The Story of “The Fox and the Horse”
A peasant once had a faithful Horse, but it had grown old and could no longer do its work. Its master grudged it food, and said: “I can’t use you any more, but I still feel kindly towards you, and if you show yourself strong enough to bring me a Lion I will keep you to the end of your days. But away with you now, out of my stable”; and he drove it out into the open country.
The poor Horse was very sad, and went into the forest to get a little shelter from the wind and weather. There he met a Fox, who said: “Why do you hang your head, and wander about in this solitary fashion?”
“Alas !” answered the Horse, “avarice and honesty cannot live together. My master has forgotten all the service I have done him for these many years, and because I can no longer plough he will no longer feed me, and he has driven me away.”
“Without any consideration?” asked the Fox.
“Only the poor consolation of telling me that if I was strong enough to bring him a Lion he would keep me, but he knows well enough that the task is beyond me.”
The Fox said: “But I will help you. Just you lie down here, and stretch your legs out as if you were dead.” The Horse did as he was told, and the Fox went to the Lion’s den, not far off, and said: “There is a dead Horse out there. Come along with me, and you will have a rare meal.” The Lion went with him, and when they got up to the Horse, the Fox said: “You can’t eat it in comfort here. I ’ll tell you what. I will tie it to you, and you can drag it away to your den, and enjoy it at your leisure.”
The plan pleased the Lion, and he stood quite still, close to the Horse, so that the Fox should fasten them together. But the Fox tied the Lion’s legs together with the Horse’s tail, and twisted and knotted it so that it would be quite impossible for it to come undone.
When he had finished his work he patted the Horse on the shoulder, and said: “Pull, old Grey! Pull!”
Then the Horse sprang up, and dragged the Lion away behind him. The Lion in his rage roared, so that all the birds in the forest were terrified, and flew away. But the Horse let him roar, and never stopped till he stood before his master’s door.
When the master saw him he was delighted, and said to him: “You shall stay with me, and have a good time as long as you live.”
And he fed him well till he died.
The Story of “The Fox and the Horse”
– Grimm’s Fairy Tales –
The Moral of the Grimm Fairy Tale “The Fox and the Horse”
“The Fox and the Horse” is more than just a fantastical tale — it delivers a profound message about loyalty, gratitude, and wisdom. Through the journey of an old horse cast away by its master and helped by a clever fox, the story offers valuable lessons for readers of all ages, especially children.
Also known as “The Horse, the Fox, and the Lion”, we retain the title “The Fox and the Horse” here, which closely matches the version in “The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm”, translated by Alice Lucas and published in 1909.
Below are the key takeaways from this meaningful fairy tale.
1. When Loyalty Is Forgotten
From the very beginning, the reader is struck by the sorrow and injustice faced by the old horse. After years of loyal service, he is cast aside simply because he can no longer work. This moment symbolizes ingratitude — a flaw that still exists in real life, when people forget those who once supported them.
2. The Power of Wisdom and Compassion in “The Fox and the Horse”
The turning point in the fairy tale “The Fox and the Horse” is the fox’s appearance — a symbol of wit and quick thinking. Instead of merely sympathizing, the fox takes clever and kind-hearted action to help the horse. Through a harmless trick, the horse is vindicated and regains his master’s favor.
This part of the story conveys a powerful message: strength does not always come from brute force, but often from intelligence and empathy.
3. A Lesson in Gratitude and How We Treat Those Who Stood by Us
The master in the tale represents those who only value others when they are useful. However, when the horse brings back a lion, the master’s attitude immediately changes. This raises an important question: is gratitude truly sincere, or only convenient?
The story may be gentle, but it reminds us to appreciate those who have helped us — even if they are no longer as strong or capable as before.
Conclusion
Though short, the Grimm fairy tale “The Fox and the Horse” carries timeless lessons about human relationships. It teaches children to be grateful, to trust in kindness, and to value intelligence. Adults, too, can reflect on the tale and learn to cherish long-standing, genuine bonds in their lives.