Sylwius - Revision history

Bonsall at 15:44, 2 December 2025

2025-12-02T15:44:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 2 December 2025
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	{{Inset Story		{{Inset Story
	\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)		\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)
	\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Unjust execution		\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Court of law; Death; Unjust execution; Evidence; False evidence of unchastity/criminality; Familial duty; Familial relationships; Misinterpretation
	\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''		\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

Bonsall at 15:40, 2 December 2025

2025-12-02T15:40:59Z

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	\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''		\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

	A well-respected minister finds a child in the woods~~, whom he~~ takes in and names Sylwius. He raises ~~Sylwius to be~~ an ~~intelligent~~ boy ~~who joins~~ the court ~~at an early age~~, but Sylwius ~~becomes too prideful and turns against~~ his father ~~after he criticises this~~. ~~Sylwius turns~~ the ~~court against~~ his father and, ~~when~~ a ~~war is announced~~, ~~fakes~~ a letter ~~which blames~~ his father for the ~~conflict~~. ~~He shows~~ this letter to the king, who executes the minister.		A well-respected minister, who rose to prominence through his ability to negotiate and keep the peace, finds a child lost in the woods. He takes the child in, and names him Sylwius. He raises his adopted son with endless affection and an excellent education, and the boy is bright and quick to learn. Sylwius receives much praise from his teachers, and even from the king when he is brought to court as a young man. Because of his wit and skill, Sylwius is soon elevated to the Council of Court Judges, but his self-confidence begins to turn to arrogance. His adoptive father rebukes him for his overweening pride, but this only causes Sylwius to resent his father. He begins to plant seeds of doubt among the other ministers about his father's loyalty, and he is so clever that soon most of the court turns against the minister. Soon, conflict with an enemy country - the Persian empire - breaks out. The king asks his ministers to help him arrive at a peaceful conclusion, but they are unsuccessful, and by the end of the conflict many thousands are dead and much territory lost. The king grieves, and Sylwius sees this as his chance to bring down his father. He forges a letter, making it appear as though his father, the minister famed for peaceful resolutions, had brought about the war. Feigning sorrow, Sylwius reveals this letter to the king, who executes the minister.

	(From Murko~~, summarised by Ava Byrne~~)		From [[Murko (1890)]].
	~~\|Has Note=Entered by Ava Byrne~~

	Full translation of Murko's reproduction ~~below.~~		[Added by Ava Byrne and Jane Bonsall]
			\|Has Note=Nishimura notes the following:

			'''Motif:''' TMI K2214.3.1: Treacherous foster son.

			'''Analogues:''' Syriac version of ''The Story of Aḥiqar the Wise''; Arabic version of ''Gechichte von Heikâr dem Weisen''. ''The Life of Aesop'' (especially 103-104); Steinhöwel, ''Äsop'', ‘The Life of Aesop’, 21; Caxton, ''Fables of Aesop'', ‘The Life of Aesop’ (p. 254); ''Esopo no Fabulas'', ‘The Life of Esopo’ (p. 40); ''Isoho Monogatari'', vol.1, 18 ‘Isoho adopts a child’ (p. 40). ''Bible'', sequel ‘Tobit’ (especially 1.21-22 and 14.10).

			'''Reference stories''', '''etc.:''' Odysseus frames Parameides by writing and hiding a false letter, claiming that he is in communication with his enemies (see Kure Shigeichi, ''Greek Mythology'', p. 367; Kozu Harushige, ''Dictionary of Greek and Roman Mythology'', ‘Parameides’ section). ''Kathasaritsagara'', Chapter 49, ‘62D. King Mahasena and his virtuous Minister Guṇaśarman’. Gower, ''Confessio Amantis'', 2.3, ‘Demetrius and Perseus’.

			'''Bibliography:''' ''Einleitung in die alttestamentlichen Apokryphen und Pseudepigraphen'', D.1 (outline of the Syriac version of ''The Story of Aḥiqar the Wise'').


