Folklore Database · Browse
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 |
|---|---|
| D1520.18.2 | Transportation in magic palanquin. (Cf. D1154.3.2.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.19 | Magic transportation by carpet. (Cf. D1155, D1118, D1118.1.) *Chauvin V 230 No. 130; Fb "luftrejse" II 457; Icelandic: *Boberg; India: *Thompson-Balys; Cape Verde Islands: Parsons MAFLS XV (1) 111 No. 39; Philippine: Fansler MAFLS XII 137. |
| D1520.20 | Transportation by magic throne. (Cf. D1156.) Chauvin V 230 No. 130; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.21 | Transportation by magic platform. (Cf. D1157.) Chauvin V 230 No. 130. |
| D1520.22 | Transportation by magic pitcher. (Cf. D1171.4.) Chauvin V 230 No. 130. |
| D1520.23 | Transportation by magic goblet. (Cf. D1171.6.2.) Greek: *Frazer Apollodorus I 213 n. 2. |
| D1520.24 | Transportation by magic box. (Cf. D1174.) Chauvin V 230 No. 130. |
| D1520.25 | Transportation by magic bag. (Cf. D1193.) Fb "rænsel". |
| D1520.26 | Transportation by putting magic ointment on feet. (Cf. D1244.) Penzer IV 90 n. 1. |
| D1520.27 | Magic transportation by means of wand. (Cf. D1254.1.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "baguette"; India: *Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.27.1 | Magic transportation by club. (Cf. D1094.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.28 | Magic transportation in whirlwind. (Cf. D906.) *Taylor FFC LXX 24 n. 1; Jewish: Neuman. |
| D1520.29 | Transportation by magic jewel. Italian Novella: Rotunda; Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1520.29.1 | Transportation by magic pearl. (Cf. D1071.) Jewish: bin Gorion Born Judas III 159. |
| D1520.30 | Magic transportation on piece of rock. (Cf. D971.4.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.31 | Magic transportation by rope. (Cf. D1203.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.32 | Magic transportation on antlers. (Cf. D1011.1.) N. A. Indian (Calif.): Gayton and Newman 75. |
| D1520.33 | Magic transportation on musical bow. (Cf. D1210.) N. A. Indian (Calif.): Gayton and Newman 79; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.34 | Transportation by means of necklace. (Cf. D1073.) German: MacCulloch Eddic 261. |
| D1520.35 | Magic transportation by feather-dress. (Cf. D1069.2.) Icelandic: MacCulloch Eddic 259, *Boberg. |
| D1520.36 | Transportation by magic stone. (Cf. D931.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1520.37 | Magic journey by reading book. Chinese: Graham. |
| D1521 | Miraculous speed from magic object. |
| D1521.1 | Seven-league boots. Boots with miraculous speed. (Cf. D1065.1.) *Type 328; *Saintyves Perrault 283, 286; *Fb "sko" III 288a, "støvle" III 642a.—Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "bottes"; French Canadian: Barbeau JAFL XXIX 10; England: *Baughman; India: Thompson-Balys; Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 253; Philippine: Fansler MAFLS XII 177. |
| D1521.1.1 | Sandals with magic speed. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1521.2 | Ship with miraculous speed. (Cf. D1123, D1520.15.) Fb "skib" III 243ab; Welsh: MacCulloch Celtic 192; Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1521.2.1 | Ship as swift as a bird. Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1521.3 | Sleigh as swift as thought. (Cf. D1115.) *Taylor FFC LXX 45ff. |
| D1521.4 | Carriage as swift as thought. (Cf. D1111.) Hindu: Keith 108; Japanese: Anesaki 359. |
| D1521.5 | Jewel gives miraculous speed. (Cf. D1071.) |
| D1521.5.1 | Turquoise gives miraculous speed. Jewish: Neuman. |
