The Dying like Christ ' between Two Thieves story type (ATU 1860B)

The 'Dying like Christ ' between Two Thieves' story type (ATU 1860B) is a pointed, often darkly humorous anecdote that captures a final, memorable moment of wit from a person at the very end of their life.

The pattern

This particular folktale type revolves around a specific, dramatic scene: a person on their deathbed, sensing their final moments approaching. With a twinkle of mischief or a sharp glint of insight, they ask for two particular figures to be brought to their side. Often, these are individuals representing professions that might be viewed with a touch of skepticism or even outright suspicion in society, such as a lawyer and a notary, or perhaps a clergyman and a sexton. Once these two individuals are positioned on either side of the dying person, the grand reveal occurs. The dying individual, with a final burst of poignant humor or cutting irony, declares that they feel just like Christ, positioned between two thieves. This setup and punchline form the immutable core of the tale, making it a powerful vehicle for social commentary wrapped in a memorable, often startling, image.

How cultures tell it

This compelling narrative pattern has resonated across various traditions, finding a home in at least six different cultures. While the core jest remains consistent, the specific figures summoned to the deathbed might shift, reflecting local societal nuances or common perceptions of certain roles. For instance, in one telling, it might be the local moneylender and the tax collector, while in another, it could be two quarreling family members. The enduring presence of this story type across diverse lands speaks to a universal appreciation for wit in the face of mortality and a shared human tendency to playfully critique societal roles. It's a reminder that even in solemn moments, the human spirit finds a way to express a final, clever thought, much like the witty observations found in tales such as The 'The Devil!' (Including the previous Type 1810C* story type (ATU 1832P*) or The A Clergyman Asks for the Way story type (ATU 1832Q*).

Motifs that define it

At the heart of the 'Dying like Christ ' between Two Thieves' story type lies a singular, powerful motif: X313, "Dying like Christ – between two thieves. The dying man has the lawyer and the notary stand on either side of him." This motif isn't just a detail; it's the entire engine of the story's meaning and impact. It encapsulates the moment of recognition and the clever, often biting, comparison that gives the tale its punch. The dying person isn't simply expressing a feeling; they are deliberately invoking a profound religious image – Christ's crucifixion – and subverting it with a worldly, often cynical, observation about the company they keep. This juxtaposition creates the tale's memorable wit and its enduring power to provoke thought and a chuckle, echoing the subtle social commentary sometimes found in stories like The Lamb of God Becomes Sheep of God story type (ATU 1832N*).

Reading it with kids

Sharing a version of this story type with children requires a thoughtful approach, as the humor is often quite adult and can carry a darker edge depending on the cultural context. For younger children, the direct comparison to "thieves" might be too complex or even unsettling. However, the core idea of a clever character delivering a memorable, witty last statement can be adapted. You might focus on the idea of someone having a final, funny thought, rather than the specific, pointed critique of professions. For older children and teens, this story can be a wonderful springboard for discussions about social commentary, wit, and different perspectives on authority figures. It can prompt conversations about why certain professions might have been viewed with suspicion in historical contexts, and how humor can be used to express deeper truths. The key is to choose or adapt a telling that matches the child's age and understanding, focusing on the cleverness rather than any potential cynicism.