			Full translation of Murko's reproduction, translated by Ava Byrne:

	There was once a King, who ruled peacefully and justly his whole life. He was most fortunate to have courtiers and councillors who loved him like a father and, because they knew that he saw the greatest blessing of his reign to be not creating enemies, they always strove to settle disagreements without resorting to violence.		There was once a King, who ruled peacefully and justly his whole life. He was most fortunate to have courtiers and councillors who loved him like a father and, because they knew that he saw the greatest blessing of his reign to be not creating enemies, they always strove to settle disagreements without resorting to violence.
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	On the way, the minister was telling himself of the great joy he would have with the child in the future. But when they arrived at court, his greatest concern was that the child would be well cared for. He gave him two nursemaids, who would do everything for him. The following day, he had his little son baptised and gave him the name Sylwius.		On the way, the minister was telling himself of the great joy he would have with the child in the future. But when they arrived at court, his greatest concern was that the child would be well cared for. He gave him two nursemaids, who would do everything for him. The following day, he had his little son baptised and gave him the name Sylwius.

	The minister, who we will now call father, soon was as overjoyed as he had predicted, for when Sylwius weaned, he had the sole joy, increasing day-by-day, of spending time with his little son after work.		The minister, who we will now call father, soon was as overjoyed as he had predicted, for when Sylwius weaned, he had the sole joy, increasing day-by-day, of spending time with his little son after work. Sylwius thus grew up having the greatest care and, with his age, his intelligence and wit increased. When he reached his seventh year, his caring foster father began to teach him literature, which he excelled in, to his father’s joy: he made constant progress in useful learning, until he had acquired all the knowledge of higher education.

	Sylwius thus grew up having the greatest care and, with his age, his intelligence and wit increased. When he reached his seventh year, his caring foster father began to teach him literature, which he excelled in, to his father’s joy: he made constant progress in useful learning, until he had acquired all the knowledge of higher education.

	When the minister realised that his son’s great ability could be useful in the court, he asked the royal councillors to take him to train in their office. This request from the minister was received with special thanks, and Sylwius made such progress in his learning that he was not only praised by his teachers but also received rich gifts from the King.

	~~In a short time, the young man was admitted to the Council of Court Judges, to which he brought his particular utility and acumen.~~

	With his elevation came an increase in self-confidence, so much so that his fellow councillors held him in special esteem. Sylwius’ arrogance was often rebuked by the minister; however, this fatherly admonition stoked anger in the proud man’s heart. He began to consider how he could get revenge on the minister, his father. First of all, he incited the courtiers so carefully that it only took him a short time to win them all over. He claimed that his foster father was constantly showered with favours and gifts by the King but regardless was disloyal.

	~~The trust which~~ the minister ~~enjoyed throughout~~ the court ~~soon turned~~ to ~~hatred~~, ~~until finally they had little respect for him~~ and ~~rarely noticed him~~.		When the minister realised that his son’s great ability could be useful in the court, he asked the royal councillors to take him to train in their office. This request from the minister was received with special thanks, and Sylwius made such progress in his learning that he was not only praised by his teachers but also received rich gifts from the King.

	~~It was precisely at this~~ time ~~that~~ the ~~Persians rallied against~~ the ~~good King~~, ~~who loved peace~~ in his ~~lands above all else~~; he ~~demanded~~ his ~~loyal ministers and councillors do everything in their power~~ to ~~prevent war~~ with ~~such cruel enemies~~. ~~However~~, ~~those who attempted this~~ had ~~no luck,~~ and ~~were dismissed with threats and a disgraceful response~~.		In a short time, the young man was admitted to the Council of Court Judges, to which he brought his particular utility and acumen. With his elevation came an increase in self-confidence, so much so that his fellow councillors held him in special esteem. Sylwius’ arrogance was often rebuked by the minister; however, this fatherly admonition stoked anger in the proud man’s heart. He began to consider how he could get revenge on the minister, his father. First of all, he incited the courtiers so carefully that it only took him a short time to win them all over. He claimed that his foster father was constantly showered with favours and gifts by the King but regardless was disloyal. The trust which the minister enjoyed throughout the court soon turned to hatred, until finally they had little respect for him and rarely noticed him.

