The Fox and the Horse
A fox tricks a horse into pulling his load up a steep hill, but the horse eventually outsmarts him and leaves him stranded at the top.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1812 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature · 552 words
First lines
A peasant once had a faithful Horse, but it had grown old and could no longer do its work. Its master grudged it food, and said: 'I can't use you any more, but I still feel kindly towards you, and if you show yourself strong enough to bring me a Lion I will keep you to the end of your days. But away with you now, out of my stable'; and he drove it out into the open country.
The poor Horse was very sad, and went into the forest to get a little shelter from the wind and weather. There he met a Fox, who said: 'Why do you hang your head, and wander about in this solitary fashion?'
What this Textopian page supports
The Fox and the Horse is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1812 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: 1812 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 552 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fox and the Horse by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Fox and the Horse?
- How does this fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dog And The Sparrow by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Three Frogs by Louisa May Alcott
- The Lambikin by Joseph Jacobs
- The Willow Wren And The Bear by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Bird Found by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Little Tuk by Hans Christian Andersen
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, talking animals, and a moral lesson, typical of fairy tales.
- Fable — The narrative uses animals to convey a moral lesson about loyalty and cleverness.
- Children's Literature — The simple plot and clear moral are suitable for a young audience.
- Fantasy — The presence of talking animals and improbable events places it within the fantasy genre.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Children's Literature · Animal Story · Friendship · Adventure · Moral Lesson · Short Story · Fantasy · Realism · Nature · Wildlife · Hunting