Konrad von Würzburg, Trojanerkrieg (1281/87)
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Romances of Antiquity
Konrad von Würzburg, Trojanerkrieg (1281/87)
Bartsch, K. (ed.): Konrad von Würzburg, Trojanerkrieg. (=StLV 133) Stuttgart 1877.
KvWTK-1:
Prologue: The author deplores the actual lack of esteem for poetry. He compares true poetry to the phoenix, which is unique due to the fact that he is reborn by burning to ashes. Poetry is the highest of arts: the poet’s inspiration comes from God; unlike any other art it cannot be learnt; a poet does not need instruments other than his tongue and wits. Nevertheless poets are denied respect: young people are acting like the bat mislead by light from rotten wood just as the unwise mistake evil for good. Due to his vocation to literature the author will not give up poetry, he is like the nightingale which sings for her own joy even if nobody pays attention. He compares his work to an endless deep stream which receives many rivers, because it includes many stories. Dietrich von Basel an dem Orte has told him, Cuonrat von Wirzeburc, to translate the old book about Troy from French into German language. Dares, a knight who fought before Troy, first has told the story in Greek; it has then been translated into French and Latin. The story’s protagonist is Helena (Helene), whose beauty and love killed many heroes.
Motif References:
KvWTK-325:
Priamus has all royal virtues; he is honorable, munificent, valiant and lucky, rich and powerful. Hecuba, his wife, becomes pregnant and will give birth to a virtuous child. She has a prophetic dream: a burning torch shines from her heart which brings about the conflagration of Troy and the entire kingdom. Priamus is struck with grief when the queen tells him her dream.
Motif References:
P 10 Kings [King’s famous court] Z 100 Symbolism M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction M 356.3 Prophecy: unborn (new-born) child (girl) to bring evil upon land D 1812.3.3 Future revealed in dream D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical D 1812.5.1.2 Bad dream as evil omen
KvWTK-380:
Hecuba gives birth to a remarkably beautiful son and Priamus decides to have the baby killed to escape the fulfillment of the prophecy. There is great grief, the death of only one person however must be preferred to the destruction of the kingdom and the royal family. Priamus orders two servants to bring the child to a forest and kill him. But the Gods rescue the child: When the boy smiles on his murderers at his own reflection in their sword they have mercy on him and leave him in the forest well protected against wild beasts. They cut off the tongue of a young dog as proof of the murder and are richly rewarded by the king.
Motif References:
H 105.2 Tongue [liver] as proof that man [woman] has been murdered. S 143 Abandonment in forest S 301 Children abandoned (exposed) M 371.0.1 Abandonment in forest to avoid fulfillment of prophecy K 512.2 Compassionate executioner: substituted heart [liver].
KvWTK-520:
The hungry boy’s cries alarm a hind which nurses him three times a day. Then a shepherd finds the baby and takes him home to his wife. Because of his beauty the foundling is preferred to the herdsman’s new-born who is given to a nurse. When the foundling grows up he turns out to be very virtuous and just. Therefore the shepherds make him their bailiff and he is called Paris. His excellence and beauty prove his noble descent.
Motif References:
W 35 Justice H 41 Recognition of royalty [nobility] by personal characteristics or traits H 71 Marks of royalty L 111.2 Foundling hero R 131.3 Herdsman rescues abandoned child P 270.2 Peasant and his wife as foster parents of exposed king’s son P 271 Foster father P 273 Foster brother. P 275 Foster son S 351.2 Abandoned child reared by herdsman S 352 Animal aids abandoned child(ren) P 412 Shepherd B 535 Animal nurse- Animal nourishes abandoned child F 575.2 Handsome man T 611 Suckling of children F 611.2.1 Strong hero suckled by animal Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name
KvWTK-688:
One day when Paris is about to water his animals in a glen he meets a fairy (goddess), the beautiful Oenone (Egenoe): They fall in love with each other. Their love is kept secret. Oenone is very jealous, but Paris reassures her and cuts an inscription into a tree: The waters of the river will turn its current if the love of Paris and Oenone ever comes to an end.
Motif References:
M 119 Taking of vows and oaths – miscellaneous W 181 Jealousy A 188 Gods and goddesses in love with men T 257 Jealous husband or wife. F 302 Fairy mistress
KvWTK-804:
Iuppiter invites all Gods and Goddesses to a great feast on occasion of the marriage of his beautiful and virtuous sister Thetis, the goddess of all waters, to the Greek prince Peleus. Many Gods and Goddesses attend the feast. At that time Gods and Goddesses differed from human beings only by special talents: Some Gods had knowledge of herbs and stones which gave them great power and therefore they could do marvels, some were magicians and others ingenious and inventive masters of some other art. People worshipped and feared them and gave them offerings. In order to keep their tricks secret from the unwise the Gods lived apart from human beings in wild forests and glens. Iuppiter, who surpasses the others in magic knowledge, is their high God.
Motif References:
V 10 Religious sacrifice A 101 Supreme god A 110 The origin of the gods T 136.1 Wedding feast A 151.7 Deity [God] lives in the forest A 170 Deeds of the gods A 180 Gods in relation to mortals A 188 Gods and goddesses in love with men A 421.1 Sea-goddess A 451 Artisan-god P 634 Feasts F 660 Remarkable skill D 1711 Magician D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician K 1900 Impostures
KvWTK-944:
The author gives a catalogue of the Gods who have gathered for the festival and lists their attributes: Apollo and his pharmacy; Mars, the God of warfare, in his armor and accompanied by his warriors; Cupido, the God of love annoys the court by wounding people with his arrow; Mercurius, the messenger of the Gods, knows all languages and carries a box on his girdle with letters and stories; Bacchus, the God of wine, invented new wine and has brought many barrels with him. Hymen (Emineus), the God of marriage, has brought the sacred object on which bride and groom give their oath; Neptunus, the God of the waters and the sea, guides the ships across the ocean.
Motif References:
A 165.2 Messenger of the gods A 421 Sea-god A 433.3 God of the vine A 454 God of healing A 475 God of love A 475.0.2 Marriage-god A 475.0.1 Cupid with arrows of lead and gold A 485 God of war D 1815 Magic knowledge of strange tongues [language]
KvWTK-1008:
Then the author names the fairies and Goddesses present: The Orcades (Oreades), mountain goddesses, who look for roots and stones; Iuppiter’s wife Iuno, the high Goddess and Goddess of wealth, carries boxes of silver and gold with her; the Dryades, tree goddesses, carry blooming twigs with birds; Pallas, the Goddess of wisdom, carries many books with her; Ceres, the Goddess of fertility, has brought a pack-horse carrying sacks of corn. Venus, the Goddess of love, with a burning and smokeless torch in her hand; the Naiades (Najades), Goddesses of wells, with many fountains as their attribute; the Amadryades, Goddesses of flowers, who spread roses, viols and clover on the meadow, which Thetis waters by a stream flowing through the meadow; Diana, the Goddess of hunting, arrives with nets and ropes, stags, deer and wild boars.
Motif References:
A 427.1 Goddess of springs and wells A 431.1 Goddess of fertility A 434 Goddess (god) of flowers A 435 God [Goddess] of trees and forests A 452.1 Goddess of hunting A 461.1 Goddess of wisdom A 473 God [Goddess] of wealth A 475.1 Goddess of love A 495 Mountain-god [-goddess]
KvWTK-1092:
Priamus and two of his sons, Hector and Helenus (Elenus), and their sister Cassandra, who know nothing about Paris, attend the feast as well, which is celebrated on a beautiful meadow. All guests are dressed up and there is music to entertain them. Iuno, Pallas, Venus, the most beautiful goddesses, dressed up preciously and bearing crowns, are sitting in the shade. Many a god is longing for their love.
Motif References:
A 156.2 God’s crown P 634 Feasts
KvWTK-1244:
Iuppiter has neglected to invite the Goddess Discordia, who according to her name is a mischief-maker, and so she wants to take revenge for this offense. Rendered invisible by the jewel of her magic ring, she throws an apple among the three goddesses. This apple has a strange coloring being partly golden, partly silver, and shining in all colors. If one looks close the mixture of colors is clear, if one looks from far it appears golden and silvery. A green strip from emeralds is wound around it and an inscription of pearls playing in red, yellow and blue, which says that this apple should be given to the most beautiful woman. The inscription takes any language needed. Discordia leaves.
Motif References:
A 163 Contests among the gods F 361.1.1 Fairy takes revenge for not being invited to feast A 485.1 Goddess of war [dispute] F 813.1 Extraordinary apple F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter) D 981.1 Magic apple D 1076 Magic ring D 1266.1 Magic writings (gramerye, runes) D 1361.17 Magic ring renders invisible H 1596.1 Golden apple as prize in beauty contest. Judgment of Paris. D 1980 Magic invisibility K 2130 Trouble-makers
KvWTK-1510:
Iuno, Pallas and Venus claim the apple and start quarreling who should have it. Due to the apple’s magic inscription each of them thinks it should be her just prize. Finally they ask Iuppiter to decide the contest. Iuppiter being close to each of them does not want to annoy any of them (Iuno is his wife and sister, Pallas his daughter, Venus his sister) and so he sends for Paris known for his justice who should act as arbiter.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three A 163 Contests among the gods A 164.1 Brother-sister marriage of the gods A 168 Family of gods A 187.2 Mortal as umpire of quarrel between gods F 813.1 Extraordinary apple F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter) D 981.1 Magic apple D 1266.1 Magic writings (gramerye, runes) H 1596.1 Golden apple as prize in beauty contest. Judgment of Paris.
KvWTK-1648:
Paris appears in a shepherd’s clothes and carrying a club, he is very handsome. Iuppiter welcomes him and has him seated at his side. The court wonders about this high honor done to a herdsman. Iuppiter praises Paris as a just umpire – that is why he is called Paris – and asks him to decide the apple dispute of the goddesses. Paris lifts his hat, folds his arms and objects that he is of low birth and too unwise to decide a dispute of gods and that Iuppiter cannot be serious. But Iuppiter and the Goddesses insist. Paris asks them to stress their virtues. All are delighted at his wisdom and resplendent beauty.
Motif References:
W 35 Justice W 46 (Li) Modesty P 412 Shepherd F 575.2 Handsome man Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name J 1113 Clever boy [youth, knight]
KvWTK-1913:
Iuno stresses her wealth, power and beauty, her high rank as wife and sister of the highest of the Gods; she argues that wisdom without wealth is nothing, therefore the poor lack wisdom as well as honor. Pallas stresses her beauty and wisdom which is essential and guarantees honor and riches; an unwise man will lose his wealth, whereas wisdom can neither be stolen nor lost in any way. Then Venus claims the apple, saying love is more powerful than wealth or wisdom. Iuno and Pallas hold against her, but Venus insists and gives some examples of her power: Salomon, Davit, Adam and Samson. Their stories prove that love does not care for family or friendship.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three T 80 Tragic love A 163 Contests among the gods A 187.2 Mortal as umpire of quarrel between gods H 1596.1 Golden apple as prize in beauty contest. Judgment of Paris.
KvWTK-2230:
Iuno and Pallas accuse love of inconstancy, lacking regard for the worthy lovers in favor of the unworthy; there is no love without sorrow, love despises the poor and favors the rich. They give some examples of tragic love, like Blanscheflur and Riwalin, Isolt and Tristan, Piramus and Tisbe, Phyllis (who committed suicide by hanging) and her lover, which prove that love’s only prize is death.
Motif References:
T 0 Love T 81 Death from love
KvWTK-2333:
Venus changes color from anger and turns red, white and green: She replies that Fortuna cannot guarantee eternal happiness and that her wheel steadily turns round. Like gold is the result of the fusion of copper and lead, love combines sorrow and joy in order to intensify love’s happiness. If it might seem that love favors the unworthy, not love is to blame for it but the unworthy lovers who will never enjoy the benefit of true love. In the same way the rich and wise, who often have false love and try to deceive love, forever will be deprived of true love. Love makes virtuous and means life and happiness, which neither wealth nor wisdom can guarantee. Though Iuno and Pallas are rivals they join up against Venus. Paris listens to their argument.
Motif References:
T 0 Love F 1041.16 Extraordinary physical reaction to anger
KvWTK-2590:
Iuno promises Paris wealth if he gives her the apple, Pallas promises wisdom and Venus the love of Helena from Greece, the most beautiful woman, who attracts everyone like a siren attracts the ships with her music. Paris considers the prizes and finally gives the prize to Venus who is very happy about it. Iuno and Pallas say that Paris has made the wrong decision and that therefore he ought to change his name. The court however praises Paris for his wisdom.
Motif References:
T 68 Princess offered as prize A 163 Contests among the gods A 182.3.4 God makes promises to mortal A 187.2 Mortal as umpire of quarrel between gods M 260 Other promises F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman H 1596.1 Golden apple as prize in beauty contest. Judgment of Paris.
KvWTK-2890:
Venus gives Paris rich silk clothes made by a fairy woman, a garland of gold and jewels and some precious garments. The author gives a detailed description of his rich outfit, which is made from cyclat and purple, with gold ornaments and green silk stripes decorated with jewels. His garment has no seams, but only clasps. It is hemmed with fish skin shining in all known and unknown colors and has a chessboard-lining from black sable fur and white ermine. His garland (schapel) is made from gold and jewels. He has fair curled hair to his shoulders, a face like milk and blood, eyes like a falcon, brown brows, red lips, white teeth, and a sweet voice. The clasp at his white throat has got a picture of Love sitting on her throne that is about to crown a man and a woman. The court praises Paris for his resplendent appearance and his precious clothes, which proves that rich clothes change a poor man into a nobleman. Only Iuno and Pallas blame Venus for making a poor and low-born shepherd a king.
Motif References:
Z 65.1 Red as blood, white as snow P 90 Royalty and nobility – miscellaneous Q 114 Gifts as reward F 575.2 Handsome man F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.) F 827 Extraordinary ornaments
KvWTK-3130:
Venus then discloses that Paris is of noble origin and that his father is a mighty king, his appearance and behavior are proof of it. Pallas and Iuno say no more. Priamus is delighted by Paris’ beauty and Venus’ praise. He wants Paris to join his court and asks Venus to support his request. Iuno and Pallas out of jealousy and in order to raise hatred between Priamus and Venus want Iuppiter to make Paris join his own court. Iuppiter asks Paris to stay and starts an argument against Priamus. Iuppiter asks his courtiers and guests for assistance. The Gods and Priamus and his kings take arms. Mars intervenes but fails to make peace. Discordia thus has her triumph. Priamus’ son Hector who is a strong and valiant knight tries to keep them from fighting by proposing to fight as champion in a single combat against the Gods’ champion in order to save many a hero’s life. Priamus fails to dissuade him and Hector asks the Gods to name their champion.
Motif References:
P 90 Royalty and nobility – miscellaneous A 182.1 God reveals secrets (mysteries) to mortals A 189 Gods in relation to mortals – miscellaneous H 217 Decision made by contest H 217.1 Decision of victory by single combat between army leaders F 610 Remarkably strong man
KvWTK-3618:
Peleus will be the champion of the gods. Iuppiter cannot dissuade him. Peleus challenges Hector and the champions prepare for combat. Hector wears shining armor; his cuirass is made from green skin of crocodile and cannot be pierced by any weapon. His clothes are made from silk from the land of maidens. His tabard is of red velvet from the land of maidens and is decorated with the image of a siren, a mermaid with a green fish tail, whose song endangers the ships. A siren is painted on his precious shield and a siren’s head shows on his helmet too with a silvery face and golden hair which sound like bells. Hector rides a swift black horse.
Motif References:
B 53.0.1 Siren in mermaid form B 53.4 Siren’s song causes sleep B 81 Mermaid B 81.11 Mermaid’s singing causes sleep F 112 Journey to land of women A 145 Champions of the gods F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.) F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor F 855 Extraordinary image D 1275 Magic song D 1344.9 Magic garment renders invulnerable. D 1381.10.2 Magic unpiercable cuirass [shield]
KvWTK-3794:
Peleus’ hauberk and trousers have been worked by Vulcanus, the master of all smiths, who hardened them by fire in dragon’s suet and gall. His rich tabard is decorated with jewels and some silver eagles. The head and wings of an eagle have been fixed to his helmet’s top. The eagle’s eyes are made from carbuncle. The court is delighted by the champions’ outfit.
Motif References:
A 142 Smith of the gods F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.) F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor D 1010 Magic bodily members – animal D 1015.2 Magic gall-bladder of animal
KvWTK-3869:
A circle is made for the combat and all give their oath that this single combat will decide the contest once and for all. The champions fight with spears, and then they use their swords. All grass and flowers on the meadow are destroyed, pieces of gold cover the ground instead. Hector kills Peleus’ horse and Peleus continues fighting on foot attacking Hector’s horse with his sword, so that Hector has to dismount as well. Peleus strikes Hector such a heavy blow that he falls to his knees. Venus and Hecuba are in distress and weep. Hector recovers, strengthened by the sight of the beautiful ladies. Then the champions leave their weapons and start wrestling. They fight angrily like fiery salamanders. Hector manages to overthrow his adversary and starts to cut his armor with his knife. Peleus would have been killed, had not the ladies begged Hector to spare him. Peleus surrenders. Pallas and Iuno are not amused and Iuppiter is very furious.
Motif References:
A 189 Gods in relation to mortals – miscellaneous H 217 Decision made by contest H 217.1 Decision of victory by single combat between army leaders F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-4322:
Priamus welcomes Paris, who is very happy because of Helena. His new love makes him forget the old one, Oenone, due to the powers of Love and Goddess Venus. Paris asks Venus on his knees to keep her promise and give him Helena. Venus reassures him and they join his unrecognized father Priamus and celebrate a feast.
Motif References:
A 182.3.4 God makes promises to mortal T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] M 242 Bargains and promises between mortals and supernatural beings P 634 Feasts
KvWTK-4496:
An old wise prophet arrives, who has good knowledge of the stars and planets. He is a powerful magician able to change into a bird or any other animal. He wears plain clothes, has a stick, his hair are grey and parted like a woman’s. He has a very long grey beard reaching to his girdle, a Greek hat and some sort of a turban. He is named Proteus (Protheus). He foretells them the future: Peleus and Thetis will have a beautiful, virtuous and valiant son (Achilles). But if he does not avoid coming to Troy he will meet his death in a war there. Thetis is very happy that she will have a son and thinks that she could easily protect him. The same night she conceives the child. Yet she will fail in preventing his prophesied death. As soon as the feast has ended all guests leave court.
Motif References:
D 100 Transformation: man to animal. M 301 Prophets M 311.0.1 Heroic career prophesied for (new-born) child M 341.2.18 Prophecy: death in battle M 341.3 Prophecy: death in particular place M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy P 481 Astrologer D 630 Transformation and disenchantment at will D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.) D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
KvWTK-4670:
Priamus takes Paris with him to Troy where Laomedon (Lamedon), Priamus’ father, who has left his kingdom to his son because of his age, is happy to welcome him. He loves the youth very much. Paris is held in high esteem and beloved by the courtiers and the people. Because of his new love for Helena he has completely forgotten about his first love Oenone.
Motif References:
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king T 89.3 (Bm) Faithless lover T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] P 233 Father and son N 731.1 Unknown son returns to father’s court
KvWTK-4776:
Paris’ foster-father, the herdsman, comes to town. He has looked for his lost foster-son in Thessalia, but the feast had already ended and so he set out for Troy to meet lucky Paris. He takes lodging in the house of one of the men who once spared Paris’ life when he was a baby. He asks about Paris and identifies himself as foster father of the foundling Paris. He now will return home. The host thinks this foundling was the baby he was ordered to kill. In the evening he tells the story to his wife asking her to keep silent about the truth. But the secret is overheard by the herdsman who is very happy about the news. By telling Priamus the truth he wants to make Paris even happier than he is now. In the morning he goes to visit the king.
Motif References:
L 111.2 Foundling hero P 271 Foster father P 275 Foster son N 455 Overheard (human) conversation
KvWTK-5005:
The king celebrates his anniversary feast. Paris and Hector amuse themselves by fighting. Because of Paris’ fury the playful combat turns into a serious one and Hector is about to harm his adversary when he is stopped by the herdsman just arriving at court. He warns him not to commit fratricide. Hector wants to have some evidence which the herdsman is ready to give on condition that the witness should be spared by the king. They go to see Priamus, who promises to spare the herdsman’s host if he gives evidence. The host is sent for and at first he denies everything. When he is promised immunity from punishment he finally tells the truth: he abandoned the child he had been ordered to kill, the herdsman who found it reared the child as his foster-son.
