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Stith Thompson Motif Index
About this index and how to read it
Stith Thompson's Motif-Index of Folk-Literature classifies recurring narrative elements in folktales, myths, legends, ballads and related traditional narratives. Each entry below gives Thompson's motif reference and the description recorded in the index.
The index is large, so this browser displays 250 entries per page. You can search by motif reference or by words in the description, restrict the results to one of Thompson's main letter categories, and click motif references mentioned inside descriptions to follow cross-references. Individual motif pages also show any ATU tale types whose concordance explicitly cites that Thompson reference.
All
A
Mythological Motifs
B
Animal Motifs
C
Motifs of Tabu
D
Magic
E
The Dead
F
Marvels
G
Ogres
H
Tests
J
The Wise and the Foolish
K
Deceptions
L
Reversals of Fortune
M
Ordaining the Future
N
Chance and Fate
P
Society
Q
Rewards and Punishments
R
Captives and Fugitives
S
Unnatural Cruelty
T
Sex
U
The Nature of Life
V
Religion
W
Traits of Character
X
Humor
Z
Miscellaneous Groups of Motifs
| Thompson reference ▲ | Description |
|---|---|
| A1993.1 | Cuckoo a transformed baker. *Fb "bager" IV 20b. |
| A1994 | Creation of parrot. India: Thompson-Balys; S. Am. Indian (Yuracare): Métraux BBAE CXLIII (3) 503, (Paressi): Métraux ibid. 359. |
| A1996 | Creation of peacock. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A1997 | Creation of papiha. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2000 | Creation of insects. Knortz Die Inzekten in Sage, Sitte und Literatur (Annaberg 1910). Jewish: Neuman; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2001 | Insects from body of slain monster. Usually the monster is burnt; sometimes the insects come from his head, sometimes from his body as it burns. (Cf. A1716.1.)—*Dh I 279, III 152ff., 164ff., 170ff. (dragon); *Fb "myre", "myg"; Persian: Carnoy 288; Siberian: Holmberg Siberian 386; Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 23, 128; Japanese: Ikeda; N. Am. Indian: *Thompson Tales 354 n. 275. |
| A2001.1 | Insects from brains, blood, and bones of slain helpful animal. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2002 | Origin of insects from various experiences of saint. Dh I 192f. |
| A2002.1 | The god Mahadeo turns wood chips into insects. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2003 | Origin of insects: released from sack. God places them in a sack and gives it to hare to carry to stream. He must not look in the sack. When he does so the insects escape. The hare laughs and this is the cause of his split lip.—Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 104; Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3131, Legends Nos. 232—244. |
| A2004 | Insects from devil's post-hole. Devil is given enough land to dig a post-hole. From this come all kinds of insects. To stop them a burning log is put in the hole. Insects therefore hate smoke. Dh I 173—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 21 No. 120, XXXIII 55 No. 120. |
| A2005 | Origin of insects: God throws sand on lazy shepherds. (Cf. A1716.1). —Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 150 No. 70. |
| A2006 | Origin of insects: monstrous births from brother-sister incest. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2010 | Creation of hymenoptera. |
| A2011 | Creation of ant. *Fb "myre" (cf. A2001); India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2011.1 | Creation of ant by devil. *Fb "myre". India: Thompson-Balys; Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 23 (cf. A2001). |
| A2011.2 | Creation of ant: avaricious man transformed. (Cf. A1715, A1730.)—Dh IV 272f.—Wienert FFC LVI 79 (ET 450), 134 (ST 395); Halm Aesop 294. |
| A2012 | Creation of bee. Jewish: Neuman; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2012.0.1 | Creation of honey-bees: transformed man. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2012.1 | Creation of bee to provide wax for candles in church. (Cf. B259.4.)—*Dh II 129ff. |
