Motif

Labyrinth Initiation

labyrinth_initiation

A motif of the Initiation and Transformative Ordeal family, within the sub-family Labyrinths, Enclosures, and Liminal Spaces. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.

82 occurrences

27 traditions

hindu (22) · roman (17) · greek roman (5) · greek (4) · norse (4) · gnostic (3) · islamicate folklore (2) · korean (2) · mangaian (2) · native american northwest coast (2) · persian (2) · slavic (2) · armenian (1) · bavili (1) · burmese (1) · buryat mongol (1) · caucasian (1) · celtic (1) · celtic welsh (1) · egyptian (1) · filipino (1) · hermetic (1) · inca (1) · maya quiche (1) · oceanic (1) · sufi (1) · tongan (1)

hindu

Maha-bharata BOOK VIII / BHISHMA-BADHA / BOOK IX / DRONA-BADHA; lines 4824-4964 confidence: medium

"Drona on that fatal morning ranged his dreadful battle-line / In a circle darkly spreading"; the Pandavs vainly try to force a passage.

Drona makes a circular battle-line, the Pandavs fail to force a passage, Abhimanyu enters alone, and the circle later closes around him.
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Maha-bharata BOOK VIII / BHISHMA-BADHA / BOOK IX / DRONA-BADHA; lines 4830-4970 confidence: medium

On Abhimanyu's fatal day, Drona arranges a circular battle-line; the Pandavs cannot force a passage, but Abhimanyu enters alone and cuts through troops, animals, and standards.

Drona's battle-line is circular, the Pandavs cannot force a passage, and Abhimanyu enters alone before being enclosed by Jayadratha and six warriors.
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The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 2: Books 4, 5, 6 and 7 SECTION LXIX / SECTION LXX / SECTION LXXI / SECTION LXXII; lines 44021-44104 confidence: low

Arjuna says Drona formed the circular array, that only Abhimanyu could break it, that Arjuna had not taught him how to come out, and asks if the boy entered, pierced it, and fell in battle.

Arjuna says Abhimanyu could break Drona's circular array but had not learned how to come out of it, and asks whether he fell after entering it.
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The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 2: Books 4, 5, 6 and 7 SECTION XXVIII / SECTION XXIX / SECTION XXX / SECTION XXXI; lines 41388-41463 confidence: medium

Drona's formation is called an "impenetrable circular array" and is compared to the sun at meridian, too harsh to look at.

Abhimanyu, described as a youth, pierces an impenetrable circular battle array, kills many foes, and dies after multiple heroes confront him.
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The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 2: Books 4, 5, 6 and 7 SECTION XXX / SECTION XXXI / SECTION XXXII / SECTION XXXIII; lines 41526-41600 confidence: medium

Yudhishthira says, "We do not know how to break the circular array" and that Abhimanyu, Arjuna, Krishna, or Pradyumna can pierce it; he asks Abhimanyu to destroy Drona's array.

The array is circular and difficult to break; Abhimanyu can enter and strike it but says he may not be able to come out if danger overtakes him.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLIV. The Ring. / Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave.; lines 43443-43565 confidence: high

The searchers reach the southern wooded mountains and see a large cave opening in a mountain side, covered with creepers, from which lake birds emerge.

The search party enters a dark mountain cave and eventually finds a concealed inner grove filled with light, waters, golden trees, and precious dwellings.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLIV. The Ring. / Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave.; lines 43443-43565 confidence: medium

The cave is vast and rayless; the Vánars continue through darkness while hungry, thirsty, and worn, then see day-like splendour and golden trees emitting flamy light.

The cave contains a hidden wondrous grove later called a maze and a wood concealed from a wanderer’s eye.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43568-43738 confidence: medium

The Vánars search the southern region, reach the ocean shore, collapse from hunger, and see a dark plant-covered opening in the ground from which wet swans and mallards emerge.

The Vánars enter a dark ground opening, clasp hands, and pass through maze-like interior spaces before needing supernatural help to exit.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43568-43738 confidence: medium

Tára urges the Vánars not to despair but to dwell in the ample magic-made cavern, with springs, fruit, flowering trees, and protection from enemies.

Tára proposes returning to or dwelling in the cavern, where magic, springs, fruit, and flowering trees would protect the Vánars from enemies.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43568-43738 confidence: medium

The Vánars reach the ocean shore, weaken from hunger, lie under trees, and notice a dark ground-opening covered by creeping plants.

The searchers, weakened by hunger and thirst, enter a dark opening in the ground, clasp hands, and move through cave mazes and an inner grove.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43568-43738 confidence: medium

Tára urges the Vánars to stop despairing and dwell in the ample magical cavern, with springs, fruit, and blooming trees, safe from Ráma, Sugríva, and other attackers.