| D1523 | Magic self-moving vehicle. Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1523.1 | Self-propelling wagon. (Cf. D1113.) *Type 675; Fb "vogn" III 1078a. |
| D1523.2 | Self-propelling (ship) boat. (Cf. D1121, D1123, D1520.15.) *Barry JAFL XXVIII 195; Irish myth: *Cross; Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "bateau"; India: *Thompson-Balys; Marquesas: Handy 46; N. A. Indian: *Thompson Tales 275 n. 14a; Africa (Fang): Trilles 137. See also references to D1520.15. |
| D1523.2.1 | Automatic oar. (Cf. D1124.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "aviron". |
| D1523.2.2 | Boat propelled by magic awl. (Cf. D1187.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "alène". |
| D1523.2.3 | Boat propelled by magic wand. (Cf. D1254.1.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "navigation". |
| D1523.2.4 | Boat obeys master's will. *Kittredge Witchcraft 16; Irish myth: *Cross; England: Baughman. |
| D1523.2.5 | Boat guides self. *Kittredge Witchcraft 16; *Loomis White Magic 90; Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1523.2.7 | Boat guided by magic sea-charm. (Cf. D1273.) Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1523.2.7.1 | Self-guiding rudderless boat. Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1523.2.8 | Magic boat is rowed by two wooden figures as soon as it is put on water. (Cf. D1524, D1620.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1523.3 | Bundle of wood magically acts as riding horse. Italian: Basile I No. 3. |
| D1524 | Magic object enables person to cross water. |
| D1524.1 | Magic object permits man to walk on water. Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1524.1.1 | Medicine on feet permits man to walk on water. (Cf. D1241.) Zanzibar: Bateman 207 No. 10. |
| D1524.1.2 | Saint's bachall permits him to walk on sea. (Cf. D1277.) Irish: Plummer clxxv, Cross. |
| D1524.1.2.1 | Saint casts staffs to distant island. Staff that reaches owner shall have island. (Cf. D1254.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1524.1.3 | Saint spreads his cloak (or other clothes) upon the water and rides to his desired destination. (Cf. D1053.) *Loomis White Magic 91. |
| D1524.1.4 | Sand permits man to walk on water. (Cf. D935.1.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1524.2 | Clothes carry owner over water. |
| D1524.2.1 | Boots carry owner on sea. (Cf. D1065.1.) Irish myth: *Cross (D1524.2); Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "bottes". |
| D1524.2.2 | Belt carries owner over water. (Cf. D1057.) Philippine (Tinguian): Cole 43, 55. |
| D1524.3 | Magic stone serves as boat. (Cf. D931.) *Loomis White Magic 90; Irish: Plummer clv, *Cross; England: *Baughman. |
| D1524.3.1 | Stone canoe. (Cf. D1122.) N. A. Indian (Ojibwa): Schoolcraft Hiawatha 223. |
| D1524.3.2 | Saint's bell carried on floating stone. (Cf. D1213.) Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1524.4 | Island canoe. Magic island acts as canoe or boat. (Cf. D936, D1122.) N. A. Indian: *Thompson Tales 275 n. 14. |
| D1524.5 | River crossed by means of charm. (Cf. D1273.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1524.6 | River crossed by means of magic stone. (Cf. D930.) Congo: Pratt-Chadwick and Lamprey The Alo Man (New York, 1927) 17ff. |
| D1524.7 | Magic sod serves as boat. (Cf. D934.1.) Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1524.8 | Leaf serves as boat. (Cf. D955, D1121.) |
| D1524.8.1 | Leaf serves as boat for saint. England: Baughman. |
| D1524.9 | Magic wind catches hero up and transports him across immense sea. (Cf. D906.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1524.10 | Magic staff comes to one over water. (Cf. D1254.) Marquesas: Handy 134. |
