The Clever Goat by Parker Fillmore

Name: The Clever Goat
Author: Parker Fillmore

In a forest setting, a foolish wolf named Pekka encounters a goat named Vuhi and a ram named Dinas, who have been abandoned by their owner. Despite their fear of wolves, Vuhi devises a plan to protect themselves. He fills a sack with dry chips to create a rattle, which he uses to intimidate Pekka when the wolf confronts them. Vuhi pretends the sack contains the bones of wolves they have defeated, leading Pekka to plead for his life. In exchange for sparing him, Pekka promises to bring them twelve wolves for more meat. Pekka gathers the wolves and warns them about the goat and ram, but instead of fleeing, they decide to confront the duo. Vuhi and Dinas climb a tree for safety, and when the wolves challenge them, Vuhi commands Dinas to jump down and attack. In the ensuing chaos, Dinas falls onto the wolves, causing panic. The wolves scatter in fear, believing they are facing formidable foes. Ultimately, Vuhi and Dinas successfully fend off the wolves and continue to live peacefully in the forest, free from the threat of their predators. The story highlights themes of cleverness, deception, and the reversal of power dynamics in the animal kingdom.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1920 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Adventure · 940 words

First lines

The truth is Pekka, the Wolf, was a pretty stupid fellow always getting into some scrape or other. With sore ribs and a back aching from the beating which the farm folk had given him he slunk quietly along the forest ways hoping to come upon some easy prey. Suddenly he saw ahead of him a Goat and a Ram.

"What are they doing hereabouts? " he thought to himself. "This is no place for them and if anything happens to them it will be their own fault."

What this Textopian page supports

The Clever Goat is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1920 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy, Humor
Length: 940 words
Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
Children's Literature — The simple plot and engaging characters make it suitable for a young audience.
Adventure — The narrative involves the Goat and Ram navigating dangers in the forest, showcasing elements of adventure.
Fantasy — The presence of talking animals and fantastical elements places it within the fantasy genre.