Tára proposes that the Vánars dwell in the ample magical cavern among springs, fruit, and blooming trees, protected from powerful pursuers.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43901-44053 confidence: medium

Angad recounts Vanara lineage, Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction, Jatayus’s fight and death, Rama and Sugriva’s covenant, Bali’s death, Sugriva’s search command, the month lost in Maya’s underground cavern, and the Vanaras’ resolve to fast and die.

The Vanaras enter a spacious underground cavern formed by Maya’s magic skill and wander for a month in its dark maze.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43901-44053 confidence: medium

The search party finds a spacious underground cavern beneath a hill, formed by Maya’s magic; they wander in its dark maze for a month, lose Sugríva’s allotted days, and resolve to fast and die.

The search party enters a cavern under a hill made by Maya’s magic, wanders through a dark maze for a month, loses the allotted time, and faces a death-vow crisis.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki FOOTNOTES / ILIAD. XVII. 426. / GORRESIO. / MACBETH.; lines 64865-64999 confidence: medium

Svayamprabha, the self-luminous, is discussed as identified by De Gubernatis with the moon and a good fairy; the note says Hanuman and companions wandered for a month in the cavern while searching for Sita, and Svayamprabha then led them out.

Hanuman and his companions wander in a cavern while searching for Sita, and Svayamprabha leads them out.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki FOOTNOTES / ILIAD. XVII. 426. / GORRESIO. / MACBETH.; lines 64865-64999 confidence: medium

Hemá is a nymph of Paradise. Svayamprabhā, 'self-luminous,' is interpreted by De Gubernatis as the moon or good fairy of a golden palace, but the note says Hanumán and his companions wandered a month in the cavern without a guide before Svayamprabhā led them out.

Hanumán and his companions wander for a month in a vast cavern while searching for Sítá, and Svayamprabhā leads them out.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki The Ramayan of Valmiki / CONTENTS; lines 278-475 confidence: low

The search sequence titles include Sugríva’s tale, the return, the Asur’s death, Angad’s speeches and counsel, the enchanted cave, Svayamprabhá, the exit, Hanumán’s speech, Sampáti, Sampáti’s story, tidings of Sítá, the sea, the council, Hanumán, and Hanumán’s speech.

The search sequence includes the enchanted cave, Svayamprabhá, the exit, and later renewed search elements such as tidings of Sítá and the sea.
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The Ramayan of Valmiki The Ramayan of Valmiki / CONTENTS; lines 278-475 confidence: low

Book IV titles include Angad’s Speech, The Enchanted Cave, Svayamprabhá, The Exit, Angad’s Counsel, Hanumán’s Speech, Angad’s Reply, and Sampáti.

The contents lists “The Enchanted Cave,” “Svayamprabhá,” and “The Exit” in sequence during the search episodes.
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The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse Canto XLIV. The Ring. / Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave.; lines 43441-43563 confidence: medium

Angad and Tára are beside Hanumán as he again tries mountain caverns, passes, wooded steeps, animal lairs, and torrent areas.

The Vánars conduct a weary mountain search, enter a dark cave, pass through distress, and discover a concealed luminous grove described as a maze and hidden from wanderers.
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The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43566-43736 confidence: medium

Hungry and exhausted, the Vānars rest beneath trees and then see a dark ground opening covered by creeping plants, with wet swans and mallards emerging.

The Vānars enter a dark ground opening, traverse mazes, and require the ascetic lady’s ritual power and the closed-eye instruction to return to daylight.
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The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse Canto XLV. The Departure. / Canto XLVII. The Return. / Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit.; lines 43899-44051 confidence: medium

The search party finds a spacious underground cavern beneath a hill, formed by Maya’s magic; they wander through its dark maze for a month and lose their allotted days.

The Vānaras enter a spacious underground cavern made by Maya, wander through its dark maze for a month, and thereby lose the time set for their mission.
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The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse Canto XLVI. The Guest. / Canto LI. The Combat. / Canto LX. Lakshman Reproved. / Canto LXX. Kabandha.; lines 35839-35996 confidence: medium

After rites, the princely brothers continue the lady’s quest, armed, and travel through lonely, dark, tangled woods toward the south.

The brothers pass through mazes, tangled vegetation, dark woods, and hard-to-tread ways before meeting monsters.
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The Upanishads, Part I (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 1) SACRED BOOKS OF THE EAST. / INTRODUCTION / THE UPANISHADS. / INTRODUCTION.; lines 3005-3127 confidence: low

Schopenhauer is described as discovering “a thread through such a labyrinth” and proclaiming “vast treasures of thought” beneath jargon.

Müller describes Schopenhauer as discovering and following a thread through a labyrinth of difficult Upanishadic material.
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roman

Aeneidos LIBER V / PUBLI VERGILI MARONIS / AENEIDOS / LIBER VI; lines 4159-4291 confidence: high

Temple-door scenes include Androgeos’s death, Athenian penalties by lot, Cretan land, Pasiphae and the bull, the biform Minotaur, the inextricable house, Daedalus guiding hidden paths with a thread, and Daedalus’s failed attempts to depict Icarus’s fall.

