Riddles

 

Riddles are questions, often containing a descriptive element or metaphor, of which the listener has to guess the answer. The solution of the riddle is usually unexpected. Some riddles take the form of direct questions, but the answer may not be so straightforward, as it may be based on word play, special knowledge, or double meaning. Riddles aim to demonstrate the wisdom or wit of the riddler and to challenge the listener.
    The theme of many traditional riddles derives from observation of the surroundings and includes natural phenomena such as the heavenly bodies, landscape features, animals and plants; the human body; and daily life activities.
    Western Yugur riddles often take the form of a statement, followed by the formula pu nitï? sen tha! "What is this? You guess!" The answer often takes the form pu ... tï "This is:..." It seems that the Eastern Yugur riddles have been stripped of these formulaic elements.
    Common comparisons involve liking an object to an animal, or to personify objects. Riddles are often formulated by oppositions or contradictions: by night... by day, although... yet. Paired objects are often referred to as "two brothers".
    There is an example of an arithmetical riddle, also known elsewhere. It seems a straightforward puzzle, but the underlying implication may be criticism on the hierarchy of the clerical system.
    An example of a bawdy riddle was recorded by Malov, but unfortunately, the Western Yugur language version was never published. Riddle no. 8 in the Western Yugur section is rather suggestive, but has an innocent solution.

Riddles may feature in tales:

Now try to guess the following:

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