from Coyote &, Native American Folk Tales retold by Joe Hayes, Maripose Publishing, 1983.

Once Coyote and Fox went walking together. They came to a big, smooth rock. Coyote spread his blanket over it and together they sat down on the rock and smoked their pipes.

When they stood up to go, Coyote looked down at the rock and said, “What a nice rock this is! I think I’ll give it my blanket. My blanket will keep this good rock warm and dry.”

Then Coyote walked off with Fox, leaving his blanket behind covering the rock. They walked on down the hillside toward the river. But they hadn’t gone far when dark clouds gathered above and a cold rain began to fall.

Coyote hugged himself and shivered. “Brrrrr! Now I wish I still had my blanket.” And he told Fox, “Run back and tell Rock I want to borrow my blanket for a while.”

Fox ran off up the hill, but he returned without the blanket. “Rock wouldn’t let me have it,” he told Coyote. “He says it’s his and he wants to use it.”

That made Coyote angry. “That selfish rock!” he muttered. And he ran back up the hill and jerked the blanket off Rock.

“Rock,” Coyote growled, “you’ve been lying there in the sun and rain for a thousand summers and winters. It wouldn’t hurt you to get a few more raindrops on you. I only wanted to borrow my blanket for a short time to keep dry. Now I’m taking my blanket back. You can lie here uncovered for the rest of time!”

Coyote threw his blanket around himself and Fox and they continued their walk down the hill.

Soon the sun came back out and Coyote and Fox sat down again to talk. But just when they sat down, they heard a strange noise above them — a-thump-thump-thump-thump — a-thump-thump-thump-thump.

“Fox,” Coyote said, “run up the hill and see what is making that noise.”

Fox disappeared over the crest of the hill, but he soon reappeared, running as fast as he could, with his tail stretched out behind him. “Coyote!” Fox barked, “Run for your life! The rock is after us!”

Fox dived into a badger hole, but his tail didn’t quite make it out of the way. Rock rolled over the tip of Fox’s tail and to this day it has been white.

Coyote turned and dashed toward the river. He leaped into the water and swam to the other side. Coyote shook himself and sat down on the bank to rest. He knew the rock would sink if it tried to cross the river after him.

Imagine Coyote’s surprise when he saw the rock roll into the river and began to swim across — a-blub-blub-blub-blub — a-blub-blub-blub-blub.

Coyote ran into a thick forest. Surely the trees would stop Rock. He reached the center of the forest and paused to catch his breath. Coyote heard a terrible crashing and thundering as Rock toppled the trees and knocked them to splinters. And on it came — a-thump-thump-thump-thump — a-thump-thump-thump-thump.

Coyote ran toward the prairie at the far side of the forest. When he reached the edge of the trees, he met Bear.

“Bear!” Coyote panted. “Please help me. A rock is after me!”

Bear roared, “Waaaahhh! I’ll swat that rock with my paw!”

Bear sat down to wait, and when Rock came past, he swung his paw. “Aaaooouuuuu!” Bear rocked back clutching his broken paw against his chest.

The rock rolled on — a-thump-thump-thump-thump — a-thump-thump-thump-thump.

Coyote ran across the prairie, and he saw Buffalo grazing on some green grass. “Buffalo!” Coyote begged. “Please help me. A rock is after me.”

Buffalo snorted, “I’ll butt that rock with my head!” And Buffalo lowered his head and charged at the rock. They met — Boom! Buffalo flew through the air. His horns were broken and his head split wide open.

And the rock rolled on — a-thump-thump-thump-thump — a-thump-thump-thump-thump.

Coyote ran and ran. Now the rock was right at his heels — thump-thump-thump. He saw a lodge ahead of him, and standing near it were two old women with stone hatchets in their hands. The women called to him, “Run between us, Coyote. Run between us!”

Coyote did. And then the rock passed between the old women, they lowered their hatchets — crack! The rock shattered into a thousand pieces.

Coyote lay on the ground with his heart pounding, panting for his breath. The old women walked to the other side of the lodge and whispered to each other. But Coyote could hear what they were saying.

“How nice and fat Coyote is,” the old women whispered. “He’ll make a fine meal for us.”

Then Coyote knew the old women were witches. He’d better plan his escape. He saw some jugs of water beside the lodge and he crept over and dumped the water out.

When the old women returned, Coyote said, “I’m thirsty from that long run. Could I have a drink of water?”

They said, “Certainly. Drink from one of those jugs over there.”

Coyote walked over to the jugs. “These are all empty,” he told them. “But that’s all right. I’ll take one down to the river and fill it.”

Coyote picked up a jug and walked off. As soon as he was sure the women couldn’t see him, he threw the jug to the ground and ran off laughing to himself.

When coyote didn’t come back, the witches realized that he had tricked them. They began to argue, each one accusing the other of letting Coyote escape.

Finally they grew so angry they picked up their stone hatchets and hit one another over the head. And that was the end of those witches. And it’s the end of the story too.

But not the end of Coyote. He had many more adventures.

