Beschrijving
The Pretended Inheritance (previously Supposed Chest of Gold Induces Children to Care for Aged Father). Trusting to his children’s care when he is old, a rich man leaves all his property to them. They soon forget their intentions and neglect their father.
Thereupon the old man plans a ruse: He starts counting money conspicuously and points to a chest giving the advice that it contains another considerable inheritance. Thereupon the children change their behavior and look after their father carefully. When the father finally dies they find only sand and stones in the chest.
In some variants they find a mace with the advice that it should be used to kill anyone stupid enough to give away his inheritance before his death [P236.2, Q281.1].
Thereupon the old man plans a ruse: He starts counting money conspicuously and points to a chest giving the advice that it contains another considerable inheritance. Thereupon the children change their behavior and look after their father carefully. When the father finally dies they find only sand and stones in the chest.
In some variants they find a mace with the advice that it should be used to kill anyone stupid enough to give away his inheritance before his death [P236.2, Q281.1].
Motief
P236.2
Q281.1
Commentaar
Documented in the Middle Ages, e.g. Petrus Alfonsus, Disciplina clericalis (No. 36).
Combinaties
1381E.
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
982
Subgenre
sprookje