Separable Soul

"Separable Soul" is a folklore motif that appears across the world. Unknown. (1972). "separable soul", in Leach, M. (ed) Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. 3rd ed. p.996
== Concept ==
Typically the soul is considered to dwell within the heart. The concept behind this motif is the idea that a soul need not dwell within the heart, but can instead exist in a number of other things, typically for safekeeping. 
The three main variants of this motif have the soul manifesting as a different creature or plant, the soul being hidden in another creature or plant, or moved to another body part aside from the heart. 
== Basic Features ==
* A person's soul is not in the usual place (the heart).
* A woman they trust finds the location and betrays them. 
== Examples ==
* King David's soul was bound in a bundle of life kept safe by God. 
* Giant with no Heart in his Body story from Norway, where the giant's heart (containing his soul) is hidden in an egg inside a duck in a well in a church on an island in a far-off lake.
* The Greek story of King Nisus of Megara has his soul residing in a purple hair hidden amongst the rest of his hair, which his daughter Scylla plucked out when she fell in love with his enemy, king Minos of Crete. 
* Samson's power (instead of his soul) residing in his hair, only for it to be cut under Delilah's orders. 
* The Irish Cano, Son of Gartnan has Cano give Cred a stone containing his life, with the promise that they could be together when he was king. When he was king, she went to visit him, and saw him being attacked by a man she rejected. Seeing Cano's wounds, she killed herself by hitting her head against a rock, causing her to drop the stone, which broke, killing Cano. 
* The Heart in the Acacia Flower, based on the earlier Egyptian Tale of Two Brothers. Unknown. (1972). "acacia", in Leach, M. (ed) Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. 3rd ed. p.5
== Further Reading ==
* Cycles of the Kings by Myles Dillon
== See Also ==
* Acacia
* Bush Soul
* Dream Soul
* Life Token
== References ==
Category:Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend
Category:Folklore Motifs