This Native American folk tale, retold by Joe Hayes, tells the story of Coyote and his misadventures involving a rock. The tale is rich in elements of trickery, consequences, and escape, all woven together with a blend of humor and suspense.

In summary, Coyote and Fox sit on a smooth rock, and Coyote, in a moment of generosity, decides to give his blanket to the rock for warmth. Later, when it starts raining, Coyote regrets his decision and asks Fox to retrieve the blanket, but the rock refuses. Angry at the rock’s selfishness, Coyote takes back his blanket, leading to a series of unexpected events.

The rock, seemingly enchanted, follows Coyote and Fox, rolling after them with a thumping sound. Despite attempts to escape, including seeking help from various animals like Bear and Buffalo, the rock continues its pursuit. Eventually, Coyote seeks refuge between two old women with stone hatchets, who shatter the rock into pieces.

The tale takes a turn when Coyote, discovering the old women to be witches, devises a plan to escape. He tricks them into fighting each other and makes his getaway.

The story captures the essence of traditional storytelling, incorporating elements of nature, magic, and moral lessons. Coyote’s cleverness, the consequences of actions, and the resolution against the witches contribute to the narrative’s depth and cultural richness.

A Bear boasted very much of his philanthropy, saying that of all animals he was the most tender in his regard for man, for he had such respect for him that he would not even touch his dead body.

A Fox hearing these words said with a smile to the Bear, “Oh! that you would eat the dead and not the living.”

In this fable, the fox is using wit and irony to make a subtle criticism of the bear’s supposed philanthropy. The bear boasts about his kindness by claiming that he respects humans so much that he wouldn’t even touch their dead bodies. However, the fox cleverly points out the hypocrisy in the bear’s statement.

The fox’s remark implies that the bear’s benevolence is superficial and insincere. While the bear claims to be considerate by avoiding the consumption of human corpses, the fox suggests that true benevolence would be refraining from harming the living. The fox is, in essence, highlighting the inconsistency in the bear’s actions and exposing the bear’s self-centered perspective.

This fable serves as a moral lesson about the importance of genuine kindness and the need for consistency in one’s actions. It encourages the audience to be discerning about others’ claims of benevolence and to consider the sincerity behind such declarations.

An Ass in the Skin of a Lion
(Which he’d filched from a tree
Where some hunters had left it to dry on)
Ee-awed and brayed:
“Let all be afraid
Of me: don’t you see,
With my jaws and my claws and my terrible roars
I’m a lion – I’m a lion – I’m a lion?”
Which was all very well
Till down in the dell
A Fox who’d been keeping his eye on
The total charade
Jeered: “Shucks! Who’s afraid?
Naturally no one. For why on
Earth should your paws and your claws
And you terrible roars
(When not in fact yours)
Be anything you can rely on?
Your assinine bray
Just gives you away.
This may be all right for a try on,
A try on – a try on –
But you’re not my idea of a lion.”

This poem  is a humorous fable that tells the story of an ass (donkey) who finds a lion’s skin left by hunters and decides to put it on. The ass, now wearing the lion’s skin, starts braying loudly and attempting to imitate the fierce and powerful nature of a lion. He believes that by doing so, he can instill fear in others and be seen as a formidable creature.

However, the fox, a keen observer, sees through the charade. The fox mocks the ass, pointing out the absurdity of the situation. The fox doesn’t buy into the donkey’s attempt to impersonate a lion, emphasizing that the ass’s braying gives away his true identity. The fox dismisses the ass’s efforts, stating that the donkey’s bray is not at all convincing as the roar of a lion.

The fable serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pretending to be something one is not. It underscores the idea that authenticity and genuine qualities are more reliable and respectable than trying to deceive others with false appearances. In this case, the donkey’s attempt to be a lion is seen as comical and ineffective, especially when confronted by a perceptive observer like the fox.

Yes, this Fox was resourceful, witty, and a great persuader.

First of all he persuaded the King himself, the Lion, to go on a hunt with him, knowing full well that even without the “Lion’s share” his bag at the chase would be weighty.

Then he persuaded the Lion to invite the local Ass to his house, aware that the beast would be flattered enough to come.

Which is just what happened.

The moment the Ass was inducted, the Lion – at a wink from the Fox – sprang and brought him down.

“Dinner for today,” the Lion declared. “But paws and teeth off, I say… until this evening. Now for my siesta.”

So the Lion lay down and the Fox watched him till he heard him snoring.

He circled the savoury Ass, then with a deft incision cleanly extracted its brains and silently ate the morsel.

When the Lion woke up and went to the Ass for his dinner, he found his favourite hors d’oevure – the delicate brains – was missing.

He turned on the Fox with a roar, in a terrible voice demanding:

“What have you done with the brains? I told you to leave him alone.”

“Brains, Your Majesty? Brains? This ridiculous Ass had none. He swallowed your invitation, didn’t he, to dine? How else could he have been so completely assinine?”

Wit is always at the ready

This fable tells the story of the clever and resourceful Fox who manages to manipulate both the King, a Lion, and a local Ass for his own benefit.