| A2012.2 | First bees in Ireland. Irish myth: Cross. |
| A2012.3 | God sends stinging bees to punish men. Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 187. |
| A2013 | Creation of hornet. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2020 | Creation of coleoptera. |
| A2021 | Creation of beetle. Lappish: Qvigstad FFC LX 39 No. 63. |
| A2021.1 | Beetle's special sacredness. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2030 | Creation of diptera. |
| A2031 | Creation of fly. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2031.1 | Creation of fly: punishment for laziness. (Cf. A1730.)—Dh II 111ff. |
| A2031.2 | Flies on the ark. Noah tries to keep them out. Devil says that either the flies go in or he does. Noah chooses the lesser of two evils. Later the devil slips in nevertheless. Dh I 268. |
| A2032 | Creation of flea. Cf. Type 276**.—Japanese: Ikeda. |
| A2032.1 | Creation of flea: punishment for laziness. (Cf. A1730.)—Dh II 111ff. |
| A2032.2 | Creation of flea: to give women work. (Cf. A2051.1.)—Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 89 No. 125a; cf. Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 103. |
| A2032.3 | Origin of flea: from squirrel. (Cf. A1710.).—Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 105. |
| A2032.4 | Creation of flea: God plagues the devil with fleas. Lithuanian: Balys Legends No. 131ff. |
| A2033 | Creation of gnat. Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 102. |
| A2033.0.1 | Gnats created by devil to worry God. Lithuanian: Balys Legends No. 131f. |
| A2033.1 | Origin of gnats in Lapland. Lappish: Qvigstad FFC LX 39 No. 60. |
| A2034 | Origin of mosquitoes. India: Thompson-Balys; Japanese: Ikeda; Hatt Asiatic Influences 89f.; Eskimo (Ungava): Turner RBAE XI 264; S. Am. Indian (Tucuna): Nimuendajú BBAE CXLIII (3) 294; N. Am. Indian (Kaska): Teit JAFL XXX 445. |
| A2034.1 | Deity's wife creates mosquitoes to drive her husband out of jungle. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2034.1.1 | Mosquitoes created by goddess to make sleeping outside impossible to men. Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 128. |
| A2034.1.2 | Deity creates mosquitoes to irritate other gods. Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 128. |
| A2034.2 | Mosquitoes from bones of slain demon flung into the air. (Cf. A2001.)—India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2034.3 | Mosquitoes from ashes of bad woman. (Cf. A2001.)—Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 128. |
| A2040 | Creation of lepidoptera. |
| A2041 | Creation of butterfly. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2050 | Creation of hemiptera. |
| A2051 | Creation of louse. Lappish: Qvigstad FFC LX 39 No. 61; Eskimo (Ungava): Turner RBAE XI 263. |
| A2051.1 | Louse created to give women work. (Cf. A2032.2.)—*Fb "lus". |
| A2052 | Creation of bugs. Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV No. 71. |
| A2053 | Creation of maggots. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2060 | Creation of orthoptera. |
| A2061 | Creation of cockroach. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2061.1 | Origin of cockroach in Finland. Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 22 No. 125. |
| A2062 | Origin of locust. Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 90 No. 125b.—Bushman: Bleek and Lloyd 76. |
| A2063 | Creation of cricket. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2064 | Creation of grasshopper. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2070 | Creation of miscellaneous insects. |
| A2091 | Origin of spider.1 (Cf. A1751.)—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 22 No. 122; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2091.1 | Arachne transformed to spider: vies with goddess in spinning. Greek: Roscher Lexikon s.v. "Arachne". |
