Abstract
This chapter is an approach to the problem of the existence and relevance of altruistic acts in the classic folktale. The general number of folktale types with altruistic content is lower than what could be expected. Different types of altruistic deeds are discussed. As a rule, the altruistic acts in the fairy tales are directed to supernatural beings, namely, spirits and other magical creatures, not to humans. This research revealed that within many ethnic groups included in International Tale-Type Index, the number of recorded altruistic tale types among Germanic cultures is slightly lower than in other areas, which can be explained by the influence of the Protestant ethic in this macroregion.
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Notes
- 1.
1 The crocodile asked the prince for help, but unfortunately this papyrus does not state whether the prince saved his life by helping the crocodile.
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2 Amicus and Amelius. Two friends who look exactly alike assist each other in time of need. When one of them, who in older versions is named Amelius, is challenged to a sword fight, the other, Amicus, who is a better swordsman, takes his place. Amelius remains behind with Amicus’s wife and puts a sword in the middle of the marriage bed at night. Amicus wins the fight for his friend. Later, Amicus contracts leprosy. An angel tells them that he will be healed if he bathes in the blood of Amelius’ children. Amelius cuts off their heads to save his friend. The children are restored to life (ATU, 516C).
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3 The Falcon of Sir Federigo. The nobleman Federigo Alberighi loves Monna Giovanna, but she does not return his love. He spends all of his wealth to woo her, until he is left with only his falcon, which is one of the best of its kind. When Giovanna’s sick son wants the falcon, she goes to ask for it. In order to gain her favor, Federigo unwittingly serves her his precious falcon to eat. When she makes her request known it is too late, but she is so impressed by his generous attitude that she changes her mind and chooses him as her husband (ATU, 864).
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4 Near East Jewish communities
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Acknowledgment
 We are truly grateful to Prof. Andrei Korotaev and Dr. Carlos MartÃn Medina for their help.
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Arkhipova, A., Kozmin, A. (2013). Do We Really Like the Kind Girls and Animals?: Cross-Cultural Analysis of Altruism in Folktales. In: Vakoch, D. (eds) Altruism in Cross-Cultural Perspective. International and Cultural Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6952-0_5
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