Tiny Tales: Traditional Stories in 100 Words: February 2021

The Wolves and the Dogs, Brothers

"Why don't we live as brothers?" said the wolves to the dogs. "After all, we're as alike as brothers can be. What you want, we want, and what we want, you want. The only difference is that we are free while you are the slaves of men, locked up in chains, whipped, beaten, guarding the sheep that they will eat, giving you only the bones. Become our allies, and we will have the flock in common, eating all we want."

The dogs agreed, but when they entered the den of wolves, the wolves tore them to pieces and devoured them.

wolf

The Wolf and the Sheepdogs

A shepherd found a wolf-cub and raised it with his own dogs.

When the wolf grew up, he joined the dogs in chasing any wolf who dared steal a sheep from the flock.

Sometimes, however, the dogs weren't strong enough to keep up the pace. Leaving the dogs behind, the two wolves would feast together on the stolen sheep.

The shepherd's wolf got so used to eating sheep that he would occasionally steal a sheep from the flock, and even share the sheep with the dogs.

The shepherd finally realized what was happening and hanged the wolf from a tree.

Medici Aesop

The Wolf and the Ferryman

A wolf needed to cross a river. "Ferry me!" he said to the ferryman.

"The fee is three true things," said the ferryman.

"Agreed!" said the wolf.

As they set sail, the ferryman asked for the first thing.

"He does good who is good," said the wolf.

Midway across the river, the ferryman asked for the second, and the wolf said, "He does bad who is bad."

"And the third?"

"Not yet," said the wolf.

Then, when they reached the other shore, the wolf leaped from the boat and shouted, "He who helps a villain like me is a fool!"

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.
Notes: This is fable 74. Lupus et Nauta in the book, which is Perry 687, from the Romulus Anglicus. I changed what the wolf says since I couldn't quite catch the wordplay in the Latin.

wolf in medieval ms.

The Donkey's Special Dispensation

King Lion summoned all the animals. "Where is Donkey?" he asked.

"I saw him nibbling grass in the meadow," said Wolf.

"Go get him!" roared Lion.

Wolf went to the meadow. "Your king summons you!" he said.

"But I have a special dispensation to remain here," said Donkey, "and it is signed with the royal seal. Come read it for yourself, dear Wolf!"

"Show me this special dispensation!" snarled Wolf. "Where is it?"

"I keep it in my back right hoof," said Donkey.

As Wolf bent down to look, Donkey kicked him in the head and then galloped away, laughing.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.
Notes: This is fable 71. Vulpes, Lupus, et Asini Privilegium in the book, which is Perry 638, from Odo of Cheriton (and it also appears in La Fontaine). In the original story, the lion sends both the fox and the wolf, and the fox is the one kicked by the donkey, and the wolf then keeps his distance. I retold the story with just the wolf.

illustration by Billinghurst

The Fox, the Wolf, and the Cheese

A fox saw the moon's reflection in a well and thought it was cheese.

This well had two buckets: when one went down, the came up. The fox hopped in the bucket and rode down, only to discover there was no cheese.

She was trapped!

Finally she saw a wolf peering down at her. "What are you doing down there?" he asked.
"I found a wheel of cheese," she replied. "I've eaten all I want; hop in the bucket and come eat the rest!"

The wolf rode the bucket down, sending the fox up, and then she ran off, laughing.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.
Notes: This is fable 70. Vulpes, Lupus, et Caseus in the book, which is from Desbillons (and it also appears in La Fontaine 11.6). In the original story, the fox is in the well so long that the moon is no longer full, so the fox tells the wolf that she's gnawed on that side, leaving the rest for the wolf.

illustration by Tilney

Rusticus in Arborem Ascendens

Rusticus olim in arborem ascendit,

poma quaerens.

Arbor alta est,

et rusticus laboriose in summam arborem ascendit.

