The Fox and his Cousin

Name: The Fox and his Cousin
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

A fox tricks a rabbit into pulling out its own teeth to get some food stuck between them. The rabbit then realizes it has been tricked and tries to get revenge by pulling the fox's teeth out, but ends up getting hurt in the process.

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1815 · Genre: Fable, Fairy Tale, Folklore · 449 words

First lines

The she-wolf brought forth a young one, and invited the fox to be godfather. "After all, he is a near relative of ours," said she, "he has a good understanding, and much talent; he can instruct my little son, and help him forward in the world. " The fox, too, appeared quite honest, and said, "Worthy Mrs. Gossip, I thank you for the honour which you are doing me; I will, however, conduct myself in such a way that you shall be repaid for it. " He enjoyed himself at the feast, and made merry; afterwards he said, "Dear Mrs. Gossip, it is our duty to take care of the child, it must have good food that it may be strong. I know a sheep-fold from which we might fetch a nice morsel. " The wolf was pleased with the ditty, and she went out with the fox to the farm-yard. He pointed out the fold from afar, and said, "You will be able to creep in there without being seen, and in the meantime I will look about on the other side to see if I can pick up a chicken. " He, however, did not go there, but sat down at the entrance to the forest, stretched his legs and rested. The she-wolf crept into the stable. A dog was lying there, and it made such a noise that the peasants came running out, caught Gossip Wolf, and poured a strong burning mixture, which had been prepared for washing, over her skin. At last she escaped, and dragged herself outside. There lay the fox, who pretended to be full of complaints, and said, "Ah, dear Mistress Gossip, how ill I have fared, the peasants have fallen on me, and have broken every limb I have; if you do not want me to lie where I am and perish, you must carry me away. " The she-wolf herself was only able to go away slowly, but she was in such concern about the fox that she took him on her back, and slowly carried him perfectly safe and sound to her house. Then the fox cried to her, "Farewell, dear Mistress Gossip, may the roasting you have had do you good," laughed heartily at her, and bounded off.

What this Textopian page supports

The Fox and his Cousin is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1815 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Date: 1815 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Fairy Tale, Folklore, Children's Literature, Satire
Length: 449 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals with a moral lesson about deceit and cunning.
Fairy Tale — The narrative includes fantastical elements and a moral, typical of traditional fairy tales.
Folklore — The tale is part of a larger collection of folklore, reflecting cultural storytelling traditions.
Children's Literature — The simple narrative and moral lesson are suitable for a young audience.