Motif References:
S 143 Abandonment in forest S 301 Children abandoned (exposed) P 634 Feasts N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
KvWTK-5303:
All are happy about the news except the king who remembers Hecuba’s dream. Paris is given a friendly welcome by Hector and his brothers. Paris greets his foster-father and praises him: Though he has poor clothes he is a virtuous man. The knights praise the herdsman and say that a poor man often might be virtuous as well as a rich man might lack in virtue. The king however is in grief. A minstrel failing to cheer him up asks what he is worrying about and says that he would be happy if he were in his place. The king gives his clothes and his crown to the minstrel, makes him sit on the throne and has a sharp sword on a thin hair hang above his head ready to kill him at any move. Priamus tells him that he leaves him his kingdom, his people and all his riches for one day, so that he could learn if he could be happy in his place. The minstrel is very frightened and does not dare to move, all his joy is gone. The king now says that his sorrow is like this sword above his head. Then he returns to his throne.
Motif References:
Z 150 Other symbols W 200 Traits of character – miscellaneous P 412 Shepherd P 428 Musician
KvWTK-5622:
Hecuba, Paris and four of his brothers enter, and the king does not greet him. Yet he cannot resist his beauty and youth and finally forgets about his worries. Paris by his appearance would easily reconcile anyone even if he would have killed the man’s father. Priamus keeps thinking that despite the dream such a beautiful and lucky man like Paris never could mean bad luck. He greets him as his son and kisses him.
Motif References:
P 233 Father and son F 575.2 Handsome man
KvWTK-5720:
Paris’ foster father is given an estate guaranteeing an income of 40 pounds a year. Paris lives at the king’s court as his son, but keeps longing for Helena and therefore is unhappy. Although the court of Priamus and Laomedon still lives in happiness it soon will lose all luck and is to suffer from Fortuna’s hatred.
Motif References:
T 0 Love Q 111 Riches as reward
KvWTK-5766:
The author now turns to the story of Thetis’ son whose birth has been prophesied as well as his death before Troy. He is a very beautiful child which they name Achilles. Thetis wants to avoid the prophecy of Proteus (Protheus), saying that the son will meet death at Troy. She therefore has the child learn fighting by a skilled fighter, Chiron (Schyron), who is a centaur, half man and half horse.
Motif References:
B 21 Centaur: man-horse P 231 Mother and son P 340 Teacher and pupil M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy
KvWTK-5858:
He is stronger than any animal, even griffons, lions and dragons fear him, and he is the most excellent fighter and archer. Chiron has a horny skin and is a swift runner, swifter than any bird. He is living in a sunless cave of a mountain named Peleon. The place is well enclosed by the sea, by rocks and a dark forest. He lives on animals he can get hold of and uses to eat them raw or cooked. One can only get to his home by following a small path.
Motif References:
B 21 Centaur: man-horse F 558 Man covered with horn F 560 Unusual manner of life F 562 People of unusual residence F 610 Remarkably strong man F 638 Mighty archer F 681 Marvelous runner [extraordinary speed of runner] D 1830 Magic strength
KvWTK-5902:
Thetis takes her son to Chiron. The centaur is extremely old, has long grey hair, a grey beard and long brows. His eyes are fiery so that he could look straight into the sun. His complexion is clear, white and red; he wears a hat covered with a dragon’s skin, his clothes are made from seamless red fish skin. The lower part of his body looks like a horse and is all black, he is fit to go about mountains, rocks and any sort of ground. Chiron is a wise man: he can tell good from evil, knows playing the harp and the rote, singing, all sort of board-games and courtly entertainments. Therefore he is a famous educator of princes.
Motif References:
B 21 Centaur: man-horse P 340 Teacher and pupil F 541.1 Flashing eyes F 571 Extremely old person F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
KvWTK-6016:
Young Achilles is educated by Chiron. Being the master of wild animals he has the child nursed by a lioness which he forces to leave her young in order to nurse Achilles. Achilles drinks the lioness’ milk and only eats the marrow of the bones of wild lions and bears which Chiron kills for him. He drinks the juice from wild roots. His clothes are made from animal skin. It is an uncomfortable life with a bed on rocks in the snow.
Motif References:
B 21 Centaur: man-horse Z 200 Heroes P 340 Teacher and pupil F 560 Unusual manner of life F 610 Remarkably strong man F 611.2.1 Strong hero suckled by animal D 2197 Magic dominance over animals
KvWTK-6100:
Chiron teaches the youth all his skills so that he becomes an extraordinary swift runner who can run over thin ice and is faster than an arrow. He can steal young bears from their mother. Chiron only cherishes Achilles when he returns wounded. Achilles has to take away the griffins’ prey from under their claws, steal their young from their nest, which can only be done because Chiron orders the griffins to let Achilles have his way. Achilles learns courtly manners and entertainments (chess game, playing the harp, singing, archery). He has to cross wild waters, mount the highest mountains which neither cats nor dwarfs can reach, jump glens, run swifter than leopards, kill boars. He only spares the little and weak animals. He fights any wild animal, like tigers, crocodiles and dragons. Achilles kills all wild animals in the forest so that there are none left. He is told chivalry and riding horses: Chiron tames wild horses for his practice. The Lapithae (Laffici), wild and pugnacious people, who love war and fighting, and the wild Centauri, centaurs like Chiron, start a war. His master has Achilles fight in this war when he is only twelve years old but already fit to stop with his shield a millstone Chiron sends down a mountain. He teaches him to fetch goods and animals out of a burning house.
Motif References:
Z 231 Boyish exploits of hero P 340 Teacher and pupil F 560 Unusual manner of life F 610 Remarkably strong man F 679.5 Skillful hunter F 681 Marvelous runner [extraordinary speed of runner]
KvWTK-6331:
Achilles soon becomes famous for his exploits in Greece and Thessalia. Achilles is the most excellent of Chiron’s pupils. Only a person of noble and valiant birth can become a noble and valiant hero while others only can improve but never reach perfection. Achilles surpasses his master.
Motif References:
Z 200 Heroes
KvWTK-6472:
Achilles and Patroclus who is one of his companions become friends. Achilles’ father Peleus is proud of his famous son. There is only one rival in Greece: Iason (Jason), the nephew of Peleus, who for this reason hates him. Iason is an excellent and valiant knight and the most beautiful youth in Greece excelled only by Achilles. Therefore Peleus hates his nephew. Jealousy however only proves the excellence of a virtuous man. Peleus wants Iason to die and lose all his honor so that Achilles might be unique. He sends for Iason and praises him. Peleus has got all he wishes except one precious.
Motif References:
W 195 Envy P 233 Father and son P 293 Uncle P 310 Friendship K 2217 Treacherous uncle [stepfather]
KvWTK-6682:
On the island of Colchis (Cholkos) which is located near Troy, lives a wild ram which has a golden fleece and silvery horns. The hero who obtains his skin will be the most excellent of all heroes. Peleus wants Iason to undertake this adventure. Iason does not suspect his uncle and is ready to set out for Colchis, although all who tried to obtain the ram’s golden fleece have been killed by the beast. Peleus thus wants to get rid of Iason. He equips him for his journey, and has the most excellent carpenter Argus build a good ship, the first one in Greece. Iason takes 600 knights with him.
Motif References:
S 71 Cruel uncle B 101.3 Ram with golden fleece P 456 Carpenter F 671 Skillful ship-builder F 841 Extraordinary boat (ship) H 1210.2 Quest assigned by king H 1211 Quests assigned in order to get rid of hero H 1332.1 Quest for golden fleece K 2217 Treacherous uncle [stepfather]
KvWTK-6868:
One of his knights is Hercules, who is his relative. Hercules is a strong hero, who has overcome giants, merwunder and dragons. They leave. Troy is the first stop where they look for water supplies and want to rest. Never before a ship has landed at Troy and therefore Laomedon fears that he might be attacked. Priamus is not home and Laomedon is an old man without any joy and because of his faintheartedness he is quick to anger. His council decides that the Greeks should be denied hospitality. A count is sent as messenger to ask the strangers their errand. The king will not allow guests in amour and weapons and orders them to leave immediately and never to come back otherwise they would lose life and goods.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council] W 158 Inhospitality W 185 Violence of temper P 320 Hospitality F 610 Remarkably strong man
KvWTK-7077:
The Greek are furious about this message and Iason turns red and white from anger. Having come in peace they should have been granted hospitality according to the Greek custom. They promise that the king once will have to pay for this offense and promise revenge. The count tells them to keep from boasting and threats and to leave. The Greek leave angrily swearing to take revenge as soon as Iason has obtained the Golden Fleece. They arrive at Colchis.
Motif References:
M 166 Other vows about fighting P 320 Hospitality F 1041.16 Extraordinary physical reaction to anger
KvWTK-7232:
King Aetes (Oetas) has a beautiful castle, Jaconite, which is built from shining marble. The king possesses the wheel of fortune. The Greeks dress up to go into town leaving behind their horses and weapons. People admire their precious outfit. Iason is the most beautiful man among them.
Motif References:
N 111.3 Fortune’s wheel. F 575.2 Handsome man F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
KvWTK-7322:
The king gives them a friendly welcome. Unlike Laomedon he grants them hospitality in every way and Iason and Hercules are his special guests. Iason is famous even in this country. The king has him meet his beautiful and virtuous daughter Medea, who knows necromancy and is the master of the devils, can change a little pond into a lake, the day into night. She knows about the stars and is a master of the Seven Arts. She wears precious clothes and is the most beautiful woman in this country. Many of the Greek knights fall in love with her. She asks her father about the strangers and he tells her. Medea already has heard many stories about Iason: his praise makes her the person even more welcome. They fall in love at first sight and both turn red and white from love. They love each other with true love and soon become love-sick. Iason gets weak and pale so that the king asks about his sorrow and invites him to stay longer. The lovers keep longing for one another.
Motif References:
T 15 Love at first sight T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love T 24.1 Love-sickness P 320 Hospitality D 480 Size of object transformed F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman F 645 Marvelously wise man [woman]. D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.) D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician D 2146 Magic control of day and night D 2151 Magic control of waters D 2198 Magic control of spirits (angels, [gods])
KvWTK-7997:
One evening the king sends for his daughter to cheer up Iason. She is happy about it but keeps silent at first and turns red and white from love. Then they talk. She asks about his adventure and when he tells her his errand she warns him that he will perish in trying to obtain the golden Fleece. At his inquiry she tells him that the ram is protected by threefold magic: Mars has protected the fleece by two brazen oxen; fire, sulfur and pitch come from their nostrils and mouth and they are surrounded by a fiery mist. The hero will have to tame them in the first place and make them plough. As a second task the hero has to overcome a dragon whose breath is fiery and poisonous. Then he has to break out the dragon’s teeth to plant them in the field. From this seed will come four knights that the hero has to kill. Iason insists upon undertaking the adventure.
Motif References:
T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three B 101.3 Ram with golden fleece D 437 Transformation: part of animal or person to person N 570 Guardian of treasure B 742 Animal breathes fire H 1024.5 Task: sowing dragon’s teeth H 1154.3.8 (Bm) Task: tame wild bulls and plow field with them H 1161.7 (Bm) Task: slay fire-breathing dragon
KvWTK-8289:
Medea will mourn for Iason who is the most beautiful of men if he dies in this adventure. Yet she promises to help him if he would marry her and take her with him. She has been in love with Iason since she first was told of his excellence. Medea is a master of necromancy, which she has learnt from books of black magic.
Motif References:
T 11.1 Love from mere mention or description T 55 Girl as wooer. Forthputting woman T 57 Declaration of love M 146.8 (Bm) Vow to marry lady who helps achieve task N 831 Girl [woman] as helper D 1711 Magician D 1738 Magic arts studied
KvWTK-8379:
Iason agrees and gives his oath never to leave her. He will love her forever and take her with him as his wife. Medea will have his land and be his crowned queen. Medea is happy to hear this and tells him to meet her secretly in her chamber at night for love tryst. She then will tell him how to overcome the oxen, the dragon, how to proceed with the dragon’s teeth, which grow knights, and how to get hold of the golden fleece. Medea will be the prize of this exploit. She will send a messenger to guide Iason to her chamber.
Motif References:
T 35 Lovers’ rendezvous T 68 Princess offered as prize M 146.8 (Bm) Vow to marry lady who helps achieve task N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
KvWTK-8504:
Medea then returns to her palace, she can hardly wait for the night to come. Iason is longing to meet her as well. But this very evening the king wants to entertain his sick guest and there are many amusements so that the lovers have to be patient. In the meantime Medea is thinking about love in her chamber and sorrowfully considers the fact that for her lover’s sake she will have to be disobedient to her father, who is the owner of the fleece. She considers the advantages and disadvantages of following Iason into a foreign country: Though she trusts in Iason’s faithfulness, which will protect her when they cross the wild sea, nevertheless having to be faithless towards her father and her friends grieves her. In her heart love and fear are struggling. She can perceive Iason at the king’s feast through a little window. Medea is hot and cold from love and cannot find any rest in her room. Love has made her a fool. She lies down but cannot sleep. In the moonlight she looks out of the window.
Motif References:
T 0 Love T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love
KvWTK-8936:
Finally the king retires to his bedroom. Medea tells her tutoress who is her confidante that she should bring Iason to her. She advises Medea to conceal her impatient love and to pretend to sleep quietly which she does. The confident takes Iason to Medea’s rooms and Medea pretends to have just woken up. She once again makes him give his oath on an image of the God Iuppiter to marry her and never to leave her. In the morning the hero asks her for her magic objects.
Motif References:
T 0 Love T 35 Lovers’ rendezvous M 114 Oath taken on sacred object M 146.8 (Bm) Vow to marry lady who helps achieve task M 149 Vows concerning sex – miscellaneous P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
KvWTK-9196:
Medea gives Iason a ring with a magic jewel which gives strength and renders invisible when the jewel is turned inside the hand. This will help him to overcome the oxen and the dragon. Then the princess gives him a magic ointment she made from roots which protects against heat. To tame the oxen Iason should use magic glue which will block the oxens’ nostrils. Then she tells Iason how he should deal with the dragon: The ointment will protect him against the dragon’s fiery and poisonous breath; but he will have to give an offering on Iuppiter’s picture in the temple on the island, where he should read a writing three times and praise the Gods on his knees being orientated to the east. Medea has produced this writing according to black books of magic. If he follows her advice he will be protected against the dragon and be able to kill him. The dragon’s teeth will grow knights, whom he should make fight each other. Then the ram will give him its golden fleece. Iason should return to her after his exploit.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three B 101.3 Ram with golden fleece D 437 Transformation: part of animal or person to person N 570 Guardian of treasure B 742 Animal breathes fire D 825 Magic object received from maiden. K 929.7 Men deceived into killing each other [Liar destroys friendship to kill former friends] H 974.1 Task performed with help of mistress H 1024.5 Task: sowing dragon’s teeth D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels) D 1076 Magic ring H 1154.3.8 (Bm) Task: tame wild bulls and plow field with them H 1161.7 (Bm) Task: slay fire-breathing dragon D 1242.1 Magic water D 1244 Magic salve (ointment) D 1266.1 Magic writings (gramerye, runes) D 1273.1.1 Three as magic number D 1273 Magic formula (charm) D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength D 1361.19 Magic jewel renders invisible D 1361.17 Magic ring renders invisible D 1382.4.1 (Bm) Ointment protects against fire D 1383.3 Magic ring protects against poison D 1442 Magic object tames or restrains animal D 1566.2 Magic object quenches fire D 1830 Magic strength D 1980 Magic invisibility
KvWTK-9369:
Iason takes leave from the king who tries in vain to keep him from this adventure and from his companions as well and sets off for the island in a little boat. Medea hoping Iason will not neglect her advice gazes after him from a tower. When Iason has come to the island he takes off his clothes and applies the magic ointment under his armor. His tabard is white with black griffins; he carries an ivory shield with a hold from the black horn of a unicorn, an animal which has to be caught by a maiden. The buckle is from red gold. His shield and helmet are richly ornamented with jewels. Iason fixes the image of Iuppiter on his helmet.
Motif References:
B 13.1 (Li) Unicorn captured by virgin. T 300 Chastity and celibacy F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor D 1244 Magic salve (ointment) D 1266.2 Magic picture.
KvWTK-9598:
The island looks like an earthly paradise. There is a precious temple, built of marble, jewels and gold; it has been made by Mars. Iason leaves the picture of Iuppiter there as an offering, prays to the gods on his knees reading Medea’s writings turned toward the east. It is a charm to conjure the spirits. Then Iason comes upon the two magic oxen which are made of steel. Sulfur and pitch come from their mouth and nostrils. At first he tries to overcome them with his sword, but he only manages to tame them by applying the magic glue. Then the oxen start to plough.
Motif References:
V 10 Religious sacrifice V 50 Prayer V 112 Temples V 120 Images N 570 Guardian of treasure B 742 Animal breathes fire D 825 Magic object received from maiden. H 974.1 Task performed with help of mistress H 1154.3.8 (Bm) Task: tame wild bulls and plow field with them D 1242.1 Magic water D 1244 Magic salve (ointment) D 1266.1 Magic writings (gramerye, runes) D 1266.2 Magic picture. D 1273 Magic formula (charm) D 1382.4.1 (Bm) Ointment protects against fire D 1442 Magic object tames or restrains animal
KvWTK-9759:
Iason then meets the dragon exhaling fire and poison. The hungry dragon wants to devour the hero. He has two feet with sharp claws. He is black and has red, green and yellow spots. It is a winged dragon with a large breast; his back and tail are smaller. Iason is protected by Medea’s magic and the ring. The dragon cannot get hold of the slippery ivory shield nevertheless he is about to kill him. Iason escapes by using the magic ring which renders him invisible when it is turned round. Iason kills the dragon with his sword through the white spot on the animal’s throat. The hero decapitates the dragon and breaks out his teeth. From this seed grow knights who start fighting each other. Iason kills them. He then is given the golden fleece by the ram grazing on a beautiful meadow (with flowers, a blooming tree, birdsong). The ram has got white horns, eyes of carbuncle. When he moves his golden fleece gives music. The animal slips out of his wool. Iason takes it and returns to his boat.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon B 11.2.11 Fire-breathing dragon B 11.2.6 Wings of dragon B 101.3 Ram with golden fleece D 437 Transformation: part of animal or person to person N 570 Guardian of treasure D 825 Magic object received from maiden. K 929.7 Men deceived into killing each other [Liar destroys friendship to kill former friends] H 974.1 Task performed with help of mistress H 1024.5 Task: sowing dragon’s teeth D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels) D 1076 Magic ring H 1161.7 (Bm) Task: slay fire-breathing dragon D 1244 Magic salve (ointment) D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength D 1361.19 Magic jewel renders invisible D 1361.17 Magic ring renders invisible D 1382.4.1 (Bm) Ointment protects against fire D 1383.3 Magic ring protects against poison D 1566.2 Magic object quenches fire D 1830 Magic strength D 1980 Magic invisibility
KvWTK-10085:
The king welcomes Iason and he is generally praised as the most excellent hero. Medea is happy about his exploit, and invites him to her chamber this night. They pass the night together. Medea and Iason marry with her father’s consent and then return to Greece carrying the fleece with them. Later on Iason will faithlessly leave his wife.
Motif References:
T 100 Marriage T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] T 400 Illicit sexual relations T 481 Adultery
KvWTK-10223:
Hercules insists on taking revenge on the Trojans for their inhospitality. When they come to Greece Iason’s father Aeson (Eson) welcomes them and a feast is celebrated for Iason’s sake. Peleus is angry about his nephew’s exploit. Because of his age Aeson does not enjoy feasting and entertainments which makes Iason sad. Medea asks what is troubling him and he wants to know if she could rejuvenate his father by transferring some of his own youthful strength to him and give him, Iason, some of his father’s old age in turn. Medea remembering her faithlessness towards her father agrees to rejuvenate Aeson: But she will manage to make Aeson thirty years younger without taking the years from him – he will still remain his age but will feel as if he were thirty years younger and happier. She can do this without Iason’s help.
Motif References:
P 233 Father and son D 1711 Magician D 1880 Magic rejuvenation
KvWTK-10488:
Medea dresses up in order to do magic and gathers herbs in the moonlight near to the town. On a crossroad in a wild forest by means of her black books of magic she conjures Hecate (Eckate), who is the Goddess of necromancy. Medea’s incantations arouse gales devastating the forest. Her magic figures and letters that she draws onto the sand bring about darkness, hailstorm and rain. After she has finished the moon shines again and everything seems to be as it was before.
Motif References:
A 499.4.1 Goddess of sorcery D 900 Magic weather phenomena D 930 Magic land features F 960 Extraordinary nature phenomena – elements and weather D 1273 Magic formula (charm) D 1711 Magician D 1760 Means of producing magic power
KvWTK-10566:
A chariot drawn by four flying dragons appears with a tent from luminous silk on it. Medea directs the chariot over mountains and valleys by conjuring the Gods. On her journey to the land of Thessalia she gathers the herbs and flowers which she needs to do her magic.