| D1524.11 | Magic betelnut comes to one over water. Philippine (Tinguian): Cole 63. |
| D1524.12 | Magic handaxe comes to one over water. (Cf. D1206.) Philippine (Tinguian): Cole 84ff., 101. |
| D1525 | Magic submarine ship (boat). (Cf. D1123.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "navire", "bateau".—Eskimo (Kodiak): Golder JAFL XXII 18. |
| D1525.1 | Magic hood enables person to pass under water. (Cf. D1067.3.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1526 | Magic object thrown ahead carries owner with it. |
| D1526.1 | Magic arrow flight. Man keeps ahead of arrow which he shoots. (Cf. D1092.) N. A. Indian: *Thompson Tales 315 n. 145a. |
| D1526.2 | Magic ball flight. Man throws ball and is carried along with it. (Cf. D1256.) N. A. Indian: *Thompson Tales 315 n. 145b. |
| D1526.3 | Magic pistol forces one to run behind the ball. (Cf. D1096.2.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "pistolet". |
| D1531 | Magic object gives power of flying. |
| D1531.1 | Mustard seeds give power of flying. (Cf. D971.1.) Penzer II 63f. |
| D1531.2 | Magic pill gives power of flying. (Cf. D1243.) Chinese: Werner 185. |
| D1531.3 | Magic sword gives power of flying. (Cf. D1081.) *Penzer IV 235f. |
| D1531.4 | Magic stone under tongue gives power of flying. (Cf. D931.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1531.5 | Witch flies with aid of magic cap or hood. Scotland, U.S.: *Baughman. |
| D1531.6 | Witch flies with aid of magic stick. (Cf. D956.) England: Baughman. |
| D1531.7 | Witch flies with aid of magic juice. (Cf. D981.0.1.) U.S.: Baughman. |
| D1531.8 | Witch flies with aid of word charm. (Cf. D1273.) England, Scotland, U.S.: *Baughman. |
| D1531.9 | Magic flying by means of magic fiddle. (Cf. D1233.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1531.10 | Palmetto leaves give power of flying. (Cf. D955.) Marquesas: Handy 53. |
| D1531.11 | Gem gives power of flying. (Cf. D951.) Buddhist myth: Malalasekera I 1056. |
| D1532 | Magic object bears person aloft. |
| D1532.1 | Magic flying skin. (Cf. D1025.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1532.1.1 | Magic mouse-skin bears person aloft. (Cf. B183.1.1, D1025.3.) Africa (Zulu): Callaway 98. |
| D1532.2 | Magic breeches bear person aloft. (Cf. D1055.) *Fb "bukser". IV 77b. |
| D1532.3 | Magic shoes bear person aloft. (Cf. D1065.2.) Penzer I 24 n. 1, III 56; Fb "sko" III 288a; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1532.3.1 | Special shoes enable hero to climb a stone pillar. Chinese: Graham. |
| D1532.4 | Magic sandals bear person aloft. (Cf. D1065.5.) Greek: *Frazer Apollodorus I 153 n. 3. |
| D1532.5 | Magic chariot bears person aloft. (Cf. D1114.) Jones PMLA XXIII 574.—Greek: *Frazer Apollodorus I 38 n. 2, Fox 115, 213; Irish: Plummer xxvii, *Cross; Jewish: Neuman; India: *Thompson-Balys, Penzer VI 21f., 201ff. |
| D1532.6 | Magic robe bears person aloft. (Cf. D1052.) Pauli (ed. Bolte). No. 668. |
| D1532.7 | Magic tree bears person through air. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1532.8 | Magic head-dress bears person aloft. (Cf. D1067.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1532.9 | Magic leaf bears person aloft. (Cf. D955.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1532.10 | Magic fan bears person aloft. Chinese: Graham. |
| D1532.11 | Magic journey in flying boat. (Cf. D1123.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1532.12 | Magic sword carries person through air. (Cf. D1081.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1532.13 | Magic brick bears person to moon. (Cf. D935.4.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 221. |