Firstly, the Fox persuades the Lion to go on a hunt with him, knowing that the Lion’s prowess would result in a bountiful catch. This demonstrates the Fox’s ability to charm and influence even powerful figures.

Then, the Fox convinces the Lion to invite the Ass to the Lion’s den, knowing that the Ass would feel flattered and willingly accept the invitation. The Fox’s manipulation sets the stage for a cunning plan.

As the Lion takes his siesta, the Fox seizes the opportunity to skillfully extract the Ass’s brains, leaving the rest of the body untouched. When the Lion wakes up and discovers the missing brains, he confronts the Fox. In response, the Fox cleverly denies any wrongdoing and instead shifts the blame to the Ass, emphasizing the lack of brains in the Ass and suggesting that the Ass swallowed the invitation, metaphorically being foolish.

The fable serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of flattery and the consequences of blindly trusting others. It also highlights the Fox’s wit and ability to manipulate situations for his own advantage, showcasing the theme of cunning and resourcefulness often associated with foxes in fables and folklore.

The Fox in the Briar Bush crawled
Out of it bleeding. Appalled
By his scratches, he cried:
“I did not decide
To fall off a wall to be mauled.”

“I think you are foolish to scold,”
Said the Briar, “and foolishly bold
To fall into me
When you could not see
It’s my nature to grab and to hold?”

There are people who run for help to the very ones who would destroy them

This short fable, “The Fox and the Briar Bush,” conveys a cautionary message about seeking help from those who may harm or take advantage of you.

The story describes a fox that crawls out of a briar bush, wounded and bleeding. The fox expresses surprise and dismay at the scratches he received, explaining that he did not intentionally choose to fall off a wall and be harmed in this way.

The briar bush responds with a certain level of indifference and a hint of criticism. The briar suggests that the fox is foolish for scolding it and, at the same time, foolishly bold for falling into the briar bush without considering its nature. The briar bush emphasizes that it is in its nature to grab and hold onto things, implying that the fox should have been more cautious and aware of the potential danger.

The fable serves as a metaphorical reminder to be cautious and discerning when seeking assistance or alliances. It suggests that individuals should be mindful of the nature and intentions of those they turn to for help, as not everyone may have benevolent or helpful motives. The fox’s experience serves as a lesson about the consequences of seeking refuge or assistance without considering the potential risks involved.

A foxinvited a Crane to supper and provided nothing for his entertainment but some soup made of pulse, which was poured out into a broad flat stone dish. The soup fell out of the long bill of the Crane at every mouthful, and his vexation at not being able to eat afforded the Fox much amusement.

The Crane, in his turn, asked the Fox to sup with him, and set before her a flagon with a long narrow mouth, so that he could easily insert his neck and enjoy its contents at his leisure. The Fox, unable even to taste it, met with a fitting requital, after the fashion of her own hospitality.

This fable, attributed to Aesop, is titled “The Fox and the Crane.” It conveys a moral lesson about reciprocity and the consequences of one’s actions.

In the story, a Fox invites a Crane to supper and serves soup made of pulse in a flat stone dish. The design of the dish makes it easy for the Fox to enjoy the soup, but the long bill of the Crane prevents it from consuming the soup effectively. The Fox finds amusement in the Crane’s vexation at not being able to eat.

Later, when the Crane invites the Fox to supper, the Crane serves the food in a flagon with a long, narrow mouth. This design allows the Crane to easily enjoy the contents by inserting its neck into the flagon. However, the Fox, with its short snout, is unable to taste the food.

The fable serves as a lesson in reciprocity and treating others as you would like to be treated. The Fox’s amusement at the Crane’s difficulty in eating the soup leads to a fitting consequence when the tables are turned. It underscores the idea that one’s actions can come back to them, highlighting the importance of fairness and consideration in interactions with others.

Once upon a time . . . a big crow stole a lump of cheese and went to perch on a branch of a tree to eat it in peace.

A passing fox sniffed the air and stopped below the tree, his mouth watering. “Cheese?” he said. “Mmm. I’d love . . . if only I could . . .” he said to himself, greedily, wondering how to get hold of the morsel.

After a moment or two, he spoke to the crow: “You are a fine crow! I’ve never seen anyone so big and strong. What lovely thick shiny feathers you have! And such slender legs, the sign of a noble bird. And a regal beak. That’s it: the beak of a king! You ought to be crowned King of the Birds!”

When the crow heard such glowing praise of his beauty, he stretched to his full length and triumphantly flapped his wings.

In his softest voice, the fox went on: “What lovely eyes you have. You don’t seem to have a single fault! You’re quite perfect.”

The crow had never been flattered so much in all his life.

“Though I haven’t heard your voice yet,” went on the fox, “I expect that such a perfect creature like yourself can have nothing less than a wonderful singing voice!”

The crow had, till then, been blissfully drinking in the fox’s praise, but he felt a prick of doubt at the sweet words about his voice. He had never heard that crows were fine singers! Of course, being a very fine crow, perhaps that meant he had a beautiful voice as well. The fox could be right!

