AS THE extensive survey of the complex tale has shown us, many of these
elaborate narratives are a constant part of the folklore of peoples scattered
over two or more continents. There is no doubt that complexity of structure
gives to a tale a definiteness of pattern which helps to preserve its character in
the face of vast differences of time and place. But a tale need by no means be
complex in order to form a strong tradition. A very considerable proportion
of the legendary stories among any people is made up of simple jests and
anecdotes, sometimes of human beings and sometimes of animals, and con-
sisting of but a single narrative motif. Even in the area restricted to Europe
and Asia such stories are very numerous. Each country has developed many
of them which are not known outside, and everywhere new anecdotes come
to life and old ones pass into forgetfulness.

It would not be a safe generalization to conclude that the simple tale is
less tenacious of life than one more complex. In spite of the ephemeral
quality of some and the local nature of others, there exist hundreds of simple
stories which have long and interesting histories. ¹

In one way or another a large proportion of the most popular anecdotes and

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