| D1533 | Magic amphibian vehicle. |
| D1533.1 | Magic land and water vehicle. |
| D1533.1.1 | Magic land and water ship. (Cf. D1123.) *Type 513B; *BP II 79ff., III 272; *Fb "skib" III 242b; *Cosquin Contes indiens 452ff.; *Brown Iwain 112; Köhler-Bolte I 134, 192f.—Irish myth: *Cross; Norse: MacCulloch Eddic 108—09; Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "bateau". |
| D1533.1.2 | Magic land and water chariot. (Cf. D1114.) Fb "guldkaret". —Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1533.2 | Vehicle travels above and below ground. |
| D1533.2.1 | Box which travels above or below ground. (Cf. D1174.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "coffre". |
| D1539 | Miscellaneous forms of magic transportation. |
| D1539.1 | Magic elevator. Stone on which one steps carries one underground. (Cf. D931.) German: Grimm No. 163. |
| D1539.2 | Magic belt carries tree away. (Cf. D1057.) *Fb "træ" III 868a. |
| D1539.3 | Magic staves enable man to gain precipitous height. (Cf. D1254.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1540 | Magic object controls the elements. Chinese: Graham. |
| D1540.1 | Magic bag controls storm, mist, darkness, etc. (Cf. D1193.) Icelandic: *Boberg. |
| D1540.2 | Magic white, red and yellow stone causes hail, sunshine or fire, according to which side is scratched. (Cf. D931.) Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1540.3 | Magic stone controls water. (Cf. D931.) Jewish: Neuman. |
| D1541 | Magic object controls storms. Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1541.0.1 | Charms control storms. (Cf. D1273.) Kittredge Witchcraft 32, 388 n. 94. |
| D1541.0.2 | Magic song controls storm. (Cf. D1275.) Icelandic: *Boberg. |
| D1541.1 | Magic object raises storm. |
| D1541.1.1 | Magic spittle causes storm. (Cf. D1001.) Africa (Zulu): Callaway 228. |
| D1541.1.2 | Magic song causes storm. (Cf. D1275.) Africa (Kaffir): Theal 83. |
| D1541.1.3 | Magic fountain causes storm (rain). (Cf. D925, D926, D2143.1.) *Hamilton Romanic Review II 355ff., V 213ff.; *Brown Iwain 13ff., *126f.; Hdwb. d. Abergl. III 1307; Holmberg Die Wassergottheiten 181ff.—Irish myth: *Cross; Icelandic: *Boberg; English: Wells 65; French: Chretien de Troyes Iwain (ed. Foerster) lines 380ff. |
| D1541.1.4 | Shirt laid upon altar raises storm. (Cf. D1056.) Hawaii: Beckwith Myth 531. |
| D1541.1.5 | Tempest box raises storm. (Cf. D1174.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1541.1.6 | Magic writings raise storm. (Cf. D1266.1.) Korean: Zong in-Sob 170. |
| D1541.1.7 | Magic calabash holding bones raises storm. (Cf. D965.2) Hawaii: Beckwith Myth 449. |
| D1541.1.8 | Singing magic hymn raises storm. (Cf. D1275.3) Korean: Zong in-Sob 66. |
| D1541.2 | Magic object draws storm away. |
| D1541.2.1 | Magic pestle draws storm away. (Cf. D1254.3.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 221. |
| D1541.2.2 | Magic pearl draws storm away. (Cf. D1071.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 221. |
| D1542 | Magic object controls rain. (Cf. D1541.4.) Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1542.1 | Magic object produces rain. |
| D1542.1.1 | Magic stone produces rain. (Cf. D931, D1541.4.) Irish: Plummer clvii, Cross. |
| D1542.1.2 | Magic spittle controls rain. Makes rain on everyone but possessor of spittle himself. (Cf. D1001.) Africa (Zulu): Callaway 228. |
| D1542.1.3 | Magic hat brings flood. (Cf. D1067.1.) N. A. Indian (Haida): Alexander N. Am. 261. |