And the crow gazed down at the fox as he said: “Now then, King of the Birds, let me hear a sweet song . . .”

Throwing caution to the winds, the crow opened his beak and, taking a deep breath, loudly cawed: “Cra, Cra, Cra!”

The lump of cheese fell through the air and the fox caught it neatly in his jaws. “I deserved that!” he told himself as he enjoyed the titbit. Then, licking his lips, he again spoke to the crow on the branch. “Silly crow. You’re the ugliest bird I’ve ever seen, you have the worst voice I ve ever heard, but most of all, you’re the most stupid bird I’ve ever met! And thanks for the cheese.” And off he trotted well satisfied with himself…

This fable is titled “The Fox and the Crow,” and it illustrates the theme of flattery and deception.

The crow, having stolen a lump of cheese, is perched on a tree branch enjoying its meal. The fox, noticing the crow with the cheese, decides to use flattery to trick the crow into dropping the cheese. The fox skillfully compliments the crow on its physical attributes, suggesting that it deserves to be crowned as the king of birds. The crow, flattered by the praise, is eager to prove its worth, especially when the fox mentions its singing voice.

In a moment of pride and vulnerability, the crow caws loudly to showcase its singing prowess. Unfortunately, this action leads to the crow dropping the cheese, and the fox skillfully catches it in his jaws. The fox then reveals his true thoughts about the crow, calling it ugly, criticizing its voice, and labeling it as the most stupid bird he has ever met. The fox concludes with a sarcastic thanks for the cheese.

The fable teaches a moral lesson about being wary of flattery and not letting vanity cloud one’s judgment. It warns against blindly believing praise, especially when it comes from individuals with ulterior motives. The crow’s gullibility and desire for validation result in the loss of its prized possession, emphasizing the importance of discernment and not being easily swayed by empty compliments.

The Fox waited:

He had fallen into a well and had been trying to get out half the day.

Its sides were too steep, too deep, though he had jumped till his strength was wasted.

He gazed up hopelessly at the sheer wall.

It happened that a Goat passed that way and putting his head over the top asked curiously what the Fox was doing there.

“Enjoying myself. They say there’s going to be a mighty drought, so I’m down here drinking my fill. Why don’t you come down yourself and share?”

So Goat let himself down into the well; Applied himself to the water as Fox with a shout mounted his back and using his head as a sill sprang into freedom, then from the edge of the well called down to the flabbergasted Goat:

It’s all yours, friend, have a good swill. But in future I advise you to take note: When people enthusiastically press you to share, Beware!.”

Look before you leap

This fable, titled “The Fox and the Goat,” conveys the moral lesson of being cautious and looking before you leap. The narrative centers around a fox that finds itself trapped in a well and unable to climb out. Seizing an opportunity, the fox deceives a passing goat by claiming to be enjoying the water in anticipation of an impending drought. The fox suggests the goat join in the “festivities” and drink to its heart’s content.

Trusting the fox’s words without assessing the situation, the goat descends into the well. Seizing the chance, the fox uses the goat as a stepping stone to leap out of the well, leaving the unsuspecting goat stranded. The fox, now free, advises the goat to be cautious and wary when people encourage you to share, concluding with the cautionary phrase: “Beware!”

The moral of the fable is a timeless lesson about being skeptical and not blindly trusting others, especially when their motives may not be genuine. It encourages individuals to assess situations critically and consider the potential consequences before making decisions.

Once upon a time . . . in a wood there lived a very crafty quick-witted fox. The rabbits, rats, the birds and all the other creatures fled at the sight of him, for they all knew how cruel and famished he was. And since his prey kept fearfully out of sight, the fox had no choice but to haunt the neighbourhood buildings in the hope of finding something to eat.

The first time, he was in luck. Near a lonely peasant’s cottage, only a low fence stood between him and the hen run, and there he left death and destruction behind him.

“What careless men, leaving such tender fat hens unguarded,” he said to himself as he trotted away, still munching.

A few days later, hungry once more, he decided to visit the same hen run again. He crept up to the fence. A thread of smoke curled from the cottage chimney, but all was quiet.

With a great bound, he leapt into the hen run. The cackling hens scattered, and the fox was already clutching one in his jaws when a stone hit him on the side.

“Wicked brute!” yelled a man waving a stick. “Now I’ve got you!” To make matters worse, up raced a large dog, snarling viciously.

The fox dropped the hen and tried to jump out of the hen run. At the first try, he fell back, perhaps weak with fright. He could almost feel the dog’s fangs sink into his ear, but with a desperate jump, he got over the fence. The yells and stones streamed after the bruised fox as he ran into the wood.

In a nearby glade, he glanced round to make sure that he was not being followed. “Bad luck!” he said to himself. “All those hens . . .” His mouth was watering and he could feel gnawing hunger pains.

Right above his head stretched a vine, laden with bunches of big ripe grapes. “Well, if there’s nothing else . . .” muttered the fox, jumping up towards the grapes. But the bunches were hanging just beyond his reach. The fox then took a running jump at them, but without success. And though he tried over and over again, the grapes remained beyond his grasp.

