The Mythology and Folklore Database
J15A - Woman among the Jaguars.




39 Myths, Legends and Folktales
8 Unique Narratives for Motif J15A
33 Cultures & Traditions where J15A is told
26 Mythemes Indexed
2 Sub-Motifs of Motif J15A


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 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

Setting off on a journey (usually in search of a fiancé, husband, or relatives), a woman finds herself in the lair or settlement of large dangerous predators - pumas or jaguars. See motif J15.

Berezkin category: Avenger heroes: The amerinday cycle

This is of motif type Adventures and tricks and is part group 10, Adventures


J15 has 2 other sub-motifs


J15.  Having set out in search of their husband, relatives, etc., a woman, girl or children accidentally take the wrong road and encounter creatures that kill or harm them.
J15a.  Setting off on a journey (usually in search of a fiancé, husband, or relatives), a woman finds herself in the lair or settlement of large dangerous predators - pumas or jaguars. See motif J15.
J15b.  While travelling, a woman finds herself in the house of a frog or toad. See motif J15.

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Top 10 Motifs with similar dispersal patterns

MotifSimilarityMotif Summary
L8899.99%A man kills a demon, but when he touches its remains some time later, it comes to life.
B9999.97%A person or their head left on a tree turns into an insect nest.
B2499.95%People who have entered into conflict or violated a prohibition are transformed into wild boars or peccaries.
B6399.95%Children lie to their mother, pretending to work in the fields. When the deception is revealed, they are left without a harvest and are transformed into atmospheric phenomena or celestial objects.
E1999.95%Narcotic plants arise from the body of a human being torn to pieces by others.
F7599.95%A hunter sees a tapir summoning a woman who lives in the water with a secret signal; she emerges from the lake or river, and the tapir mates with her. The hunter himself summons the woman and becomes her lover.
J999.95%Even before they are born, children speak from their mother's womb, showing her the way.
K27YY399.95%The hero must bring the fruits growing on a tree that is dangerous to approach.
L7699.95%When a female cannibal attacks a man, she devours or tears off his testicles.
I5A99.89%The tapir is associated with the upper world (thunder, sky, moon).

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Map of Motif Dispersal

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This motif has been recorded in 33 traditions: Yana, Guajiro, Wapishana (incl Ataroi); Mapidian; Taruma, Waiwai, Trio, Hixkariyana, Locono, Wayana, Aparai, Napo (Quijo), Kanelo (“Jungle Kechua”), Zaparo, Kofan, Shuar, Achuar (Shiwiar), Barasana, Taibano, Macuna, Desana, Siriano; Tatuyo, Bara, Tuyuca, Kabiyari, Yukuna (Yucuna), Tupinamba, Urubu (Urubu-Kaapor), Tenetehara, Machiguenga, Yuracare, Bolivian Guarani: Chiriguano (including assimilated Chane Arawaks), Pauserna (=Guarasu), Guarayu, Tapiete, Chacobo, Ese’ejja, Suruí, Gaviâo, Zoro, Arua, Cinta Larga, Bakairi, Kuikuro, Kalapalo, Calapalo, Kamayura, Trumai, Bororo, Caraja, Caduveo, Mbaya, Guarani of Paraguay and Brazil: Caygua, Mbia, Apapocuva, Nyandewa, Chiripa, Manao, Katawishi (Teffe lake); groups of uncertain affiliation mostly from Rio Jamunda


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