| D1542.1.4 | Magic fan produces rain. Must be waved three times. (Cf. D1077.) Chinese: Werner 359, 362. |
| D1542.1.5 | Magic song brings rain. (Cf. D1275.) Chinese: Graham. |
| D1542.1.6 | Oil poured in left ear of black dog brings rain. (Cf. D1242.2.) Jijena Sanchez 134. |
| D1542.1.7 | Blood and liver of black dog sacrificed to bring rain. (Cf. D1016., D1015.4.) Jijena Sanchez 134. |
| D1542.2 | Magic object causes drought. |
| D1542.2.1 | Sacred weapon thrown into sky causes drought. (Cf. D1080.) Buddhist myth: Malalasekera I 293. |
| D1542.3 | Magic object causes streams to dry up. |
| D1542.3.1 | Magic medicine causes streams to dry up. (Cf. D1241.) Africa (Ekoi): Talbot 115. |
| D1542.3.2 | Reading book causes river to dry up. (Cf. D1266.) Chinese: Graham. |
| D1542.3.3 | Branch which dries up water in great river so person can cross. (Cf. D954.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1542.3.4 | Magic spell dries up lake. (Cf. D1273.) Irish myth: Cross (D1549.9). |
| D1542.3.5 | Not a drop of water will remain in tank no matter how hard laborers work. (Cf. D921.2.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1542.4 | Magic wand keeps outdoor sleeping place dry. (Cf. D1254.1.) South Africa: Bourhill and Drake 237ff. No. 20. |
| D1543 | Magic object controls wind. |
| D1543.1 | Fountain insures favorable wind when drained. (Cf. D925.) Irish: Plummer cli, Cross. |
| D1543.2 | Magic stone causes favorable wind. (Cf. D931.) Irish: Plummer clvii, Cross. |
| D1543.3 | Magic fan produces wind. (Cf. D1077.) Chinese: Werner 359, 362. |
| D1543.4 | Magic sword produces wind. (Cf. D1081.) Chinese: Werner 121. |
| D1543.5 | Magic medicine produces wind. (Cf. D1241.) Africa (Ekoi): Talbot 344. |
| D1543.6 | Wind carried in mantle. (Cf. D1053.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1543.7 | Magic calabash (gourd) controls winds. (Cf. D965.2.) Hawaii: Beckwith Myth 86, 405. |
| D1544 | Magic object controls earthquakes. |
| D1544.1 | Magic spell controls earthquake. (Cf. D1273.) Penzer VI 29. |
| D1545 | Magic object controls sea. |
| D1545.0.1 | Magic runes control sea. (Cf. D1266.2.) Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1545.1 | Magic object controls tides. |
| D1545.1.1 | Magic jewel controls tides. (Cf. D1071.) Japanese: Anesaki 305. |
| D1546 | Magic object controls heavenly bodies. Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1546.1 | Magic object controls sun. |
| D1546.1.1 | Hat which turns the sun. (Cf. D1067.1.) Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "chapeau".—Danish: Boberg. |
| D1546.1.2 | Magic spell controls sun. (Cf. D1273.) Irish myth: *Cross (D1546.2). |
| D1546.1.2.1 | Magic spell darkens sun. Irish myth: *Cross (D1546.2.1). |
| D1546.1.3 | Magic umbrella makes sun stand still. (Cf. D1194.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 237. |
| D1547 | Magic object reverses gravitation. |
| D1547.1 | Magic root floats against the current. (Cf. D967.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1547.2 | Magic flower thrown into lake causes waters to follow in the footsteps of the one who throws it in. (Cf. D975.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1547.3 | Magic object lifts heavy object from river bottom. Jewish: Neuman. |
| D1548 | Magic object controls weather. |
| D1548.0.1 | Amulet has control over weather. (Cf. D1070.) Eskimo (Greenland): Rink 459. Rasmussen II 175. |
| D1548.1 | Magic object assures good weather. |
| D1548.1.1 | Magic stalk assures good weather. (Cf. D977.) Eskimo (Greenland): Rink 429. |
| D1549 | Magic object controls elements: miscellaneous. |
| D1549.1 | Magic arrow shakes heavens. (Cf. D1092.) Chinese: Werner 312. |