Motif References:
B 11.4.1 Flying dragon F 861 Extraordinary wagon (cart, carriage, etc.) D 978 Magic herbs D 1273 Magic formula (charm) D 1760 Means of producing magic power
KvWTK-10609:
When she returns to Greece two weeks later she sends the dragons away, who in the meantime have been rejuvenated by the magic herbs and have grown new skins. Medea retires to a quiet place before the town. She first selects and cleans the herbs, before cooking them in a new steel-vessel above a fire of aloe, that she has brought with her too because of its specific smoke. In four golden vessels she has carried water taken from the four rivers of paradise.
Motif References:
Z 71.2 Formulistic number: four F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise F 715 Extraordinary river D 1880 Magic rejuvenation D 1882.3 (Bm) Rejuvenation by magician D 1889.6 Rejuvenation by changing skin
KvWTK-10670:
Medea catches a very old crow (of about 100 years), smashes its head and mixes the brains into the cooking. Then she adds a serpent’s skin and heart and the horn of an old stag killed while in heat. She speaks a charm – the author knows nothing about the words – which makes the mixture boil up. Drops from it grow herbs, the twig of an olive-tree which she uses to stir the mixture turns green and blossoming, the place where Medea has put the vessel turns into a blooming green meadow due to the foam from the mixture.
Motif References:
D 1242.2 Magic potion D 1273 Magic formula (charm) D 1880 Magic rejuvenation
KvWTK-10732:
When the potion is ready she sends for the old king who is carried to her on his bed. She sends back his retinue and puts him asleep by uttering a charm into his ears. While his mind remains in his body she bleeds him completely by opening his throat with her sharp knife. The blood flows into a deep hole she has made before. Then she pours the potion into his wound which makes him thirty years younger: His grey hair turn blond, his wrinkles disappear and his lips become red. Like a young man he rises and returns to town all by himself quite happily. His family and people rejoice and many come to see this wonder. The news soon spread throughout Greece. Medea is much praised and famous for her art. The author gives a commentary on this marvel: There are many herbs, roots, stones and words powerful to work marvels though nobody knows how they come about. Therefore this story is to be trusted.
Motif References:
D 1273 Magic formula (charm) D 1364.22 Sleep-charm D 1880 Magic rejuvenation D 1882.3 (Bm) Rejuvenation by magician (sorceress)
KvWTK-10880:
Medea who is famous and much honored gives birth to two children. As she learns that Peleus out of envy once wanted to get rid of Iason by assigning him the quest for the golden fleece she wants to take revenge and goes to see him. When Medea arrives Peleus’ wife Thetis is absent. The old king and his two daughters are happy to have such a famous guest and give her a friendly welcome.
Motif References:
T 210 Faithfulness in marriage H 1211 Quests assigned in order to get rid of hero H 1332.1 Quest for golden fleece K 2217 Treacherous uncle [stepfather]
KvWTK-10927:
Medea pretends friendship and complains of her husband whom she accuses of mistreating and dishonoring her. At her request she is readily allowed to stay until Iason would change his mood towards her. Peleus’ daughters then ask her to rejuvenate their old father and Medea agrees.
Motif References:
K 2010 Hypocrite pretends friendship but attacks
KvWTK-11010:
In order to offer them some proof of her magic Medea at first rejuvenates an old and weak ram. She has brought her vessels and the potion with her. As soon as she has heated up the potion she applies it onto the old hairless ram: The animal rejuvenates completely growing new wool and horn at once. Then Medea orders the girls to stab their father in his sleep so that she could rejuvenate him. The girls who are very young and unwise do as they are told. When they are about to stab their father Peleus asks why they are killing him: They promise him rejuvenation by this ritual. Peleus dies. In the meantime however Medea has already left the kingdom aboard her dragon-chariot. When Thetis returns and learns the sad news she and her daughters are in great grief and tear their hair and skin. Now Achilles who still lives with Chiron will inherit the kingdom and succeed his father.
Motif References:
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king S 139 Miscellaneous cruel murders T 211.9 Excessive grief at husband’s or wife’s death K 940 Deception into killing own family F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
KvWTK-11184:
Medea takes her time before returning to Greece: she is curious to see foreign countries and wants to visit the towns where she once has learnt magic arts. While she is away Iason however turns to a new love, Creusa (Greusa) of Theben. Iason forgets his wife and what she did for him. But his inconstancy will be punished. The author reflects about the inconstancy of love and that nobody should forget about his love when he meets a new one.
Motif References:
T 0 Love W 137 Curiosity J 179 Other means of acquiring wisdom (knowledge) – miscellaneous T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] T 481 Adultery
KvWTK-11266:
Medea soon learns of her husband’s infidelity and decides to kill his mistress by a special dress. She weaves a rich garment which will burn the bearer to ashes and sends it to Iason and his mistress as a present. Creusa puts on the beautiful dress and as soon as it touches her bare skin she burns. The fire rages so furiously that all the palace burns to ashes and Iason with it. He thus has been punished for his one and only infidelity. The author will tell nothing more about Medea because he has to continue his story which is a very long one.
Motif References:
S 112 Burning to death S 139 Miscellaneous cruel murders Q 241 Adultery punished Q 414.0.2 Burning as punishment for adultery D 1052 Magic garment (robe, tunic) D 1271 Magic fire D 1402.0.5 Nessus-shirt. Magic shirt burns wearer up
KvWTK-11378:
Iason and Hercules once had decided to take revenge on the Trojans for their inhospitality. Hercules summons allies against Troy throughout Greece. Although he grieves for Iason’s death he will have his revenge. Hercules comes to the land of Parte: Castor and his brother Pollux promise to help him. King Telamon (Thelamon) of Salafin, Peleus’ brother, will be his ally and send a big army. The powerful king Nestor of Pilon also promises his aid.
Motif References:
P 551 Army P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
KvWTK-11548:
When springtime has come Hercules sets out for Troy with a huge army. A council of war is held and in an impetuous speech king Telamon incites his troops to valiance by giving them four rea-sons that should guarantee their victory: 1) They have large and strong troops. 2) They have a good reason to fight, which will be important for to war in a foreign country is not easy and takes great courage. 3) Troy is a very rich town and they will obtain large booty there. 4) Fighting in that war means great honor for themselves and their offspring. Then Hercules explains his strategy to provoke the Trojans by devastating their country and killing everybody. As soon as the Trojans would attack them the Greek would ambush them and conquer the town. Telamon and Hercules are to ambush the Trojans, while Nestor, Castor and Pollux and their troops devastate the country. All agree.
Motif References:
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war K 2350 Military strategy
KvWTK-11862:
Hercules and Telamon hide in a forest to ambush the Trojans. Nestor, Castor and Pollux lay waste to the country, acting cruelly without any mercy. The Trojan knights – an army of 30,000 men – lead by their king Laomedon attack the Greek troops. Nestor is pressed hard, but Castor comes to his aid. At last Castor himself is overcome by Cedar and taken prisoner. Castor’s coat of arms is an ermine-white swan on black ground. Cedar’s emblem is a golden wild boar on green ground. Pollux rescues his brother. Then he kills king Eliachim of Carthage, nephew of king Laomedon, who wears a purple tabard decorated with gold and jewels and silver lions on green stripes.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms P 550.2 (Li) Single combat P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault K 2350 Military strategy
KvWTK-12103:
Laomedon grieves for his nephew; he tears his hair, beats self and weeps. He swears to return to Troy only after having revenged his death. Laomedon in a speech incites his men to fight against the cruel Greek invaders and promises to reward them well for their valiance. The mighty horn blow of an ivory horn summons his troops. A furious battle starts between the Trojans and the Greek. Many men are killed. The old king Laomedon excels in fight. Nestor, Castor and Pollux cruelly kill all living creature they come about, horses and men. But the Trojans are getting the better of the Greek who are forced to retreat. It is the bloodiest and most furious of all known battles to the end of times.
Motif References:
P 14 Particular practices of kings M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die) S 460 Other cruel persecutions F 628 Strong man as mighty slayer F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-12334:
King Laomedon finally loses Troy by ruse: While the battle is going on Hercules and Telamon leave their ambush and occupy the town’s fortifications. The gates have neither been closed nor guarded for the Trojan fighters left in a hurry – the king did not take good care for his town. Dares, the queen’s relative, is sent as messenger to the king. Deploring the conquest he blames the king for his lack of foresight. He advises Laomedon to gather his troops in order to defend the town in the first place rather than to pursue the enemy before town. Irresolute Laomedon hesitates but at last decides to follow Dares’ advice. With his troops he retreats into town. The enemies pursue them and the Greek occupants of Troy attack him as well so that he is encircled by the enemy. There are many dead. The splendor of armor and clothing meets the horror of blood and death, wounding and destruction.
Motif References:
K 2350 Military strategy
KvWTK-12544:
Hercules has a very beautiful tabard that has been ornamented with all sort of pictures and animals by skillful women. He is a mighty fighter and slayer and cuts a break through the enemy’s troops, heaping up dead enemies where he goes. His sword cuts any material, iron or gold, silver or silk, he acts like a wild wolf among sheep. He wants to kill king Laomedon. In a diatribe Hercules declares that he now will have his revenge and he challenges the king. Laomedon replies that Hercules’ menaces do not worry him. He blames him of having attacked Troy without challenge or declaration of war and that the Greek conquered the town like thieves. Hercules angrily reminds the king of the Greeks’ challenge consisting in their promise to take revenge for Laomedon’s inhospitality. Hercules and Laomedon begin to fight. Although Laomedon is a mighty warrior he lacks strength in his old age. When he wounds Hercules the latter splits the king’s head with his sword. After their king’s death the Trojan troops take to flight yet are encircled by the enemies and slaughtered. There are streams of blood flowing on the field from the dead and wounded.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat F 610 Remarkably strong man F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.) F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight] F 1084.1.1 (Tu) Heaps of corpses after furious battle
KvWTK-12903:
The Greek devastate the town, kill everyone, old and young, women and children, they rape women and maidens. Hesiona (Esione), the king’s daughter, is raped by Telamon. He takes her with him to Greece as his mistress, but never marries her. Troy is completely destroyed and when the Greek at last leave joyfully they carry with them all of Troy’s riches. They return home and thank their Gods with offerings and prayer.
Motif References:
R 10.1 Princess (maiden) abducted S 110.10 (Bm) City and inhabitants willfully destroyed T 450 Prostitution and concubinage S 460 Other cruel persecutions T 471 Rape P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
KvWTK-13017:
This story proves that important developments often come from small beginnings: Many men have lost their lives because revenge has been taken for a minor offense, and there still will be more victims in the years to come. Troy now prepares revenge for their defeat but this will only be a change for the worse – such is the nature of revenge itself. The author relates the story of Troy according to his source: Dares who himself had fought in the Trojan war first told the story in Greek language.
Motif References:
N 100 Nature of luck and fate
KvWTK-13098:
Priamus and his sons, Hector and Paris, happened to be away while Troy was conquered: they invaded a country and besieged a castle. As soon as they learn of Troy’s downfall they return home. Priamus weeps; he tears his hair and laments his father’s death, the fate of his people, of the women and maidens, and of his abducted sister Hesiona. Priamus from his marriage has five sons and three daughters: Troilus, Helenus, Deiphobus (Deifebus), Hector, Paris, Andromacha (Andrimacha), Polyxena (Pollixina), Cassandra. And he has thirty sons out of wedlock from noble mothers. All of them are stricken with grief, except Hector who does not weep but tries to console his father. He warns them against despairing and reminds his father that it is a king’s duty to care for his people. Troy has to be rebuilt as an impregnable stronghold and revenge has to be prepared. They all agree with Hector’s advice. The king summons people from throughout the country to rebuild the town and make it much stronger and even more beautiful than before. Priamus thinks Troy will never be conquered again.
Motif References:
P 10 Kings [King’s famous court] M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die) F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
KvWTK-13402:
The reconstruction of Troy renews Thetis’ fears for her son Achilles because of the prophecy that he will die there. In order to keep him safe she goes to see her son’s educator Chiron in Thessalia. When she arrives Achilles and Patroclus are out hunting and Chiron praises Achilles’ strength and valiance. He is even stronger than the vigorous centaurs, who like Chiron himself are half man and half horse, and uses to annoy them by devastating their land and driving away their cattle and goats. No animal, dragons, lions, griffons and bears alike, can resist him for he fears nothing and is very eager to fight.
Motif References:
B 21 Centaur: man-horse Z 200 Heroes W 212 Eagerness for combat F 560 Unusual manner of life F 610 Remarkably strong man
KvWTK-13589:
This praise of Achilles’ pugnacity does not at all set Thetis’ mind at ease. She pretends that she wants to protect him from all wounds by a magic ointment. In order to do so she will take her son with her to a fountain nearby. Chiron agrees on condition that Achilles will return to him immediately. He prepares a meal for his guest. In the evening Achilles returns from hunting with a young lion he has killed. Achilles is rather rude in words and manners toward his mother which grieves her a lot. Achilles and Patroclus demonstrate their skills to entertain the queen and her ladies: singing, making music (harp, lyra), springing, fighting. Achilles sleeps on hard stones beside his master while Thetis musing on Achilles’ future lies sleepless. She considers where she could keep her son safe: The people of the wild land of Tracia are too pugnacious; the Macedonians are inclined to faithlessness like a salamander to the fire. Macedonia is Alexander’s native country, who has been betrayed by his people although they had chosen him as their king. Lemnos is an island of women, but any man would be slain there. They once killed all men livíng there because of their long absence during a military expedition. Delos might be a safe place, but the people of this island are very inconstant.
Motif References:
S 60 Cruel spouse F 112 Journey to land of women P 231 Mother and son T 271 The neglected wife T 310 Celibacy and continence F 566 Celibate peoples P 715 Particular nations (races, religions) K 2299.2 Treacherous peoples (tribes)
KvWTK-13883:
Then Thetis takes into consideration the island of Scyros, ruled by king Lycomedes. His virtuous daughters live in a palace of their own and one of them is Deidamia (Deidamie), a remarkably beautiful and virtuous girl. Thetis decides to choose this land which would be a safe place for her son: he will have to disguise as a maiden and join the princesses.
Motif References:
M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy K 514 Disguise as girl to avoid execution [danger] F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman K 1836 Disguise of man in woman’s dress
KvWTK-13974:
She wakes her servants in order to abduct the sleeping Achilles to the shore. Thetis then has him enclosed in a transparent waterproof sack of fish skin. Being the goddess of the seas she summons four dolphins by her magic: Two of them should carry her sleeping son to Scyros, the others herself and her maidservant. It is a very swift journey. Achilles wakes up en route and thinking to be asleep on his master’s stone-bed wonders about the journey and the curiosities of the sea. He remembers Alexander the curious, who once dived into the depth of the sea. Puzzled Achilles is uncertain about his identity and whereabouts and starts lamenting because he thinks he will be drowned quite helplessly.
Motif References:
W 137 Curiosity P 231 Mother and son A 421.1 Sea-goddess B 551.1 Fish carries man across water D 2126 Magic underwater journey
KvWTK-14149:
Finally the dolphins take Achilles ashore. He accuses his mother of abduction and wants to know where he is and why. Thetis declares that he has become a skilled fighter but still lacks courtesy toward the ladies. In female disguise he should live among girls to become more civilized. By pretending to take him to a fountain of health she abducted him from his master’s care. Yet she only wants to protect him from any danger so that he never could meet his death before Troy. As soon as the Trojan war would be over she will take him back to his master.
Motif References:
M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy K 514 Disguise as girl to avoid execution [danger] K 1836 Disguise of man in woman’s dress
KvWTK-14313:
Achilles is outraged that his anxious mother forces him to disguise as a girl like a coward. She replies that such a disguise is not at all shameful and names famous examples: Iuppiter was hidden in female disguise by his mother, the strong hero Hercules as well wore female clothes to protect him from discovery. Achilles turns red from anger: Those men would have lost their lives without disguising. Iuppiter as a child had to be protected by his mother for his father Saturnus wanted to kill his son because of a prophecy that the child would surpass him in luck and honors. The child Hercules was rescued by his mother Alcmena (Alcmene) from his stepmother Iuno by disguising him as a girl. But he, Achilles, is a very strong and skilled warrior and cannot be compared to any of these examples.
Motif References:
M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy K 514 Disguise as girl to avoid execution [danger] K 1836 Disguise of man in woman’s dress
KvWTK-14537:
Unable to appease her son Thetis is discouraged. In the meantime they have landed on the island and the fish have left. Beautiful singing is heard from a splendid temple out of marble, gold and jewels. People celebrate a festival for the sake of the Goddess Pallas and bring many gifts and offerings. The beautiful princesses come to the temple and strew flowers. Deidamia who is splendidly dressed surpasses the others in beauty.
Motif References:
V 70 Religious feasts and fasts V 112 Temples F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
KvWTK-14644:
As soon as Achilles perceives Deidamia he falls in love. He thus proves the irresistible power of love itself. He changes color from love, turns red and white, starts to sweat, is hot and cold and sighs. Thetis is quite happy about these symptoms of love and asks him once again if he would like to stay with the girls in female disguise. She stresses the fact that men without women live unhappily. Achilles the rude and valiant hero who only used to fight now is silenced by his love, he is like the wolf gazing at a lamb when he is supposed to study his books.
Motif References:
T 15 Love at first sight T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love
KvWTK-14902:
Thetis then disguises him as a girl: His hair is braided to plaits, he is dressed up with jewels and gold ornaments so that he just looks like a girl. Only his wild manners could betray him. When she has finished Thetis takes him to the temple and teaches him how to behave as a female: He must restrain from striding or running at a brisk or vigorous pace; he should keep both his head bowed and his eyes lowered modestly without turning his head; he should avoid laughing at uncourteous jokes and not talk too much, for a girl is supposed to reply only when she is asked; he should eat and drink with moderation; when he is sitting with the ladies and the knights he should keep his hands in front of him; the company of men, who could touch him, ought to be avoided because they easily could detect his secret; Achilles in any way should follow the example of his female companions and change his voice. Achilles has no more objections against the disguise, both for the girl’s sake as for his mother’s.
Motif References:
P 231 Mother and son K 1836 Disguise of man in woman’s dress
KvWTK-15137:
They enter the temple and after the feast has come to an end Thetis takes her son to the king and introduces him as Achilles’ sister. She begs the king to have her educated at his court because this girl has adopted her brother’s wild manners: she went hunting like a boy and preferred this pastime to sitting among women. She behaved quite like an Amazon. But from now on she should be taught sewing and spinning and female behavior so that she will gladly stay at home and not prefer to get away on some Greek ship. The king Lycomedes is happy to have Thetis’ daughter at his court for education and asks for her name: Thetis says the girl is named Jocundille. The princesses are happy about their new companion who is even more beautiful than Deidamia. Achilles becomes Deidamia’s friend. Thetis takes her leave and asks the Gods to protect her son from the Greek on this island.
Motif References:
F 575.2 Handsome man K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name K 1836 Disguise of man in woman’s dress
KvWTK-15440:
Achilles is in love with Deidamia who has no suspicion that he might be a man. From love he turns red and white. One day the girl asks him about his sorrow and he pretends that he is missing his mother. On a walk in the woods he beats her playfully with a twig and touches her breasts, which makes him turn red and white from love. Achilles (alias Jocundille) teaches her singing, to play lyra and harp, which he says he has learnt from his brother Achilles. From Deidamia he learns how to sew and spin but he does not like it and begins a game of dice instead. His frequent glances at her puzzle Deidamia: If she were not certain that he is a girl, she would think Jocundille loves her as if she were a man. Achilles pictures to Deidamia how things could be if one of them were a man. Love brings him both joy and grief.
Motif References:
T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love
KvWTK-16161:
Four years later on occasion of the festival of Bacchus, the God of wine, and the ladies celebrate their special feast in the woods. No man is allowed to attend and a priestess takes care of the feast. The women wear chaplets, they sing, play and dance and throw blooming twigs – Achilles takes trees with roots instead of twigs. To honor Bacchus they tear their rich clothes and finally sleep in pairs on beds made of flowers and grass.
Motif References:
V 70 Religious feasts and fasts P 634 Feasts
KvWTK-16492:
Achilles takes Deidamia to a hidden place in the forest. When he caresses her like a man she is puzzled by his strange behavior. He admits that he is a man. They have a discussion and she wants to leave, but he does not let her go and makes love to her. Deidamia according to woman’s ways resists his advances though she longs for his love. Her cry alarms the other women and the priestess: they think this was the signal to resume the feast.
Motif References:
K 1321 Seduction by man disguising as woman
KvWTK-17045:
Deidamia becomes pregnant the same night. Although she pretends grief about what happened she is very happy. She thinks that her companion’s strange behavior should have warned her. She is however afraid of dishonor and her father’s punishment and that Achilles might leave her some day. But Achilles reassures her, promises never to leave her and to protect her against her father. Their love affair is kept secret and unlike the love of Tristan and Isolt does not arouse any suspicion for Achilles is thought to be a girl. Only Deidamia’s jealousy of her companions detracts from her complete happiness. Jealousy is a characteristic of women. Eyes and love are bound to each other, and so she does not like him to look at other women. Love can never be without sorrow. Although Achilles loves her faithfully the sight of other women pleases him well.
