number of variants, it must be remarked, that they are few compared to the territory they cover. It is only within a few circles (as Finland and Denmark) that the number of variants is comparatively satisfactory to enable us to see the development clearly in details. Consequently we cannot expect to get sure results in all particulars. It is in ist broad features that we can decide of the direction' of the development.
To be able to make an investigation in details we must separate the account into its main parts. First we have I. The Introduction. Its aim is to introduce the acting persons. Tales usually go straight at the matter, very little is told of the previous life of the persons, only what later shall be used in the tale, is mentioned. The leading person is shown in the situation out of which the continuation develops, in this case he or they, as it is two here, are making a journey. As second act comes II. The Catastrophe. One of them is blinded after a quarrel, whose object is „Food“ or the questions: What is the best, Right or Wrong? Then the blind man is put in the situation where he is enabled to listen to the mysterious dialogue. Then follows III. The Dialogue and its Subject, in most of the case it is three calamities and their remedies. IV. How the Secrets are used by the Hero, and his further Occurrences, and to end with V. The Wicked Persons's Fate, how he is punished that Justice may triumph.
I. The Introduction.
It is a fact often noticed that the introduction is particularly exposed to change.[1] This is attributable to the greater
- ↑ Comp. A. Aarnes Leitfaden. FFC 13 p. 26. Mac. Cuiloch Childhood of Fiction p. 465: The central incidents are frequently the most unvarying. The introductory and final incidents differ more.
