Act of Truth

An Act of Truth is a motif where an action or phenomena that occurs immediately after a statement of declaration is made in order to confirm the truth or falsity of what was said. It is particularly common in stories from the Indian subcontinent, particularly to demonstrate chastity. Unknown. (1972). "act of truth", in Leach, M. (ed) Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. 3rd ed. p.8
== Examples ==
* Chaste woman raising a fallen elephant with a touch, in "King Ratnadhipati and the White Elephant Svetarasmi" in the Katha Sarit Sagara.
* Sita being carried across a lake by the earth goddess after stating to the goddess that she would only be able to cross it if she had always been loyal to Rama, also in the Katha Sarit Sagara. 
* Tibetan Tale of Two Brothers where an elephant could not give birth unless touched by a pure woman. 
* The Golden Cup of the Echtrae Cormaic, which broke if three lies were said over it, and reformed over three truths, used to prove to Cormac the chastity of his wife. 
* Count Hoyer, on the 11th February 1115 saying that he could not be defeated in battle any more than the rock near Welsholz, Saxony could show an imprint of his head. The rock softened to show the imprint, and Hoyer lost the battle and was killed. 
* It is the origin of the "cross my heart and hope to die" saying when telling the truth
* Swearing on the Bible is meant to cause a disaster if the one swearing lies. 
* In American colonial witch trials, "If I am not innovent may I choke on bread and cheese" was declared by suspected witches in an attempt to prove their innocence. 
== See Also ==
* Fenda Maria
== References ==
Category:Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend
Category:Folklore Motifs