The Most Common Profession story type (ATU 1862E)

The Most Common Profession story type (ATU 1862E) playfully uncovers how many people consider themselves experts in healing, often through a clever trick involving a feigned ailment.

The pattern

At its heart, this folktale type revolves around a challenge to perception. A clever character, often a court jester, sets out to prove to an authority figure, like a king, that a particular profession is far more widespread than commonly believed. The jester devises a simple yet brilliant scheme: they feign an illness, such as a toothache, and observe the reactions of those around them. As people pass by, they invariably offer their own remedies and advice, revealing themselves, in the jester's estimation, to be practitioners of "doctoring." This recurring pattern highlights the universal human tendency to offer help, or perhaps unsolicited advice, especially when it comes to health.

How cultures tell it

This engaging tale of wit and observation has resonated across the globe, with scholarly research confirming its presence in at least five different cultures. The tale’s ability to highlight a universal human trait—the readiness to offer medical advice—makes it a timeless piece of storytelling. While the specific setting or the ruler's court might change, the core dynamic of the clever trickster and the unwitting populace remains consistent, allowing for a rich tapestry of cultural expressions. This broad appeal is not unlike the enduring themes of loyalty and wisdom explored in tales such as The Shepherd Boy story type (ATU 515) or The Faithful John story type (ATU 516).

Motifs that define it

The defining thread of The Most Common Profession story type is captured by the motif N63: "Wager: more doctors than men of other professions. The trickster feigns toothache. Everyone suggests remedies. He takes down their names as doctors and win." This motif is the very engine of the story, centering on a clever character who initiates a wager with an authority figure. The trickster then stages a convincing act of suffering from an ailment, specifically a toothache in the original scholarly description. The genius of the trick lies in the simple act of counting how many people, upon seeing the feigned distress, immediately step forward with their own cures and suggestions. By noting each person who offers a remedy, the trickster effectively 'enrolls' them as doctors, thereby winning the wager and proving their point about the ubiquity of this particular "profession." The cleverness of the trickster here is paramount, much like the ingenuity found in stories like The Amicus and Amelius (previously St story type (ATU 516C) where characters navigate complex situations with wit.

Reading it with kids

This story type is generally lighthearted and full of gentle humor, making it wonderfully suitable for children of various ages. It offers a playful look at human nature without venturing into the darker themes sometimes found in older folktales. When choosing a version, look for those that emphasize the jester's cleverness and the amusing reactions of the people. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to the idea of a trickster character who uses wit rather than magic or strength to make a point. You can discuss with children why people might offer advice, whether it's always helpful, and the difference between genuine care and unsolicited opinions.