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Overview
The dried body of a woman’s former husband lies in a burial place behind a rock. When she brings food and forces open its mouth, the jaws first break a copper spoon and then bite off the tip of her nose. She accuses her living husband of the injury, and he is condemned.
His younger brother has secretly witnessed the visit and directs the ruler to examine the corpse. Finding the missing nose-tip in its mouth overturns the judgment. The corpse is not said to leave its burial place, drink blood or speak; the judicial plot depends on its limited but violent movement and the physical evidence left behind.
Origins & earliest records
Kalmouk tale cycle as presented by Rachel Harriette Busk
Records & interpretation
Complete relevant tale or frame passages directly read in the 1873 textual witness.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Sagas from the Far East
Tale X, pp. 115–119
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Rachel Harriette Busk, Sagas from the Far East (1873)
Saga of the Well-and-wise-walking Khan. Tale X, pp. 115–119
Full relevant narrative read from cached Gutenberg historical text; preface read for transmission limits. Primary evidence of this published adaptation, not proof of the described supernatural events. No modern translation quoted.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical literary adaptationBusk, Sagas from the Far East (1873), Tale X, pp. 115–119Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.