Beschrijving
Woman with Three Hundred and Sixty-five Children. A childless noblewoman accuses a poor mother of twins (triplets) of adultery [T587.1], whereupon the woman curses her to bear as many children as there are days (months) in a year [T586.1].
In the absence of her husband she gives birth to seven (nine, twelve, thirteen, or more) children (sons) [T586.1]. Being ashamed she orders her servant to drown all except one. The servant meets the father on his return and pretends to be carrying puppies in the basket. The father secretly educates the children and finally presents them to his wife and some guests. Guests and sons pray for mercy for the mother. From this time children of multiple birth have been called Guelfs (Dogs, Trazegnies, Porcelets, etc.) [L435.2.1]. Cf. Types 755, 765.
In the absence of her husband she gives birth to seven (nine, twelve, thirteen, or more) children (sons) [T586.1]. Being ashamed she orders her servant to drown all except one. The servant meets the father on his return and pretends to be carrying puppies in the basket. The father secretly educates the children and finally presents them to his wife and some guests. Guests and sons pray for mercy for the mother. From this time children of multiple birth have been called Guelfs (Dogs, Trazegnies, Porcelets, etc.) [L435.2.1]. Cf. Types 755, 765.
Motief
T587.1
T586.1
T586.1
L435.2.1
Commentaar
Early version in the 8th century by Paulus Diaconus, Historia Langobardorum (I,15) referring to Pliny, Naturalis historia (VII,3).
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
762
Subgenre
sprookje