| D1549.2 | Saint's girdle causes tree to fall in right direction. (Cf. D1057.1.) Irish: Plummer clxxxi, Cross. |
| D1549.3 | Magic object controls river (lake). Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1549.3.1 | Saint's bachall drives back flooding river. (Cf. D1277.) Irish: Plummer clxxv, Cross. |
| D1549.3.2 | Saint's bachall leads stream through mountain (or up hill.) (Cf. D1277.) Irish: Plummer clxxv, *Cross. |
| D1549.3.3 | Magic trousers make river boil. (Cf. D1055.) Chinese: Werner 307. |
| D1549.3.4 | Magic gem causes river waters to recede. (Cf. D1071, D1551.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1549.3.5 | Fish bone holds back water in river. (Cf. D1013.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1549.3.6 | Ring of hay thrown into empty lake fills it up with water. (Cf. D1276.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1549.3.7 | Written charm causes river to flow quietly. (Cf. D1266.1.) Korean: Zong in-Sob 57. |
| D1549.3.8 | Spear stuck in river bed stops water. (Cf. D1084.) S. A. Indian (Mataco): Métraux MAFLS XL 132. |
| D1549.4 | Saint's bachall brings down mountain on heads of enemies. (Cf. D1277.) Irish: Plummer clxxv, *Cross. |
| D1549.5 | Magic staff draws water from stone. (Cf. D925.1, D1254, D1567.6.) Spanish Exempla: Keller; Jewish: bin Gorion Born Judas III 19, *Neuman: India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1549.5.1 | Rock beaten by sword provides water. (Cf. D930.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 114. |
| D1549.6 | Saint's veil quells volcano. (Cf. D1061.) Acta Sanctorum February I 635. |
| D1549.7 | Murdered man's head will cause earth to burn up or sea to boil: must be carried about. (Cf. D1278.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1549.8 | Magic song drives back flooding sea. (Cf. D1275.) Irish myth: Cross. |
| D1549.9 | Magic rod causes all waters to turn to blood. (Cf. D1254.2.) Jewish: Neuman. |
| D1549.10 | Waves answer roar of magic shield. (Cf. D1101.1, D1610.24.) Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1549.11 | Magic beads break ice jam. (Cf. D1071.1.) Eskimo (Greenland): Rink 150. |
| D1550 | Magic object miraculously opens and closes. |
| D1551 | Waters magically divide and close. *Frazer Old Testament II 456ff.; Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "rivière"; Irish: Plummer cxlviii, Cross; Icelandic: Boberg; England: Baughman; Spanish Exempla: Keller; India: *Thompson-Balys; N. A. Indian: *Thompson Tales 276 n. 15b; Africa (Zulu): Callaway 82, 93; (Hottentot): Bleek 75 No. 36. |
| D1551.0.1 | Water becomes shallow so man is able to cross the river. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1551.1 | Magic salt causes waters to divide. (Cf. D1039.2.) Cape Verde Islands: Parsons MAFLS XV (1) 282 No. 92. |
| D1551.2 | Magic rod causes waters to divide and close. (Cf. D1254.2.) Spanish Exempla: Keller; Jewish: Neuman; Africa (Kaffir): Theal 129. |
| D1551.3 | Magic root causes waters to divide and close. (Cf. D967.) Ila (Rhodesia): Smith and Dale II 416. |
| D1551.4 | Magic powder causes waters to divide. (Cf. D1246.) Cape Verde Islands: Parsons MAFLS XV (1) 214 No. 73. |
| D1551.5 | Saint's bachall causes sea to divide. (Cf. D1277.) Irish: Plummer clxxv, Cross. |
| D1551.6 | Magic stick causes waters to divide. (Cf. D956.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1551.7 | Magic diamond on ogre's waist opens passage in tank by its reflection on water. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1551.7.1 | Diamond in snake king's forehead in hero's pocket opens lake waters to reveal a pathway to underground palace. (Cf. D1071.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1551.8 | Magic brick causes waters to divide. (Cf. D935.4.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1551.9 | Magic formula causes sea to open up. (Cf. D1273.) Korean: Zong in-Sob 26, 170. |
