The Brave Rooster – A Tale of Courage and Cleverness

Summary: On a farm, a cunning fox tried to steal hens, but the brave rooster managed to outsmart her with wit and courage. He not only saved the henhouse but became a true hero.

On a large farm, behind a fence, lived hens and their chicks. Watching over them was a rooster—proud, brave, and attentive. Every morning, he woke the farmers with his loud crowing, and at night, he stayed on guard to protect his flock.

One night, a fox crept out of the forest toward the farm. Her sly eyes gleamed in the darkness, and her bushy tail glided silently over the ground. She had long been planning to sneak into the henhouse and snatch a couple of hens for dinner. As she approached, she hid in the shadows to avoid waking the dogs.

But the rooster heard her rustling. He perked up, listened closely, and crowed loudly: “Who dares to sneak up on our home? Do you think I won’t notice?” The fox, realizing she had been spotted, decided to change her tactics. She stepped out of the shadows, smiled, and said, “Oh, it’s you, dear rooster. I mean no harm to you or the hens. I was just passing by and thought I’d speak to such an important and brave guardian.”

The rooster, understanding her deceitful plan, pretended to be polite. “Well,” he said, “if you truly come in peace, let’s talk in the moonlit yard. That way, I can see you better.”

The fox, pleased that the rooster wasn’t raising the alarm, agreed. She confidently followed him into the yard, thinking she could soon grab him. But the rooster was already planning how to outwit her. Once they were in the open, he suddenly flew up onto the fence and crowed at the top of his lungs: “Dogs, wake up! We have a guest!”

His loud call woke all the animals on the farm. The dogs broke free from their chains and dashed toward the henhouse. The fox, realizing her plan had failed, ran away. Her tail disappeared into the darkness, accompanied by the barking of the dogs as they chased her back to the forest.

By morning, the hens had learned how the rooster had saved them from danger. They gathered around him, praising his courage and cleverness. Even the farmer noticed his bravery and said, “You’re not only the best alarm clock on the farm but also a true protector!” The rooster humbly replied, “The most important thing is to protect those close to you. Courage and wit can overcome any foe.”

Moral of the story: Intelligence and cleverness are stronger than any deceit. A true leader always protects those who depend on them.

Discussion Questions:

• Why did the rooster immediately suspect the fox’s intentions?
• How did the rooster use his wit to drive the fox away?
• What does this story teach us about courage and responsibility?