Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) - Types of Folktales

1476: The Prayer for a Husband

ATU > 1200-1999: ANECDOTES AND JOKES > 1440-1524: Stories about a Woman > 1475-1499: Jokes about Old Maids > 1476: The Prayer for a Husband

Description

The old maid prays in church that she may get a husband [X761]. The (supposed) advice of God (the church janitor) [K1971.9]. She must raise her foot to her neck (or other disgraceful act). Cf. Type 1462.

Variants

1476A. Praying to the Statue's Mother

Sexton behind crucifix tells old maid she will have no husband. She tells Christ child he knows nothing about it. She is praying to his mother.

1476B. Girl Married to a Devil

Despairing of ever finding herself a husband, the old maid exclaims: »I would marry even the devil, were he to marry me.» The devil takes her at her word. [G303.13.5.1].

1476C. Old Maid Asks for Death

A rascal steals into her bed at night. - »Oh sweet death, keep killing me».

Examples

show original versionsshow all versions including translationsshow English versions
Text titleATULanguageAuthorOriginPublication Date
Das Mädchen von Brakel1476AGermanJacob & Wilhelm GrimmGermany1812

External Examples

StoryATUOriginAuthorYearSource
Without Title 1476B Netherlands 1966 Nederlandse VolksverhalenBank
Maid who wanted to Marry 1476A British Internet Archive
Nowt but a Tailor 1476A British Internet Archive
The Girl from Brakel 1476A German Internet Archive

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