| D1552 | Mountains or rocks open and close. (Cf. D931, D932.) *Cox Cinderella 499; Fb "rundt" III 96b; India: Thompson-Balys; Buddhist myth: Malalasekera I 319; Calif. Indian: Gayton and Newman 73; Eskimo (Greenland): Rink 156, 278, 299, Holm 52, Rasmussen III 53; (Central Eskimo): Boas RBAE VI 798, (Cumberland Sound): Boas BAM XV 180, 232. |
| D1552.0.1 | Door opens in mountain. (Cf. D932.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1552.1 | Mountain opens at blow of divining rod. (Cf. D1254.2.) Fb "pilegren". |
| D1552.2 | Mountain opens to magic formula (Open Sesame). (Cf. D1273.) *Type 676; BP III 137.—Jewish: Neuman; Gaster Oldest Stories 132; Icelandic: Boberg; Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 108, 226; Tahiti: Dixon 63; New Zealand, Samoa, Mongaia (Cook Group), Tahiti, British New Guinea, Halmahera: ibid., 48 nn. 37—41; Am. Negro (Georgia): Harris Friends 81 No. 11; Africa (Zulu): Callaway 143. |
| D1552.3 | Mountain pass magically closes. South Africa: Bourhill and Drake 237ff. No. 20. |
| D1552.4 | Mountain opens and lets ship on wheels out, permitting magician's escape. Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1552.5 | Cave opens and hides fugitives. *Loomis White Magic 89, 119. |
| D1552.6 | Gate or wall opens and closes, letting saint through. (Cf. D1554.) *Loomis White Magic 89. |
| D1552.7 | Mountain opens and furnishes stones for church. Icelandic: *Boberg. |
| D1552.8 | Hill opens and closes to let fugitives pass. (Cf. D938.1.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1552.9 | When enchanted deer touches rock with her muzzle it flies asunder and reveals entrance to cave. (Cf. D1011.5.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1552.10 | Magic soot causes mountain to open. (Cf. D931.1.) Africa (Washaga): Gutman 137. |
| D1552.11 | Magic stone opens treasure mountain. (Cf. D930.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 221. |
| D1552.12 | Magic key opens treasure mountain. (Cf. D1176.) Chinese: Eberhard FFC CXX 221; Icelandic: Boberg. |
| D1553 | Symplegades. Rocks that clash together at intervals. (Cf. D931.) *Reinhard PMLA XXXVIII 458 n. 108; *Krappe Balor 111 n. 11a; Köhler-Bolte I 572.—Greek: Fox 111, 137; *Frazer Apollodorus I 106 n. 2; Euripides Iphegenia in Taurica lines 123ff.; Herodotus 4:85; Janet Bacon Voyage of the Argonauts 79f.; India: Thompson-Balys; N. A. Indian: *Thompson Tales 275 n. 15, (Calif.): Gayton and Newman 102; S. A. Indian (Tupinamba): Métraux BBAE CXLIII (3) 132. Maori: Clark 36ff. |
| D1554 | Magic forest opens and closes for hero to pass. (Cf. D941.) Saintyves Perrault 65. |
| D1554.1 | Woods opens and hides fugitive. (Cf. D941.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1555 | Underground passage magically opens. Chinese: Graham. |
| D1555.1 | Magic wand opens underground passage. (Cf. D1254.1.) *Bolte Reise der Söhne Giaffers 221; MacCulloch Childhood 207. |
| D1555.2 | Magic powder causes earth to open up. India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1555.3 | Magic formula causes silver to hide itself in mountain. (Cf. D1273.) Chinese: Graham. |
| D1555.4 | Fairy music causes earth to open (burst). (Cf. D1275.1, F262.) Irish myth: Cross (D1558). |
| D1556 | Self-opening tree-trunk. (Cf. D950.) Jewish: Neuman; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1556.1 | Magic formula causes tree to open. (Cf. D1273.) *Hdwb. d. Märchens s.v. "Baum"; BP III 139f. |