The temple doors include the Minotaur, the inextricable error of the house, and Daedalus resolving hidden paths with a thread.
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The Aeneid of Virgil BOOK EIGHTH / THE EMBASSAGE TO EVANDER / BOOK NINTH / THE SIEGE OF THE TROJAN CAMP; lines 5936-6013 confidence: medium

The horsemen block roads and outlets; the forest is tangled with dark ilex and briars; Euryalus is hampered by boughs and spoil and misses the path while Nisus escapes and then looks back for him.

The forest is tangled with briars and broken tracks; Euryalus is impeded by branches and spoil, loses the path, and is captured.
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The Aeneid of Virgil BOOK FIFTH / THE GAMES OF THE FLEET / BOOK SIXTH / THE VISION OF THE UNDER WORLD; lines 3469-3560 confidence: high

At the groves of Trivia and golden roof, Daedalus' flight, dedication, and temple are recounted; the doors show Androgeus, the Athenian ransom and lots, Gnosus, Pasiphae and the bull, the Minotaur, the maze, the clue, and Daedalus' grief over Icarus.

The temple doors depict the Minotaur, the inextricable maze, and Daedalus guiding a lover through the palace by means of a clue.
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The Aeneid of Virgil BOOK FIFTH / THE GAMES OF THE FLEET / BOOK SIXTH / THE VISION OF THE UNDER WORLD; lines 3469-3560 confidence: high

The company approaches Trivia’s groves and the golden-roofed shrine; the doors display Daedalus’s flight and dedication, Androgeus, the Athenian tribute, Pasiphaë, the Minotaur, the maze, and the clue guiding the lover through the palace.

The temple doors show the Minotaur, the inextricable maze, and Daedalus guiding a lover’s blind footsteps by a clue.
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The Aeneid of Virgil BOOK FOURTH / THE LOVE OF DIDO, AND HER END / BOOK FIFTH / THE GAMES OF THE FLEET; lines 3187-3232 confidence: medium

Epytides gives the signal and sounds his whip; the boys separate, deploy in threes, wheel, charge, retreat, interlink circles, stage a phantom battle, flee, charge again, and ride side by side in peace.

The children's interwoven flight-and-battle game is explicitly compared to the tangled, deceptive paths of the Cretan labyrinth.
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The Aeneid of Virgil BOOK FOURTH / THE LOVE OF DIDO, AND HER END / BOOK FIFTH / THE GAMES OF THE FLEET; lines 3187-3232 confidence: medium

The boys gallop apart, deploy in threes, wheel back, charge with levelled arms, retreat, interlink circles, and perform an armed phantom battle.

The children’s riding game is described as interwoven flight and battle and explicitly compared to the Cretan labyrinth’s tangled paths.
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The Golden Asse THE EIGHTEENTH CHAPTER / THE NINETEENTH CHAPTER / THE TWENTIETH CHAPTER / THE TWENTY-FIRST CHAPTER; lines 2509-2602 confidence: low

The thieves bring her into the cave and tell her not to fear outrage or violence, since they seek ransom money from her parents.

The maiden is brought into the thieves’ cave and describes her confinement as a stony prison among robbers.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION.; lines 899-983 confidence: medium

Daedalus is introduced as a skilled Athenian; he envies and kills Talos/Perdix, flees to Crete, is received by Minos, and builds the Labyrinth; the passage reports both a comparison with the Egyptian Labyrinth and a contrary claim that it was only a prison.

Daedalus is a famed craftsman who builds the Labyrinth, is imprisoned by Minos, and escapes by means of sail technology that the passage calls previously unknown.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION.; lines 899-983 confidence: medium

Daedalus builds the Labyrinth; one account says it followed the Egyptian Labyrinth, while another says it did not resemble it and was only a prison for criminals.

The passage identifies Daedalus as builder of the Cretan Labyrinth and reports traditions that it resembled the Egyptian Labyrinth or functioned as a prison.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK XIV. / BOOK XV. / BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION.; lines 635-725 confidence: high

Minos decides to enclose the disgrace in a many-divided maze. Daedalus, famous for architectural skill, designs winding passages compared to the Meander, so intricate that he can scarcely return to the entrance.

Minos encloses the two-formed monster in a many-divided maze made by Daedalus.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK XIV. / BOOK XV. / BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION.; lines 635-725 confidence: high

The fable summary states that Minos forces Athens to pay tribute of youths and virgins to the Minotaur; Theseus, helped by Ariadne, kills the monster, escapes the labyrinth, abandons Ariadne at Naxos, and Bacchus transforms her crown into a constellation.

