The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage: Grimm's Fairy Tales

The Story of "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"

Once upon a time, a Mouse, a Bird, and a Sausage went into partnership; they kept house together long and amicably, and thus had increased their possessions. It was the Bird’s work to fly to the forest every day and bring back wood. The Mouse had to carry water, make up the fire, and set the table, while the Sausage did the cooking.

Whoever is too well off is always eager for something new.

One day the Bird met a friend, to whom it sang the praises of its comfortable circumstances. But the other bird scolded it, and called it a poor creature who did all the hard work, while the other two had an easy time at home. For when the Mouse had made up the fire, and carried the water, she betook herself to her little room to rest till she was called to lay the table. The Sausage only had to stay by the hearth and take care that the food was nicely cooked; when it was nearly dinner-time, she passed herself once or twice through the broth and the vegetables, and they were then buttered, salted, and flavoured, ready to eat. Then the Bird came home, laid his burden aside, and they all sat down to table; and after their meal they slept their fill till morning. It was indeed a delightful life.

Another day the Bird, owing to the instigations of his friend, declined to go and fetch any more wood, saying that he had been drudge long enough, and had only been their dupe; they must now make a change and try some other arrangement.

In spite of the fervent entreaties of the Mouse and the Sausage, the Bird got his way. They decided to draw lots, and the lot fell on the Sausage, who was to carry the wood; the Mouse became cook, and the Bird was to fetch water.

What was the result?

The Sausage went out into the forest, the Bird made up the fire, while the Mouse put on the pot and waited alone for the Sausage to come home, bringing wood for the next day. But the Sausage stayed away so long that the other two suspected something wrong, and the Bird flew out to take the air in the hope of meeting her. Not far off he fell in with a Dog which had met the poor Sausage and fallen upon her as lawful prey, seized her, and quickly swallowed her.

The Bird complained bitterly to the Dog of his barefaced robbery, but it was no good; for the Dog said he had found forged letters on the Sausage, whereby her life was forfeit to him.

The Bird took the wood and flew sadly home with it, and related what he had seen and heard. They were much upset, but they determined to do the best they could and stay together. So the Bird laid the table, and the Mouse prepared their meal. She tried to cook it, and, like the Sausage, to dip herself in the vegetables so as to flavour them. But before she got well into the midst of them she came to a stand-still, and in the attempt lost her hair, skin, and life itself.

When the Bird came back and wanted to serve up the meal, there was no cook to be seen. The Bird in his agitation threw the wood about, called and searched everywhere, but could not find his cook. Then, owing to his carelessness, the wood caught fire and there was a blaze. The Bird hastened to fetch water, but the bucket fell into the well and the Bird with it; he could not recover himself, and so he was drowned.

The Story of "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"
- Grimm's Fairy Tales -

The Moral Lessons from "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"

"The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage," a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, presents a poignant narrative about partnership, contentment, and the consequences of disrupting a well-functioning system. Through the story of an unusual trio—a Mouse, a Bird, and a Sausage—who live and work together harmoniously, we glean valuable lessons on the perils of envy and the importance of appreciating and maintaining the balance in our lives.

1. The Dangers of Envy and Discontent

The tale begins with a depiction of a successful and peaceful partnership. Each character has a role that contributes to their collective well-being. However, the Bird, driven by envy and discontent after meeting a friend, becomes dissatisfied with its role and seeks a change. This shift in attitude leads to disastrous consequences.

The story teaches us that envy and discontent can undermine a stable and successful arrangement, much like in "The Boy and the Filberts," where dissatisfaction leads to loss. It serves as a reminder to be grateful for what we have and to recognize the value of our contributions and roles.

2. The Importance of Understanding One’s Role in "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"

One of the most significant lessons from this fable is the importance of understanding and appreciating the roles and contributions of others. In their original arrangement, each character had a specific task suited to their abilities. The bird fetched wood, the mouse prepared the table and fire, and the sausage cooked. Each task was essential to their mutual well-being, and together, they lived in harmony.

However, when the bird, influenced by a friend's suggestion, began to feel discontented with its role, it failed to recognize the value of the work done by the mouse and the sausage. This dissatisfaction led to the rearrangement of roles, which ultimately had disastrous consequences. The story reminds us that every role, no matter how small it may seem, is vital to the overall success of a team or community. Disrupting a well-balanced system out of envy or misunderstanding can lead to unforeseen and often tragic outcomes.

3. The Consequences of Disrupting Harmony

The disruption of their established roles results in a series of unfortunate events, similar to the outcome in "The Boy and the Filberts," where a lack of restraint leads to disaster. The tale warns of the consequences of disrupting harmony and balance. It highlights how altering a well-functioning system without careful consideration can lead to failure and ruin.

4. The Risks of Overreaching and Ambition in "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"

The Bird’s ambition to change the status quo leads to the group’s downfall. The story warns against overreaching and ambitious desires that are not grounded in practicality. It suggests that sometimes, ambition and the desire for change can cloud judgment and lead to actions that are ultimately harmful. The tale encourages us to carefully evaluate the potential impact of our ambitions and to avoid making changes that could disrupt a successful and balanced situation.

5. The Value of Teamwork and Cooperation

The original arrangement among the Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage was effective because it capitalized on each character’s strengths, much like how the boy in "The Boy and the Filberts" learned the hard way about the importance of moderation. The Bird fetched wood, the Mouse managed the household tasks, and the Sausage cooked. Their success was a result of their teamwork and cooperation. The story illustrates that effective teamwork relies on each member performing their designated role. Cooperation and mutual respect are key to achieving common goals and maintaining harmony.

6. The Value of Contentment in "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage"

Lastly, the fable underscores the value of contentment. The characters initially lived a contented life, but the bird's desire for change, spurred by outside influence, led to the destruction of their happiness. The story reminds us that contentment with our circumstances, when they are just and balanced, is a source of peace and stability. Constantly seeking change for the sake of change, especially when driven by envy or dissatisfaction, can lead to negative consequences.

Conclusion

"The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage" is a timeless tale that offers profound insights into human nature and the dynamics of relationships. It emphasizes the dangers of envy, the importance of respecting and understanding one’s role, and the value of maintaining harmony and cooperation. By reflecting on these lessons, we can better appreciate the balance in our own lives and relationships, and strive to work together effectively while recognizing and valuing each other’s contributions.