Motif
divination by burning branch
divination_by_burning_branch
A motif of the Prophecy and Systematic Divination family, within the sub-family Divination Methods and Implements. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
finnish karelian
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Kalevala: The Epic Poem of Finland PREFACE / JOHN MARTIN CRAWFORD. / THE KALEVALA. / PROEM; lines 10075-10265 confidence: high
“Lay a branch upon the fire-place, / Let it burn with fire of magic; / If it trickle drops of scarlet, / War and bloodshed do they bring us; / If it trickle drops of water, / Peace and plenty bring the strangers.”
The hostess prescribes a branch burned with magic fire as a test of whether the strangers bring war, peace, or another outcome; the resulting honey is interpreted by a wizard.
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