Theseus kills the Minotaur and finds the difficult entrance again by the maiden’s aid through the gathered thread.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK XIV. / BOOK XV. / BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION.; lines 635-725 confidence: high

Minos resolves to enclose the monster in a many-divided abode full of mazes; Daedalus designs it with confusing marks and intricate passages compared to the winding Maeander.

The Minotaur is enclosed in a labyrinth of winding paths, and Theseus escapes after subduing the monster by the maiden's aid and a thread.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK XV. / BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION.; lines 728-812 confidence: high

Athens, under famine and enemy threat, consults Delphi, seeks peace from Minos, and must send seven young men and seven virgins periodically; the passage reports the hostile story of youths fighting the Minotaur in the Labyrinth, with Pasiphae, the white bull from Neptune, Daedalus, Venus, Apollo, and Mars also named.

The passage reports the story that Athenian youths were destined to fight the Minotaur in the Labyrinth, and later connects Theseus with the Labyrinth or a cavern variant.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK XV. / BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION.; lines 728-812 confidence: high

Daedalus builds the Labyrinth in Crete; Palaephatus has Theseus fight in a cavern; Theseus goes to Crete voluntarily or by lot; Ariadne’s thread is interpreted as a plan of the Labyrinth; Ariadne’s Bacchus story is rationalized as marriage to a priest at Naxos after Theseus deserts her.

Ariadne gives Theseus the thread, interpreted as a plan showing the Labyrinth’s windings and exit.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV BOOK XV. / BOOK THE EIGHTH. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION.; lines 728-812 confidence: high

Daedalus builds a labyrinth in Crete; a variant places Theseus’s fight in a cavern; Theseus either volunteers or is selected by lot; Ariadne’s thread is interpreted as a plan of the labyrinth; her Bacchus story is rationalized as marriage to a priest of Bacchus.

Theseus’s deliverance is linked to Ariadne giving him a thread, interpreted as a plan of the labyrinth showing its windings and exit.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV OF THE / PRINCIPAL TRANSFORMATIONS MENTIONED IN / THE METAMORPHOSES. / BOOK VIII.; lines 234-271 confidence: high

Minos returns to Crete, has the Labyrinth erected with Dædalus's help, encloses the Minotaur, feeds it Athenian captives; Theseus slays it, escapes with Ariadne's aid, deserts Ariadne on Dia, and Bacchus places her crown among the constellations.

The Minotaur is enclosed in the Labyrinth and fed with Athenian captives; Theseus kills it and escapes by Ariadne's aid.
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV OF THE / PRINCIPAL TRANSFORMATIONS MENTIONED IN / THE METAMORPHOSES. / BOOK VIII.; lines 234-271 confidence: high

Minos returns to Crete, has Daedalus help erect the Labyrinth, encloses the Minotaur there, and feeds it Athenian captives; Theseus slays the Minotaur, escapes with Ariadne's aid, deserts Ariadne on Dia, and Bacchus places her crown among the constellations.

The Minotaur is enclosed in the Labyrinth; Theseus, an Athenian captive, slays it and escapes with Ariadne's aid.
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greek roman

Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome PELOPS. / HERACLES (HERCULES). / BELLEROPHON. / THESEUS.; lines 8505-8590 confidence: high

Androgeos, son of Minos, is murdered by Athenians; Minos conquers Athens and requires tribute of noble youths and maidens, who become prey of the half-man, half-bull Minotaur in Daedalus's labyrinth.

Theseus enters Daedalus's labyrinth, confronts the Minotaur, and escapes by following Ariadne's thread.
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Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome PELOPS. / HERACLES (HERCULES). / BELLEROPHON. / THESEUS.; lines 8505-8590 confidence: high

Aphrodite inspires Ariadne’s attachment to Theseus; Ariadne secretly gives him a sharp sword and a clue of thread with instructions for finding and leaving the Minotaur’s lair.

Ariadne instructs Theseus to fasten and unwind a thread through the labyrinth, and he uses it to lead the companions out after killing the Minotaur.
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Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome THE HERACLIDAE. / THE SIEGE OF TROY. / RETURN OF THE GREEKS FROM TROY. / PRONOUNCING INDEX.; lines 11105-11310 confidence: low

L-section entries include Labdacus, Labyrinth, Lacedaemon, Ladon, Laocoon, Latmus Mount, Lethe, Lernean Hydra with a cross-reference to Hydra, Leucothea, Linus, Nemean Lion, Luna, Lycaon, and others.

The index lists Labyrinth and Minotaur with the same page references, 212 and 262, and lists Minos with page 212 among his references.
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Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome VESTALIA. / PART II.--LEGENDS. / CADMUS. / PERSEUS.; lines 6834-6902 confidence: medium

Daedalus constructs the labyrinth, an immense building of intricate intersecting passages, and Minos places in it the Minotaur, a monster with bull head and shoulders and human body.