| A2092 | Origin of scorpion. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2092.1 | Origin of leaf-scorpion. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2093 | Origin of mantis. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2094 | Creation of fireflies. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2095 | Creation of lac insects. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2100 | Creation of fish. India: Thompson-Balys; Jewish: Neuman; Hawaii: Beckwith Myth; 287, 422; Tuamotu: Stimson MS (z—G 3/1100); S. Am. Indian: (Toba): Métraux MAFLS XL 84. |
| A2110 | Creation of particular fishes. |
| A2111 | Creation of pike. Lappish: Qvigstad FFC LX 39 No. 56. |
| A2112 | Creation of mullet. Hawaii: Beckwith Myth 63. |
| A2115 | Origin of olachen. Tahltan: Teit JAFL XXXII 203f. |
| A2121 | Creation of mackerel. Dh I 156. |
| A2122 | Origin of bonito. Tonga: Buford 57. |
| A2125 | Origin of salmon. Tahltan: Teit JAFL XXXII 206. |
| A2126 | Origin of flounder. |
| A2126.0.1 | Origin of flounder from Virgin Mary's half-eaten fish. (See A2305.1.2.)—*Dh II 1ff.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 21 No. 116, XXXIII 55 No. 116; Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 91 No. 91; Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 149 No. 64; Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3180, Legends No. 282. |
| A2126.1 | Origin of sole. New Hebrides: Codrington 372. |
| A2127 | Origin of catfish. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2131 | Creation of eel. Finnish: Aarne FFC XXV 149 No. 62; Lithuanian: Balys Legends No. 287. |
| A2132 | Creation of prawns. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2135 | Origin of whale.1 Eskimo (Central): Boas RBAE VI 637; Kaska: Teit JAFL XXX 452. |
| A2135.1 | Origin of narwhal. Eskimo (Cumberland Sound): Boas BAM XV 169, (Cape York): Rasmussen III 79. |
| A2135.2 | Creation of leviathan. Jewish: Neuman. |
| A2137 | Creation of sharks: from a savage tribe. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2140 | Creation of reptiles. India: *Thompson-Balys. |
| A2145 | Creation of snake (serpent). Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 19 No. 106; Lappish: Qvigstad FFC LX 38 No. 54; Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 149 No. 62; Jewish: Neuman; India: *Thompson-Balys; Buin: Wheeler Mono-Alu 28; Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 96; S. Am. Indian (Tembé): Métraux RMLP XXXIII 140; Africa (Congo): Weeks 213. |
| A2145.0.1 | Origin of horned serpent. N. Am. Indian (Creek): Swanton BBAE LXXXVIII 32f. |
| A2145.1 | Snake from blood of slain monster. Medusa. (Cf. A1724, A2001.) —Greek: Fox 34. |
| A2145.2 | Snake preserved in ark: to stop hole with tail. Dh I 277.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 19 No. 107, XXXIII 54 No. 107; Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 149. No. 61; Lithuanian: Balys Legends Nos. 192ff. |
| A2145.3 | Snake created to suck poison from earth. Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 149 No. 60; India: *Thompson-Balys. |
| A2145.4 | Snake from devil's slaver. Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 148 No. 59. |
| A2145.5 | Adder harmful to holy person transformed to blindworm. (Cf. A1710, A1730, A2231.7.)—Dh II 7. |
| A2146 | Creation of crocodile. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2147 | Creation of tortoise (turtle). India: Thompson-Balys; Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 96; Hawaii: Beckwith Myth 22, 465; S. Am. Indian (Cashinawa): Métraux BBAE CXLIII (3) 685. |
| A2148 | Creation of lizard. Jewish: Neuman; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2148.1 | Creation of chameleon. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2148.2 | Origin of salamander. Jewish: Neuman. |
| A2160 | Origin of amphibia. |
| A2161 | Origin of toad. *Fb "lærke" II 499b (Cf. A1755).—Lithuanian: Balys Legends Nos. 124ff., 128f.; Jewish: Neuman. |
| A2162 | Origin of frog. Finnish: Aarne FFC XXXIII 55 No. 11; Lappish: Qvigstad FFC LX 38 No. 55 (Cf. A1710).—Lithuanian: Balys Legends Nos. 127fl, 202; Jewish: Neuman; India: Thompson-Balys; Naskapi: Speck JAFL XXVIII 74. |
| A2170 | Origin of miscellaneous animal forms. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2171 | Origin of crustaceans. |