	As such, the King was forced to gather his army and march against the enemy. The war was very bloody, with many thousands of the King’s men defeated and a large portion of his land lost.		It was precisely at this time that the Persians rallied against the good King, who loved peace in his lands above all else; he demanded his loyal ministers and councillors do everything in their power to prevent war with such cruel enemies. However, those who attempted this had no luck, and were dismissed with threats and a disgraceful response. As such, the King was forced to gather his army and march against the enemy. The war was very bloody, with many thousands of the King’s men defeated and a large portion of his land lost.

	When this terrible war ended, the King was left in a constant state of great mourning. Sylwius found the time very fitting for his plan to take revenge on his father and for himself to take his place. He wrote a fake letter, forging his father’s handwriting, as if his father had been the cause of the Saracen uprising, and at the most opportune time enclosed this letter amongst his others. One day, he came to the King as he sat alone sadly in his room, pondering how the Saracens came to be so hostile. Sylwius, like a flattering courtier, began to pity the King and flatter him as best he could. Finally, he said: “My most gracious King and Lord! Your deep sorrow pierces my soul when I see you so constantly distressed, and I can no longer conceal the cause of your distress. My heart weeps when I have to reveal this! But loyalty and love for Your Grace allow me to conceal this no longer. Send some of your loyal courtiers to my father, and they will find a letter among his writings, with which he incited the Saracen enemies against you.”		When this terrible war ended, the King was left in a constant state of great mourning. Sylwius found the time very fitting for his plan to take revenge on his father and for himself to take his place. He wrote a fake letter, forging his father’s handwriting, as if his father had been the cause of the Saracen uprising, and at the most opportune time enclosed this letter amongst his others. One day, he came to the King as he sat alone sadly in his room, pondering how the Saracens came to be so hostile. Sylwius, like a flattering courtier, began to pity the King and flatter him as best he could. Finally, he said: “My most gracious King and Lord! Your deep sorrow pierces my soul when I see you so constantly distressed, and I can no longer conceal the cause of your distress. My heart weeps when I have to reveal this! But loyalty and love for Your Grace allow me to conceal this no longer. Send some of your loyal courtiers to my father, and they will find a letter among his writings, with which he incited the Saracen enemies against you.”

Byrne at 14:40, 23 June 2025

2025-06-23T14:40:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:40, 23 June 2025
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	{{Inset Story		{{Inset Story
	\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)		\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)
	\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Unjust execution~~; Emotions~~		\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Unjust execution
	\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''		\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

Bonsall at 14:29, 18 June 2025

2025-06-18T14:29:20Z

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	{{Inset Story		{{Inset Story
	\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)		\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)
	\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Unjust execution		\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Unjust execution; Emotions
	\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''		\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

Byrne at 14:18, 18 June 2025

2025-06-18T14:18:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:18, 18 June 2025
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	{{Inset Story		{{Inset Story
	\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)		\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)
	\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride		\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride; Unjust execution
	\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''		\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

Byrne at 14:09, 18 June 2025

2025-06-18T14:09:39Z

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	{{Inset Story		{{Inset Story
	\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)		\|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)
	\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption		\|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption; Age versus youth; Military conflict; Murder; Patricide; Revenge; Pride
	\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''		\|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

Byrne at 14:05, 18 June 2025

2025-06-18T14:05:48Z

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 |Has Summary='''Sylwius'''
-(From Murko)
+Full translation of Murko's reproduction below.
 }}

Bonsall: Created page with "{{Inset Story |Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001) |Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption |Has Summary='''Sylwius''' (From Murko) }}"

2025-06-18T10:45:49Z

Created page with "{{Inset Story |Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001) |Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption |Has Summary='''Sylwius''' (From Murko) }}"

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{{Inset Story
|Has Critical Literature=Murko (1890); Nishimura (2001)
|Has Motif=Deception; Deceitful son; Father/son relationships; Adoption
|Has Summary='''Sylwius'''

(From Murko)
}}