"Don Giovanni de la Fortuna", (Sicilian)

From The Pink Fairy Book (Edited by Andrew Lang)

Motifs:

Traveler makes a deal with the devil (M211)

For 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days he must not wash or comb himself (C721.1 & C723.1)

The soldier is given a purse that is always full of money

He marries the youngest of three princesses (L54. 1)

The elder two made sport of him (Q2)

The elder sisters die

Proppean analysis:

a - (Initial Situation): A man loses his money thought careless spending

a⁵ - (lack) The man has no money and must wonder like a peasant

M - (a difficult task is proposed) The hero must not wash for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days

F¹ - (A magical agent is directly transferred) The devil gives the man a purse that is always full of money

T - {transfiguration) The man gradually becomes hideous in appearance as (lack) the king needs money

a⁵ - (lack) the king needs money

B - (lack made known) the king sends a messenger to the man for money

K - (lack liquidated) the man gives the king all he needs and more

* - Bearskin promises to return to his betrothed

N - (task resolved) the time expires

T - (transformation) The man cleans himself up

* - Sisters die (commit suicide)

W - (wedding) The marries and, in time, becomes king

Total: aa⁵MF¹Ta⁵BKNTW