| A2171.1 | Origin of crayfish. |
| A2171.1.1 | Crayfish from devil's fleas shaken off in water. (Cf. A1710.) —Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 151 No. 73. |
| A2171.2 | Creation of crab. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2171.3 | Origin of lobster. Tahiti: Henry 339. |
| A2171.4 | Origin of shrimp. Tahiti: Henry 339. |
| A2181 | Origin of snail. |
| A2182 | Origin of worm. |
| A2182.1 | Origin of silkworm. *Dh II 107ff. (cf. A1725.1).—Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 79. |
| A2182.2 | Origin of leech. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2182.3 | Origin of earth-worm. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2182.4 | Origin of cutworm. Hawaii: Beckwith Myth 135. |
| A2182.5 | Origin of multipede. Jewish: Neuman. |
| A2200 | Cause of animal characteristics. See "Register" to Dähnhardt (III 537ff.); also articles scattered through RTP, e. g., V 244, VI, 314, 473, VII 479, VIII 557, IX 165, 491, 646, X 26, 176, 301, 363, XII 667, XIII 344, XIV 379, XV 425, XVI 445, XVII 150, 344, 578.—Jewish: Neuman; Australian: Dixon 290; Miwok: Powers CNAE III 359; Karok: ibid. 36; Alsea: Frachtenberg BBAE LXVII 47ff.; Southern Ute: Lowie JAFL XXXVII 14 No. 6. |
| A2201 | All qualities of animals appear with their creation. Jewish: Neuman. |
| A2210 | Animal characteristics: change in ancient animal. (Cf. A2311.)—Dh III 7ff. |
| A2211 | Animal characteristics: accidental action of ancient animal. |
| A2211.1 | Lynx views country from mountainside: cause of his squint. (Cf. A2330.2.)—Ojibwa: Jones-Michelson PAES VII (II) 131 No. 10. |
| A2211.2 | Rabbit laughs: cause of hare-lip. (Cf. A2216.3, A2234.4, A2342.1.)—*Type 47A; *BP III 75 n. 1.—Finnish: Aarne FFC XXV 144 No. 35; Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 89 No. 71; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2211.3 | Wolf falls out of nest: cause of straight back. (Cf. A2356.2.2.) —Finnish: Aarne FFC XXXIII 53 No. 76**. |
| A2211.4 | Why some whales die on land: first whale did so. Tuamotu Stimson MS (z—G 13/320). |
| A2211.5 | Shrew blows nose into snout. Sent after fire, he finds but a little which he tries to revive by hard blowing.—Fang: Nassau 234 No. 3. |
| A2211.6 | Spider carries large stone on head and drops it: hence spiders under stones. (Cf. A2433.5.3.)—Gold coast: Barker and Sinclair 84 No. 13. |
| A2211.7 | Birds cling to sky in flood: cause of tail colors. (Cf. A2412.2.)—N. Am. Indian: *Thompson Tales 287 n. 57a. |
| A2211.8 | Lizard dips head in palm-oil: cause of red head. (Cf. 2320.3.)—Ibo (Nigeria): Basden 278. |
| A2211.9 | Lizard swallows fish bone: hence head bobs up and down. (Cf. A2474.1.)—Ibo (Nigeria): Basden 278. |
| A2211.10 | Tortoise left out in rain: hard shell develops. (Cf. A2312.1.)—Gold Coast: Barker and Sinclair 115 No. 20. |
| A2211.11 | How rattlesnake became harmful: earthworm feeds him chili pepper. S. Am. Indian (Toba): Métraux MAFLS XL 68. |
| A2211.12 | Buffalo helps tiger quench fire: white mark left on buffalo's neck where tiger held on while being ducked in water. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2211.13 | Stag defeated by snail vomits his gall-bladder. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2211.14 | Rat defecates on octopus's head: origin of tubercles on head. Tonga: Gifford 206. |
| A2211.15 | Goddess scatters pubic hairs on fish: why he has so many bones. Tuamotu: Stimson MS (t—G 2/44). |
| A2212 | Animal characteristics from great fear. *Dh III 243ff. |
| A2212.1 | Frightened rabbit puts head in charred tree: hence black ears. (Cf. A2325.2.)—Finnish: Aarne FFC VII 13 No. 71. |
| A2212.2 | Frightened animals scatter: cause of present habitat of each. (Cf. A2433.1.)—Kaffir: Theal 172, 176. |
| A2213 | Animal characteristics from squeezing or stretching ancient animal. (See A2231.9). |
| A2213.1 | Ancient animal squeezed: hence small size. (Cf. A2302.)—Dh III 2—7 (hazel-grouse, squirrel, eagle, wolf, snake's head.) |