“Craw! Craw! Craw!” laughed a crow overhead, mocking the disappointed fox.

“Sour grapes!” exclaimed the fox loudly. I’ll come back when they’re ripe.” And thrusting out his chest to give himself airs, though still smarting from the blows he had received, he set off towards the woods with an empty stomach.

“The Fox and the Grapes” is a classic fable attributed to Aesop. This story is often used to illustrate the concept of sour grapes, which refers to someone downplaying the value of something they desire but cannot attain.

In this fable, the fox, known for his cunning ways, fails in his attempt to capture hens and faces adversity from a man and a dog. Hungry and bruised, he comes across a vine laden with ripe grapes. Despite his attempts, the fox cannot reach the grapes, and they remain just out of his grasp. Frustrated and embarrassed, the fox finally gives up.

To save face and cope with his failure, the fox declares that the grapes are probably sour anyway. The crow, witnessing the fox’s struggles, mocks him with a caw. The fox responds by dismissing the grapes as sour, implying that he didn’t want them in the first place. The fable highlights the psychological defense mechanism of rationalization, where individuals belittle what they desire but cannot achieve to ease their disappointment.

The moral of the story is about the tendency of some people to devalue what they cannot obtain, and it serves as a cautionary lesson against sour grapes mentality and rationalizing one’s failures.

Once upon a time . . . a fox made friends with a stork and decided to invite her to lunch.

While he was wondering what to serve for the meal, he thought he’d play a trick on the bird. So he prepared a tasty soup and poured it into two flat plates.

“Help yourself, Mrs Stork! I’m sure you’ll enjoy this! It’s frog soup and chopped parsley. Taste it, you’ll find it’s delicious!”

“Thank you very much!” said the stork, sniffing the soup. But she quickly saw the trick the fox had played on her. For no matter how she tried, she could not drink the soup from the flat plate.

The sniggering fox urged her on: “Eat up! Do you like it?”

But all the stork could do was bluff. With a casual air she said: “I’m afraid I’ve such a headache that I’ve lost my appetite!”

And the fox fussily replied: “What a shame! And it’s such good soup too! Too bad! Maybe next time . . .”

To which the stork quickly replied: “Yes, of course! Next time, you must have lunch with me!”

The very next day, the fox found a polite note pinned to his door: it was the stork’s invitation to lunch. “Now, isn’t that nice of her!” said the fox to himself. “And she hasn’t taken my little trick to heart either! A real lady!”

The stork’s house was much plainer than the fox’s, and she apologized to the fox. “My home is much humbler than yours,” she said, “but I’ve cooked a really special meal. Freshwater shrimps with white wine and juniper berries!”

The fox licked his lips at the idea of these goodies and sniffed deeply when the stork handed him his jar. But, try as he might, he was unable to eat a bite, for he could not reach down with his nose into the long neck of the jar.

In the meantime, with her long beak, the stork gobbled her lunch. “Try it! Try it!” she said. “Do you like it?”

But the unlucky fox, confused and outsmarted, could not think of an excuse for not eating.

And as he tossed and turned hungrily in bed that night, thinking of his lost lunch, he said to himself with a sigh: “I might have known!”

This fable, “The Fox and the Stork,” illustrates the theme of reciprocity and the consequences of deceit. The narrative involves the fox inviting the stork to lunch and attempting to trick her with a soup served in flat plates, making it impossible for the stork to eat. The stork, in turn, invites the fox to lunch and serves him food in a jar, which the fox cannot access.

The fable teaches the importance of considering the feelings and perspective of others. The fox’s initial trickery is met with diplomacy by the stork, who maintains politeness and returns the invitation. The fox, expecting a delicious meal, finds himself unable to enjoy it due to the stork’s clever counter-trick.

The moral lesson revolves around the consequences of one’s actions. The fox’s deceit comes back to him, demonstrating that dishonesty and manipulation can have repercussions. The fable encourages honesty, fairness, and the understanding that treating others as you would like to be treated is the key to positive relationships. The fox’s realization at the end serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and deceit may lead to one’s own downfall.

A fox caught in a trap escaped, but in so doing lost his tail.
Thereafter, feeling his life a burden from the shame and ridicule to which he was exposed, he schemed to convince all the other Foxes that being tailless was much more attractive, thus making up for his own deprivation.
He assembled a good many Foxes and publicly advised them to cut off their tails, saying that they would not only look much better without them, but that they would get rid of the weight of the brush, which was a very great inconvenience.
One of them interrupting him said, “If you had not yourself lost your tail, my friend, you would not thus counsel us.”

This fable, titled “The Fox Who Had Lost His Tail,” imparts a moral lesson about accepting oneself and not misleading others to cover one’s shortcomings.

In the story, a fox, having lost his tail in a trap, becomes self-conscious and embarrassed. To alleviate his own feelings of shame, he devises a plan to persuade other foxes to cut off their tails as well. The fox argues that being tailless is more attractive and convenient, attempting to convince others to follow his advice.

