Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) - Types of Folktales
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
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Text title | ATU | Language | Author | Origin | Publication Date |
Das Mädchen von Brakel | 1476A | German | Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm | Germany | 1812 |
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External Examples
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