| A2213.2 | Animal pressed: hence facial or bodily marks. (Cf. A2412.4.)—Dh III 54, (cf. I 201f., 248, II 195); India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2213.2.1 | Wildcat's (Lynx's) face mashed in. (Cf. A2230.1.)—Dh III 5, 6.—N. Am. Indian: *Thompson Tales 300 n. 99; Australian: Dixon 290 (wombat). |
| A2213.2.2 | Tortoise pressed into earth: hence humpy back. (Cf. A2356.2.9.) Africa (Ekoi): Talbot 380. |
| A2213.2.3 | Baboon pressed on hot, flat rock: hence bald place on his back. (Cf. A2317.10.)—Africa (Hottentot): Bleek 39 No. 19; Indonesian: De Vries's list No. 74. |
| A2213.2.4 | Why lobster is shallow: insulted cattle step on it. Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 13, No. 2. |
| A2213.3 | Animals' size increased by stretching. (Cf. A2312.1, A2301.)—Dh III 2—5 (fish, bat, flying squirrel, monkey). |
| A2213.4 | Animal characteristics changed by stretching. |
| A2213.4.1 | Coyote's muzzle pulled out long. (Cf. A2335.4.4.)—Dh III |
| A2213.4.2 | Fox's tail pulled out long. (Cf. A2378.3.4.)—Dh III 3. |
| A2213.4.3 | Mouse's nose pulled out long. Salinan: Mason U. Cal. XIV 64. |
| A2213.5 | Animal characteristics from being struck. |
| A2213.5.1 | Mole struck on head in attempt to steal fire: hence his flat head. S. Am. Indian (Toba): Métraux MAFLS XL 109. |
| A2213.5.2 | Fish struck by coconut: hence flat tail. Tuamotu: Stimson MS (t-G 3/600). |
| A2214 | Animal characteristics from dropping ancient animal from air. |
| A2214.1 | Swallow thrown on his tail: cause of split tail. (Cf. A2378.5.1.)—Dh II 126, III 419.—Aarne FFC VII 16 No. 85; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 87 No. 85. |
| A2214.2 | Ant thrown from heaven: hence narrow waist. God decides dispute between ant and spider in spider's favor. (Cf. A2355.1.2.)—Finnish: Aarne FFC VII 22 No. 124, XXXIII 55 No. 124; Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 149 No. 66; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 89 No. 124; Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3200, Legends Nos 291—94; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2214.3 | Unicorn thrown from ark and drowned: hence no longer exists. Dh I 287f. |
| A2214.4 | Crab thrown to ground: breaks into small pieces. Hence crabs are small. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2214.5 | Tortoise hurled on rock: half falls on land, half in water. Therefore amphibious. African (Nigeria): Herskovits JAFL XLIV 448ff. |
| A2214.5.1 | Tortoise dropped by eagle: hence cracks in his shell. (Cf. A2312.1.1.)—Ila (Rhodesia): Smith and Dale 373 No. 23. |
| A2214.6 | Bat falls from high perch due to extreme heat of sun's rays, breaks bones, etc. Hence peculiar feet and nose. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2215 | Animal characteristics from throwing members at ancient animal. |
| A2215.1 | Stick (leaf) thrown at animal's rump: hence tails. (Cf. A2378.3.3.) —Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 14 No. 77 (wolf).—Banks Is.: Dixon 144 (rat). |
| A2215.2 | Hare runs away at creation; almost loses tail. When, as the most timid of all beasts, he runs away, God throws a tail at him from a pile of tails. (Cf. A2378.4.1.)—Dh III 185.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 13 No. 72; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 86 No. 72. |
| A2215.3 | Bowl placed on turtle's back: hence his shell. (Cf. A2312.1.) —British New Guinea: Dixon 145. |
| A2215.4 | Red fruit thrown at rail's (bird's) head: hence red lump on head. (Cf. A2321.8.)—Banks Is: Dixon 144. |
| A2215.5 | Fox struck with churn-dash: hence white tail. (Cf. A2378.8.1.)—Cf. Type 3.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 15 No. 79; Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 146 No. 43. |
| A2215.6 | God throws diver's feet after him; hence his feet reach backward. (Cf. A2371.2.9.) Dh III 46.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 18 No. 103. |
| A2216 | Animal characteristics: members bitten or cut off. Tuamotu: Stimson MS (z—G 13/441). |
| A2216.1 | Bear fishes through ice with tail: hence lacks tail. (Cf. A2378.2.4.) —*Type 2; Dh III 49.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 14 No. 78; Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 146 No. 42; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 86 No. 78; Japanese: Ikeda. |
