The Wolf Sings by Parker Fillmore

Name: The Wolf Sings
Author: Parker Fillmore

A hungry Wolf, having sacrificed his ox to feed a Fox's servant, prowls a farm in search of food. He encounters a thin old Dog and decides to drag him off for a meal. The Dog pleads for his release, promising a bottle of vodka hidden under the kitchen bench. The Wolf, fond of vodka, agrees to let the Dog go, trusting him to keep his word. That night, the Wolf returns to the farmhouse after the family has gone to sleep. The Dog retrieves the vodka, and they share a drink. The Wolf, exhilarated by the alcohol, feels a surge of happiness and wants to sing, but the Dog warns him against it, fearing they will wake the family. Despite the Dog's pleas, the Wolf continues to drink and eventually cannot contain his desire to sing. His loud howling attracts the attention of the Farmer and his family, who rush into the kitchen armed with clubs and pokers. They mistake the Wolf for a threat and prepare to attack. The Wolf narrowly escapes, realizing that his indulgence in vodka has put him in grave danger. The story illustrates themes of temptation, the consequences of excess, and the perils of trusting too easily.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1936 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 641 words

First lines

Having sacrificed his ox in order to feast the Fox's servant, the Wolf had nothing left for himself and was soon very hungry. He could find nothing to eat in the forest, so he went prowling around a farm in hopes of getting a pig or a chicken. The only living creature he came upon was a thin old Dog asleep in the sun.

"This is better than nothing," he thought to himself and, taking hold of the Dog, he began dragging it off.

What this Textopian page supports

The Wolf Sings is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1936 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: 1936 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
Length: 641 words
Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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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 narrative and moral themes make it suitable for a young audience.
Fantasy — The presence of talking animals and magical elements like vodka adds a fantastical aspect.
Humor — The Wolf's antics and the absurdity of the situation provide comedic elements.