Daedalus constructs an intricate labyrinth, and Minos places the bull-human Minotaur inside it.
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Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome VESTALIA. / PART II.--LEGENDS. / CADMUS. / PERSEUS.; lines 6834-6902 confidence: low

Daedalus constructs the labyrinth for Minos, an intricate building, and Minos places the bull-human Minotaur in it.

Daedalus constructs an intricate labyrinth in which Minos places the Minotaur.
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greek

Pausanias's Description of Greece, Volume I, Translated with a Commentary by J. G. Frazer VOL. I. U / VOL. I. AA / VOL. I, BB / VOL. I. DD; lines 8163-8209 confidence: high

In the market-place of Troezen, a temple of Artemis Saviour with images was said to have been founded and named by Theseus when he returned from Crete after overcoming Asterion son of Minos.

Theseus is linked with return from Crete, overcoming Asterion, unravelling the difficult Maze, escaping unnoticed, and the safe return of his company through divine providence.
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The Library, Volume I (Apollodorus), with an English Translation by James George Frazer VOL, I. Q / VOL I. R / VOL. I, T / VOL. I, U; lines 10812-10951 confidence: medium

Pasiphae gives birth to Asterius, called the Minotaur, with bull face and human body; Minos, following oracles, confines and guards him in Daedalus's Labyrinth.

Minos shuts the Minotaur in the Labyrinth, a chamber made by Daedalus, and guards him there.
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The Library, Volume I (Apollodorus), with an English Translation by James George Frazer VOL, I. Q / VOL I. R / VOL. I, T / VOL. I, U; lines 10953-11084 confidence: medium

The labyrinth is described as having "tangled windings" that "perplexed the outward way"; the narrator says the Minotaur story will be told later with Theseus.

The passage describes a labyrinth with tangled windings that perplex the way out and links it to the deferred Minotaur story.
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The Odyssey BOOK VII / RECEPTION OF ULYSSES AT THE PALACE OF KING ALCINOUS. / BOOK VIII / BOOK IX; lines 4074-4168 confidence: medium

Odysseus cuts about six feet from the Cyclops' green olive-wood club, has it smoothed, points and chars it, and hides it under dung in the cave.

The action occurs in a cave sealed by a stone, with the captives planning violence and escape under confinement and the exit later guarded by Polyphemus.
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norse

Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas CHAPTER XV: VIDAR / CHAPTER XVI: VALI / CHAPTER XVII: THE NORNS / CHAPTER XVIII: THE VALKYRS; lines 6539-6657 confidence: medium

He also compelled him to build an intricate labyrinth.

Völund is compelled to build an intricate labyrinth associated with Völund's house.
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Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas CHAPTER XXVI: THE SIGURD SAGA / CHAPTER XXVII: THE STORY OF FRITHIOF / CHAPTER XXVIII: THE TWILIGHT OF THE GODS / CHAPTER XXIX: GREEK AND NORTHERN MYTHOLOGIES; lines 12874-12978 confidence: high

Völundarhaus is compared with the Cretan labyrinth; Völund and Dædalus escape by wings; Völund and Vulcan are smiths using craft for revenge.

The Cretan labyrinth and Völundarhaus are compared, and both Völund and Dædalus escape by wings.
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The Poetic Edda GROAS SPELL / II. FJOLSVINNSMOL / THE LAY OF FJOLSVITH / NOTES; lines 9916-10036 confidence: high

Horn and Ruth are described as two rivers used to symbolize all dangerous streams.

The seeker encounters a warding giant, flames, dangerous rivers, a trapping gate, dogs, and a difficult hall.
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The Younger Edda; Also called Snorre's Edda, or The Prose Edda VOCABULARY 275 / INDEX 291 / THE YOUNGER EDDA. / INTRODUCTION.; lines 601-673 confidence: low

The passage says students know legends of Rome, Greece, India, and China and the labyrinth of Crete, but are blind in the halls of Valhal and Gladsheim; it mentions Idun's apples, Ariadne's thread, and questions about Tyr, Odin, Thor, and Freyja as weekday namesakes.

The passage names the labyrinth of Crete and Ariadne's thread, and contrasts them with Valhal and Gladsheim and Idun's apples.
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gnostic

Fragments of a Faith Forgotten APELLES / THE BASILIDIAN GNOSIS / XX. FRAGMENTS OF A FAITH FORGOTTEN. / THE VALENTINIAN MOVEMENT; lines 848-909 confidence: medium

“The Ariadne’s Thread out of the Maze.”

The heading “Ariadne’s Thread out of the Maze” names a thread and maze image associated with exit or guidance.
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Fragments of a Faith Forgotten THE NAASSENI. 199 / THE NAASSENI. 201 / FRAGMENTS OF A FAITH FORGOTTEN. / THE NAASSENI. 205; lines 12966-13049 confidence: high

The corrupt hymn is summarized as treating World-Mind/Father, Chaos/Cosmic Mother, World-Soul, the pilgrim soul's sorrows and rebirth, the Saviour's descent, and universal regeneration.