| A2216.2 | Devil pulls off goats' tails: hence lack tails. (Cf. A2378.2.2.)—*BP III 200 (Gr. No. 148). |
| A2216.3 | Moon splits hare's lip with hatchet: hence hare-lip. (Cf. A2211.2, A751.5.1, A2342.1.)—Hottentot: Bleek 72 No. 33. |
| A2216.4 | Bush-rat bites off tortoise's tail: hence tortoise's short tail. (Cf. A2378.4.4.)—Ibo (Nigeria): Thomas 70. |
| A2216.5 | Hawk's tail cut in two by sword as he is being transformed. Cause of his forked tail. (Cf. A2378.5.2.)—Dh III 54. |
| A2216.6 | God as falcon has tail cut off: hence falcon's short tail. Icel.: Boberg. |
| A2216.7 | Formerly animals have ears like elephant's: hare bites them off. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2217 | Appearance of animal from marking or painting. |
| A2217.1 | Birds painted their present colors. Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3158; N. Am. Indian: *Boas RBAE XXXI 664, (Tahltan): Teit JAFL XXXII 208 No. 1 (10), (Cherokee): Alexander N. Am. 66 (robin redbreast). |
| A2217.2 | Chipmunk's back scratched: hence his stripes. As he is trying to escape, bear catches him with his claws and marks him permanently. (Cf. A2413.2.) —Seneca: Curtin-Hewitt RBAE XXXII 111 No. 13, 422 No. 78, Curtin Seneca 437, 505. |
| A2217.3 | Marks on certain fish from fingerprints. Tuamotu: Stimson MS (z—G 13/317, t—G 3/600). |
| A2217.3.1 | Marks on certain fish from St. Peter's fingerprints. (Cf. A901, A2217.2, A2412.4).—Dh II 180 ff., III 55.—Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 89 No. 119b; Irish: Beal XXI 305; England: Baughman. |
| A2217.3.2 | Marks on certain fish from devil's fingerprints. England: *Baughman. |
| A2218 | Animal characteristics from burning or singeing. (Cf. A2378.8.4, A2411.1.2.5, A2411.1.3.2, A2411.1.4.1, A2411.1.6.5, A2411.2.1.1, A2411.2.1.4, A2411.2.1.9, A2411.2.1.7, A2411.2.1.11, A2411.2.5.2, A2411.2.5.1, A2411.2.1.15, A2411.2.6.8, A2411.4.2, A2411.4.3, A2411.5.3.)—Dh III 71ff; Chinese: Graham. |
| A2218.1 | Raven caught in smoke-hole: hence is black. (Cf. A2411.2.1.5.)—Dh III 72, 77ff.—N. A. Indian: *Boas RBAE XXXI 652, (Tahltan): Teit JAFL XXXII 203 No. 1 (3). |
| A2218.1.1 | Animal scorches self while putting out fire in land of fire, woe and darkness. Wales: Baughman. |
| A2218.2 | Jackal carries sun in bag on back; burns his back black. (Cf. A721.1, A2356.3.2.)—Hottentot: Bleek 67 No. 29. |
| A2218.3 | Animal who steals fire scorched: cause of his color. (Cf. A1415.)—Dh III 93ff.—India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2218.4 | Coyote burnt when hay is set afire: hence yellow patch behind his ears. Salinan: Mason U. Cal. XIV 88, cf. 107. |
| A2218.5 | Robin steals fire, has breast scorched. England: Baughman. |
| A2218.6 | Raven singes feet on hot stones: why its wings clap when it flies. (Cf. A2442.2.1.)—Dh III 72.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 17 No. 91. |
| A2218.7 | Rabbit burns self under chin when he steals an ember. S. Am. Indian (Toba): Métraux MAFLS XL 109. |
| A2218.8 | Eel burned by torch: hence red eyes. Marquesas: Handy 80. |
| A2219 | Other accidents to ancient animal. |
| A2219.1 | Animal has color spilled on him: cause of his color. (Cf. A2391.1, A2411.1.1.1, A2411.1.2.4, A2411.1.3.1, A2411.2.1.1, A2411.1.4.2, A2411.1.6.3, A2411.2.1.4, A2411.2.1.6, A2411.2.4.1, A2411.2.6.1, A2411.2.6.5, A2411.2.6.6, A2411.2.6.11, A2411.4.1.)—Dh III 64ff.—India: Thompson-Balys; Ila (Rhodesia): Smith and Dale 366 No. 17; S. Am. Indian (Cashinawa): Métraux BBAE CXLIII (3) 685. |
| A2219.2 | Cow swallows book; cause of maniplies in stomach. Cheremis: Sebeok-Nyerges. |
| A2219.3 | Only one serpent had sting: fed poison to the rest. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2220 | Animal characteristics as reward. |
| A2220.1 | Hedgehog's skin reward for good deed. (Cf. A2311.4.)—Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 146 No. 44. |
| A2221 | Animal characteristics reward for pious act. (Cf. A2231.). |