Motif References:
W 181 Jealousy T 400 Illicit sexual relations
KvWTK-17322:
In the meantime king Priamus has rebuilt Troy: The town is very beautiful and strong and so large that it takes three days to come round. Its fortifications are excellent: a high town wall with numerous towers and two broad water-moats so that the wall cannot be reached by arrows. Its seven gates are fortified with forts each of them held by a duke and 1000 knights and provided with large amounts of money (10,000 marks). The stones of the wall have all colors (yellow, green, red, and white, brown, blue). The roofs of the towers are made from lead and have golden heads. The streets are paved with marble that shines like a mirror. Among the 10,000 noble inhabitants are many kings, counts and dukes. The houses are most excellently built from marble and there are numerous palaces, decorated with gold, lapis lazuli and pictures. The town may be called an earthly paradise and still is an impregnable stronghold.
Motif References:
F 769 Other extraordinary cities F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
KvWTK-17453:
In the midst of the town, on top of a high rock, the king has built a high tower, named Ylion. It has been made from large square stones of shining marble and ornamented with gold, lapis lazuli and pictures. From its pinnacles the townspeople have a wide panorama. The royal palace nearby is built from shining marble too. Its rooms are richly decorated with gold and jewels, and the clear windows are ornamented with leaves and all sorts of animals. Round pillars with capitals support a golden ceiling set in with jewels and the floor is out of marble. The royal hall has a silver roof. There is a rich chandelier decorated with pearls and the tables are made of ivory and cypress wood.
Motif References:
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace) F 772 Extraordinary tower.
KvWTK-17560:
In front of the palace there is an automatic tree made by magic and the most artful work one could think of: The king has made seats from gold and ivory in its shade that gives room for 100 knights. Life-like birds of all colors sing beautifully on the golden twigs; the roots and the trunk are made from silver, the leaves from ruby and emerald. The twigs resound sweetly if touched and the birdsong makes everybody joyful. Pictures of the Gods from gold and silver are to be seen in the palace, and on a high place above the king’s table there is a precious image of Iuppiter shining from gold and jewels. Troy is the most splendid town ever heard of.
Motif References:
V 127 Image of deity in wood (stone) [metal] F 769 Other extraordinary cities F 811 Extraordinary tree F 811.6 Tree with musical branches F 855 Extraordinary image D 1359.3.1.2 Magic musical branch soothes listeners D 1615.2 Magic musical branch D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal
KvWTK-17702:
Priamus is still grieving for the death of his father and his knights and the abduction of his sister by king Telamon. The author does not think it wise to chase happiness by insisting upon sorrow and revenge that should be left to God. Priamus’ revenge will become his great mischief. The king summons his knights in town to prepare revenge onto the Greek. He reminds them of their grief and their feudal obligations and asks his council for advice. Hector, the council’s speaker, advises him to send a messenger to get information about the Greek and see if they are willing to give reparations for the devastation of the kingdom and the death of Priamus’ father and of his men and if the Greek are willing to send back the king’s sister unharmed. The Greek’s refusal should be met with a declaration of war.
Motif References:
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-17964:
The king makes Antenor his messenger. He is a valiant and wise count, who has studied the laws and is a very eloquent person. Antenor goes to meet the Greek when they hold a council in Telamon’s kingdom Salamin and tells them his errand. The lords have a council and decide to make Telamon their speaker. He declares that he knows nothing about Priamus and refuses to give reparations. The destruction of Troy was due to the revenge for an offense. The king’s beautiful daughter was given to him as prize for his exploits in war. He refuses to let her go. The Greek then order Antenor to leave at once without ever coming back. Antenor returns to Troy immediately, for it is wise not to waste words where no one pays attention. When he tells the news at the Trojan court he advises war but warns them against the dangers of warring as well.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council] P 14.15.2 Court messenger
KvWTK-18341:
Priamus turns red and white from anger. He says that the wheel of fortune might easily turn for them and defeat be followed by triumph. Troy cannot be conquered and has provisions to endure a five years’ siege. The Trojans should attack the Greek by surprise. He summons his knights to help him against the Greek. They promise to do so and the king thanks them. The king then summons his sons. He reminds them of their loyalty as his kin and makes them leaders of the army. He advises them to be generous to oblige the troops. Munificence is a decisive royal virtue. Priamus praises the wisdom and prudence of his favorite son Hector and makes him commander-in-chief of his brothers. Hector rises from his seat, takes off his chaplet, and holding his hands before him he declares that he lacks wisdom and valiance and moreover he is still very young. But nevertheless he will obey his father’s orders. He advises him to prepare this war thoroughly for the Greek army is very strong and has got allies from many countries, from the kingdoms of Europe and Asia. They are well-trained fighters both on land and on sea and have many excellent knights. The Trojans therefore should prepare a strong fleet.
Motif References:
W 11.2 Munificent monarch P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals] P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
KvWTK-18755:
Paris wants to be sent to Greece and reminds the council that Venus on the occasion of the beauty contest of the apple promised to give him Helena. And moreover one of these days while he was hunting with his hounds in the little Yndia this promise was renewed: Grieving because of his love for Helena he rested on a beautiful meadow (locus amoenus). Suddenly a young man in precious garments and with curled hair appeared and introduced himself as Mercurius, the messenger of the Gods. He took a letter out of a letter-box and gave it to Paris: It was a letter written by Venus advising him to abduct the beautiful Helena from Greece and to make her his wife. Paris declares that this would be a fitting revenge for the abduction of Hesiona.
Motif References:
A 165.2 Messenger of the gods A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal A 182.3.5 God advises mortal
KvWTK-18965:
Deiphobus agrees at once but his brother Helenus, a young prophet, warns them. Helenus has got to know from his dreams that this journey will bring disaster. If Paris would abduct Helena all Trojan possessions and the entire kingdom will be burnt and devastated and the Greek will even destroy the tower Ylion. If his prophecy would not come true they should burn him and strew the ashes out onto the fields. He assures them that he confirmed this prophecy in various ways: by throwing lots, by asking the Gods, by augury by water and by the flight of birds, and by the planets. Up to this day all prophecies of Helenus have come true and therefore they all trust him and fall silent.
Motif References:
M 301 Prophets M 302 Means of prophesying M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction D 1311.3.1.1 Divination by water D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.) D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician D 1812.5.1.6 Stars furnish omens D 1812.5.0.2 Omens from flight of birds
KvWTK-19110:
Valiant Troilus, the youngest son of Priamus, is angry about the “priest’s” cowardice who ought to sing in a choir and lead a priest’s life. It is a knight’s duty to fight for women and therefore Paris should set out for Greece for revenge. Troilus convinces the Trojans. Panthus who is one of Priamus vassals warns the king: His father Eusebius died at the age of 100. He was very wise and often used augury, prophesied by the means of stars and interpreted dreams. He told them that Troy once would be destroyed by a hero named Paris for the sake of a woman he would take from Greece to Troy. They should not wage war when living in peace. His advice is generally refused.
Motif References:
M 301 Prophets M 302 Means of prophesying M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction P 426.1 Parson (priest) D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.) D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
KvWTK-19342:
When Paris is about to leave his sister Cassandra comes running to the ships, she claps her hands and cries out: Only disaster will come from his journey and it will cause the end of Troy. Nobody cares for her warning and the ships leave the harbor. They have had three warnings, from Helenus, Panthus (Pantus) and Cassandra, and they cared for none.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three M 301 Prophets M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction J 652 Inattention to warnings D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.) D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
KvWTK-19406:
The 24 ships are richly equipped. Paris’ companions are Deiphobus (Deifebus), Polydamas (Polimodas) and Aeneas and a large number of knights. Soon they land on the island of Citarea where people are about to celebrate a feast in the beautiful temple of Venus. Music from trombones harps and lyres is to be heard. The Trojans dress up beautifully. Paris dons rich clothes and precious ornaments. He has fair curled hair. When the Trojans come to the temple of Venus Paris gives offerings to the Goddess of Love. As they leave the temple people on the market place look at handsome Paris with astonishment. He buys gifts for his companions.
Motif References:
V 70 Religious feasts and fasts F 575.2 Handsome man P 634 Feasts
KvWTK-19634:
Queen Helena, the wife of Menelaus (Menelaus), the most powerful king of Greece, soon gets the news of the strangers’ arrival. She is an extraordinarily beautiful woman whose looks are praised by the Christians, the Jews and the heathens, and a rich and powerful queen. With a retinue of fifty ladies she leaves for the temple, pretending to want to give offerings.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman K 2090 Other hypocritical acts
KvWTK-19782:
When Paris perceives her he falls in love at first sight and the symptoms of love show on him: he has all colors of a rainbow. Paris’ companions are delighted by Helena’s resplendent beauty and Paris himself turns senseless from love. Helena keeps her eyes lowered. She has fair curled hair, small black brows, the colors white and red are perfectly mixed on her, and she has a slender waist. Her clothes are made of precious dyed silk and of silk cloth with gold. The latter was made in India by magic by a heathen dwarf. Its color changes seven times a day from red to white and it has got precious ornaments of leaves and vine from gold, of lifelike animals, birds and fish, and of jewels. Helena’s coat and tunic have been worked from a fabric that protects against heat and cold.
Motif References:
T 15 Love at first sight T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love F 451.3.4.1 Dwarfs as artificers F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.) F 827 Extraordinary ornaments
KvWTK-20134:
Her coat is lined with the shining skin of a strange animal by the name of Dindialus that lives in the East in the land of Cepfalia, a very hot country without any trees. The beast is trapped by the means of balsam-leaves: Their sweet smell attracts it and when it has fallen asleep in the leaves’ shade it can easily be killed. The beast’s skin is multicolored (white, brown, yellow, red, green and blue) and a sweet smell comes from it for the animal only feeds on good herbs. Helena’s coat has precious ruby clasps, a green lining and is ornamented with jewels. Underneath her beautiful coat she wears a very low-necked dress emphasizing her white breasts. The dress (radiant blue with golden drops) is lined with the skin of a fish that lives in a river flowing from paradise. An exquisite white scarf ornamented with gold covers her head according to the Greek fashion. It is so transparent that her golden hair and a chaplet show. Later on many men perished because of this woman.
Motif References:
B 731.0.1 Animals of strange and varied coloring K 776 Capture by intoxication (or narcotic) F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.) D 965 Magic plants D 1364.31 Plant produces [deathlike] sleep D 1960 Magic sleep
KvWTK-20314:
Paris waiting at the temple with his retinue burns with love when she enters the temple but her sight reminds him of all his hardship too. When Helena perceives him she starts suffering from love, because he is so handsome. She greets the strangers very friendly and goes into the temple. Her husband, king Menelaus, who is very fond of his wife, follows her with his retinue. Paris is welcomed by the king and his knights with high honors due to his beauty and costly outfit. The king leads him to the queen and says that she should invite Paris to be their guest which she does willingly. He agrees. From love he frequently changes his color from red to green and white. Helena becomes rosy and white from love for him. They exchange frequent glances and Helena because of her love fails to concentrate on her offerings and her prayers in the temple.
Motif References:
T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love T 26 Attention distracted by sight of (remembering) beloved F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman K 2090 Other hypocritical acts
KvWTK-20456:
As soon as they have finished their service in the temple the royal couple and Paris go to the castle. They ask Paris about his native country and he pretends to come from the town of Carthage in Libya, which he left to learn honorable behavior and valiance at this court well-known for the king’s excellent virtues. He wishes to stay for one year but will send his knights back home. The king is very pleased and would even invite Paris’ knights to stay with him in the royal castle. Paris however insists that they must leave to see to their business at home. Paris stays as guest of the king of Greece. He is very well cared for and they are served a fine meal. When they have finished Paris alarms his knights that now their revenge for the downfall of Troy is imminent and that he will abduct Helena to make up for the loss of Hesiona. He orders them to hide in a place on the coast which is well protected by a mountain and rich vegetation. There they should wait for his messenger Polydamas (Pollimadas). The ships leave.
Motif References:
P 322.2 Guest in disguise or under false name K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name K 1892 Deception by hiding K 2357 Disguise to enter enemy’s camp (castle)
KvWTK-20658:
Paris pretending that his name is Alexander stays with the king. For the sake of his love for Helena he is willing to give up goods, men and life and to betray king Menelaus who offers him hospitality. He is suffering from love which makes him lose all joy and strength, gives him sorrow and almost breaks his heart. To make things worse the king’s tender words and gestures towards his wife arouse Paris’ jealousy. He is already senseless from love, suffers from giddiness and feels heat in his heart and brains. Helena too is suffering from her secret love for Paris whose love for her she can clearly detect from his gestures and behavior. He writes the word "amô" with wine before her on the table. When she caresses her little daughter he kisses her too. He takes a seat at the very place where she has been seated and kisses the place where she stood. All these gestures however are shown in perfect secrecy. He looks at her, kisses her footprints and bows where she goes. The only person who pays attention to his behavior is Helena’s nurse who minds seeing him kiss the child and the place where Helena stood and she tells her mistress about it. Helena is all the more thinking of Paris.
Motif References:
T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love T 24 The symptoms of love P 322.2 Guest in disguise or under false name K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name
KvWTK-20860:
Castor and Pollux, the king’s brothers-in-law, ask Menelaus for military aid against a king and before he leaves he asks the queen to care well for their guest. Paris and Helena spend much time together. One day she asks him about his grief and wants to learn why he came to the royal court. She does not believe the story he told them for he does not lack virtue: His heart takes care of his virtue like the ostrich broods his eggs with his eyes. Although Paris is very happy that he now can talk to Helena about his love he blushes and starts to sweat from heat. Then he tells Helena that he longed for her since childhood. Venus made him undertake this journey. For Helena’s sake he has lost his mind and cares no more for possessions. Castles and towns in his native country excel those in this kingdom. But Helena herself proves to be much more beautiful than he could expect from hearsay. He therefore thinks it quite natural that Theseus abducted her but he cannot understand that the hero returned her without making her his mistress. Paris would not do without kiss and embrace even if death would come from it. He refused wisdom and wealth promised by Pallas and Iuno and chose Helena offered to him by Venus.
Motif References:
T 57 Declaration of love T 250 Characteristics of wives and husbands F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
KvWTK-21186:
Helena should now reward him for all his pains and she could well make him her friend and even husband because he is her equal and his father the king of the rich land of Asia. This country will be hers too if she agrees to be his wife. He describes to her the town of Troy with its golden roofs which will be in better keeping with her beauty than Menelaus’ castle. He promises her that his parents would pay respect to her and bestow riches on her. If she does not consent Paris will certainly die. Menelaus acted carelessly when he made her invite a complete stranger and gave him in her care during his absence. If she is ashamed of becoming his paramour he is ready to abduct her so that she could not be considered guilty. She must not fear that he could be kept from it, he would follow the example of Hercules who abducted Deianira (Dyanira). Once they would get to Troy its strong army would protect her. Then he reminds of Iason and Medea who also had been abducted from Colchis. He says that his father’s people have her for a new fairy, a goddess, who ought to be worshipped above all women.
Motif References:
R 10.1 Princess (maiden) abducted T 50 Wooing
KvWTK-21481:
Helena is in love with Paris yet his words offend her. She praises Theseus who knew to control himself and respected her honor. Helena is not surprised that her extraordinary beauty makes a young man like Paris fall in love with her and she is unable to prevent it. She reminds him that he is not her equal: Helena is Iuppiter’s daughter whereas Paris is only his nephew. Besides being rich herself she cannot be tempted by any wealth he promises her. In any case if she loved him she would not care for anything but his love. Yet she will not betray her husband. Although his glances, secret tears and love-message written in the wine have told her about his love she will not trust him for no woman should ever trust a man. Men have often courted her but none of them was as shameless as Paris. She believes the story of the Goddesses’ contest and Paris’ judgment but cannot believe that she was put in the same category with wisdom and wealth. If this were true Venus certainly has set a trap for her.
Motif References:
T 75 Man scorned by his beloved
KvWTK-21958:
Helena begs Paris to conceal his love to prevent gossip and reminds him of her husband’s orders that she should care well for house and guest during his absence. She warns Paris against her powerful husband who does not trust her completely because of her beauty: A beautiful woman never is granted the freedom of a not so pretty one. She says she would wish to be forced to love Paris because she cannot do it willingly. Then however she remembers her duty and argues that such a love could not last: Hypsipyle (Esipfile) and Ariadne (Adriagne) fell in love with strangers and both were forsaken. Paris should remember his former mistress Oenone. Helena thinks Paris a faithless man who soon would forsake her. If she would come with him to Troy she would at last be left there all alone in a foreign country. His parents would regard her as a faithless wife and she would be unable to keep Paris from treating her unkindly. He certainly would be jealous if they received some guest. Iason promised to make Medea happy but she only met pain when he faithlessly chose another woman. She reminds him of Hecuba’s prophetic dream, the fire-brand bursting from her heart and the tower of Ylion falling into ruins. Paris being a better lover than warrior would not be able to protect her. Helena thinks Hector to be a more valiant hero than Paris.
Motif References:
T 75 Man scorned by his beloved T 89.3 (Bm) Faithless lover T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love]
KvWTK-22375:
When Helena has ended Paris due to a loosened clasp gets a glimpse of her décolleté and swoons. They take him to rest in his room and he keeps thinking about the abduction of Helena. He sends Polydamas (Pollidama) as messenger to his knights and orders them to ship to the harbor with half white and half black sails so that anyone will believe Menelaus has returned. Helena then will go to welcome her husband and Paris could easily abduct her. As soon as the ship with the deceptive sails has come to the port Paris alarms the queen telling her Menelaus has returned. Then he abducts the queen and her ladies who came with her to welcome the king. The ship hurries on to a town named Tenadon not far from Troy where they stay overnight in the beautiful castle that is built of green, blue, red and yellow marble. Paris sends messengers to Priamus with the news of his exploit. Everybody is very happy.
Motif References:
R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted R 12.4 Girl enticed into boat and abducted [by lover] T 24.2 Swooning for love T 24 The symptoms of love F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace) K 1332 Seduction [abduction] by taking aboard ship to inspect wares K 2357 Disguise to enter enemy’s camp (castle)
KvWTK-22574:
Helena however grieves and laments that now she has lost her own language and would have to learn a new one. She wrings her hands and weeps. Her ladies lament and mistreat themselves. Paris begs her to stop lamenting, for as his wife she will be more cared for than she was before. Her maidens are allowed to return home if they would not prefer to get married in Troy and become duchesses and countesses. Helena asks him to be merciful. Paris takes Helena to his bedroom and asks her to become his wife. She says that she is in his power and unable to resist force. Though she grieves for the loss of her husband she is happy to have won Paris. Paris perceives that love is getting the better on her. When he begs her for her love she swoons. The following night Paris and Helena enjoy the pleasures of love. Helena from love forgets all about her husband and children, people and land, honor and wealth. Paris no more remembers neither the hardships he had to endure to win Helena nor the prophecy about Troy’s downfall because of Helena.
Motif References:
T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] T 481 Adultery
KvWTK-22984:
In the morning they continue their journey to Troy. Paris and Helena exchange many loving glances. When they come to Troy horses are waiting for them. Helena dresses herself in her very best garments. Priamus, his knights and the ladies come to welcome them half-way and the king is amazed by Helena’s beauty. The Trojans think she shines like the sun and could not possibly be human but must be some kind of angel. While Aeneas looks after Helena Paris tells his father the story of Helena’s abduction and the king is very pleased. They arrive in town and Helena is welcomed as their honored guest: For her sake people strew roses and the houses are decorated with precious fabric. The townspeople bestow riches on her and the king sends for musicians. According to the land’s and the heathens’ custom that anybody who has abducted a woman from her husband is allowed to marry her Paris and Helena are married the following morning. A splendid feast is celebrated.
Motif References:
R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted T 130 Marriage customs T 136.1 Wedding feast F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman P 634 Feasts
KvWTK-23230:
Everybody is happy except the prophet Cassandra who is well aware of the disaster to come from this marriage. She beats herself, tears her hair and laments that Troy and the tower Ylion will be destroyed; Priamus and Hecuba will lose their kingdom because of Paris. Her lamenting and doomsaying bothers everybody, so that Priamus has her locked up in a room. They think she has gone mad. Yet her prophecy will come true.
