Both examples of lies about death don't seem to be lies about death. They would both seem to be an examples of lies designed to protect from details that would

Both examples of lies about death don't seem to be lies about death. They would both seem to be an examples of lies designed to protect from details that would otherwise only cause pain. Doctors frequently tell both types of lie to adults. Lies about death and sex etc are frequently this topic of lies between adults. That they take a different form is of questionable importance: they may just be because adults have to much experience to be so easy lied to, requiring a more elaborate lie (contrast became a star in the sky and the bible). It would be interesting to ask what lies are told solely to children and are not simply more egregious examples of lies more generally told.