Beschrijving
The youngest of three brothers crosses into the other world and sees extraordinary things which are later explained.
I. The Quest. Three brothers one after the other set out to search for their lost sister. (b) On the way they are appointed to herd seven foals (oxen) and at the end of the day they are to bring back a sample of the animals' food; or (c) the three brothers go on some other quest.
II. Successful youngest Brother. (a) The elder brothers are lured away by a bird; (b) they are persuaded by an old woman to rest; (c) they turn aside from a certain bridge which they should have crossed and they are transformed to stone. (d) The youngest brother follows instructions and passes across the bridge.
III. Across the Bridge. (a) The youngest leads into another world where extraordinary things happen: (b) animals pass in and out of a church and become human beings; (c) stones strike on each other; (d) wild bears fight; (e) he sees fat and lean kine; (f) and other strange sights.
IV. The Return Home. (a) He takes bread and wine from the altar in the church. (b) The animals follow him back and he cuts off their heads and disenchants them. (c) A (religious) explanation of all he has seen is given. (d) His brothers are disenchanted.
Motief
H1385.6
H1251
N744
C730
D231
H1242
F152
E481.2.1
F171
R155.1
D711
F171.0.1
Commentaar
I. H1385.6. Quest for lost sister. H1251. Quest to other world for samples of magic animals' food.
II. N744. Adventures from pursuing enchanted bird. C730. Tabu: resting. D231. Transformation: man to stone. H1242. Youngest brother alone succeeds on quest.
III. F152. Bridge to otherworld. E481.2.1. Bridge to land of dead. F171. Extraordinary sights in otherworld.
IV. R155.1. Youngest brother rescues his elder brothers. D711. Disenchantment by decapitation. F171.0.1. Enigmatic happenings in otherworld, which are later explained.
II. N744. Adventures from pursuing enchanted bird. C730. Tabu: resting. D231. Transformation: man to stone. H1242. Youngest brother alone succeeds on quest.
III. F152. Bridge to otherworld. E481.2.1. Bridge to land of dead. F171. Extraordinary sights in otherworld.
IV. R155.1. Youngest brother rescues his elder brothers. D711. Disenchantment by decapitation. F171.0.1. Enigmatic happenings in otherworld, which are later explained.
Subgenre
sprookje
Literatuur
*Chauvin VIII 160 No. 168
Cosquin Romania V 333, VII 571, IX 381
Köhler-Bolte I 52, 132, notes to Gonzenbach No. 88, Zs. f. Vksk. VI 173
XVI 460
H. Oertel Studien zur vergleichenden Litteraturgeschichte VIII 113
Coffin 1. - Literary Treatment: Chavannes No. 498.