The Motif-Index of Folk-Literature

The Motif-Index of Folk-Literature is a systematic catalog of recurring themes and patterns found in traditional stories, myths, and folktales from various cultures. Compiled by American folklorist Stith Thompson, it helps researchers identify similarities and connections across different narratives by assigning unique codes to specific motifs—basic storytelling elements like heroes, monsters, or moral lessons. This tool allows scholars to analyze and compare folk literature, revealing how universal concepts and cultural variations coexist in storytelling traditions around the world. It's a valuable resource for understanding the collective human experience through folklore.