The Fox and the Crane – A Russian Folk Tale about Friendship and Cleverness
The folk tale "The Fox and the Crane" is an exciting story about how the sly fox and the resourceful crane tried to treat each other, each in their own way. Read the full version of the tale!
Description: This Russian folk tale tells the story of the clever fox and the crane, who tried to treat each other, but each did so in their own way. An exciting story that teaches us the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated. Read the full text of the tale!
Once upon a time, there lived a fox and a crane. One day they decided to become friends. The fox invited the crane over and said:
– Come, my friend, I will treat you as it should be!
The crane was delighted and came on the appointed day. The fox placed a plate of semolina porridge in front of him, spreading it in a thin layer and said:
– Eat, crane, don’t be shy! I made it just for you.
The crane tried to peck at the porridge with his long beak, but he couldn’t get any. He pecked and pecked, but it was no use. Meanwhile, the fox enjoyed licking up the porridge and asked:
– Well, my friend, is it tasty?
The crane replied:
– Thank you, fox, it’s good. Now come to my place, I’ll treat you too.
The next day, the fox went to visit the crane. The crane greeted him, seated him at the table, and placed a jug with a narrow neck, full of fragrant meat broth, in front of him.
– Eat, fox, help yourself! I made it just for you, – said the crane.
The fox tried to stick his muzzle into the jug, but he couldn’t reach the food. He turned the jug, licked it from the outside, but remained hungry. Meanwhile, the crane, with his long neck, calmly drank the broth from the jug and finished it to the last drop.
When the fox was about to leave, the crane asked:
– Well, my dear friend, did you enjoy the treat?
The fox realized that the crane had gotten back at him for his trickery. Lowering his head, he replied:
– Thank you, crane, it was very delicious.
From that day on, the fox and the crane no longer invited each other over and stopped being friends.
Moral: This tale teaches us that we should respect others and treat people the way we would like to be treated.
Questions for children:
- Why did the fox invite the crane over?
- What did the crane serve the fox for lunch?
- What lesson does this story teach us?
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