| A2221.1 | Animals blessed for honoring infant Jesus. (Cf. A2231.4, A2356.2.7, A2381.1.)—Dh II 15f., 195ff.; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 86 No. 58c (cross on back of ass).—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 13 No. 67 (hog has good flesh); French: Sébillot France III 256. |
| A2221.2 | Animals blessed for good services at crucifixion. (Cf. A2231.2.) |
| A2221.2.1 | Flies on Christ's body rewarded. They look like nails and prevent more nails being driven. They may eat at the king's table. (Cf. A2545.1.) Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 150 No. 68 (cf. No. 69). |
| A2221.2.2 | Blood from cross on robin redbreast: He helps Jesus; rewarded with red breast. (Cf. A2353.2.)—Fb "rodkjælk".—Finnish: Aarne FFC XXXIII 54 No. 92**; Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 90 No. 82; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 87 No. 92**; Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3130, Legends Nos. 229ff.; England: Baughman. |
| A2221.2.3 | Blood of scourged Christ on certain spiders. (Cf. A2411.3.2.) —Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 89 No. 122a. |
| A2221.2.4 | Swallows lift Christ's crown of thorns from his brow: why their nests are not destroyed. (Cf. A2431.3.5.)—Fb "svale" III 660b; Sébillot RTP III 156. |
| A2221.2.4.1 | Swallows put on mourning at crucifixion: have never taken it off. Spanish: Boggs FFC XC 37 No. *243. |
| A2221.2.4.2 | Crossbill, attempting to draw thorn from the crown of thorns, twists bill in the attempt. England: Baughman. |
| A2221.3 | Markings on animals as recollections of Christ's life and sufferings. (cf. A2412.)—Dh II 227ff. |
| A2221.4 | Ant collects incense and myrrh for Christ: grows thin in middle. (Cf. A2451.1, A2453.1.)—Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 98. |
| A2221.5 | Animal blessed for helping holy fugitive. (Cf. A2231.7.1.)—Dh II 53ff.—Irish: Beal XXI 306; Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 100. |
| A2221.5.1 | Ox helps patriarch who in joy kisses him on the lips: hence no hair on ox's lips. Jewish: bin Gorion Born Judas III 118, 304, *Neuman. |
| A2221.6 | Animal blessed for obedience to deity. |
| A2221.6.1 | Bird coloring as reward for obedience to deity. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2221.7 | Dove returns to ark in obedience to Noah: receives sheen of raven. Irish myth: Cross. |
| A2221.8 | Squirrel's markings and immunity from falling as reward by deity. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2221.9 | Why sheep walk with bowed heads: they have remained so after having bowed to God. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2221.10 | Sheep helpful to the Lord: get wool. Irish: Beal V 271. |
| A2221.11 | Deity rewards animal for bringing him water: cause of present characteristics. Maori: Clark 54. |
| A2222 | Animal characteristics reward for hospitality. |
| A2222.1 | Thrush's hospitality to peacock rewarded by being given motley coat of feathers. (Cf. A2411.2.1.1.)—Type 235.—Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 90 No. 81. |
| A2223 | Animal characteristics reward for helpfulness. |
| A2223.1 | Cat helps man build house: may occupy chimney corner. (Cf. A2233.2, A2433.3.1.)—Dh III 203f. |
| A2223.2 | Bird carries deity (his daughter) home from land of skulls: given brilliant plumage. (Cf. A2313.4, A2321.6, A2421.5.)—African (Ekoi): Talbot 276. |
| A2223.3 | Mouse gathers rice for man: may eat a little of his rice daily. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2223.4 | Pike helps Christ cross stream: made king of fishes. Lithuanian: Balys Legends No. 286. |
| A2223.5 | Dog guards master's life and wealth: may eat before other animals. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2223.6 | Tortoise given hard shell when it ferries rice-goddess across stream. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2223.7 | Ravens show Adam how to bury dead: are born with white feathers. Jewish: Neuman. |
| A2223.8 | Chameleon saves hero's life: may change color. Fang: Einstein 96. |
| A2229 | Animal characteristics as reward—miscellaneous. |
