The Fox and the Horse (Grimm)
Division into chapters is editorial.
The old horses abandonment
A peasant owned a faithful horse that had served him well for many years. However, as the horse grew old and weak, he could no longer perform the heavy work required of him. The peasant decided he could no longer afford to feed an animal that provided no labor in return.
The master gave his horse an ultimatum before driving him away:
I can certainly make no more use of thee, but still I mean well by thee; if thou provest thyself still strong enough to bring me a lion here, I will maintain thee
With these words, the peasant chased the horse out of his stable and into the open countryside. The horse felt deeply saddened by this rejection and wandered into the forest seeking shelter from the weather. There he encountered a fox who noticed his dejected state and asked why he appeared so melancholy and walked alone.
The foxs clever deception
The horse explained his bitter situation to the fox, lamenting how his years of faithful service had been forgotten:
Alas, avarice and fidelity do not dwell together in one house. My master has forgotten what services I have performed for him for so many years
The horse further explained that his master had given him an impossible task - to bring him a lion - knowing full well that the old horse could never accomplish such a feat. The fox, however, was clever and compassionate.
The fox devised an ingenious plan to help his new friend. He instructed the horse to lie down and pretend to be dead, remaining perfectly still. The horse followed these instructions, and the fox went to find a lion who lived in a nearby den. The fox told the lion about the dead horse, promising him a rich meal if he would come along.
When they reached the horse, the fox suggested that the lion would be more comfortable eating in his own cave. He offered to tie the horse to the lion's tail so the lion could drag his meal home. The lion agreed to this arrangement and lay down quietly while the fox worked. However, the fox had a different plan in mind. Instead of simply tying the horse to the lion, he bound the lion's legs together with the horse's tail, creating an inescapable trap. Once his work was complete, the fox tapped the horse and commanded him to pull.
The horse immediately sprang to life and began dragging the helpless lion behind him. The lion roared so loudly that all the birds in the forest fled in terror, but the horse continued pulling his captive across the countryside toward his master's home.
The horses successful return
The horse successfully completed his seemingly impossible task, arriving at his master's door with the lion in tow. When the peasant saw that his old horse had actually managed to bring him a lion, he was amazed and had a complete change of heart. The master realized he had underestimated his faithful servant and welcomed him back.
When the master saw the lion, he was of a better mind, and said to the horse, Thou shalt stay with me and fare well, and he gave him plenty to eat until he died.
True to his word, the peasant kept his promise and provided the horse with abundant food and comfortable shelter for the remainder of his days. The clever fox's plan had not only saved the horse from abandonment but had also restored him to his rightful place of honor. The horse lived out his final years in comfort and dignity, cared for by the master who had once cast him aside. Through the fox's wisdom and friendship, loyalty was ultimately rewarded, and the faithful horse received the peaceful retirement he deserved after his years of devoted service.