The Wolf and the Fox
A wolf and a fox are traveling together when they come across a goat tied to a pole. The wolf suggests that the fox eat the goat while he distracts a passing butcher. However, the fox refuses, citing the danger of being caught by the butcher. The wolf then offers to distract the butcher while the fox eats the goat. But the fox again declines, this time because he is afraid of being eaten by the wolf. A third time, the wolf proposes that they work together: he will distract the butcher and the fox can eat the goat. The fox agrees, but only if the wolf promises not to eat him afterwards. The wolf agrees, and the plan succeeds. However, as soon as the butcher is distracted, the wolf turns on the fox and eats him.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1815 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature · 865 words
First lines
The wolf had the fox with him, and whatsoever the wolf wished, that the fox was compelled to do, for he was the weaker, and he would gladly have been rid of his master. It chanced that once as they were going through the forest, the wolf said, "Red-fox, get me something to eat, or else I will eat thee thyself. " Then the fox answered, "I know a farm-yard where there are two young lambs; if thou art inclined, we will fetch one of them. " That suited the wolf, and they went thither, and the fox stole the little lamb, took it to the wolf, and went away. The wolf devoured it, but was not satisfied with one; he wanted the other as well, and went to get it. As, however, he did it so awkwardly, the mother of the little lamb heard him, and began to cry out terribly, and to bleat so that the farmer came running there. They found the wolf, and beat him so mercilessly, that he went to the fox limping and howling. "Thou hast misled me finely," said he; "I wanted to fetch the other lamb, and the country folks surprised me, and have beaten me to a jelly. " The fox replied, "Why art thou such a glutton?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Wolf and the Fox 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: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature, Folklore
- Length: 865 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Wolf and the Fox by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wolf and the Fox?
- 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
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- Bird Found by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
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Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features anthropomorphic animals, moral lessons, and a simple narrative structure typical of fairy tales.
- Fable — The narrative uses animals to convey a moral lesson about greed and cunning, characteristic of fables.
- Children's Literature — The story is suitable for children, with straightforward language and clear moral teachings.
- Folklore — The tale is part of a larger collection of traditional stories passed down through generations, reflecting cultural values.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Animal Story · Moral Lesson · Cautionary Tale · Wisdom Literature · Short Story · Fantasy Fiction · Children's Literature · Classic Literature · European Folklore · Mythological Creatures