The Soul is surrounded by watery form, subjected to death and judgment, and said to wander into the labyrinth of rebirth.
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Fragments of a Faith Forgotten VALENTINUS. 303 / VALENTINUS. 305 / VALENTINUS. 307 / VALENTINUS. 309; lines 17090-17209 confidence: medium

Valentinus is described as influential; his doctrines were represented variably by followers and summarized by Fathers. The author says order has been sought in chaos by following terms as clues, but Ariadne's thread out of the maze is made of ideas rather than names.

The passage explicitly presents Ariadne's thread and the maze or labyrinth as metaphors for escaping confusion in Gnostic nomenclature by following ideas.
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islamicate folklore

The Arabian Nights Entertainments The Arabian Nights Entertainments; lines 1860-1970 confidence: low

The narrator later searches the cemetery for four days but cannot identify the tomb, and his oath prevents him from telling others what happened to the prince.

The narrator cannot find the correct tomb after four days because the cemetery tombs look alike.
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The Arabian Nights Entertainments The Arabian Nights Entertainments; lines 7899-8017 confidence: medium

The magician tells Aladdin to go down steps through three halls without touching anything, pass into a fruit-tree garden, take a lighted lamp from a niche, pour out its oil, and bring it back; he also gives Aladdin a ring.

The magician warns Aladdin to pass through three halls without touching anything or he will die instantly.
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korean

Korean Folk Tales - Imps, Ghosts and Fairies CHARAN / THE STORY OF CHANG TO-RYONG / THE STORY OF CHANG TO-RYONG 19 / THE STORY OF CHANG TO-RYONG 21; lines 685-745 confidence: low

More than twenty years later, the master travels through South Chulla Province, loses his way near Chi-i Mountain in a maze among hills, and follows a narrow woodmen's footpath amid rocks and deep ravines.

The master becomes lost in a maze among hills near Chi-i Mountain and passes through rocks and deep ravines before the scene changes into another world.
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Korean Folk Tales - Imps, Ghosts and Fairies HAUNTED HOUSES 179 / HAUNTED HOUSES 181 / XXXVII / IM, THE HUNTER; lines 5502-5645 confidence: medium

At midnight the woodman leads Im through many gates to water reflecting lights, a high pavilion with laughter and talking, two seated people inside, and a large nearby tree; he tells Im to climb, tie himself to the trunk, and remain still.

The woodman guides Im at midnight through a succession of seemingly endless gates to a lit pavilion on water, then places him in a tree to watch while remaining still.
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mangaian

Myths and Songs from the South Pacific BY TANGATAROA, 182O. / FINALE. / BY TIKI (1820), IN FULL CHORUS. / THE FIRE-GOD'S SECRET.; lines 2971-3073 confidence: medium

When Buataranga is about to descend to Avaiki, Maui follows unseen through the bush and observes her standing before a black rock, addressing it with words that command the road to the nether-world to open.

The road to Avaiki is accessed through a black rock that opens when addressed with special words; guardian demons defend the chasm.
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Myths and Songs from the South Pacific CHAPTER X. / ADVENTURES IN SPIRIT-WORLD, / AN ESCAPE FROM SPIRIT-LAND. / THE ADVENTURES OF NGARU.; lines 12063-12162 confidence: medium

After the waters abate, Ngaru leaves the attractive but dangerous fairy women, finds a dark winding passage to Taumareva, a fertile land of flute-playing inhabitants, and marries a girl kept indoors by her parents to whiten her skin.

After escaping Miru's domain, Ngaru finds a dark winding passage leading to Taumareva.
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native american northwest coast

The Mythology of the Bella Coola Indians BOAS, THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS. 51 / BOAS, THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS. / BOAS, THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS. 55 / BOAS, THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE BELLA COOLA INDIANS. 59; lines 4111-4212 confidence: low

The brothers reach the ocean, lose their way, cry, and see a Raven land on the canoe. He names himself Qa”xaxsila, promises supernatural power, shows the way, and directs them to cover the canoe with mats and enter a cave whose roof has falling starfishes.

The brothers cover their canoe with mats before entering a cave, and the mats protect them when starfishes fall from the roof.
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Tsimshian Mythology BOAS J / TSIMSHIAN MYTHS / TSIMSHIAN MYTHS / JJJ J; lines 13825-13935 confidence: medium

The men lower one man into the pit by a long cedar-bark line; halfway down he cries to be hauled up, and his body is red from insect stings.

Men lowered halfway into the Cave of Fear pit are attacked by swarms of stinging insects and must be hauled back injured.
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persian

Persian Literature, Volume 1 GARSHSP / KAI-KOBD / KAI-KS / THE SEVEN LABORS OF RUSTEM; lines 4280-4386 confidence: medium

Ald says the White Demon's people dwell in two hundred deep caves between two dark lofty mountains; twelve hundred demons keep night watch with Baid and Sinja, and the hills tremble when the White Demon moves.

