The Mythology and Folklore Database
B77B1 - The sky was struck with a pestle.
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Source Data from Berezkin's Analytics Catalogue, if using this data please acknowledge and link to it here:
Ю.Е. Березкин, Е.Н. Дувакин. Тематическая классификация и распределение фольклорно-мифологических мотивов по ареалам. Аналитический каталог.
Summary of Motif
The sky receded and/or the connection between humans and the deity ceased after the sky or the heavenly deity was touched or struck during work with a pestle used to pound in a mortar or with a spoon used to stir porridge (Ewe, Nubians, Nyiman).Berezkin category: The Origins of the Characteristics of the environment
This is of motif type Cosmology and etiology and is part group 3, Cosmogony, the earth and the sky, etiology of the elements, natural and biological phenomena (fire, water, soil, thunderstorms, dream, etc.), cataclysms and cosmic threats, spirits of nature
B77 has 6 other sub-motifsB77. The sky was close to the ground, then rose. B77a. One or more anthropomorphic characters push the sky away from the earth. See motif B77. B77b. The sky moved away and/or the connection between people and the deity ceased after the sky or the heavenly deity was touched or struck with a long object (a pestle, a broom, etc.) during work. Cf. motifs B77b1 and B77b2. B77b1. The sky receded and/or the connection between humans and the deity ceased after the sky or the heavenly deity was touched or struck during work with a pestle used to pound in a mortar or with a spoon used to stir porridge (Ewe, Nubians, Nyiman). B77b2. The sky moved away and/or the connection between people and the deity ceased after the sky or the heavenly deity was touched or struck with a broom. B77b3. In the past, either in a distant country, the sky was or is so low that various objects are placed on it as needed. B77c. A snake-like creature pushes the sky away from the earth. See motif B77. Click here if would you like to see a distrbution map combining all of B77's motifs? |
Top 10 Motifs with similar dispersal patterns
| Motif | Similarity | Motif Summary |
|---|---|---|
| I119 | 97.45% | Earthquakes are caused by inhabitants of the underworld; during earthquakes, they try to get to the surface of the earth to check whether people are still alive. |
| M105A | 97.31% | A character hides his children, but tells another that he has killed them. The other believes him and kills his own children. See motif M104. |
| B77B | 97.10% | The sky moved away and/or the connection between people and the deity ceased after the sky or the heavenly deity was touched or struck with a long object (a pestle, a broom, etc.) during work. Cf. motifs B77b1 and B77b2. |
| I41C | 94.97% | Rainbow or Milky Way – reflection of a snake (fish) on land or in the sea. |
| A36 | 94.28% | The moon (month) is contrasted with humans as immortal to mortals; it decides whether humans will be mortal; those who live on the moon are immortal. (Cf. Latvians, Dolgans). |
| L106 | 93.77% | A person takes an object belonging to another and loses it; the owner demands that the object be returned; the hero goes after it (to another world), usually finds it and brings back what was lost. See motifs K56a3 and L105. |
| B3 | 93.76% | At first, the earth is soft, resembling a swamp. |
| H34G | 93.17% | One grain was enough to prepare a meal. |
| B86 | 92.99% | To reach the sky (the moon, stars, sun), people build a ladder or tower consisting of separate modules (logs, poles, bricks, etc.), but the structure collapses. |
| E5C | 92.51% | The first humans or deities-ancestors descend to earth from the sky. |
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Map of Motif Dispersal
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This motif has been recorded in 15 traditions: Dinka, Atuot, Nuer, Nyimang (incl Ama), Somali, Hausa, Igbo (Ibo); Isoko, Urhobo, Akan, Ashanti, Akwapim; Ga (Accra), Kra, Twi (Chwi, Chi), Malay; Temuan (incl Mantra or Mentra), Jakun (Moken), Northern Luzon: Apayao, Bontoc, Nabaloi (Ibaloi), Ifugao, Igorot (highland people, not specified), Ilocan, Ilongot, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankanay, Tingian (Tinggian, Bilongan Itneg); Ibanag, Kasiguran Agta, Keley-i Kallahan, Negrito (incl. Mamanwa), Mindanao and Sulu: Blaan (Bilaan), Bagobo, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Hiligáynon, Binukid, Magindaan (=Magindanao: main Muslim population), Mandaya, Mansaka, Manobo (Agusan, Ata, Dibabawon, Sarangani, Ilianen), Maranao, Samal, Subanon (=Subanun), Subanen, Tboli, Garo (Atchik), Kachari (Bodo, incl. Lalung), Dimasa, Tripuri, Riang (of Tripura), Khami, Riga, Mori, Miao (Hmong) and Yao of Southern China, Kpelle (incl Kono), Dhimal, Philippines