Motif References:
M 301 Prophets M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction J 652 Inattention to warnings F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
KvWTK-23394:
In the meantime the news of Helena’s abduction spread quickly throughout Greece. The Greeks are outraged. King Menelaus learns the news when he returns home and he complains about his grief to his brothers-in-law Kastor and Pollux, and to the lord Nestor. Then he returns to Sparta and sends for his brother Agamemnon who is a noble king. Agamemnon advises him to stop grieving and lamenting like a woman. An honorable man ought to prepare his revenge without delay. They follow his advice to summon an army. Fighters are easily to be found for all Greeks are furious with Paris. They make preparations for war, build ships, and make weapons and armament ready for a siege. Allies are won in foreign countries and many kings come to join them.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
KvWTK-23640:
Thus the Greek will make Hecuba’s dream come true: the firebrand from her heart that destroys Troy, for despite Priamus’ order to kill the child it has been spared and was reared by a herdsman. All evil signs and prophecies now will be fulfilled: the apple of Discordia which meant to raise dispute, the prophecy of Proteus that on the day of the festival of the apple a child would be born destined to die before Troy. Because of this prophecy Achilles has been carried to Chiron and later on concealed among women. If Iason had not obtained the Golden Fleece he would never have reached Colchis and Priamus’ father Laomedon would not have been killed. There would have been no reason to take revenge by abducting Helena. Cassandra and her brother Helenus advised against Paris’ journey to Greece. Manyfold death at Troy finally came from it.
Motif References:
M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction
KvWTK-23753:
In the meantime Agamemnon and Menelaus have summoned a huge army. Troops come to their aid from Athens, from Hungary, Denmark, Scotland, England, Norway and many other countries. The world has three great regions: Europe, Asia and Africa. Europe and Africa are united against Troy located in Asia. German knights fight at Troy and they prove to be excellent fighters. The Greek troops meet on an island in the forest Aulida.
Motif References:
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)
KvWTK-24030:
One day Agamemnon goes out hunting and kills a deer which means great misfortune for the Greek: He thus has offended the Goddess Diana, who is the Goddess of hunting and master of animals. This very deer had been her pet, that she had raised herself: She makes Neptunus leave her the power to command the waters and asks the God of the weather to let her direct the winds. Having obtained the power over wind, rain and fog she immobilizes the Greek on the island by stirring the sea and the winds. There is ice and snow, the blossoming trees wither. The Greeks believe their mischief is due to Neptunus, who helped to rebuild Troy, and they are in great distress.
Motif References:
A 102.17 Anger of God A 155 Animals of the gods A 197.1 (Bm) Storm as sign of Goddess’s wrath A 197 Deity controls elements Q 211.6 Killing an animal revenged Q 228 Punishment for (trying to) harm(ing) sacred animal N 361 Sacred animal unwittingly killed A 440.1 Goddess of animals A 452.1 Goddess of hunting Q 552.14 Storm as punishment D 905 Magic storm D 2141 Storm produced by magic
KvWTK-24158:
One day the Greek watch a strange scene: On top of a willow there is a bird’s nest with eight young in it. A green snake first eats one of the bird’s young then all the young and the old bird as well. The Greeks ask their prophet, Calchas (Kalcas), to give them the meaning of this strange scene. He tells them that they will have to besiege Troy for nine years before taking it. Then they ask him to read in the stars why they cannot leave the island. He leaves them to pray to the gods, especially to Apollo. The god answers that it is not Neptunus who keeps them from leaving but Diana for Agamemnon killed her deer. They will have to reconcile Diana lest they would meet all sort of misfortune. Apollo advises to sacrifice a maiden, Iphigenia (Effigennia), the king’s beautiful daughter. Calchas then tells the Greek what the Gods have told him and they discuss what to do. They make Ulixes their speaker and he begs Agamemnon to sacrifice his daughter to rescue the Greeks.
Motif References:
V 17.0.1 Sacrifice to deity in order to obtain favors A 102.17 Anger of God Z 150 Other symbols A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal A 182.3.5 God advises mortal A 197.1 (Bm) Storm as sign of Goddess’s wrath S 260.1 Human sacrifice M 301 Prophets D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.) D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
KvWTK-24509:
Agamemnon is very grieved by this idea and has a council with his courtiers who finally talk him into sacrificing Iphigenia (Effigennia) to rescue the Greeks. She is taken into the forest to be sacrificed. Human sacrifice was a custom these days in Greece and in all heathen countries, they used to kill the victim and burn the corpse so that the smoke would carry the sacrifice to their gods. The Greeks want to kill the girl by sword at the temple in the sacred grove. Diana however, moved by the king’s readiness to sacrifice his daughter, rescues the maiden. She conceals her in a foggy cloud and has her transported to the land of Thesaurica where she is made priestess in a temple of the Goddess. On the very place where the maiden stood the Greeks only find a white deer which they burn and sacrifice instead.
Motif References:
V 12.4 Animals as sacrifice V 17.0.1 Sacrifice to deity in order to obtain favors V 19.1 Rising smoke as sign of acceptance of sacrifice A 185.2 Deity protects mortal S 260.1 Human sacrifice P 426.1 Parson (priest) N 817.0.2 Goddess as helper D 2135 Magic air journey
KvWTK-24656:
The storm soon ends and the Greek army sets off for Troy. The Trojans hear the news from rumor. Fama, a male, has his court high up in the clouds. His palace has got many windows which are wide open. Many stories are circulating there, true ones as well as lies. He knows everything that happens in the heavens, the sea and on earth without delay. He has wings and travels with the winds, telling news of any war. The news he spreads keep growing and multiplying self.
Motif References:
A 489 Gods of abstractions – miscellaneous
KvWTK-24750:
As soon as he has perceived the Greek ships he hurries to tell the news at Troy. King Priamus summons help and prepares war. Many kings and nobles join his army. Among his numerous allies is Samildech of Baldac, the heathen Pope. Although Priamus has got many troops, the Greek outnumber his fighters ten times. King Epistrophus (Epistroples) comes with an army from his land which is not far away from the island of women. His fighters who carry horn-bows are half man half animal and speak a strange language that is not easily understood. The fighters joined Priamus’ troops for different reasons, some because of the money promised to them, some to excel in fighting for the sake of women, others because of the king’s order or to have fun. There are many who come to help Priamus out of friendship and loyalty. The king has a council of war and decides that Hector should lead the army. He makes five groups, which are to be led by Deiphobus, Troilus, Paris, Polydamas (Pollidamus) and Aeneas. Priamus will lead the infantrymen.
Motif References:
B 20.1 Army of half-animals, half-men F 112 Journey to land of women P 551 Army P 552 Battle formations P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-25089:
In the meantime the Greek army conquers Tenadon. The Greeks destroy the city, kill men and women and plunder the city. Then they continue their journey. Their ships are well prepared for war with iron prows and equipped with men and all sort of weapons. It is a mighty and numerous fleet with sails of different colors (white, black, red, green, yellow, blue) made of precious silk and displaying their golden emblem. When they catch sight of the fleet the people of Troy are quite discouraged: the ships are even more numerous than the trees in the Black Woods and in Spessart. The sails are shining and fluttering and both the sight and the sound frightens the Trojans.
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War P 551 Army F 873.1.2 (Tu) Enormous fleet
KvWTK-25189:
The Trojans arm themselves to keep the enemy from landing. There are so many ships that the water at the shore is covered completely as is the meadow by Trojan fighters. The Greeks try to land: The king Protesilaus (Prothesolaus) is the first to reach the shore and he incites his knights. Hector incites the Trojans. Furious fighting starts. Protesilaus has a green coat of arms with golden flying fish on it. His men are encircled by the Trojans and cannot retreat because of the sea behind them. The sea takes the color of blood. A second Greek troop engages in fight led by king Prothoenor (Prothenor) and his brother Archelochus (Archelaus). As they try to get to the shore they destroy the ships in front of them and many men and goods are lost. There is some sort of bridge from ships to the shore. The king’s coat of arms is a black ibex on white ground. The kings Ialmenus (Alin) and Ascalaphus (Aggalon) engage in fight. Ialmenus’ coat of arms: golden roses on green ground. Ascalaphus’ shield is blue with a golden ostrich carrying a silver horseshoe in its beak. The Trojans are driven back to town, before the Greek once again have to retreat toward the sea. Protesilaus laments his loss of ships and men.
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War F 873.2 Enormous army (camp) F 873.1.2 (Tu) Enormous fleet F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-25664:
Ulixes who carries a white eagle as coat of arms comes ashore and kills the Trojan Pylaemenes (Effimenis) whose corpse the Trojans take into the town. The Trojans kill many Greeks. Agamemnon and Menelaus arrive. Their coat of arms shows a black stag with a golden crown on red ground. The Greek knight Dolamides dressed in black with white stripes incites the Greek army. They fight furiously. Hector rescues the Trojan army from being overrun. He has a green coat of arms with a red lion on it and he is fighting like a wild lion. He hews a path through the enemies. After splitting the head of Protesilaus to his breast he praises and laments the dead. The corpse is taken to the ships. Hector rages among the Greeks in a frenzy.
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War F 628.2 Strong man kills men F 873.0.1 Battle rage F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-26184:
The Greeks however drive the Trojans back into the town. Then they arrange their camp. All poor Greek knights become rich from the goods they find on the battlefield. There are tents of all colors made of precious fabric, of silk and with golden knobs on top. Many rubies are shining in the night. The Greeks have candlelight and music in the evening. King Agamemnon has a war council. He wants to ask the Trojans to return Helena and to give reparations lest their land would be devastated. The council decides that a truce should be kept until they would get to know the decision of the besieged. The next morning two kings, Ulixes and Diomedes, are sent as messengers to Troy. They are richly clothed, ride dapple-grey horses with long manes, carry no swords, and have laurel wreaths as sign of peace. They are allowed to enter the town and look in amazement at the ornamented walls of the houses. The king’s palace is the most beautiful building they ever saw. They admire the golden tree with jewels and its artfully singing birds. The king is waiting for the messengers in his royal outfit, his sons are gathered around him. Ulixes speaks and tells the conditions of peace.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger Z 157 Olive [palm] branch symbol of peace [victory] P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war P 558 (Bm) Truce F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace) F 811 Extraordinary tree D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal
KvWTK-26535:
Priamus is outraged at this message and accuses the Greeks of the abduction of his sister Hesiona. Moreover they expelled his messengers. Therefore he will not grant peace. Diomedes warns and threatens the Trojans. Paris replies that he will not return Helena, for the Greeks offended his father. Ulixes speaks and contrary to Agamemnon’s advice tries to settle the dispute and to end the war: Peace should be made in order to spare lives. Hector says they should have peace to bury their dead, care for the wounded and to clear the fields. He thinks the Greeks have come for a long stay. Thus they could give reparations. Troy has got enough troops to avenge their dead. Aeneas gives his advice: A king should not be advised to make peace while the enemy occupies his land. Diomedes replies that Aeneas could easily prove his eagerness to fight before the town. Finally they agree upon a truce for half a year.
Motif References:
P 558 (Bm) Truce
KvWTK-26930:
The Greek messengers return to their camp with stories about Troy’s riches and beauty. Ulixes tells Agamemnon that Priamus refuses to give any compensation and he praises Hector’s excellence and reasonableness. Although the latter fights like a wild boar, he knows to speak politely and courteously like a maiden. He is the best knight and if Agamemnon wants to overcome Troy he must have a knight equal to Hector. Agamemnon is very angry about Priamus’ answer but quite pleased that a truce has been arranged. The Greeks clear the battleground, bury their dead and care for the wounded. Then they have a council to find a match for Hector. Only Hercules would have been his equal, but he is already dead. They finally remember Achilles who is an excellent knight and who according to Proteus’ prophecy was to fight before Troy and destroy it. The hero has stayed with Chiron but then has disappeared. They have no idea that he now lives among women at king Lycomedes’ court in female disguise.
Motif References:
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle Z 254 Destined hero M 301 Prophets M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-27154:
The Greeks therefore send for Calchas and beg him to give them some information about Achilles’ whereabouts. They promise him that he will not have to fight in this war and that he will always be highly honored. Calchas should implore the Gods to tell him where they might find Achilles. The prophet concentrates on his prayers and begs the Gods to tell him about Achilles. He beats his breast with his fists so that magic can inspire him. The magic makes him change his color, he becomes red and white. When the magic possesses all his body he swoons. He writhes, his eyes become yellow, his hair stands up so that his chaplet is placed on top of his upright curls. He loses both senses and strength, turns round and about until his gods give him their answer. He is suffering, the white of his eyes shows up, he sweats and foams like a boar. He behaves like the lachenaere did in old times. When the spirit is sent to them, they lose their senses, lie without any movement a long time until they finally recover. As soon as Calchas has got the information he comes to his senses and regains his strength. From a child he turns into the old man he was before and behaves like someone woken from a dream. He fills his breast with air to cool his heart and shouts his information at them: Achilles can be found in female disguise at king Lycomedes’ court. This life is not right and proper for the hero Achilles. His mother Thetis wanted to keep him from chivalry and had him carried to the shore by two fish. Calchas acts like those people who know how to detect stolen goods by looking into a sword’s blade.
Motif References:
M 302 Means of prophesying D 1711 Magician D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
KvWTK-27414:
The Greeks decide to send Diomedes and Ulixes as messengers to find Achilles. Diomedes is an excellent fighter, Ulixes wise and very eloquent. Ulixes has a ship well equipped with all goods to please women and with armor and weapons to attract a young hero. He also hires a trombone player, Agyrtes (Agirres). As soon as they arrive at Scyros Diomedes and Ulixes go to see the king. They keep spying like wolves would do looking for something to steal. Diomedes who failed to understand Ulixes’ ruse asks him about the merchandise they brought with them: why have they brought goods to please women when they want to attract a hero? Ulixes tells him that thereby he will put Achilles to the test: Is he still a man despite his female clothes’ The king Lycomedes and his court receive the guests in front of the castle. Ulixes and Diomedes pretend to have been sent by the Greeks in order to learn which side the king takes in the Trojan war. The king assures them of his friendship and invites them to stay as his guests. Soon they meet the women. All of them blush from timidity except Achilles. He lets his eyes wander freely, walks like a man with his head upright. Only Deidamia walking at his side keeps him from betraying his true sex. She advises him to behave as is fit for a woman. Diomedes however manages to detect Achilles by his unwomanly behavior.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger U 120 Nature will show itself J 1110 Clever persons H 1381.8 (Bm) Quest for champion [helper] H 1578 Test of sex: to discover person masking as of other sex K 1836 Disguise of man in woman’s dress
KvWTK-27786:
The king says to be sorry that he is too old to fight and has no sons to join the Greeks. Ulixes thanks him for his solidarity and praises the chivalry at Troy. No true hero or any young man striving for the ladies’ praise could resist fighting there. Ulixes by his words wants to provoke Achilles. Deidamia is not interested at all in fighting but Achilles blushes from eagerness. He turns his head so hastily that he nearly loses his chaplet, Deidamia keeps it from falling down. The messengers are aware of Achilles’ embarrassment and Ulixes continues his speech and stresses the fact that all chivalry has gathered before Troy. But Lycomedes is already too old to fight and has to guard his house and marry off his daughters. The king will make them meet his daughter the following morning at the feast of Pallas.
Motif References:
U 120 Nature will show itself J 1110 Clever persons H 1578 Test of sex: to discover person masking as of other sex
KvWTK-28071:
Ulixes is happy about this news for the feast would be a perfect opportunity for his plans. The host is a good man, simple and without suspicion. The maidens are happy to have a feast. Deidamia however fearing that she might lose Achilles is depressed. She orders her companions to leave the guests although Achilles would have preferred to stay near Ulixes. He is the last one to follow Deidamia. In the next morning all but Deidamia are happy, and after their offerings in the temple they have music and dancing. Achilles proves to be a bad dancer and Ulixes can easily detect him. Then the women return to the palace. Ulixes has sent for the goods he brought with him as gifts for the maidens on their way back. He lets them choose whatever they like without pay to requite them for their hospitality. Achilles is only interested by the weapons and armor that inflame his heart so that his hair stands up. Looking at his image in the mirror of a shield he thinks it a shame that a hero wears female clothes. Ulixes aware of his embarrassment secretly tells him that he has been sent to fetch him and that it is quite shameful that he dresses as a woman. The Greeks are waiting for him because of the prophecy that he will destroy Troy. Agyrtes then blows the trumpet of war, which is the decisive moment for Achilles: Like the tame lion who looking at his image in a mirror turns wild again and kills his master, Achilles now forgets his mother’s orders as well as his love for Deidamia. He can only think about war and fighting. Achilles tears his clothes and takes armor and weapons. His eyes turn red from eagerness to fight.
Motif References:
U 120 Nature will show itself Z 254 Destined hero M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction J 1110 Clever persons H 1578 Test of sex: to discover person masking as of other sex
KvWTK-28597:
The maidens who think he has gone mad are frightened and flee. Only Deidamia detects the truth. Knowing that he will not come back to her soon she retires to lament and weep. Deidamia has given birth to a son, Pyrrhus (Pirrus). Deidamia and Achilles managed to keep their love secret as well as the birth of their son who is cared for by a nurse in perfect secrecy. The princess fears her father’s anger because of her illicit love. Moreover she is not sure of her lover’s descent. Achilles aware of her sorrow reveals their love to the king and that he has got a grandson. He declares that he is the son of the Goddess Thetis and that Iuppiter is his uncle. The king will be highly honored to send him as fighter to Troy. Achilles asks for Deidamia in marriage and the messengers support his demand. Lycomedes gives in, he chooses the Greeks’ gratitude and takes the risk of annoying Thetis. They send for Deidamia. The sight of her pretty child appeases Lycomedes and he gives his daughter to Achilles in marriage. A feast is celebrated. Husband and wife have quite different thoughts: Achilles keeps thinking of war and fighting while Deidamia thinks about love. Out of jealousy she would even disguise as a man to accompany her husband to Troy so that he would not succumb to the charms of women there and especially Helena’s. She urges him never to forget her and his son and both weep. He gives his oath to return after the war and to bring her all the riches of Troy.
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast M 150 Other vows and oaths P 634 Feasts T 640 Illegitimate children
KvWTK-29222:
They take leave from Lycomedes and set off for Troy. Deidamia gazes after them from a tower, then swoons from grief and would have perished had her maidens not cared for her. She fears that Achilles will soon forget her. Achilles however is very grieved that he had to leave his love and never forgets her. Ulixes aware of his sorrow comforts him and says that a hero going to fight in a war should never grieve for a lady. Then he asks him about his time with Chiron and Achilles tells Ulixes and Diomedes about Chiron and of his love for Deidamia.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
KvWTK-29482:
When they arrive at Troy Achilles meets his companion Patroclus. All praise Achilles who took young lions from their mother as their hero and ask him to give them some evidence of his strength: Lead thrown into the air melts before it could return Achilles runs so swiftly as if he were flying faster than any arrow. He jumps over the tents and over glens. The Trojans get the news of Achilles arrival and Hector is glad about it.
Motif References:
F 636 Remarkable thrower F 681 Marvelous runner [extraordinary speed of runner] F 684 Marvelous jumper H 1562 Test of strength
KvWTK-29650:
Six months have passed and the truce comes to an end. War is prepared. Hector will be the leader of the troops, Glaucus will assist him. Hector makes 10 groups: His brother Troilus will be the chief of the first one; among his fighters are King Mesthles (Misereiz) of Persia, Santippus and Alchamis with 3000 knights. The second group is led by Hector’s valiant half-brother Marariton, at his side are Hippothous (Hupolt) and Cupesus with 4000 knights. Hector incites them to battle. Polydamas leads the third group, King Remus of Celonia, Pamfilias and Amantris join his troop that has 5000 knights. The fourth group is led by Hector’s brother Deiphobus (Deifebus); his companions are Pyraechmes and Estreaus and 2000 bowmen are under his command. Hector urges them to fight valiantly and let nobody escape.
Motif References:
P 552 Battle formations
KvWTK-29976:
Leader of the fifth group is Hector’s half-brother Pythagoras (Pyctagoras). Adrastus (Esdrus von Grossia), and Doglas and 6000 fighters are at is side. They have a costly war-chariot made of ebony, a wood which does not decay, with spokes from ivory, pole and axes from silver. Its roof is made from leather, golden with white pearls; a green banner with a blue lion with a golden crown is placed at the front of the chariot. Hector admonishes them to stay together and not let any enemy escape. In the sixth group there are 7000 fighters, who are led by Aeneas (Eneas) and Cardes, Paris and Perseus lead the seventh group with 3000 bowmen and 3000 fighters. Hector warns them against the poisoned spears and arrows of the Greeks. Antenor, king Panfimeiz and the count Agrimanz command 5000 knights and 2000 infantrymen. Priamus is the commander of the ninth army group which has to guard the city gates. Hector reminds him that Troy has been conquered because its gates were left without guard and that their carelessness brought about Laomedon’s death. Hector commands the tenth group which consists of knights on horseback. The thirty sons of Priamus and his wife are fighting in this group. Their names are listed. Hector addresses the troops in a speech: He reminds them that they defend their native soil well known to them whereas the Greeks fight in unfamiliar territory far from home. Hector and his army group will start fighting.