Ald describes a dangerous route to the White Demon's domain through dark mountains, deep caves, a stony desert, a broad stream, and guarded banks.
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Persian Literature, Volume 1 THE DEATH OF KAI-KHOSRU / LOHURSP / GUSHTSP, AND THE FAITH OF ZERDUSHT / THE HEFT-KHAN OF ISFENDIYR; lines 11646-11735 confidence: high

The title names the Heft-khan of Isfendiyr, and the opening verse says Rustem had seven great labours and that Isfendiyr’s seven great labours will now be declared.

The Heft-khan is explicitly defined as seven stages, and each stage is said to contain a monster or terrible difficulty.
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slavic

Myths and Folk-tales of the Russians, Western Slavs, and Magyars MIRKO, THE KING'S SON. / THE REED MAIDEN. / KISS MIKLOS, AND THE GREEN DAUGHTER OF THE GREEN KING. / THE HEDGEHOG, THE MERCHANT, THE KING, AND THE POOR MAN.; lines 15198-15314 confidence: medium

The boy uses the golden rod to open an enchanted castle, passes maidens offering music, dance, food, and drink, circles the world-beautifully sounding tree three times at the garden center, and escapes as the door catches his boot heel.

The boy ignores maidens, food, drink, voices calling his name, beautiful flowers, weapons, and splendid birds while moving through restricted enchanted spaces.
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Myths and Folk-tales of the Russians, Western Slavs, and Magyars THE CUIRASSIER AND THE HORNED PRINCESS. / THE TREACHEROUS BROTHERS. / MAGYAR MYTHS AND FOLK-TALES. / THE POOR MAN, AND THE KING OF THE CROWS.; lines 12006-12125 confidence: medium

The swineherd says he serves the castle's lord, describes the castle as stone-walled and whirling on a golden cock's foot, gives a shining axe to open the wall, warns of the danger, and advises asking for the salt-mill.

The seeker must enter a sealed, whirling castle by a precise action with a special axe and risks being crushed by the door.
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armenian

Armenian Legends and Poems THOU ART SO SWEET / THE WANDERING ARMENIAN TO THE SWALLOW / THE CHRIST-CHILD / HAPPINESS; lines 3883-3913 confidence: medium

The speaker is weary of vainly seeking Happiness in city alleys and leaves the noisy human press, described as a dark labyrinth of life.

The speaker leaves the noisy human press and calls earthly life a dark labyrinth before beginning the upward search.
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bavili

At the Back of the Black Man's Mind; or, Notes on the Kingly Office in West Africa CH. II ELECTION OF A KING IN THE KONGO 9 / II ELECTION OF A KING IN THE KONGO 13 / CHAPTER III / CORONATION OF A KING IN THE KONGO; lines 1197-1301 confidence: low

Nenimi led the narrator through the "maze-like entrance"; the enclosure had required two bottles of rum as an entrance fee and contained two shimbecs, the smaller with Neamlau's relics and the greater with his bed and hammock.

The entrance into the square is explicitly called maze-like and precedes access to the relic display.
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burmese

The Soul of a People THE POTTER'S WHEEL 343 / CHAPTER XXIV / THE FOREST OF TIME / THE FOREST OF TIME 345; lines 11585-11655 confidence: medium

Many broad roads pass through the forest, none straight; they bend until the traveler returns to the starting place, and the broader, softer, sweeter roads turn more quickly.

The forest roads bend until travelers return to their starting point, and men wander under Time's compulsion without rest.
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buryat mongol

A Journey in Southern Siberia, the Mongols, Their Religion and Their Myths SHARAU / HUNKUVAI AND THE HORSE WITH ROUND / VARHAN TULAI HUBUN / ALTIN SHAGOY; lines 11285-11426 confidence: medium

Gal says the daughter is beyond seventy-seven doors; Altin kicks open each strong iron door and finds a maiden shining like the sun and moon, then says the marriage is fixed by the Burkans and recorded in his book of life.

Altin opens seventy-seven iron doors to reach the bride and is then assigned the dangerous yellow-dog task by her father.
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caucasian

Caucasian Folk-Tales ETSEMEJ, SON OF ETSEJ 217 / ETSEMEJ, SON OF ETSEJ 219 / AN UDIAN VARIANT 221 / AN UDIAN VARIANT 223; lines 9664-9736 confidence: medium

Rustum tells the others not to pull him up even if he screams; he reaches the bottom, finds an iron door, and breaks open seven iron doors.

Rustum must break open seven iron doors before reaching the maiden and the Div.
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celtic

The Mabinogion C. E. G. / THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN / PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWC / GERAINT THE SON OF ERBIN; lines 4310-4395 confidence: medium

The travellers come to a vast plain and a fair castle that remains distant despite travel; before it are a boundless flock, a herdsman on a mound with a skin rug, a huge mastiff, and the herdsman who burns dead trees and bushes with his breath.

