Beschrijving
Gregory on the Stone. The son of an incestuous union [T415] is abandoned [S312.1]. His mother adds ivory tablets that describe the circumstances of his birth. The boy is saved [R131.14], baptized by the abbot Gregorius who gives him his own name, and grows up in the monastery. At the age of 15, the child Gregorius learns about his mysterious origins and leaves in order to find his real parents.
Unwittingly Gregorius reaches his native country where his unmarried mother rules. When he saves her from a neighboring ruler’s unwelcome advances, she agrees to marry Gregorius.
He has no idea that she is his mother. When she finds the tablets with the history of his origins she discloses her identity.
In order to expiate the unwitting incest, she lives a pious life. Gregorius undertakes a pilgrimage as penance. At his request a fisherman fetters his ankles with chains to a rock in the sea [Q541.3] and throws the key into the water [Q544].
Seventeen years later Gregorius is chosen by an angel as successor of the deceased pope. Messengers from Rome look for Gregorius and arrive at the fisherman’s hut. In a fish prepared for the guests, the key for his chains is found (cf. Type 736).
Gregorius is elected pope, and when he enters Rome healing miracles take place. His mother makes a pilgrimage to Rome in order to confess her sins to the pope. They recognize each other [H151.3]. She enters a convent. After their death both gain spiritual salvation (Gregorius is worshiped as saint).
Unwittingly Gregorius reaches his native country where his unmarried mother rules. When he saves her from a neighboring ruler’s unwelcome advances, she agrees to marry Gregorius.
He has no idea that she is his mother. When she finds the tablets with the history of his origins she discloses her identity.
In order to expiate the unwitting incest, she lives a pious life. Gregorius undertakes a pilgrimage as penance. At his request a fisherman fetters his ankles with chains to a rock in the sea [Q541.3] and throws the key into the water [Q544].
Seventeen years later Gregorius is chosen by an angel as successor of the deceased pope. Messengers from Rome look for Gregorius and arrive at the fisherman’s hut. In a fish prepared for the guests, the key for his chains is found (cf. Type 736).
Gregorius is elected pope, and when he enters Rome healing miracles take place. His mother makes a pilgrimage to Rome in order to confess her sins to the pope. They recognize each other [H151.3]. She enters a convent. After their death both gain spiritual salvation (Gregorius is worshiped as saint).
Motief
T415
S312.1
R131.14
Q541.3
Q544
H151.3
Commentaar
Documented in the Middle Ages, e.g. Gesta Romanorum (No. 81).
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
933
Subgenre
sprookje