| D1556.2 | Tree opens its trunk to give shelter to abandoned girls. (Cf. D950.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1557 | Magic charm causes door to open. (Cf. D1273.) India: *Thompson-Balys; Africa (Venda): Stayt The Bavenda (London, 1931) 351ff. No. 16, (Nubia): Rochemonteix Quelques Contes Nubiens (Cairo, 1888) 112ff. No. 11, (Fang): Trilles XVI 212ff. No. 14, (Gouro): Tauxier Nègres Gouro et Gagou (Paris, 1924) 277f. No. 12, (Mossi): Frobenius Atlantis VIII 239ff. No. 103. |
| D1557.1 | Door (lock) magically opens (for saint). (Cf. D1146, D1164.) Irish myth: *Cross. |
| D1557.2 | Magic herb causes door to open. (Cf. D965.) Cheremis: Sebeok-Nyerges; India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1557.2.1 | Magic rod causes door to open. (Cf. D1254.2.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1557.3 | Magic diamond provides ingress to subterranean palace. (Cf. D1071.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1557.4 | Gate of temple opens and shuts by magic. (Cf. D1131.) Jewish: Neuman. |
| D1560 | Magic object performs other services for owner. |
| D1561 | Magic object confers miraculous powers (luck). |
| D1561.1 | Magic object brings luck. |
| D1561.1.1 | Magic bird-heart (when eaten) brings man to kingship. (Cf. D1015.1.1, B113.1.) *Type 567; BP I 528, III 3; *Aarne MSFO XXV 176; Breton: Sébillot Incidents s.v. "oiseau". |
| D1561.1.1.1 | Bird (when eaten) brings man to kingship. (Cf. D932.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1561.1.1.2 | Magic fish (when eaten) brings man to kingship. (Cf. D1032.1.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1561.1.1.3 | Snake's head (when eaten) brings man to kingship. (Cf. D1011.0.3.) India: Thompson-Balys. |
| D1561.1.2 | Magic ring brings good luck. (Cf. D1076.) *Fb "ring" III 60b. |
| D1561.1.3 | Horseshoe brings good luck. (Cf. D1286.) *Howey 102ff.; **Means-Lawrence Magic of the Horseshoe; *Fb "hestesko" I 603b.—England: Baughman. |
| D1561.1.4 | Magic medicine brings success. (Cf. D1241.) Africa (Ekoi): Talbot 359. |
If you wish to get access to data for projects and research, then please contact us, we do our best to help
How to cite: Fielder-White, Jonathan (2026). The Folklore Database. https://folkloredatabase.com
0009-0006-1672-4451
Please cite the relevant sources, catalogues, and classification systems, including the Folklore Database, Berezkin-Duvakin Catalogue, ATU, Thompson, alongside the page accessed and the last time accessed. Please respect copyright and licenses.
Editorial annotations and database enhancements © Jonathan Fielder-White licensed under CC BY 4.0. Berezkin-Duvakin derived narrative and metadata licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Full rights information can be found here.
All rights are reserved in the database structure, selection, arrangement, metadata, classifications, software, interface design, and original editorial content.
Important: The Folklore Database expressly reserves all rights in relation to text and data mining, automated extraction, scraping, machine learning, dataset creation, and the training, development, validation, or improvement of artificial intelligence technologies or systems. No part of this website or database may be scraped, copied, reproduced, harvested, downloaded in bulk, or otherwise used for AI training or commercial data extraction without prior written permission.
Designed and Developed by Jonathan Fielder-White.
© 2024–2026 Crecganford / Jonathan Fielder-White. All rights reserved.