The travellers see the castle but are no closer after a day of travel and only scarcely reach it after additional days.
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celtic welsh

The Mabinogion C. E. G. / THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN / PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWC / GERAINT THE SON OF ERBIN; lines 4312-4396 confidence: medium

The party journeys across a vast plain toward a fair castle; after a day they are no nearer, and only after further days can they reach it.

The questers travel across a vast plain toward a beautiful castle that remains unreachable for several days, then meet a dangerous guardian setting before it.
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egyptian

The Egyptian Heaven and Hell, Volume I: The Book of the Am-Tuat I I I I I I I I / I 1 I / I I I I I I I / CHAPTER IV.; lines 2148-2400 confidence: medium

The corridor called Re-stau slants from the upper side to the lower side; at the boundary of the first and second sections is a door called Mates-sma-ta, and the road is described as the road of the secret things of Re-stau; the god does not pass through the door leaves, but they hear his voice.

Re-stau is a slanting road of secret things with named doors; the beings in the picture are called hidden travellers and guardians of the way into the hidden place of the Tuat.
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filipino

Philippine Folk Tales Philippine Folk Tales / PREFACE / CONTENTS / TINGUIAN; lines 1992-2141 confidence: medium

A man reaches the highest peak, his dog yelps, a deer appears, the man spears it, and the deer runs into a hole with the man and dog pursuing.

The hunter enters a hole after a wounded deer, becomes lost in dark cave rooms, encounters a talking bead-bearing tree, and emerges with a valuable twig.
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hermetic

Thrice-Greatest Hermes, Vol. I: Prolegomena THE MYTH OF MAN IN THE MYSTERIES 185 / THE MYTH OF MAN IN THE MYSTERIES 187 / THE MYTH OF MAN IN THE MYSTERIES 189 / THE MYTH OF MAN IN THE MYSTERIES 191; lines 11077-11197 confidence: medium

"Now is born, with no way out for her; in misery She enters in her wandering the labyrinth of ills"; the speaker then says, "Father, see! [Behold] the struggle still of ills on earth!"

The Soul enters a labyrinth of ills, and the speaker later promises to open a way through all mysteries.
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inca

First Part of the Royal Commentaries of the Yncas, Vol. II COMMENTARIES OF THE YNCAS. / SEVENTH BOOK OF THE ROYAL / COMMENTARIES OF THE YNCAS. / CHAPTER XXIX.; lines 14026-14115 confidence: medium

The vaults communicated between towers, and the passages had many crossing streets and turns, so that “one might easily be lost as in a labyrinth.”

The passage explicitly describes subterranean passages with many crossings and turns where one might be lost as in a labyrinth, and says a skein of wool was used as a clue to return.
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maya quiche

The Popol Vuh THE POPOL VUH / THE FIRST BOOK / THE MYTH OF VUKUB-CAKIX / THE SECOND BOOK; lines 437-521 confidence: high

The brothers follow their fathers' route, pass the river of blood and Papuhya, send Xan to prick the Xibalbans, learn identities and names, avoid mannikins and a red-hot stone, and pass the House of Gloom.

The brothers travel to Xibalba, pass named rivers and multiple named houses of ordeal, and survive staged dangers.
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oceanic

Oceanic Mythology MISCELLANEOUS TALES 65 / MISCELLANEOUS TALES 67 / PLATE IX / MISCELLANEOUS TALES 69; lines 4180-4275 confidence: medium

New Zealand Rata versions include conflicts with cannibal giants; one uses a mat-covered concealed pitfall, an incident said to be absent elsewhere in Polynesia but found in Melanesia and known in Indonesia.

A cannibal giant attempts to induce Rata and his men to sit on mats concealing a pitfall.
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sufi

Bird Parliament Bird Parliament; lines 1835-2072 confidence: high

The first stage, the Vale of Search, is an endless maze with innumerable ways but one right way, beset by pitfall, gulf, precipice, ember-like dust, fiery sleet, hyena, hissing snake, ghoul, ash-fruit, and water receding into sand.

The Vale of Search is an endless maze with innumerable ways but only one right path, beset by pitfalls, beasts, ghoul, deceptive food, and receding water.
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tongan

Tongan Myths and Tales SINILAU AND THE ALBINOS125 / SINILAU AND THE ORIGIN OF WESTERN POLYNESIAN KINGS127 / TALES ABOUT PASIKOLE, THE SAMOAN / MISCELLANEOUS STORIES; lines 11144-11228 confidence: medium

As Sun matures she is kept in a house with ten enclosures and also has a deep-ocean house; she is moved between shore by day and ocean by night so no man will know where she is.

Sun’s abode is surrounded by ten enclosures and fierce animals; Moon must pass these obstacles to reach her.
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