Black Horse

The Password in the Cow’s Belly

In short: Compare what the words that open a cow’s mouth do in Cabo Verdean, Bahamian and Sierra Leonean tellings.

The Password in the Cow’s Belly · Words that open the cow’s mouth FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 187 The Password in the Cow’s Belly Compare what the words that open a cow’s mouth do in Cabo Verdean, Bahamian and Sierra Leonean tellings. Origin Cabo Verdean and Bahamian tellings compared by Parsons, with a Sierra Leonean telling published by Cronise and Ward. Map pins represent approximate regions of tradition. Atlas record 1918 First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF Words that open the cow’s mouth Reach¹ 3/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 3 records · 3 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

Cabo Verdean and Bahamian tellings compared by Parsons, with a Sierra Leonean telling published by Cronise and Ward. Map pins represent approximate regions of tradition.

In the Cabo Verdean account, Lob and Tubinh say words that open the cow’s mouth. When Lob wants to get out, he forgets the words he needs. Boukee faces a similar problem in the Bahamian account. In the Sierra Leonean story about Frog and Spider, the emphasis falls on a rule about what they may do inside.

Dated records and sources

  1. 1918 · Cabo Verde, oral tradition
    Elsie Clews Parsons · Folk-Lore, vol. 29 · In the Cow’s Belly, Lob and Tubinh · Published collection
  2. 1918 · The Bahamas, oral tradition
    Elsie Clews Parsons · Folk-Lore, vol. 29 · In the Cow’s Belly, Rabbit and Boukee · Published collection
  3. 1903 · Sierra Leone area
    Florence M. Cronise / Henry W. Ward · Cunnie Rabbit, Mr. Spider and the Other Beef · pp. 231–238 · Published collection

Country pages

Fairy Tale Glossary

Origin
Black Horse. The Password in the Cow’s Belly. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-cow-belly-password/