The Cat and the Mouse in Partnership – A German Folk Tale about a Friendship Destroyed by Deceit
The German folk tale "The Cat and the Mouse in Partnership" tells the story of the friendship between a cat and a mouse, which is destroyed by deceit and greed of one of them.
Brief Description:
The Cat and the Mouse in Partnership is a moral tale about the friendship between a cat and a mouse, which is shattered by deceit and greed. The story teaches honesty and respect for companions.
In a small village on the edge of a forest, a cat and a mouse lived together in a cozy house. Despite their natural instincts, they decided to become partners to survive the harsh winter together. One day, the mouse suggested: — We need to make provisions so we don't go hungry. Let's buy a pot of fat and hide it in a safe place. The cat agreed, and they bought a large clay pot filled with fragrant fat. To ensure that no one would steal their supply, they decided to hide it under the altar in the church, where no one could reach it.
— This will be our shared supply, — said the mouse. — We will divide it equally when hard times come. The cat nodded in agreement, but deep down, she began to think of how to use the fat for her own benefit.
Several days passed. One day, the cat felt a strong temptation to try the hidden fat. She went to the mouse and said: — I have joyful news! My nephew was born, and I was invited to the christening. It’s an important family event, and I can’t refuse. The mouse, trusting her companion, replied: — Of course, go ahead. I’ll wait for you at home.
The cat went directly to the church where the pot was hidden. She carefully opened the lid and licked the top layer of fat, savoring its taste. Afterward, the cat returned home, and the mouse asked: — How was the christening? — Wonderful! — said the cat. — The child was named "First Eaten." — Strange name, — said the mouse. — But I suppose your family has its own traditions.
A few days later, the cat spoke again: — We have another christening. This time, a distant relative’s. Once again, the mouse let the cat go, not suspecting any deceit. The cat went to the pot and ate even more fat, leaving only half. When she returned home, she said: — The child was named "Half Eaten." The mouse frowned. — Your relatives choose strange names, — she remarked, but didn’t argue further.
For the third time, the cat came up with an excuse to leave. — I need to go to a christening. This is the last invitation, I promise. This time, the cat ate the remaining fat. When she returned, the mouse asked about the new name. — The child was named "All Eaten," — said the cat with a smug smile.
Winter came, and the food supplies began to run low. The mouse suggested: — It’s time to get our pot of fat. It will be very useful now. The cat, pretending to be innocent, agreed.
When they got to the church, the mouse struggled to move the altar. But when she opened the pot, she found that it was completely empty. — You’ve deceived me! — cried the mouse. — You ate all the fat and didn’t even think to leave me some! The cat glared at the mouse. — If you’re so clever, — she said, — then you shouldn’t worry about supplies anymore! With these words, the cat attacked the mouse and ate her.
Since then, cats and mice have been bitter enemies, and their friendship has been forever lost.
The Moral of the Story:
The tale shows that greed and deceit destroy any relationship. Trust is easily lost, and without it, friendship and understanding are impossible.
Questions for Children:
- Why did the cat decide to eat the fat, even though it was meant to be a shared supply?
- Why did the mouse begin to doubt the cat's honesty?
- What lesson can we learn from this story?
What's Your Reaction?
