The Mythology and Folklore Database
B87 - Alcor.
Please log on to view the narratives.
Motif Summary - Motifs with Simlar Dispersals - Map of Myth Distribution - List of Traditions - Myths |
Source Data from Berezkin's Analytics Catalogue, if using this data please acknowledge and link to it here:
Ю.Е. Березкин, Е.Н. Дувакин. Тематическая классификация и распределение фольклорно-мифологических мотивов по ареалам. Аналитический каталог.
Summary of Motif
Alcor (a faint star next to the second star of the Big Dipper's handle) stands out as a separate celestial object.Berezkin category: The Origins of the Characteristics of the environment
This is of motif type Cosmology and etiology and is part group 2, Moon spots, stars, constellations
B87 has 4 other sub-motifsB87. Alcor (a faint star next to the second star of the Big Dipper's handle) stands out as a separate celestial object. B87a. A dim star next to the second star of the handle of the Big Dipper (Tibetans: Little Dipper) Ursa Major – dog. B87b. The Great Bear – a cart harnessed by a wolf or bear. Usually, the shape of the handle of the dipper is explained by the fact that a wolf or bear attacked an ox harnessed to the cart and took its place. In this case, it is associated with Alcor or the last star of the handle of the dipper – η. B87c. Alcor (the faint star next to the second star of the Big Dipper's handle) – rider, driver, coachman. b87d. Alcor (a faint star next to the second star of the Big Dipper's handle) – infant. Click here if would you like to see a distrbution map combining all of B87's motifs? |
Top 10 Motifs with similar dispersal patterns
| Motif | Similarity | Motif Summary |
|---|---|---|
| A32E | 95.98% | On the lunar (rarely: solar) disc, a character holding an object or animal is visible. See motif A32D. |
| L72 | 94.88% | While fleeing, the character throws small objects behind him, which turn into powerful obstacles in the path of the pursuer, or (rarely) the pursuer creates such obstacles in the path of the fugitives. (Cf. SUS 1979, No. 313H = AA 313I, p. 114: escape by throwing magical objects, an episode in various types of fairy tales). |
| K66C | 94.85% | A bear (lion) takes a woman away, or a she-bear takes a man away. They have children who are either human or bear-like in appearance. Less commonly, a woman gives birth to a son in a den because she was pregnant at the time of her abduction by the bear. |
| M29B2 | 94.19% | As a result of its stupidity or antisocial behavior, the bear dies or suffers damage. See the motives in square brackets. |
| I45A | 93.81% | Pointing at or staring at the moon or stars will cause illness (death) or the pointing finger to rot or wither. |
| L72A | 93.52% | Fleeing for his life, the character throws behind him a comb (brush), which turns into an obstacle (almost always thickets) in the path of his pursuer. (In South America, this motif is most likely of European origin). See Andreev 1929, No. 313.I. |
| L57A | 92.56% | The enemy takes possession of part of the character's body (remains). Another (usually resorting to trickery) returns what is missing, and the character comes back to life or recovers. |
| K102A2 | 92.31% | The mother seeks to destroy her son (children) because he interferes with her love affair. Cf. motif L86: Children flee from their demon mother. |
| A32D | 91.94% | The figure or imprint of an anthropomorphic creature is visible on the lunar disc. |
| L42 | 91.93% | After capturing the character, the enemy brings the prey home or to the place where he intends to eat it. The character runs away and escapes. |
See more...
Please log on to view the narratives.
Map of Motif Dispersal
Click here for a clustered map
Drag the map around by clicking and using the mouse, use the wheel to zoom
This motif has been recorded in 0 traditions: