The Fox and the Rooster – A German Folk Tale about Wit and Overcoming Deception

Brief Description:

The Fox and the Rooster is a German folk tale in which the cunning fox tries to deceive and catch the rooster. But thanks to his wit and caution, the rooster not only escapes but also teaches the fox an important lesson.

At the edge of the forest, next to a large farm, lived a rooster. His bright plumage shimmered in the sunlight, and his loud voice echoed across the area. Every morning, he woke the farmers and animals, proudly singing his song. However, in the same forest lived a cunning fox, who had long wanted to catch the rooster.

— This rooster is too loud, — grumbled the fox. — Every time I hear him, I get even hungrier. But don't worry, soon he will be my lunch.

One morning, the fox decided to take action. She tracked the rooster and hid in the thick bushes near the fence where he usually sat. The rooster, unsuspecting, hopped onto the fence and began singing. His loud "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" echoed throughout the farm.

Then the fox leapt out of the bushes and, smiling, said: — Oh, rooster! What a wonderful voice you have! I've never heard anything more beautiful. You deserve to sing for the king, not for these rough farmers. Come down to me, and I will take you to the king, where your talent will be truly appreciated.

The rooster looked closely at the fox and, noticing the sly gleam in her eyes, immediately understood what she had planned. But he decided not to reveal that he knew. — Oh, what an honor! — he exclaimed. — Do you really think my voice is that good? — Of course! — replied the fox. — Come down to me, and I will help you get to the palace.

— Wonderful! — said the rooster. — But first I want to sing even louder. Close your eyes and come closer so you can fully enjoy my song. Only then will you be able to appreciate its beauty.

The fox, confident that the rooster had fallen into her trap, closed her eyes and began to approach. But as soon as she got close enough, the rooster loudly cried: — Master! Run here with the dog, the fox wants to steal me!

Upon hearing these words, the fox opened her eyes and saw that her plan had failed. She ran away as fast as she could, before the dogs could catch her. The rooster stayed on the fence, laughing at her failure.

But the story didn’t end there. The fox, hurt by her failure, decided to come up with a new plan. The next day, she returned, pretending to be broken and tired, and approached the fence again. — Oh, rooster, yesterday I was so hungry that I lost my head. But now I just want to be your friend. Let me help you, and we can take a walk in the forest together. But the rooster, remembering her trick, simply laughed and said: — Fox, this time I see your deception too. You can fool anyone, but not me. Go away before the master comes with the dog again!

Realizing that she could not fool the rooster, the fox left forever. From that day on, she never returned to the farm, and the rooster continued singing his songs, proud of his wit.

The Moral of the Story:

The tale teaches that trickery and flattery can be exposed if you use your wit and caution. Always be attentive to the words and actions of others, especially if they seem too sweet.

Questions for Children:

1. Why did the fox want to catch the rooster?
2. How did the rooster outsmart the fox?
3. What lesson does this story teach us?