Tunc rusticus de arbore delapsus est,

et, graviter laesus, clamat, gemens,

"Adiuva me! Laesus sum!"

Viator forte praeteriens rusticum audit

et accurrit, auxilium offerens.

"Gratias tibi ago," rusticus dicit.

Viator respondet,

"Consilium quoque tibi offero!

Consilio meo usus, numquam de arbore cades."

Rusticus dicit,

“Utinam ante casum meum consilium dedisses!

Sed proderit tamen etiam in posterum;

dic igitur.”

Tum viator dicit, ridens,

"In summam arborem ascendens,

cave

ne velocius terram repetas

quam summitatem."

Fabula docet:

Cunctatio saepe prodest,

et salus est in mora.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 823. Rusticus de Arbore Delapsus, from Camerarius (not in Perry). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Going Up a Tree and Coming Down.

from Brant's Aesop

Vulpes Pacem Annuntians

Vulpes, gallum in arbore residentem videns, dicit,

"Te saluto, amice!

Descende et huc veni!

Tecum de multis rebus colloquium habere volo."

Gallus negat.

"Mea sententia hic tutior sum."

Vulpes respondet,

"Sed pacem universalem tibi annuntio!

Nos omnes in amicitia et concordia vivimus."

Gallus intente in silvam distantem oculos divertit.

Vulpes rogat,

"Quid tam intente prospicis?”

Gallus respondet,

"Canes venaticos video,

huc rapide currentes."

Vulpes iam fugit, clamans,

"Si hoc verum est,

ego quam celerrime hinc me recipiam."

Gallus exclamat,

"Noli festinare!

Nonne omnia animalia pacem inter se agunt?"

Vulpes respondet,

"Verum est,

at fortasse ad canes edictum nondum profectum est."

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 46. Vulpes Pacem Annuntians, from Thomas's Latin textbook (Perry 671). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Fox and Rooster's Conversation.

illustration by Praeger

Vulpes et Taxus

Taxus, vulpem ducens ad curiam leonis, dicit,

"Gravium scelerum damnata est,

et leo te suspendet hodie.

Confessionem fac de peccatis tuis!"

Vulpes confessa est

de gallinis multis raptis, necatis, devoratis.

Tunc addit,

"Deo promitto ac spondeo:

dum vivo, gallinis abstineo."

Vulpes hoc promittit, cogitans sibi,

"Non durabit vita mea."

Taxus, commotus, respondet,

"Deus te benedicat."

Inter ambulandum,

vulpes gallinam iuxta tugurium quoddam videt,

et taxo dicit,

"Illa est via qua incedere debemus,

scilicet iuxta tugurium illud."

Cui taxus respondet, gallinam videns,

"Quid de iuramento tuo?"

De gallinis abstinere debes!"

Vulpes ridet.

"Tu recordatus,

sed ego iuramenti mei iam oblita sum."

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 53. Vulpes et Taxus, from Jacques de Vitry (not in Perry). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Fox and Badger.

medieval fox

The Fox and the Donkey

A donkey found a lion skin that had fallen off a merchant's cart. Delighted, the donkey put on the skin, and then roamed the woods, terrorizing the other animals. They really thought he was a lion, running away as soon as they saw him. The donkey started to think he actually was a lion!

The fox was terrified when she saw him, but just as she was about to run away, the donkey decided to roar. "Hee haw! Hee haw!"

The fox burst out laughing. "You scared me at first, Donkey!" she said. "But then you opened your big mouth."

illustration by Conde

Fox and Badger

Badger was leading Fox to the court of the lion-king where she was to be hanged. "Confess your sins before you leave this world," said Badger.

"I've stolen and killed many chickens," said Fox. Then, thinking her life was almost over, she added, "I swear to God I'll never do it again!"

Then, as they were walking, Fox saw a chicken outside a farmer's house. "That way!" said Fox. "That's the way to the lion-king's court!"

"Wicked creature!" said Badger. "You swore you would sin no more!"