Motif References:
P 552 Battle formations P 552.4 War-machines F 861.1 Golden wagon (chariot)
KvWTK-30508:
The Greeks have formed fifteen battalions of many thousands of fighters each. Their leaders are: 1) Patroclus and Achilles; 2) Meriones (Meridon) and Menestheus; 3) Ascalaphus and Ialmenus; 4) Prothoenor and Archelochus; 5) Menelaus; 6) Epistrophus (Epistros) and Schedius (Schelopfis); 7) Telamon of Salamin and the lords Polyxenus (Pollixenon), Diores (Dorion), Amfileus and Theseus; 8) Thoas (Doas) and Aiax; 9) Idomeneus (Ipomenes) and Phidippus (Filithoas); 10) Nestor; 11) Ulixes and Diomedes; 12) Palamedes (Palomides); 13) Euryalus (Urielus) and Sthenelus (Delonis); 14) king Agapenor; 15) Agamemnon. The great king addresses the assembled troops. Men are left behind to protect the camp and the fleet. Great din from music resounds on the battlefield that glitters from gold and precious armor and is covered with banners so that the sun does not reach the ground.
Motif References:
P 552 Battle formations F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)
KvWTK-30825:
Hector’s battalion fights against Achilles’ forces. Hector’s device is a red lion, Achilles’ a white swan. Patroclus’ coat of arms is a griffin, painted on his shield with dragon’s blood on a ground from Arabian gold and shining from berylls, red griffins are embroidered on his green garment – a ladies’ work. Patroclus’ lady has sent this garment to him. The hero’s precious armor has been tempered in the suet of a crocodile. Hector kills Patroclus in combat and the Greeks lament his death. The author refuses to believe the rumor that Hector took Patroclus’ armor.
Motif References:
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
KvWTK-31018:
Achilles laments Patroclus’ death and challenges Hector. Hector mocks at him because of his life among women: Now he would have to cope with real men. Achilles attacks Hector. Thetis has rendered Achilles’ skin invulnerable by the water of a magic fountain. Despite his invulnerability Hector’s heavy blows bruise him right through his armor. They fight furiously, Achilles’ shield breaks and he would have been defeated had Meriones not killed Hector’s horse. Hector continues fighting furiously on foot and soon is surrounded by heaps of corpses. Achilles, Meriones and Menestheus fight Hector, who kills many heroes of the Greeks. His skin is glowing like a salamander’s body. A hero displaying a red stag on green ground as his device almost overcomes him but Ascalun, Hector’s brother Troilus and their companions come to his aid. It is a long and furious battle with changing fortune. The Greek hero Menestheus carries a white elephant on black ground as coat of arms. Hector excels in fighting and slays many adversaries.
Motif References:
P 310 Friendship F 1041.21.4 Man cries at hearing of friend’s death F 1084 Furious battle [fight] D 1242.1 Magic water D 1344 Magic object gives invulnerability D 1840 Magic invulnerability
KvWTK-31624:
The third Trojan battalion clad in multicolored tabards comes to the battlefield to face the third troop of the Greeks led by Ascalaphus and Ialmenus. Ascalaphus’ coat of arms is red, black and white with a golden eagle. Ialmenus coat of arms has a green parrot on red ground. They fight against Margariton (device: a blue lion on golden ground), who unhorses them both. The battle rages furiously and numerous Greeks and Trojans are slain. Hector who splits many horses and Achilles excel in fighting. Troilus and Hector help Polydamas encircled by the enemies. Menelaus of Sparta leads the fifth Greek battalion into battle. Menelaus encourages his troops by a speech: he promises them honor and riches as reward for fighting and once again reminds them of the shameful abduction of Helena. Menelaus and Remus address one another angrily and fight furiously. His shirt from fine silk rescues Menelaus from being pierced by Remus. Menelaus strikes Remus so fiercely that he loses consciousness. Remus’ defeat encourages Polydamas’ troops.
Motif References:
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-32378:
The fifth Trojan battalion is led into battle by Deiphobus, Pyraechmes (Prethemesus) and Estreus. Hector and Achilles are the most outstanding heroes. The field is drenched with blood and many felled warriors drown. The Greeks outnumber the Trojans. The sixth battalion of the Greeks as well as that of the Trojans (led by Aeneas) wear beautiful tabards. There is furious fighting. The Greek knights Aiax and Thoas attack the seventh Trojan battalion led by Paris and Perseus. Paris helps Hector against Anthilion. The latter mocks Paris (Paris’ greatest exploit is theft – he stole Helena) and challenges him.
Motif References:
F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-33052:
Paris and Anthilion fight in single combat. Anthilion’s coat of arms: a wild sea-cat on black ground. He has never worn knightly armor before although he is a valiant fighter. A silvery hat is placed on top of his helmet, ornamented with two feathers of a peacock enwreathed with red velvet. Paris has a golden shield with a lion of red rubies on it, his helmet displays the silver claws and legs of a lion that form a cross. In a furious combat Anthilion splits Paris’ shield who then decapitates his adversary.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
KvWTK-33202:
Paris and Perseus help Hector pressed hard by four Greek knights and put them to flight. When these knights come upon the Greek battalion led by Diomedes and Ulixes they turn round. Ulixes encourages his men in a speech to keep them from flight. Reinforcements join them. Although they are outnumbered by their adversaries Hector, Aeneas, Paris and Perseus rage among them. Antenor and his fighters, among them Panfimeiz and Agrimanz, come to their aid. Antenor displays a white roebuck on black ground as his coat of arms. Heavy fighting continues. Ulixes and Diomedes rage among the Trojans, Perseus kills many Greeks. Priamus’ illegitimate son Casilian leads the ninth battalion into battle.
Motif References:
F 628.2 Strong man kills men F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-33654:
fog from the dead and wounded poisons the air and the field is covered by men’s limbs. There are many dead and mutilated on both sides. The fifteenth Greek battalion faces the ninth from Troy while the tenth Trojan battalion defends the town’s gates. Agamemnon excels in fighting: He wears costly clothes with embroidered wild and tame animals on it, on his green shield laid in with emeralds there is a shining red eagle from Arabian gold with a crown on its head. The horses wade in blood up to their knees and fog and steam rises as if it were the smoke from hell. The blows are so fierce that they can be heard in town and the sparks from the swords flash over the walls.
Motif References:
F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight] F 1084.1.1 (Tu) Heaps of corpses after furious battle
KvWTK-33932:
The din from the battle alarms the Trojan ladies and they watch the battle from the city-walls. Many among them are worried about their beloved. Helena feels burdened with guilt and laments: Her beauty has brought about this war. No Trojan woman can cope with her resplendent beauty that even outshines the warriors’ bright weapons. As the Greeks perceive Helena on top of the fortifications they remember their shame and sorrow because of her, and the sight encourages them. The Trojans are forced to retreat. Hector continues fighting the Greeks. When Priamus sees his knights taking to flight he leaves the gate with some of his men and engages in battle. The Greeks are driven back again. Hector, Paris, Troilus, Aeneas and Perseus assist Priamus who excels in fighting although he is already an old man and his engagement greatly encourages the Trojans.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-34310:
Menelaus fights Paris. When he perceives Helena he turns green like a leek and yellow like a candle. He accuses Paris of having broken the laws of hospitality, which proves that an ill-mannered herdsman raised him and that Priamus cannot be his father. Paris deceived Menelaus by pretending to have come from Carthage and then attacking him without declaring war. Paris replies that there has been a declaration of war when the Greeks took Hesiona and destroyed Troy. Hesiona now is married to Telamon as Paris is to Helena, so the Trojans only gave tit for tat. He insists that Priamus is his true father. Then he challenges him – Helena should be the prize of the contest. They fight with spears and then with their swords, greatly encouraged by the sight of Helena on top of the fortifications. Paris damages Menelaus’ costly shield. One of the infantrymen kills Paris’ horse and the hero is cornered by Greek infantry without help at range. He kills many enemies. Menelaus promises reward for any fighter who helps him to overcome Paris. He threatens Paris who holds against it. In the meantime the battle continues. Clever Paris has his back protected by an oak and with his sword he annoys Menelaus’ horse so that the animal is afraid. When Pollux, Castor and Achilles learn that Menelaus is fighting Paris they want to kill him. Menelaus however prefers to take him hostage: Thereby he wants to obtain Helena, whom he still loves. Paris is cornered and finally has to surrender. Helena is in distress.
Motif References:
R 5 Capture on field of battle P 550.2 (Li) Single combat P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
KvWTK-35052:
When the Greeks are about to take Paris to their camp Hector rescues him. There is furious fighting. Paris has lost his sword and asks a wounded knight to give him his. The wounded man agrees and begs him to bring help to him which Paris promises. Paris and Hector fight furiously. Telamon and the lords Polyxenus, Diores, Amfileus and Theseus fight Hector. Hector kills the lords. He is fighting furiously and more fiercely than a dragon or a lion. Hector and Paris kill many Greeks, and after the battle retreat to have some rest among the Trojans who protect them against the enemy. Then they return to fight. Helena is happy because Paris has escaped the Greeks and thanks the Gods. Her sight encourages Paris and Helena watching him is impressed by his valiance. When he courted her she did not believe he was a good fighter. Now she has to praise both his love and valiance.
Motif References:
R 110 Rescue of captive N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
KvWTK-35400:
Paris returns to the wounded knight who gave him his sword. He has crawled into the shade of a bush. Paris asks him if he is Greek or Trojan and the wounded identifies as the Greek knight Panfilot of Clerimun. He gives himself in Paris’ charge and Paris takes him to a safe place out of the Trojans’ reach. Then he joins his comrades. Polydamas, Priamus’ counselor, is overcome and made captive by Menelaus, Telamon and Epistrophus (Epistros). Hector who thinks highly of Polydamas rescues him but then meets furious fighting. He kills 500 Greeks and wounds many of them, but soon is encircled by enemies pressing him hard. His armor is very strong so that he cannot be wounded but the blows bruise him and he is getting very hot. A young Greek hero, Theseus, gets aware of Hector’s trouble and reminds him that the Trojans depend on him and therefore he should not risk his life. He advises him to retreat or to summon help with the Trojan war cry “Troie” which he does. His half-brothers come to his aid. Lost in fog and smog from blood only his lion-device from incandescent ruby on his shield enables them to detect Hector pressed hard by the enemies and they kill many of them.
Motif References:
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-36093:
Although being a Greek the young hero Theseus generously cared for Paris’ desperate situation and gave him advice how to escape. Hector out of gratitude keeps his brother Rodomalus from killing Theseus and tells him that he advised him well. Theseus is released. In the meantime the battle goes on. Hector joins his brothers and they kill many men. Hector’s brother Casilian is killed by an arrow and Hector gets furious about his death: He rages savagely among the enemies and avenges his brother like a lion avenges his cub. Fire and flames from rage burst out of his eyes and he slays every living soul before him. The Greeks retreat from Troy’s walls toward the sea to escape his furor. Only Achilles stays behind to confront him but Hector drives him back to the sea where Greeks and Trojans continue fighting. Priamus kills many Greeks to avenge his son. Dead knights and horses cover the field like snow. The Trojans in charge of the chariot engage in battle and kill many men.
Motif References:
F 628.2 Strong man kills men F 873.0.1 Battle rage F 1084 Furious battle [fight] F 1084.1.1 (Tu) Heaps of corpses after furious battle
KvWTK-36474:
Hector rages among the Greeks. He challenges Meriones who some time ago wounded him. Meriones refuses to retreat and they fight. Hector slays him. His death discourages the Greeks and many are slaughtered. Priamus together with his sons excel in battle as do the Greek knights. Many Greek and Trojan fighters are killed. The banners keep flapping in battle. The troops have beautiful banners and costly armors. If this were possible even the sky would have caught fire from the ardor of fighting. The airs resound from cries, the wailing for the slain warriors, and the neighing of horses, arrows are shot, the horses wade in blood up to their knees. There are huge numbers of dead men and dead horses. Hector kills many men and manages to drive the enemy back to their ships. They are discouraged and would have preferred flight. Hector wants to burn the ships when he sees that they try to escape. At this point the battle could have ended, yet this was not to happen.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat] F 628.2 Strong man kills men F 873.0.1 Battle rage F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight] F 1084.1.1 (Tu) Heaps of corpses after furious battle
KvWTK-37119:
Aiax, the son of Hesiona who was abducted by Telamon, has joined the Greek army. Annoyed by the fact that the Greek troops are pressed hard by a single man, he decides to face Hector alone. He is unaware of their relationship. Hector’s coat of arms is covered with sweat and blood and Aiax does not recognize his enemy. Aiax unhorses Hector by throwing a big stone onto him, and then they fight by sword. Aiax is clad in precious garments and has a costly shield, transparent like a ruby with a golden leopard with an emerald crown on it. They fight so fiercely that both the Trojans and the Greeks stop fighting to watch them. Hector is pressed hard by his opponent who makes him think he must be his relative. He wants to know his name and family and offers peace and service.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other
KvWTK-37367:
Aiax identifies as the son of Telamon’s wife Hesiona and nephew of Priamus. Hector declares that Aiax skill in fighting has taught him that he is his relative. He immediately quits the fight. Hector identifies and is glad not to have killed Aiax. He begs him to take off his helmet and offers friendship by kiss. They become friends. Hector declares that the Greeks started this war without weighty reasons and will be chased from Troy. Then he gives his nephew a sword and receives a costly belt from Aiax. Aiax begs for peace, Hector agrees and gives his oath. The Greeks leave their ships and return to the shore where they rest in their tents. Hector’s peace with Aiax has rescued them. Later on Achilles will kill Hector. The wounded are cared for. The Trojans take many prisoners to town. Hector returns to the town and people praise him. His wife Andromacha and his mother Hecuba care well for him. Hecuba cures her son quickly by a salve that restores his strength. Priamus comes to see him and is happy to hear that he is not seriously injured. All praise Hector and are happy.
Motif References:
P 295 Cousins N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins
KvWTK-37754:
The Greeks are depressed. Diomedes and Ulixes are sent into town to beg Priamus for a three months’ truce. Priamus would have preferred war but urged by his people he agrees. Truce is promised and the messengers leave. The Greeks and the Trojans now care for their dead and burn the corpses according to their custom. The fields are cleaned and the jewels found on the battlefield are left to the town’s poor who thus become rich. The Trojans and the Greeks visit each other and enjoy various pastimes. The gates of the town are wide open. One day when the Greeks have dinner they listen to Nestor telling them stories about the great heroes. Nestor keeps silent about Hercules’ death, which annoys the knights. Nestor declares that he refuses to praise Hercules for this man once killed his relative. A young knight, Iolaus (Isolaus), who has been told that he is Hercules’ illegitimate son, suggests that Philoctetes (Filothetes) should tell them the tale of Hercules for he watched the hero meet his death and helped to bury him. Hercules died because of a woman. The Greeks want to hear it and entreat Philoctetes to tell the story.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger P 558 (Bm) Truce
KvWTK-37958:
Philoctetes’ story: Hercules won beautiful Deianira and on their journey from her father’s land Calcidonia they came to a fast and deep river. Hercules ponders on how they could cross the water without frightening Deianira when Nessus, who is a faithless man, offers his help. Nessus, a centaur, declares that he could carry Deianira safely to the other bank and Hercules agrees. After having crossed the river with Deianira the centaur tries to rape her. The lady’s cries of distress alarm Hercules and he kills him with an arrow. Nessus wounded in his heart by Hercules’ poisoned arrow is doomed.
Motif References:
B 21 Centaur: man-horse P 553.1 Poisoned weapons F 831.3 Poisoned arrows K 1330 Girl tricked into man’s room (or power) K 2295 Treacherous animals
KvWTK-38105:
Before he dies Nessus wets his shirt in his blood and tells Deianira that by means of that shirt she would never lose her husband’s faithfulness and obedience. She should keep the shirt and make her husband wear it if he would court some other woman. Nessus is quite sure of Hercules’ infidelity: His fame because of his strength and courage makes many women fall in love with him. Deianira believes Nessus and keeps the shirt. But Hercules’ arrow has poisoned Nessus’ blood and the shirt wetted in it. Nessus dies. Hercules crosses the river and returns home with Deianira. Some time later he falls in love with another woman, Iole, whom he had already loved before. When her father Eurytus (Eurites) broke his promise to give him Iole in marriage Hercules attacked him and devastated his country. Eurytus escaped. Hercules now forgets all about Deianira for the sake of Iole. Deianira detects the adultery and has her squire Lichas (Licas) take Nessus’ shirt to her faithless husband and make Hercules wear it for her sake pretending that it would protect him against weapons. Lichas obeys Deianira’s orders.
Motif References:
T 75.2.1 Rejected suitors’ revenge T 104.1 Rejected suitor wages war T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] Q 241 Adultery punished T 481 Adultery K 945 Woman tricked into giving poison to her husband: thinks it a love-philtre K 2295 Treacherous animals
KvWTK-38391:
Nessus’ shirt poisons Hercules. The shirt cannot be removed from his skin, it clues on him like pitch and he burns. Lamenting his fate Hercules thinks Deiamira the agent of his shameful death that he meets as punishment for his infidelity. He runs through the fields but the heat cannot be cooled. With the shirt he tears his flesh from his bones and tears his blond curls. His blood is cooking like lead. Frightened Lichas flees into the mountains and hides in a cave, but Hercules comes upon him and drowns the man by throwing him into the sea. Hercules runs through the forest, tears out trees and bushes so that he could burn self on a stake to escape his pains. Hercules orders Philoctetes who has watched all this happen to take the ashes and bury them in a secret place for if the Trojans got hold of them they would disperse his ashes in revenge. He should conceal his bow and his poisoned arrows too for according to a prophecy Troy will be taken by means of these arrows. The Gods have punished him for the destruction of Troy. Hercules then takes off his clothes, which is a lion’s skin, covers himself with his shield, puts his club behind his head and burns himself on the stake. After he has burnt to ashes Philoctetes takes the ashes, the bones, the rests of the skin, the arrows, and the club to hide them.
Motif References:
V 69 Funeral rites – miscellaneous S 112 Burning to death S 139 Miscellaneous cruel murders T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] Q 241 Adultery punished M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction Q 414.0.2 Burning as punishment for adultery T 481 Adultery K 945 Woman tricked into giving poison to her husband: thinks it a love-philtre D 1052 Magic garment (robe, tunic) D 1271 Magic fire D 1402.0.5 Nessus-shirt. Magic shirt burns wearer up
KvWTK-38723:
When Philoctetes has ended his story the Greeks lament Hercules’ death. The tale however reminds Achilles of Patroclus killed by Hector. Achilles laments at his friend’s bier, he swoons, tears his skin and hair, and washes Patroclus’ wounds. Never a knight did so much weep as Achilles who even renounces friendship and joy. According to customs he has entertainments made for the dead and there is music with harps and lyres. In the morning Patroclus is buried in a marble coffin.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites V 65.5 Funeral games P 310 Friendship P 681 Mourning customs F 852 Extraordinary coffin [sarkophag] F 1041.21.4 Man cries at hearing of friend’s death
KvWTK-38946:
All dead are buried according to their rank (nobles: graves; warriors: burnt). Priamus’ son Casilian is buried in a marble coffin. They lament him and many a heart burns from sorrow like the salamander in fire. All this enrages the prophet Cassandra, the king’s daughter, and with a loud voice she furiously reminds them of her prophecy: All of them will perish and the town will be destroyed; anyone caring for his life has to flee now. The Trojans shut Cassandra up in a tower; otherwise they all would have been discouraged. When the truce comes to an end the armies have councils. Palamedes accuses Agamemnon to have failed as their leader. Moreover being of equal rank he refuses to obey his orders. He suggests that someone else should be chosen commander-in-chief. He, Palamedes, as their leader would strive to destroy Troy. Thus he brings the knights over to his side.
