is willing to take his place and is killed
n2Initial formula: when a goat was a colonelEpics and folktales begin with an initial formula in which it is claimed that animals fulfilled social or economic roles of the people
n20They attained their desiresClosing formula of the folktale: the teller says that the characters attained their desires, goals and/or happiness or that God satisfied their desires
n20They attained their desiresClosing formula of the folktale: the teller says that the characters attained their desires, goals and/or happiness or that God satisfied their desires
n24Like another MoonLight is seen that looks like the second Moon or the second Sun. It’s source is a beautiful woman
n3Hungry fingersOne of the fingers says that he is hungry and/or suggests to steal something. Other fingers express their opinion on this behalf.
n33Pressing adversary into the groundThe hero presses his adversary into the ground or both of them press each other (ankle-, waist-, breast-deep and the like)
n7Three applesClosing formula of the folktale: three apples fell from heaven or a tree; the storyteller got at least one of them. Or it is said that somebody gives / ought to give to the storyteller one or three apples


Similar traditions based on Cosmology and Etiology motifs:
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 4 Tradition: Tuvinians of Tuva
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 4 Tradition:
Southern Altai: Altai proper (Altai-Kiji), Telengit
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 4 Tradition:
Buryats: Western (Cis-Baikal)
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 3 Tradition:
Mongols of Inner Mongolia
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 3 Tradition:
Mongols (Khalkha)
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 3 Tradition:
Kazakh
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Tofa (Karagas)
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Romanians, Moldavians, Aromanians
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Occitanie (southern France): Limousin, Auvergne, Provence, Aquitaine, Albret, Gers, Aveyron (Rouerge), Armagnac, Landes, Gascogne, Vivarés, Roussillon, Pyrénées, Bearne, Guyenne, Bigorre, Ain, Hautes Alpes, Ariège, Vienne, Aude, French part of Swiss
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Khakas

Similar traditions based on Adventures and Tricks motifs:
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 5 Tradition:
Persians
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 4 Tradition:
Uzbek
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 3 Tradition:
Azeris (Azerbaijanis)
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Hindi-speaking peoples and casts (incl. Teli, Parahiya; incl. Chhattisgarhi) of Northern and West-Central India
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Ingush
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Kabylia and other Berber of Northern and Central Algeria: Beni Snous, Beni Menacer (incl Zuav), Shaui, etc.)
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Occitanie (southern France): Limousin, Auvergne, Provence, Aquitaine, Albret, Gers, Aveyron (Rouerge), Armagnac, Landes, Gascogne, Vivarés, Roussillon, Pyrénées, Bearne, Guyenne, Bigorre, Ain, Hautes Alpes, Ariège, Vienne, Aude, French part of Swiss
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Kurds
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Kara Kalpak
Shared motifs (from a list of 10 less used): 2 Tradition:
Lezgians, Archin, Kürin; Khinalug