| rdfs:comment | - An infant is saved from some calamity by being cast into the hands of Fate by his parents, whose lives are sometimes claimed by the same calamity. Fate, not wanting to have to rear a kid, promptly deposits the young hero with a family (usually poor and humble) who will raise him up to be good, just, noble and strong. He remains ignorant of his true heritage except perhaps for some trinket -- a ring or maybe a pendant, or sometimes a distinctive birthmark -- which can identify him to someone who knew his parents. Examples of Moses in the Bulrushes include:
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| abstract | - An infant is saved from some calamity by being cast into the hands of Fate by his parents, whose lives are sometimes claimed by the same calamity. Fate, not wanting to have to rear a kid, promptly deposits the young hero with a family (usually poor and humble) who will raise him up to be good, just, noble and strong. He remains ignorant of his true heritage except perhaps for some trinket -- a ring or maybe a pendant, or sometimes a distinctive birthmark -- which can identify him to someone who knew his parents. Sometimes the infant is abandoned in the wilderness by the Villain, who doesn't want to murder the child directly, and instead wants it to die from exposure. This never works out as planned. Often the hero is an aristocrat or even a prince(ss), whose nurture by a humble family gives him a refreshingly egalitarian view on things when he finally discovers his heritage and takes his rightful position. Also known as a Foundling Tale. Contrast with Cinderella Circumstances, Changeling Tale (which is the inverse of this trope). See also Changeling Fantasy. Compare Door Step Baby, Switched At Birth, Separated at Birth, Muggle Foster Parents, Wonder Child, Wild Child, Noble Fugitive. See also Parental Abandonment, Fling a Light Into the Future, and The Ark which is another ancient motif. Results from a Nice Job Breaking It, Herod. Examples of Moses in the Bulrushes include:
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