[118.1] ii. Silva Gad., 89, translating Leabhar na hUidhre.
[118.2] Prof. Whitley Stokes, in ii. Rev. Celt., 199, translating the Leabhar breac, a MS. written shortly before 1411, now in the Royal Irish Academy.
[119.1] Francisco de Avila’s Narrative, translated by Markham, Rites and Laws, 125. It is needless to point out the analogy of part of this tale to modern folktales like Basile’s tale of Pervonto, cited in the last chapter.
[120.1] De Gubernatis, ii. Zool. Myth., 331. The ancient nations of the Mediterranean basin believed that the mouth was the ordinary way of impregnation for fishes. Herod. ii. 93; Ælian, Nat. Anim., ix. 63. I have found a similar belief among the peasantry of Gloucestershire, where I am writing, as regards the pea-hen.
[120.2] Von Wlislocki, Volksdicht., 300.
[121.1] v. Sacred Bks., 187. Unfortunately Mr. West, the translator, has not given that part of the Selections which relates to Zoroaster’s life—only a summary of its contents.
[121.2] viii. Rev. Trad. Pop., 601, translating S. H. Marian.
[122.1] Landes, Annam., 12. There is a Japanese tale of a lady who, having been barren for many years, at length, as the result of much prayer to the gods, bore five hundred eggs. They were thrown into the water in a box, but rescued by a fisherman, incubated in an oven, and all happily hatched. Five hundred heroes were thus produced, whom their mother was afterwards glad to recognise and receive back. This is the legend of Bunsio, the goddess of fruitfulness and riches. Ploss, i. Weib, 441, quoting Horst.
[122.2] Hon. J. Abercromby, in i. Folklore, 331.
[122.3] iv. F.L. Journ., 21.