Motif References:
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle M 301 Prophets M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war J 652 Inattention to warnings D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
KvWTK-39136:
The Trojans once again leave the city to fight the enemy. They soon come upon Achilles and Palamedes and a furious battle begins. Helena and Polyxena (Polixinia), almost her equal in beauty, watch from the walls and try to identify the heroes. Helena shows Paris to Polyxena. At that point however several knights distracted by the ladies’ beauty are killed in battle.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
KvWTK-39288:
Achilles and Hector engage in single combat. Both have costly armor. Hector unhorses Achilles and rides on. He kills many Greeks. In the meantime Achilles mounts some other fine steed (with costly gear). Outraged he kills numerous Trojans and keeps looking for Hector to take revenge. When he finally spots the hero he attacks him so fiercely that his spear pierces Hector’s armor and shatters. Yet Hector manages to remain seated and unhorses Achilles who thereupon kills Hector’s horse. They continue fighting with their swords.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat F 628.2 Strong man kills men F 873.0.1 Battle rage F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-39580:
The battle grows even more furious due to Helena watching the warriors. Hector will not endure the shame of being overcome by his adversary in front of the ladies and so he manages to hold his ground against Achilles. He would have killed Achilles if he were not invulnerable. Achilles and Hector are very hot and sweat. From the iron cuttings an ostrich would have had enough to feed on. Reinforcements arrive and engage in furious battle. Diomedes fights against Troilus. Menelaus comes to help the Greeks. Hector, Achilles and Paris excel in fighting. Hector kills king Prothoenor whom the Greeks lament. Achilles and king Archelochus want to carry their dead from the field yet the Trojans refuse. Hector and Achilles kill many men. The sky darkens because of the smoke from blood and sweat. Had not night come the Greek army would have been slaughtered. Their disagreement about their leader has brought about their distress, and they have to flee.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat F 628.2 Strong man kills men B 768 Fancied nourishment of animals F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-40217:
The Trojans return to town and enjoy their exploit. The dead and wounded are carried from the battlefield. Hector is highly praised. That night they celebrate their victory. The Greeks are depressed, except Agamemnon who is pleased that the army having refused him as their commander-in-chief has been defeated. He enjoys telling them that the Trojan heroes would be welcomed by their ladies whereas the Greek knights could not face their ladies now. Moreover a single hero has defeated them. If they want to conquer Troy they must kill Hector. Despite Agamemnon’s words the army however sticks to Palamedes as their leader. In the morning the battle continues.
Motif References:
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-40425:
The Trojans are growing weary whereas the Greeks’ huge army has rested troops at their disposal. Hector kills and wounds many men. But being pressed hard from two sides the Trojans have to retreat, the Greeks pursue them and kill or capture many warriors. The Trojans close their gate. The Greeks throw the Trojan corpses into the sea. In the morning the captives are brought to Achilles, who has them all killed on the spot where Patroclus’ corpse was burnt. Two sons of Priamus are among the slain and their corpses are left to the birds and dogs to eat. Achilles has promised not to sleep in his bed but rest on the ground until his friend Patroclus is avenged.
Motif References:
R 51.4 Prisoner[s] [hostages, messengers] massacred [killed] S 139.2.2.11.2 (Bm) Humiliation of corpse: body of dead hero left in field for wild beasts to eat. M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die) P 310 Friendship F 628.2 Strong man kills men
KvWTK-40581:
Achilles receives a secret message that the Amazons, led by their queen Penthesilea, are the Trojans’ allies and Hector has set out with his men to welcome her. Achilles ambushes them at a ford and kills Hector as well as many of his men. He cuts off the hands of one of Hector’s illegitimate brothers and sends him back to Troy. Then Achilles has Hector bound to a chariot and dragged all over the field before Troy. The Trojans recognize the hero’s tabard shown to them by Achilles. Yet they refuse to believe the sad news until Hector’s maimed brother arrives. There is great wailing and lamenting in town which even deafens the Greeks so that they start a great clamor to cope with it. The great noise makes the birds fall to the ground and everybody is deafened. After a short silence the laments continue as before. The Trojans close their gates. They are frightened and discouraged for their most excellent hero has been killed. Moreover they fear that for the sake of his death the Amazons would refuse their aid. Hector was a virtuous knight, he was strong and valiant, popular with all people and he loved good women.
Motif References:
S 139.2.2.9 (Bm) Humiliation of corpse, headless body of enemy dragged through camp Z 292 Death of hero [heroine] P 681 Mourning customs K 914 Murder from ambush F 1051.2 Miraculously loud noise of mourning for hero
KvWTK-40821:
The Greeks are very happy. Achilles takes Hector’s corpse to the sea and the Greeks rejoice on seeing their enemy dead. A chivalric festival is celebrated for the sake of Achilles and they enjoy all sorts of knightly sports. Achilles has made a platform for the lords to watch and he promises rich rewards to the participants of the contests. For the time of the festival a small battalion will be on guard against the Trojans. Achilles bestows the prizes upon the winners of the contests: Agamemnon, Menelaus, Diomedes, Eumelus (Eumelius), Ulixes, Meriones, Philoctetes (best archer), Aiax Oileus and Polypoetes (Polipoetes) (best runners), Machaon (best warrior in battle), Euripilus (best fighter in combat), Tlepolemus (Telepolemus) and Antilochus (best jumpers), Aiax Telamonius (excels in spear throwing). Nisus invents a new game, the chess game, that as a game of war and has been inspired by the Trojan war.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts A 1468.1 Invention of chess game
KvWTK-40979:
The next morning Priamus leaves town to ask Achilles for his sons’ corpse. Hector’s wife, Andromacha, and the beautiful Polyxena with two of Hector’s children, Astyanax (Aminactis) and his younger brother Laodamas (Leodomant), accompany him. Priamus has donned mourning clothes. If the Greeks would refuse to deliver his son’s corpse he wants to offer them riches. The Greeks receive him well. Priamus starts to weep. He begs the lords to help him entreat Achilles to deliver Hector’s corpse to Troy.
Motif References:
KvWTK-41095:
The wise Nestor praises Priamus’ virtues. Ulixes however reminds them of the offense once done to them. Achilles, who is sitting there with Patroclus’ bones in his lap (which makes him both sad and happy), greets Priamus. The king laments of his sons’ death. He declares that neither of them listened to his advice which will cause their father’s death too. Achilles could kill him on the spot. Hector protected Troy that now is in distress. Priamus declares that he cannot be blamed of the war. He entreats Achilles to deliver their father’s corpse to his children. Then the king swoons. His distress makes the lords weep.
Motif References:
P 10 Kings [King’s famous court] P 233 Father and son P 310 Friendship F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
KvWTK-41363:
Achilles blames Priamus that he failed in having his sons educated well otherwise they would not have offended and attacked the Greek nor driven away Pelops’ (Pelopis) kin for the sake of a woman. It is the Greeks’ custom to grant a decent burial to every warrior, whereas Hector humiliated Patroclus’ corpse by flaying and dragging him over the field. The Greeks only gave tit for tat. Achilles then recalls Helena’s abduction that deprived Menelaus of honor and wealth. He declares that Troy will be besieged until land and people have perished.
Motif References:
M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die) P 310 Friendship
KvWTK-41388:
Achilles then has a council to discuss Priamus’ demand. They advise him to take the amends Priamus offered and deliver the corpse. As Polyxena begs Achilles on her knees he joins her tears and promises to grant her demand if only Priamus stopped weeping. Then he invites the king to dinner and has Phoenix look after the guests. Achilles asks Priamus why he did not put an end to the war although Helena brought such distress upon them. They should have chased her instead of giving her a new home. Although Troy has got many a good warrior they will be defeated. For the sake of Priamus’ age Achilles will deliver Hector. Priamus again starts to weep and lament. He remembers his happy years with 50 sons, all of them famous and highly honored. Yet a son was born to him who destroyed his happiness. All that happened according to the Gods’ will. During her pregnancy Hecuba had a dream: A firebrand bursting from her heart burnt Troy, and only left the castle of Anchises and Antenor undamaged. The king summoned wise men to interpret the dream and they said that the child to be born would destroy Troy. When the child was born the king ordered two servants to kill it. Yet when they had taken the baby into the forest to slay it the beautiful child smiled at his murderer which made them leave the child in the wilderness. They took the tongue of a hound as proof of the murder instead of the baby’s. Soon the child was found by a hind that cared for him three days. A herdsman then reared the boy who became so wise that his advice was sought for. Therefore he was named Paris.
Motif References:
W 35 Justice Z 100 Symbolism H 105.2 Tongue [liver] as proof that man [woman] has been murdered. L 111.2 Foundling hero S 143 Abandonment in forest P 270.2 Peasant and his wife as foster parents of exposed king’s son P 271 Foster father P 275 Foster son S 301 Children abandoned (exposed) S 351.2 Abandoned child reared by herdsman S 352 Animal aids abandoned child(ren) M 356.3 Prophecy: unborn (new-born) child (girl) to bring evil upon land M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy M 371.0.1 Abandonment in forest to avoid fulfillment of prophecy P 412 Shepherd K 512.2 Compassionate executioner: substituted heart [liver]. B 535 Animal nurse- Animal nourishes abandoned child T 611 Suckling of children F 611.2.1 Strong hero suckled by animal Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name D 1812.3.3 Future revealed in dream D 1812.5.1.2 Bad dream as evil omen D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical
KvWTK-41738:
One day Iuppiter celebrated a festival on occasion of the wedding of Thetis, Achilles’ mother, to Peleus. All Gods and Goddesses, kings (among them Priamus) and queens, dukes and counts were invited to attend the feast. A furious dispute arose because of the apple of Discordia who had not been invited. The apple was set as prize in a beauty contest. But they could not agree who should have it: Venus, Pallas or Iuno. Iuppiter refused to decide the contest for all three of them are his kin: Venus is his sister, Iuno his wife and Pallas his daughter. According to his advice they sent for Paris to decide the matter. Iuno promised the youth riches, Pallas wisdom and Venus Helena. Paris chose Venus. After the feast Paris joined Priamus’ court. Six months later the herdsman came to town to inquire about his lost foster son. He took a night’s lodging in the house of one of the servants, to whom he related Paris’ story. By an overheard conversation between the servant and his wife the herdsman learnt the truth. In the next morning the herdsman came to the palace. On watching Paris and Hector fight furiously he warned Hector not to kill a relative. The herdsman told the youths that they were brothers and they went to see the king. Priamus promised not to punish the witness and the servant told them the truth. The king recognized the servant and was in distress for he remembered the prophetical dream. But soon he rejoiced because of Paris’ return and thought the dream might have lied to them. He could not believe that such a beautiful child as Paris can bring misfortune upon them.
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast A 163 Contests among the gods P 233 Father and son F 575.2 Handsome man P 634 Feasts N 731.1 Unknown son returns to father’s court N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other F 813.1 Extraordinary apple F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor H 1596.1 Golden apple as prize in beauty contest. Judgment of Paris.
KvWTK-41932:
Paris’ love for Helena made him excel as a hero in many countries. At last he abducted Helena. On the Trojans’ refusal to return Helena the war started. Priamus declares that the Gods have forsaken Troy and entreats Achilles not to blame him for his sons’ offenses.
Motif References:
P 233 Father and son
KvWTK-42017:
On Achilles’ promise to deliver Hector to them Priamus sends for the riches. Hector’s corpse is prepared well according to his rank. Priamus offers Achilles his daughter Polixena. Achilles declares that he will think about it but for the time being they should leave. When Priamus returns to the town the Trojans are glad about the news, thank their Gods and praise the Greeks’ magnanimity although Helena is still with them. Hector is laid out and there is great mourning for him: They tear their clothes, skin and hair from grief, wail, beat breast and hands. Hecuba and the ladies stand on one side of the bier, the men on the other. There is some sort of rhythmical wailing, loud lament followed by sudden silence. They remember Hector’s virtues and his excellence. His death means the end of their fortune. Their mourning lasts ten days from morning to evening. Hector then is buried according to his rank. Penthesilea, the queen of the Amazons, comes to the Trojans’ aid. The king has his best knights escort her to town. Only then Penthesilea learns of Hector’s death, which grieves her so that she wants to leave at once but Paris keeps her from leaving by promising her riches.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites P 681 Mourning customs
KvWTK-42235:
The author has learnt about the Amazons and their life by some book of Alexander that can be trusted. The Amazons live on a large island in Asia, a kingdom enclosed by mountains and by the sea. The island is only inhabited by women and they often have warred against their neighbors. In a kingdom not far away live the Amazons’ husbands. On occasion of their great annual festival on the day of their highest God husbands and wives meet for thirty days. The sons born thereafter are sent to the father, whereas the daughters stay with their mothers. The Amazons care well for their daughters, but cut off the girls’ right breast to enable them to fight with sword and spear like a man. “Amazon” is the word for “breast” in their language and therefore the ladies and their daughters are called Amazons. They are very valiant and nobody can conquer their land. Penthesilea had heard about the famous hero Hector and therefore decided to help the Trojans with her army (bowmen and infantry) she leads into battle. She already did much harm to the Greek and only Diomedes was able to keep her army from storming the camp.
Motif References:
F 565.1.1 Amazons cut off left breast of daughters so that they can handle bow [Amazons have only one breast] F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors F 565.1.2.1 (Bm) Amazons go to men’s island three months a year to procreate F 565.1.2.2 (Bm) Male children sent to live with fathers, girls with mothers Z 704 (Bm) Eponymous account of island [valley].
KvWTK-42369:
The Greek lords have a council to think of some strategy against the Amazons. Menelaus, Teucer, Ulixes and Meriones are to fight the bowmen, and the two Aiaxes, Diomedes, Agamemnon and Tlepolemus the infantry. The two brothers Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, Achilles and his men should fight the Amazons on horseback. Penthesilea leaves the town to war against the Greek army. Achilles kills many of her ladies. When he perceives the queen he rushes toward her and unhorses her with his spear so that she lies unconscious. The author approves of her defeat that is to be regarded as punishment fitted to her unwomanly life-style. When the amazons take to flight Achilles turns round once again and slays the queen. He winds her hair around his hand and drags her from the field. The Greeks having overcome the army of women spare the ladies but kill or capture the men. The Trojans retreat into town and close the gates. From the fortifications their bowmen attack the enemy.
Motif References:
S 139.2.2.9 (Bm) Humiliation of corpse, headless body of enemy dragged through camp P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-42546:
There is much grief and lamenting about the death of Penthesilea: She did not die like a lady should for she fought like a man. Many a Greek would like to refuse her a decent burial and would rather throw her corpse into the sea or leave it to the dogs and birds of prey. Only Achilles insists that she should be buried according to her rank. Yet Diomedes and the lords have her thrown into the sea as an example to warn the Trojans.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites S 139.2.2.12 (Bm) Humiliation of corpse, warrior queen’s corpse cast into lake [river]
KvWTK-42609:
The king Memnon (Mennon), son of Tithonus (Titon) and Aurora, king of Morlant and India, summons an army in the mountains of Caucasus to help the Trojans. On learning that this army will reinforce the Trojans the people of Rhodos are worried. They hate Paris for he once killed their king and conquered their capital Sidonja and robbed them when he abducted Helena. Hoping to obtain Memnon’s riches by war they summon allies. Memnon however gains victory and his army devastates the country.
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
KvWTK-42706:
Memnon and his large army arrive at Troy and camp before the town. The Greeks have a council. When the truce comes to an end Memnon and the Trojans start fighting. Memnon and his army fight furiously and many a man is killed. Only nightfall keeps Memnon from conquering the Greek ships. They care for the wounded and bury their dead. The Greeks, aware that Memnon almost equals Hector in valiance, choose champions against him. Agamemnon wants to choose Menelaus, Idomeneus Ulixes. At last they agree upon Aiax Telamonius; Idomeneus, Ulixes and Achilles are to help him.
Motif References:
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-42910:
The Trojans agree upon Memnon of Ethiopia as their champion. He is to be assisted by Paris, Troilus and Deiphobus. The battle starts and Memnon kills many Greeks, among them Antilochus, the son of Nestor. Aiax with Achilles, Ulixes and Idomeneus wounds Memnon. The Greeks are forced to retreat. Achilles kills Memnon but being wounded has to retreat. The Trojans are discouraged by having lost their leader and they retreat. Many Trojans are killed. Agamemnon kills Diomedes. Numerous black Ethiopians and Trojans are slain on flight. The battlefield is red from blood. Aiax and Achilles kill many men.
Motif References:
F 628.2 Strong man kills men F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-43270:
After the Trojans have taken to flight the armies agree upon a truce for thirty days. They bury their dead. Antilochus is laid out before his father Nestor has him carried home to be buried decently. The Trojans are in grief about Memnon. They burn his corpse and send the ashes back to his kingdom where he is buried according to his rank. There is much grief for him in many lands. The Greeks praise their heroes Achilles and Aiax Telamonius, as well as Ulixes, Agamemnon, Aiax Oileus and Diomedes. The Trojans are distressed. They bury their dead while they still mourn for Hector. Priamus already has lost many illegitimate sons. The Trojans have only Paris, Deiphobus and Troilus left as commanders. Each day the Greeks provoke the Trojans before the town. One day Paris, Deiphobus and Troilus go to meet them before the gate. Troilus kills many men, wounds Achilles and thus wins the day’s victory.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle P 558 (Bm) Truce
KvWTK-43515:
The following day the battle continues. Achilles joins the fighters for he already has recovered from his wounds. Troilus kills many Greeks and forces Achilles’ men to retreat. As Supacias and his troops start fighting Troilus loses his horse and Achilles’ men corner him. Achilles slays him. The Trojans are discouraged once again and their wailing resounds throughout the battlefield. Troilus was an excellent hero and a virtuous man. He is laid out at the sides of the other slain warriors, each according to his rank. The Greeks care for their dead in a similar manner.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites Z 292 Death of hero [heroine]
KvWTK-43674:
Hecuba grieving for her sons Troilus and Hector both slain by Achilles broods over revenge. When time has come for Apollo’s festival to be celebrated in a temple outside the town the queen sends for Paris and Deiphobus (Deifebus). She has decided to have Achilles killed: Hecuba will lure Achilles to the temple where her sons could easily ambush him. They agree, and Hecuba sends Idaeus (Ideus) as messenger to Achilles telling him that his wedding with Polyxena is to take place in the temple the following morning and this would seal peace. Achilles is very happy about the news, for he sincerely loves the girl. Aiax, Diomedes and Ulixes however are suspicious about the messenger Achilles has met in private and decide to ask him about it.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger P 231 Mother and son K 914 Murder from ambush
KvWTK-43833:
The next morning Achilles leaves for the temple. Aiax, Diomedes and Ulixes follow him. When Achilles enters the temple Deiphobus gets hold of him and Paris pierces him with his sword. After the murder they escape through the wood. Ulixes however detects them. He and his companions find Achilles lying on the floor and lament. Before he passes away, Achilles tells them that he had been ambushed as revenge for his betrothal to Polyxena, who is not to blame for his death. Achilles is laid out, and his corpse is taken to the ships where his men care for his burial.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites Z 292 Death of hero [heroine] K 811 Victim lured into house and killed K 914 Murder from ambush
KvWTK-43965:
In the meantime Paris and Deiphobus have returned to town. The Trojans are glad about their exploit and want to humiliate Achilles’ corpse in the same way as the Greek humiliated Hector. In neglect of their prophet’s Helenus warning that this would bring misfortune upon them, they war for Achilles’ corpse. The battle lasts all day. At nightfall the Trojans retreat into town, the Greek to their camp. The Trojans have the town well guarded and rejoice about Achilles’ death.
Motif References:
J 652 Inattention to warnings F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-44099:
In the meantime the Greek are grieving for Achilles for three days. Then his corpse is burnt to ashes that are sent to Siget to be laid into Patroclus’ silver-coffin. Having lost Achilles the Greeks are getting doubtful about their exploit at Troy and consider leaving. Finally they decide to ask their Gods: They are told that only Achilles’ kin would bring about Troy’s downfall. Thereupon Agamennon tells them that Achilles had only one son, by the name of Pyrrhus or Neoptolemus, who has been raised by Lycomedes in Ciro. Deidamia, Achilles’ foster-sister, is his mother. They send Menelaus as messenger to bring Pyrrhus to them.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal A 182.3.5 God advises mortal P 310 Friendship P 681 Mourning customs
KvWTK-44219:
Menelaus is well received in Ciro and he tells them about the prophecy. As Lycomedes learns about Achilles’ death he is very grieved and asks how he met his death. Menelaus tells him the story of Hecuba’s ruse. Lycomedes is very sad as is Deidamia who loses color and swoons from grief. She laments, for her son will have to leave her.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
KvWTK-44350:
Pyrrhus is very eager to avenge his father’s death. Menelaus asks Lycomedes to let Pyrrhus join him. Lycomedes refuses for the youth is his only heir. Menelaus reminds him that the Greek are about to avenge Helena’s abduction, and that he, Menelaus, as well has no male heir, for he only has a daughter. He therefore suggests that his daughter Hermione (Armione), who is even more beautiful than her mother, should marry Pyrrhus. Moreover he promises to leave them half of his kingdom and to make Pyrrhus his successor. Lycomedes dares not oppose Menelaus and approving of such a rich marriage for his grandson gives in. Vows are given concerning the marriage and kingdom and crown that are to go with it. After Lycomedes’ death Pyrrhus will have Lycomedes’ crown and kingdom as well. Deidamia is in distress: She loses color and tears her hair in despair. Pyrrhus leaves with Menelaus and soon they come to Troy. The Trojans are still rejoicing and praising their heroes Paris and Deiphobus and are celebrating feasts night and day.