| A2229.1 | Dog rescues cow's teats from fire: origin of his black muzzle. (Cf. A2335.4.3.)—*Dh III 72ff., 500—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 10 No. 48, XXXIII 53 No. 48; Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 143 No. 27. |
| A2229.2 | Dog lets devil into church to steal: rewarded with dog-skin. (Cf. A2311.1.)—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 10 No. 50. |
| A2229.3 | Owl will not betray curate: therefore may live in steeple. (Cf. A2433.4.1.)—Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 88 No. 98b. |
| A2229.4 | Fly steals fire from spider: may eat everywhere. Spider brings fire from hell. Fly steals it from him on the way. (Cf. A2545.1.)—Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 93 No. 101. |
| A2229.5 | Cuckoo delivers other birds from their cruel king: they agree to hatch out cuckoo's young. Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3137; Legends Nos. 253ff. |
| A2229.6 | Bird has red spot on its tail as reward for having moved woman's organ to its present position. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| A2230 | Animal characteristics as punishment. |
| A2231 | Animal characteristics: punishment for impiety. (Cf. A2221, A2311.8, A2422.2, A2302.2, A2355.1.2, A2542.1.)—Dh II 252f. (fish).—Spanish Exempla: Keller; Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 17 No. 97, XXXIII 54 No. 97 (hazelcock). |
| A2231.1 | Animal characteristics: punishment for discourteous answer to God (saint). (Cf. A2411.2.6.)—Jewish: Neuman; Maori: Clark 53. |
| A2231.1.1 | Discourteous answer: why cow (horse) is always eating. When God (Peter) wants to use the cow (horse) the excuse is made that she (he) is eating. Curse: "May you always be eating!" (Cf. A2472.1, A2478.)—Dh II 93; *Fb "hest" IV 211b.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 11 No. 59 (horse); ibid. 12 No. 62 (cow); Esthonian: Aarne FFC XXV 143 No. 32 (horse); Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3094, Legends Nos. 163—175. |
| A2231.1.2 | Discourteous answer: flounder's crooked mouth. When God asks him where he is going, instead of answering he turns to go toward God. His mouth becomes crooked. (Cf. A2341.1.)—Dh III 24f.—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 21 No. 117; Livonian: Loorits FFC LXVI 91 No. 92; Flemish: DeMeyer FFC XXXVII 89 No. 117; Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3178, Legends Nos. 273—281. |
| A2231.1.3 | Discourteous answer: why crab has eyes behind. (Cf. A2332.4.1.)—Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 151 No. 74; Lithuanian: Balys Index No. 3178, Legends Nos. 273—281. |
| A2231.1.4 | Discourteous answer: tortoise's shell. Zeus celebrates a wedding and invites the animals. Tortoise is late. Why? "I like my house." "May you bear your house always." (Cf. A2312.1.)—Dh IV 275f.—Wienert FFC LVI 76 (ET 424), 139 (ST 443); Halm Aesop No. 154. |
| A2231.2 | Animal characteristics: punishment for hostility at crucifixion. (Cf. A2221.2.)—Dh II 202ff.—Lithuanian: Balys Legends Nos. 251f., 264. |
| A2231.2.1 | Crane will not weep at crucifixion: must suffer thirst in August and break bills. Is the only bird who will not weep. (Cf. A2234.1, A2435.4.2.) —Köhler-Bolte I 3. |
| A2231.2.2 | Swallows torment Christ on cross: lose voice. (Cf. A2422.9.)—Fb "svale" III 660b. |
| A2231.3 | Animal characteristics: punishment for working on holy day. |
| A2231.3.1 | Cuckoo builds nest on Annunciation Day: has no nest. (Cf. A2431.2.1.)—Dh II 6. |
| A2231.3.2 | Bees work on Sabbath: may not get honey from red clover. (Cf. A2435.5.1.)—*Dh III 306ff.—North Carolina: Brown Collection I 634. |
| A2231.4 | Frog fails to honor infant Jesus: loses tail. (Cf. A2221.1, A2378.2.3.—Dh II 17. |
| A2231.5 | Spider vies with Virgin Mary in spinning: cursed. Dh II 253. |
| A2231.6 | Spider steals thread from Christ: has thread in back of body. (Cf. A2356.2.8.)—Finnish: Aarne FFC VIII 22 No. 123; Estonian: Aarne FFC XXV 149 No. 65. |
| A2231.7 | Animal harmful to holy person cursed. |
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