The Fox and His Cousin (Grimm)
Division into chapters is editorial.
The fox becomes godfather and proposes a plan
A she-wolf gave birth to a young pup and decided to invite the fox to serve as godfather to her newborn son. She considered him a close relative who possessed good understanding and talent, believing he could properly instruct her little son and help him succeed in the world.
After all, he is a near relative of ours... he has a good understanding, and much talent; he can instruct my little son, and help him forward in the world.
The fox appeared quite honest and graciously accepted the honor, promising to conduct himself in such a way that she would be repaid for her trust. He enjoyed himself thoroughly at the christening feast and made merry with the other guests. After the celebration, the fox suggested they should take proper care of the child by ensuring it had good food to grow strong.
He told the she-wolf he knew of a sheepfold where they could fetch a nice morsel for the pup.
The wolf falls into the trap while the fox escapes
The she-wolf was pleased with this suggestion, and together they set out for the farmyard. The fox pointed out the sheepfold from a distance and explained that she would be able to creep inside without being seen. He claimed he would look around on the other side to see if he could pick up a chicken for their meal.
He, however, did not go there, but sat down at the entrance to the forest, stretched his legs and rested.
Meanwhile, the trusting she-wolf crept into the stable as planned. Unfortunately for her, a dog was lying inside the building, and when it detected her presence, it made such a tremendous noise that the peasants came running out immediately. They caught the she-wolf and poured a strong burning mixture over her skin - a harsh chemical solution that had been prepared for washing.
The she-wolf barely managed to escape from this painful ordeal and dragged herself outside, badly injured and suffering from the burning chemicals on her skin. When she finally made it out of the farmyard, she discovered the fox lying near the entrance to the forest, apparently in great distress and complaining loudly about his own supposed misfortune.
Ah, dear Mistress Gossip, how ill I have fared, the peasants have fallen on me, and have broken every limb I have; if you do not want me to lie where I am and perish...
The fox claimed that the peasants had attacked him and broken every bone in his body, begging her not to let him lie there and die. Despite her own severe injuries and weakness, the she-wolf was filled with concern for her supposed fellow victim.
The foxs deception and final mockery
Although the she-wolf could barely move herself due to her injuries, her compassionate nature compelled her to help the fox. She took him onto her back and slowly, painfully carried him all the way to her house, believing she was saving the life of her trusted friend and the godfather of her child.
Once they reached the safety of her home, the fox's true nature was revealed. Instead of showing gratitude for her sacrifice and kindness, he suddenly sprang to life, perfectly healthy and uninjured. The cunning trickster had been completely unharmed the entire time, having safely waited at the forest entrance while she suffered the consequences of his deceptive plan.
Farewell, dear Mistress Gossip, may the roasting you have had do you good, laughed heartily at her, and bounded off.
With these mocking words, the fox revealed his complete lack of remorse for his betrayal. He laughed heartily at the she-wolf's pain and suffering, then bounded away into the forest, leaving his victim to recover from her injuries alone. The tale ended with the fox's successful deception, having manipulated the she-wolf's trust and maternal instincts for his own selfish benefit while avoiding any consequences for his treacherous actions.