However, one fox interrupts the scheming fox and points out the hypocrisy of his counsel. The fox exposes the fact that if the scheming fox had not lost his tail, he would not be encouraging others to remove theirs. This revelation undermines the credibility of the tailless fox’s advice and highlights the selfish motives behind his suggestion.

The fable serves as a cautionary tale against trying to manipulate or mislead others for personal gain. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and acceptance of one’s own circumstances. The scheming fox’s attempt to project his insecurities onto others is exposed, and the interruption by the observant fox highlights the consequences of insincere counsel.

A hungry Fox unable to believe his eyes, saw one night etched against the stars a magnificent Cock – almost within his reach.

“Wake up, fine bird!” he called, “the world is rich: I have such news for you it cannot wait.”

The Cock, high up, blinked and answered, “What?”

“Ah,” said the Fox, his mouth already wet, “King Lion has made a universal truce: No beast may hurt a bird at any price. From this time on we all shall live at peace.”

“Remarkable!” the Cock replied. “You mean that I’ll be safe from you, and you from mean?”

“Exactly that. Come, take my paw, come down. Let al the past be healed in one embrace.”

“Wait,” said the Cock craning his neck, “I see someone who’ll want to join our jubilee. Yes look, he leaps towards us eagerly.”

“Hm!” said Fox. “Can you tell me who?”

“Only the farmer’s Dog. I think you know him… Yes? …Ah, must you really go? I thought the three of us were all about to kiss.”

And he added just as Fox displayed his back:

“Surely you and he would love to speak of brotherly love and universal peace?”

“Be glad to, yes – but have no guarantee,” (shouted the Fox already far away) “That Master Dog has heard King Lion’s decree.”

Cunning is often caught in its own coils

This fable, often titled “The Fox, the Cock, and the Dog,” is a classic attributed to Aesop. It highlights the theme that cunning and deceit can often lead to unintended consequences.

In the story, a hungry Fox, seeking to catch a Cock, invents a false story about King Lion declaring a universal truce, ensuring that no beast would harm a bird. The Fox tries to persuade the Cock to come down from its high perch, promising safety and peace. The Cock, initially skeptical, notices the approach of the farmer’s Dog and suggests that they include him in their supposed jubilee of peace.

The Fox, realizing that the Dog might pose a threat, quickly abandons the idea and hastily retreats. The Cock, having seen through the Fox’s deception, remarks that there is no guarantee that the Dog has heard of King Lion’s decree.

The fable serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the potential for the deceiver to be caught in their own trap. It underscores the theme that cunning actions, designed to trick others, can backfire when unexpected elements come into play. The Cock’s keen observation prevents it from falling into the Fox’s scheme, revealing the fox’s true intentions and highlighting the folly of cunning without considering all possible outcomes.

A Lion and a Bear seized a Kid at the same moment, and fought fiercely for its possession.

When they had fearfully lacerated each other and were faint from the long combat, they lay down exhausted with fatigue.

A Fox, who had gone round them at a distance several times, saw them both stretched on the ground with the Kid lying untouched in the middle. He ran in between them, and seizing the Kid scampered off as fast as he could.

The Lion and the Bear saw him, but not being able to get up, said, “Woe be to us, that we should have fought and belabored ourselves only to serve the turn of a Fox.”

It sometimes happens that one man has all the toil, and another all the profit.

This fable, titled “The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox,” illustrates the concept that in a conflict, sometimes a third party benefits without having to endure the struggles of the main contenders. The moral of the story highlights the idea that while others engage in strife, there may be those who opportunistically take advantage of the situation for personal gain.

In the fable, the Lion and the Bear fight fiercely over a Kid, and after a long and exhausting battle, they are both too weakened to continue. The Fox, observing the situation from a distance, seizes the opportunity to claim the Kid for himself. Despite the efforts and suffering of the Lion and the Bear, the Fox effortlessly takes the prize without engaging in the battle.

The moral lesson suggests that life isn’t always fair, and those who contribute less may still benefit from the struggles of others. It serves as a cautionary tale about being aware of opportunistic individuals who may take advantage of conflicts or hardships to gain without putting in the effort.

The Lion, the Fox and the Ass entered into an agreement to assist each other in the chase.
Having secured a large booty, the Lion on their return from the forest asked the Ass to allot his due portion to each of the three partners in the treaty.
The Ass carefully divided the spoil into three equal shares and modestly requested the two others to make the first choice.
The Lion, bursting out into a great rage, devoured the Ass. Then he requested the Fox to do him the favor to make a division.
The Fox accumulated all that they had killed into one large heap and left to himself the smallest possible morsel.
The Lion said, “Who has taught you, my very excellent fellow, the art of division? You are perfect to a fraction.”
He replied, “I learned it from the Ass, by witnessing his fate.”
Happy is he who learns from the misfortunes of others.

This fable, often titled “The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass,” imparts a moral lesson about the consequences of greed and the wisdom of learning from the misfortunes of others.