Motif References:
T 68 Princess offered as prize Q 112 Half of kingdom as reward W 212 Eagerness for combat F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman P 634 Feasts F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief
KvWTK-44655:
In the meantime Priamus by promising gifts (he has sent a golden vine ornamented with grapes from jewels) has summoned reinforcements led by Eurypylus (Euripiles) from Mesia, Paris’ nephew. Menelaus and Pyrrhus arrive in the Greek camp. Achilles’ ashes are still there and Pyrrhus laments his father. Achilles’ love Hippodamia (Ipothamie) bestows Achilles’ precious goods on his son. The Greeks give Pyrrhus a friendly welcome. Pyrrhus grieves for his father but the fact that Achilles has not been killed in regular fighting consoles him. Agamennon celebrates a feast for the sake of Pyrrhus. The Greek heroes Aiax, Ulixes and Diomedes tell him many stories about his father and Pyrrhus gets all the more eager to meet his example.
Motif References:
P 233 Father and son
KvWTK-44856:
In the morning Pyrrhus wants to fight but Diomedes and Ulixes tell him they have agreed upon further truce. The Trojans are frightened because of Pyrrhus and prepare battle. They are counting on Eurypylus (Euripiles). The battle continues. Aiax cares for his nephew Pyrrhus. Aeneas annoyed because of the dishonorable slaying of Achilles in the temple of Apollo does not join the Trojans. The armies are fighting furiously and Eurypylus kills many Greeks. Pyrrhus already having slain many a Trojan kills Eurypylus. The Trojans lament his death and retreat toward the walls. Both armies decide to bury their dead and care for the wounded. Eurypylus’ body is sent home to his father with the Greeks’ consent (they are grateful for the hospitality he once granted them).
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-45120:
Helenus sends the priest Chryses (Crises) as messenger to the Greeks to arrange a meeting. The Greeks promise safe conduct and Helenus is welcomed by the lords. He declares that he disapproves of the Trojan strategy and the desecration of the temple by Paris and Deiphobus slaughtering Achilles. Because of this crime the Trojans have lost the loyalty of Antenor and Aeneas as well. The Trojans are about to make the prophecy of Troy’s downfall come true. Helenus asks the Greeks to help him and his family escape the destruction of Troy. The Greeks promise Helenus their aid. Chryses has been translating Helenus’ words. The Greeks have Calchas’ prophecy of Troy’s downfall confirmed. Helenus returns to Troy, his expedition has been kept secret. The Trojans do not care for the fate which often has been foretold to them. His kin as well as townspeople support Paris and will continue to fight for him and his love.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction P 426.1 Parson (priest) J 652 Inattention to warnings
KvWTK-45288:
In the meantime Antenor and Aeneas counsel how to fare with the murder in the temple. The Greeks keep attacking the city. Paris and Deiphobus decide to fight them. Many Greeks and many Trojans are killed. They fight all day. A Greek lord, Philoctetes, has wounded many men by poisoned arrows. This poison has been made from the blood of an animal named Hydra (Idra), and only a little amount of it is fatal. Paris afflicted by the poison rages on the battlefield and kills many Greeks before he perishes. The Trojans carry him back to town and lament. Deiphobus fights Ulixes. In the evening the Trojans have lost so many men that they have to retreat into the town. They hardly manage to defend their gates.
Motif References:
P 553.1 Poisoned weapons F 831.3 Poisoned arrows F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWTK-45525:
Aiax protected by Philoctetes approaches the walls and the Greek rejoice about Paris’ death. Pyrrhus praises Philoctetes and promises security to him. They remember Achilles lamenting all night. Next morning the Trojans send Antimachus’ two sons as messengers to the Greek and they stone them (Antimachus once has offended the Greek messengers). The Trojans still are in distress because of the death of Paris who is buried by his former mistress Oenone. She has pardoned his infidelity and dies from grief for Paris. The hero and Oenone are buried in the same grave. The author declares that only grief is to come from love that lacks prudence. Paris’ sad fate is due to his offense of the laws of true love, otherwise Dame Measure would have led him the right way.
Motif References:
T 0 Love P 14.15.2 Court messenger R 51.4 Prisoner[s] [hostages, messengers] massacred [killed]
KvWTK-45755:
When the Trojans realize their desperate situation they turn against each other. In a council Antenor, Aeneas and several lords agree upon delivering Helena and the riches she brought with her. Paris’ brother Deiphobus however thwarts all their plans by marrying Helena. Though at that time such a marriage was considered an outrage, heathen laws did not explicitly forbid it. At that time only the Israelites lived up to the laws of the one and only God whereas the heathens worshipped their false gods.
Motif References:
T 130 Marriage customs P 263 Brother-in-law
KvWTK-45817:
After Helena’s marriage to Paris’ brother the lords meet again: Aeneas blames the old king for having indulged his sons. Priamus keeps silent. Aeneas and Antenor advise to send a messenger to the Greek to offer reparations. They choose Antenor as messenger and vow to agree upon whatever he will negotiate. Antenor and the Greeks exchange signals of peace and the Greeks give him a friendly welcome. They are grateful that Antenor once protected their messenger when the Trojans wanted to kill them. Antenor declares to regret the Greeks’ losses in the war. The Greeks promise him and his grandchildren friendship if he changes sides. Antenor blames the Trojans of lack of moderation (unmaze) which often got them into trouble: Laomedon’s inhospitality toward Iason brought about the revenge of the Greek led by Hercules, Laomedon was killed and his town (then named Ilius) destroyed. After the war Priamus returned from Frigia and rebuilt the city. In revenge to the abduction of Hesiona, Laomedon’s daughter, by the Greeks the Trojans abducted Helena. Priamus is blamed of exceeding indulgence toward his sons and of arrogance toward Aeneas’ kin (that is related to the royal family). Antenor asks the Greeks to choose their negotiator.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger W 158 Inhospitality P 233 Father and son Q 292 Inhospitality punished P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-46027:
Antenor’s speech satisfies the Greeks. They choose four lords as their envoys: Agamennon, Diomedes, Idomeneus and Ulixes. They agree on the conditions of peace: If the Trojans make amends the Greeks will grant peace to Antenor, bestow riches upon him and crown one of his sons’ king of Troy. The Greeks however will be his overlord. The Greeks offer to confirm this agreement by solemn oath. Should Aeneas decide to change sides as well he too would have his share, the Greeks would spare his family and he could leave the land. Antenor hesitates but finally gives his oath. The Greeks swear to keep their promise. Antenor asks for a Greek envoy to accompany him to Troy. They agree that Antenor should tell the Trojans to return Helena and her riches in order to obtain peace and to make the Greeks spare their town. The Greeks would offer them a precious wooden horse for the sake of Troy’s goddess Minerva. Talthybius (Talabius) accompanies them to Troy.
Motif References:
M 201 Making of bargains and promises P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
KvWTK-46213:
The author discusses treachery: If they are offered riches most people care no more for loyalty and honor, though this would bring them worldly praise as well as God’s reward. Disloyalty yields goods but eternal damnation. The faithless Antenor betrayed the Trojans hoping for riches and the crown of Troy. In those days faithfulness was much more common among people than it is now and therefore faithlessness then was even more abominable. There is a steady downfall of faithfulness through the ages.
Motif References:
W 34 Loyalty K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]
KvWTK-46315:
Antenor and Talthybius (Talabius) come to Troy. The Greeks envoy is lodged in Antenor’s house. When they have dinner in the evening Antenor asks his sons to change sides and to become the Greeks’ vassals. He tells them that Antimachus’ sons have been stoned. Moreover the Greeks would bestow riches and power upon them. They all give their oath. In the morning Priamus summons his sons and his lords, among them Aeneas. The eloquent Antenor reminds the lords of Troy’s desperate situation and their sufferings from that war. Antenor has lost his son Glaucus when he accompanied Paris. He praises the Greeks’ magnamity toward Priamus, whereas the Trojans returned evil for good. Helena is to blame for Troy’s misery. Moreover the temple has been desecrated. The Trojans should return Helena and her riches and give reparations – rich people in town could well afford to pay the amends. The Greeks have excellent counselors (Calchas and Nestor) as well as excellent warriors (Agamemnon, Menelaus, the two Aiax, Ulixes and Diomedes), whereas the Trojans have been deprived of their counselors and heroes like Paris, Hector and Troilus.
Motif References:
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
KvWTK-46610:
All but Amphimachus (Ampfimach), the king’s illegitimate son, concur with his view. Aeneas however silences him and he and Polydamas advise them to follow Antenor. Priamus is outraged that those who once counseled war now blame him for Troy’s distress. He reminds them that he rebuilt the town after his father’s death and his sister’s abduction. Moreover three of his brothers were killed in the war. It was upon Antenor’s advice that he waged war. The king declares that Antenor never was to be trusted completely. He blames Aeneas for having advised Paris to abduct Helena. Priamus only listened to his counselors. Priamus leaves. The council chooses Antenor and Aeneas as envoys to the Greeks to negotiate peace and promise to agree upon anything they negotiate. Meanwhile the king has sent for his son Amphimachus to ask for his advice. Fearing treachery Priamus tells his son to kill the faithless lords.
Motif References:
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war K 2200 Villains and traitors.
KvWTK-46824:
Antenor, Polydamas, Amphidamas, Ucalegon and Dolon have a secret council. They decide to betray their king, if the Greeks will spare them. Antenor makes them give their oaths. Aeneas then sends Pollidamus to the Greeks to tell them the news. The Greeks promise the traitors safe conduct. Ulixes, Nestor and Pyrrhus still suspicious soon are reassured that Aeneas and Antenor will keep their oath. A Greek hero is sent back with them to take the traitors’ formal oath and promise them safe conduct wherever they go. Nobody else gets aware of their negotiations.
Motif References:
M 201 Making of bargains and promises P 570 (Bm) Safe conduct K 2200 Villains and traitors.
KvWTK-46949:
Helena has learnt that Antenor met the Greeks and one night she goes to see him. She begs him to plead for her with Menelaus so that her husband would not reject her. She promises to be faithful to Menelaus and make amends for her offense. Venus is the only one to blame. In the morning Antenor and Aeneas bring the news to The Greek lords and Antenor pleads for Helena. The Greeks beg Menelaus to be merciful toward her. Menelaus is still in love with his wife and will pardon her. The Trojans give their oath to yield their town to the Greeks on condition that Antenor’s and Helenus’ families and their possessions would be spared. The Greeks give their promise. Moreover Aeneas will receive half of the royal booty. Aiax, Diomedes and Ulixes will accompany back to town.
Motif References:
M 201 Making of bargains and promises T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
KvWTK-47105:
The Trojans welcome the Greek envoys. In a council Amphimachus gives his oath to yield country and town. A tumult alarms the Greek messengers and fearing treachery they take refuge in the temple of Minerva. The Trojans reassure them: Three of Helena’s children were killed by a collapsing wall in the palace.
Motif References:
N 331 Things accidentally fall and kill person
KvWTK-47184:
Antenor lodges the Greek messengers in his house until next morning. He relates to them the story of Troy: The city was founded by Ilus (Ilius) and his name was given to the town. The founder had made a sacred image, the Palladium, for the sake the land’s goddess Minerva (Pallas) that protects the city and is kept in her temple. His gods told Ilus that if ever a wooden horse would enter town and temple Troy would be doomed.
Motif References:
M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding D 1380.0.1.1 Palladium- city impregnable while statue remains
KvWTK-47252:
In the council the Greek messengers and the Trojans agree upon peace. The Greeks promise to offer sacrifices to the Trojan Goddess. Priamus agrees and they start to negotiate reparations. Diomedes demands 5000 pounds of gold, 5000 of silver and a huge amount of grain to pay as amends for ten years of war. Antenor refuses: The Trojans would rather burn everything. Diomedes declares that the Greeks are not striving for riches but only care for revenge and the place would be theirs anyway. The lord Panthus (Pant) asks for respite until the following morning and the messengers leave with Antenor.
Motif References:
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
KvWTK-47468:
Antenor takes the Greeks to the temple where the Palladium is kept. In the meantime the Trojans have decided to offer sacrifices to their gods. Yet none of their offerings burns which the Trojans take as a sign that Apollo refuses their sacrifice. When suddenly an eagle carries some of the sacrifices to the Greek ships this bad omen frightens the Trojans a lot. The Greek messengers reassure them: This has to be interpreted as a good omen of their mutual friendship. The Greeks rejoice on receiving the Trojan offerings and ask their wise prophet Calchas for an interpretation. Calchas tells them that they will conquer Troy.
Motif References:
V 19.1 Rising smoke as sign of acceptance of sacrifice B 147.2 Birds furnish omens M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
KvWTK-47554:
Hecuba is frightened for none of her offerings to Minerva and Apollo burns. The Trojans ask the prophet Cassandra and she declares that Apollo refuses to accept their sacrifice because his temple has been desecrated by the murder of Achilles. The Trojans should offer sacrifices at Hector’s grave for he had no part in the crime. When their offerings finally catch fire the Trojans rejoice.
Motif References:
V 19.1 Rising smoke as sign of acceptance of sacrifice D 1812.5.1 Bad omens
KvWTK-47586:
This night Antenor asks Theano (Tanna), the priestess of Minerva, to leave him the Palladium and when he promises her riches the priestess gives in. The Greeks have the Palladium brought to Ulixes’ tent. In the morning the council continues. They agree that the Trojans will pay amends (2000 pounds of silver and gold). The messengers return to the Greeks’ camp and secretly take the Palladium with them. Helenus whom the Trojans sent as messenger to the Greeks knows what happened as if he had watched it. He declares that the loss of the Palladium that protected the town is to bring about the city’s downfall and Antenor is to blame for it. Helenus is stricken with grief for the Trojans’ fate and he swoons. Pyrrhus tries to console him, yet has him watched to keep him from warning the Trojans. Helenus declares he would rather live with the Greeks anyway.
Motif References:
M 301 Prophets M 356.1.5 (Bm) Prophecy of city’s destruction P 614 (Bm) Bribes F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief D 1268 Magic statue (doll) D 1380.0.1.1 Palladium- city impregnable while statue remains
KvWTK-47774:
According to Helenus’ instructions the Greeks build a wooden horse. Ten lords (among them Diomedes, Ulixes, Idomeneus, Aiax, Nestor and Pyrrhus) are sent to receive the Trojans’ oath to give reparations. Priamus welcomes them. In the morning sacrifices are offered to the Gods. Ulixes and Diomedes speak the oath for the Greeks, Antenor for the Trojans. All are happy. According to custom they share the sacrifice, the Greeks take a share to their ships, the remains are left to the Trojans. Then the two armies meet in friendship. The Trojans praise Antenor. Townspeople are not allowed to meet the Greeks in order to prevent enmities. In the meantime the Greeks advised by Helenus and Epius have accomplished their wooden horse on wheels. The horse is to be sent to the temple of Minerva, where Antenor and Aeneas have already stored the Greek gold and silver. The Trojans rejoice about the horse: But to transport the gift into town they are forced to demolish gates and towers and destroy sacred places of Neptunus and Apollo as well.
Motif References:
K 754.1 Trojan wooden horse
KvWTK-48100:
Many armed men have hidden inside the horse. Sinon is to open its secret entrance upon a signal. In the meantime Ulixes has repaired the ships, the Greeks burn their camp, and pretend to leave the country, but lie in wait nearby. Greek ruse is set against Trojan foolishness. When the Trojans are resting from their weariness at night the Greeks leave the wooden horse without making any noise. In the meantime Aeneas and Antenor with their kin and vassals have retired to their fortress. The Greeks attack the defenseless town and burn it completely. Priamus alarmed by the wailing takes refuge in the temple of Iuppiter. Cassandra tries to learn the future in the temple of Minerva. In the morning the Greeks conquer the palace and capture Helena and her husband Deiphobus. After having him maimed (ears, nose, mouth, limbs cut off) Menelaus has him killed. The Greeks slay anybody inside the palace. Pyrrhus coming upon Priamus, by Iuppiter’s statue in the temple remembers his father’s death and kills the old king together with his retinue.
Motif References:
S 110.10 (Bm) City and inhabitants willfully destroyed S 460 Other cruel persecutions
KvWTK-48449:
Aiax coming upon Cassandra in the temple of Minerva takes her prisoner. The Greeks decide to slaughter all Trojans, except women and children who are to be enslaved, and destroy the town. Only Aeneas and Antenor and their kin are spared.
Motif References:
R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted S 110.10 (Bm) City and inhabitants willfully destroyed
KvWTK-48537:
After the destruction of Troy the Greeks share the booty of silver and gold among and burn what is left. Helena and Menelaus who still loves her are reconciled. Polyxena is given to Pyrrhus, Cassandra to Agamennon, and Hecuba to Ulixes. Then they argue about the Palladium. Aiax Telamonius claims it as his reward but Ulixes and Diomedes disagree. Menelaus, Agamemnon, Ulixes and Aiax also claim it. Diomedes renounces. Aiax suggests that Helena should be killed. The lords agree for this punishment would warn all women. Menelaus and Agamemnon agree upon a law-court to decide who should have the Palladium: Aiax’ claim is not recognized. Thereupon he challenges Agamemnon, Ulixes and Menelaus, and stirs the troops against Helena. In the following night Aiax is murdered which causes great grief among the Greeks. Many of them blame Ulixes for the murder. Ulixes alarmed by the rumors secretly leaves with his men to Ysmarum island. Pyrrhus burns his nephew’s corpse and has it buried in a golden shrine on the island Swetro. Finally Diomedes receives the Palladium.
Motif References:
V 60 Funeral rites S 110 Murders S 110.10 (Bm) City and inhabitants willfully destroyed
KvWTK-48872:
When the Greeks want to leave Cassandra is asked which way they should take for their journeys back home. She tells them that Agamennon will die and Menelaus will at last be reinstalled as king. Antenor protects Cassandra whose unfavorable prophecies have made her many enemies. He celebrates a feast for the Greeks and gives riches. The Greeks want Aeneas to come with them. Pyrrhus releases Hector’s sons and gives them in Helenus’ care.
Motif References:
M 201 Making of bargains and promises M 301 Prophets
KvWTK-48960:
The Greeks mourn Aiax, and tear their hair and clothes, swearing revenge for his murder. Then they leave with their booty, singing war-songs. Ulixes’ odyssey is to last for ten years. On his journey he comes to the sirens’ island. Warned by his seamen the hero stops his ears with wax, has him bound to the mast and thus escapes their fatal song. He visits many wild islands thereafter.
Motif References:
B 53 Siren B 53.0.1 Siren in mermaid form B 53.4 Siren’s song causes sleep B 81 Mermaid B 81.11 Mermaid’s singing causes sleep J 672.1 Ears stopped with wax to avoid enchanting song. Odysseus and the sirens.
KvWTK-49129:
When all Greeks have returned home they celebrate a great festival with all sort of courtly entertainments, and offer sacrifices to their gods. Stories of Troy’s downfall spread throughout the country. Tyndareus (Thindarius), Helena’s (foster-) father and her daughter Hermione (who outshines her mother’s beauty) welcome Helena. Menelaus, Pyrrhus, Helena and Agamemnon celebrate a feast.
Motif References:
V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity P 634 Feasts
KvWTK-49299:
Pyrrhus reminds the king of his promise to give him Hermione in marriage. In the meantime Tyndareus has promised to marry her to Agamennon’s son Orestes (Horestes), with who Hermione is in love. Pyrrhus insists that the promise must be kept. He and Hermione marry and Pyrrhus receives the kingdom according to their former agreement. Pyrrhus loves Hermione but she would rather have married Orestes. In a letter to her beloved she asks him to abduct her, reminding him of her mother’s abduction and of Leda’s abduction by Iuppiter. The author however can tell no more about them.
Motif References:
T 41 Communication of lovers T 84 Lovers treacherously separated
KvWTK-49458:
When the feast has ended the guests leave. Menelaus thanks his brother Agamemnon for his assistance. Agamemnon returns to his kingdom where his wife Clytaemestra (Climestra) and his son welcome him. He asks for a bath. Clytaemestra has made him a silk shirt without an opening in order to make him defenseless. When Agamennon leaves bath the queen’s paramour Aegisthus (Egistus) kills him. Thereupon Orestes slays his mother and her lover. Orestes succeeds his father as king. The author ignores what happened thereafter. When the book comes to an end the author recapitulates Hecuba’s dream and its interpretation, the death of Hector and Achilles, the abduction of Helena, the story of Pyrrhus and Hermione, the treachery of Aeneas and Antenor. The author prays to God to help those who assisted him in making this book and entreats God and Holy Mary to grant salvation to everybody. Then the writer begs his readers to plead for him. He regrets to have spoken evil about women, yet he had it on good authority.
Motif References:
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king S 22 Parricide S 60 Cruel spouse T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love] Q 241 Adultery punished T 481 Adultery
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