Beschrijving
The Sharing of Bread or Money (previously Four Coins). A farmer (craftsman) responds to the king’s question, why he is working so hard or how he would use his salary (four coins, bread), by giving enigmatic answers: The first I eat (feed myself), the second I put out at interest (give to my children so that they can care for me when I am old), with the third I pay debts (keep my parents) and the fourth I throw away (give to my wife) [H585.1]. The king asks his ministers to interpret the farmer’s answers for him. When they ask the farmer, he demands a reward for each response.
In a medieval version, a smith named Focus, who worked on a feast day despite the emperor’s prohibition, is betrayed by a statue constructed by the magician Virgil. He defends himself by stating that he needs to earn eight coins daily. Two of the coins he has to repay (to his father), two he has to lend (to his son), two are lost (to be given to his wife) and two are to be spent (for himself).
In a medieval version, a smith named Focus, who worked on a feast day despite the emperor’s prohibition, is betrayed by a statue constructed by the magician Virgil. He defends himself by stating that he needs to earn eight coins daily. Two of the coins he has to repay (to his father), two he has to lend (to his son), two are lost (to be given to his wife) and two are to be spent (for himself).
Motief
H585.1
Commentaar
Documented in the Middle Ages, e.g. Gesta Romanorum (No. 57).
Combinaties
920, 921F*, and 922B.
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
921A
Subgenre
sprookje