In the story, the Lion, the Fox, and the Ass collaborate in a hunt and achieve a substantial booty. When it comes time to divide the spoils, the Ass, acting fairly, lets the others choose first. However, the Lion, unsatisfied with an equal share, devours the Ass in a fit of rage.

Next, the Lion asks the Fox to handle the division. The Fox, having observed the fate of the Ass, cleverly consolidates the entire bounty into a large heap and takes the smallest portion for himself. The Lion, now impressed with the Fox’s shrewdness, acknowledges the skillful division.

The moral of the story is encapsulated in the Fox’s response, emphasizing the importance of learning from the misfortunes of others. The fable teaches that wisdom lies in observing and understanding the consequences of actions, especially when it comes to matters of fairness and greed. The Fox’s ability to apply this lesson to his advantage demonstrates the value of being astute and discerning in various situations.

A lion, fatigued by the heat of a summer’s day, fell fast asleep in his den.
A Mouse ran over his mane and ears and woke him from his slumbers.
He rose up and shook himself in great wrath, and searched every corner of his den to find the Mouse.
A Fox seeing him said: “A fine Lion you are, to be frightened of a Mouse.”
“‘Tis not the Mouse I fear,” said the Lion; “I resent his familiarity and ill-breeding.”
Little liberties are great offenses.

This short fable, often titled “The Lion, the Mouse, and the Fox,” imparts a moral lesson about the consequences of underestimating seemingly inconsequential actions.

In the story, the Lion, tired from the heat, falls asleep in his den. A Mouse runs over him, waking him up. The Lion, angered by the Mouse’s actions, searches for the small creature in frustration. Witnessing this, a Fox mocks the Lion for being afraid of a Mouse.

However, the Lion clarifies that it’s not fear but resentment that motivates him. He takes offense at the Mouse’s familiarity and ill-breeding, considering the liberties taken by the small creature as great offenses.

The moral of the fable is encapsulated in the final statement: “Little liberties are great offenses.” It underscores the idea that seemingly minor actions or familiarities can have significant consequences. The story encourages individuals to be mindful of their behavior and interactions, as what may appear inconsequential to one might be perceived differently by another, leading to unintended consequences.

A Lioness mocked by a Vixen
For whelping a litter of one,
When the Vixen had nine,
Said; “Ah, but then mine,
Although only one, is a lion.”

It is quality not quantity that matters

This brief poem presents a fable-like scenario in which a Lioness, who has given birth to only one cub, is mocked by a Vixen (a female fox) who has nine offspring. The Lioness, despite having a small litter, defends herself by emphasizing the quality and significance of her single cub. The Lioness suggests that her lone cub, although numerically smaller, is still a lion, implying that its strength and majesty make up for the lack of quantity.

The fable carries a message about the value of quality over quantity, emphasizing the importance of individual strength and characteristics. It suggests that the worth of something may not solely be determined by its quantity but by its inherent qualities and attributes.

Once upon a time, a peasant on his way home heard a feeble voice calling “Help! Help!”

He looked round, took a careful step or two then realised that the sound was coming from beneath a large boulder. He asked in amazement: “Who’s that calling?”

And a voice replied, “It’s me. The rock rolled down over my hole and I’m shut in. I can’t get out, I’m going to die. Please help me. Move the boulder.”

The peasant then asked: “But who are you?”

“I’m a poor snake,” came the reply.

“A snake? But if I let you out you will bite me.”

“No, no, I promise I won’t. Get me out, please!”

The peasant allowed himself to be persuaded and he shifted the boulder . . . and out of a hole in the ground slid a snake which darted towards the peasant and tried to bite him.

The man jumped back and cried, “Why did you do that?”

The snake replied, “Because every good deed is rewarded by an evil one, didn’t you know that?”

“No, I didn’t. I don’t think that’s so,” said the peasant.

“Very well,” said the snake. “Let’s go and ask someone. If we come across someone who thinks as you do, well, that’s it, but if people say I’m right, then I shall bite you. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” said the peasant, and off they went. A little later, they met an old mangy lame horse, thin and covered in scratches, with an uncombed mane and dirty tail.

The peasant spoke to him. “Listen, friend. If someone does a good deed, what does he get as his reward?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, the horse replied. “A bad deed. Look at me! I served my master faithfully for years and now that I’m old, he has left me to die of starvation!”

At these words, the snake turned to the peasant and hissed, “Did you hear that? I shall bite you now!”

But the man exclaimed: “Wait! One question isn’t enough! We have to ask someone else.”

“Bother!” exclaimed the snake. “Very well, let’s look for someone else, but wait and see, I’m right and I’ll get my bite!”

So, leaving the horse behind, the pair went on their way.

They met a sheep which, at the peasant’s question, said: “A good deed is always repaid with a bad deed. Look at me, I always follow my master and never complain. I obey him all the time and what does he do? He shears my fleece in winter, so I feel the cold, and makes me keep it in summer, so I melt with the heat!”

“Get ready,” said the snake, “I’m about to bite!”

But the peasant said, “Please! We’ve had the first round, and the second one as well, now let’s play the deciding round. If I’m wrong at the third question, then I’ll let you bite me.”

On they went, and in the wood, the peasant caught sight of a fox. Suddenly he had an idea. With an excuse, he left the snake on the road and ran into the wood to speak to the fox.

“Listen, fox, do you too think that a good deed is always rewarded by a bad one?”

“Of course!” replied the fox. Then the man went on. “Well, listen, I’m going to ask you the same question in front of a snake. If you say that one good deed is rewarded by another good deed, I’ll give you a present of a piglet, a lamb or a goose. How’s that?”

“Good,” said the fox.

The peasant went back to the snake. “I saw a fox over there,” he said. “As you know, foxes are wise. Let’s go and hear what he thinks about it.”

A little later they asked the fox the same question and the fox replied as had been agreed. “A good deed is always rewarded with another good deed, but,” he went on, “why ask me that question?”

“Because this snake, that I helped to escape from his hole blocked by a boulder, wants to bite me,” replied the peasant. The fox looked at the snake and said, “Hmm! I think a snake can manage to slither under a boulder.”

“But it was a big boulder,” the snake protested, “and, it was blocking the entrance to my den.”

“I don’t believe you!”

“Oh, don’t you? Well come and see then,” said the snake, setting off for his den with the fox and the peasant.

Pointing to the boulder, he said, “See? That boulder fell just there,” and he pointed to the entrance.

But the fox shook his head. “A big snake like you couldn’t get into such a little hole,” he said.

Annoyed, the snake retorted, “Don’t you think so?” and slid swiftly into the hole.

Then the fox shouted, “Quick, peasant man! Shut him in!” and the peasant rolled the boulder back across the mouth of the den, imprisoning the snake (and I think he’s in there yet!).

“Ah, fox,” said the peasant happily, “now that was a good deed! You got rid of that wicked snake for me! Thanks a million!”

“Oh, it was nothing,” replied the fox, “but don’t forget that piglet, the lamb and the goose you promised me.”

“No, I won’t. Come to the farm this evening and you shall have them,” said the man.

That same evening, the fox went to the farm, but the peasant appeared with two snarling dogs and a gun, shouting, “Get out of here, you horrible beast, if you don’t want to get into trouble!”

The fox trotted away, sad and disappointed, muttering, “and they say I’m cunning! The cunning one is that peasant. Oh, well, that poor snake was probably right, good deeds are repaid with bad deeds,” and off he went, his tail between his legs, into the wood.

This is a lively and entertaining fable that weaves together themes of trust, deceit, and the consequences of one’s actions.

In the story, a peasant encounters a snake trapped under a boulder, seeking help. Despite initial skepticism, the peasant decides to assist the snake, only to be betrayed when the snake attempts to bite him. The peasant, however, manages to outsmart the snake with the help of a fox.

The fable suggests that good deeds may not always be met with kindness, as demonstrated by the ungrateful snake. It also introduces the notion that every action can have consequences, and the tables can turn unexpectedly. The cleverness of the peasant and the fox adds an element of wit to the narrative, reinforcing the idea that intelligence and resourcefulness can prevail over deceit.

In the end, the fox, expecting a reward for its assistance, is met with deception from the peasant. This twist highlights the cyclic nature of actions—what goes around comes around—and underscores the theme that one’s actions can lead to unexpected outcomes. The fable ends with a touch of irony, emphasizing the complexity of moral lessons and the importance of considering the consequences of one’s deeds.

In a quaint village nestled between the mountains and the sea, there lived a curious and playful little kitsune named Yuki. Yuki’s fur was as white as the winter snow, and her eyes held the gleam of mischief.

One day, Yuki happened upon a group of children playing near a babbling brook. Drawn to the sounds of laughter, she approached them with a friendly demeanor. The children, unaware of Yuki’s true nature, embraced her as one of their own.

Yuki reveled in the joy of companionship, spending her days playing games and exploring with the village children. Her magical abilities allowed her to take on a human form, and she delighted in the simple pleasures of human life.

As the seasons changed, Yuki’s bond with the children deepened. However, the wise elders of the village sensed her true identity and urged her to reveal the secret she held within.

One evening, under the silver glow of the moon, Yuki gathered the children by the brook. With a soft and gentle voice, she began to recount her tale.

“I am not as I seem,” Yuki confessed, her human form fading away to reveal her true fox self. “I am a little kitsune, a creature of magic and mystery. I came to your village seeking friendship and warmth.”

The children gasped in awe, their eyes fixed on Yuki’s enchanting transformation.

“I must return to the spirit realm,” Yuki continued, her eyes filled with both sadness and gratitude. “But I will carry the memories of our laughter and joy with me always.”

With a flick of her snowy tail, Yuki vanished into the night, leaving behind the whispers of a magical presence. The children, though saddened by her departure, carried the lessons of kindness and acceptance that Yuki had shared with them throughout their lives.

And so, the village remembered Yuki, the little kitsune who graced their lives with enchantment and left an enduring legacy in the hearts of those she touched.