"Well, you might remember what I said," replied Fox, "but I'd already forgotten."

badger

The Fox's Just Deserts

The sly fox liked to stretch out on the ground, pretending to be dead; it was her trick for catching birds. She would lie there in a muddy field, waiting for crows and other scavengers to alight on her body. Then, as soon as they landed, the fox would spring up, grab the birds, and devour them.

One day, however, a dog ran up and began tearing at the supposedly dead fox with his teeth. Groaning in agony, the fox exclaimed, "This is what I deserve: I used my wiles to catch the birds, and now I myself am caught."

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.
Notes: This is fable 52. Vulpes Mortem Simulans et Canis in the book, which is not in Perry, but which is based on a common motif in the medieval bestiary tradition.

bestiary illustration

Rabbit Finds Panther in a Pit

Rabbit found Panther in a pit.

"He looks dead!" said Rabbit. "I'll take him home and eat him."

Rabbit hauled Panther out of the pit, but Panther wasn't dead. He'd waited in that pit to catch Rabbit.

Rabbit ran, but Panther grabbed him.

"They say you're the world's greatest jumper," said Rabbit. "If someone throws an apple, you can jump up and catch it between your legs before it hits the ground."

"Easy!" said Panther.

Rabbit threw an apple. "Show me!"

When Panther jumped, Rabbit ran.

Rabbit didn't get to eat Panther, but Panther didn't get to eat Rabbit either.

Inspired by: Negro Tales from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Calvin, Michigan by Richard Dorson (online at Hathi).
Notes: This story is "Rabbit Fool the Panther" as told by James Douglas Suggs. The original story also has Turtle as part of the story with Panther scratching at Turtle until Turtle finally goes off and leaves Rabbit to deal with Panther on his own.

How Rabbit Got His Long Ears

When Rabbit boarded Noah's ark, he had short little ears, kind of like a mouse. Not like Rabbits today.

Times were hard there in in the ark: forty days and nights of rain, and even Noah got nervous when the ark started leaking.

All the animals were gossiping and spreading rumors, and Rabbit listened at every keyhole to hear everybody's business. Elephants ate too much, Dogs snored, Goats wouldn't share their tobacco, and so on.

By the time they reached land, Rabbit's ears had grown tall from stretching to listen at keyholes, and Rabbit's ears are long to this day.

Inspired by: How and why stories, recorded by John C. Branner (online at Hathi), with illustrations by R. K. Culver.
Notes: This story is "21 Why the Rabbit Has Long Ears," and here is an illustration showing Rabbit's short ears when he entered the ark:

Wolf Steals Rabbit's Pig

Rabbit was courting Wolf's daughter.

Waiting on the porch, Rabbit heard Wolf say, "Keep Rabbit here this evening. I'm going to steal Rabbit's prize pig."

Rabbit ran home lickity-split and hid, watching.

Then he saw Wolf take his pig and put it in a sack.

When Wolf went to fetch a cart, Rabbit hopped in the sack with the pig.

Wolf returned, threw the sack into the cart, and drove off.

From inside the sack, Rabbit moaned, "Oooooooooooo-eeee-ooo!"

"Who's there?" said Wolf.

"Oooooooooooo-eeee-ooo!"

"The devil's in that sack," shouted Wolf, and he took off running.

Rabbit took his pig home.

Inspired by: Tales of the Rabbit from Georgia Negroes by Emma Backus (in JAF, online at Hathi).
Notes: This story is When Brer Rabbit Save the Pig." In Backus's verison, Wolf and Bear are collaborating. To shorten the story, I focused on Wolf, and had him tell the plan to his daughter.

Lapin and Bouki in the Smokehouse

"I'm starving!" Bouki told Lapin.

"I'll share my secret way into the Frenchmen's smokehouse," said Lapin. "But don't be greedy."

Lapin showed Bouki a hole in the smokehouse wall. They crept in.

Lapin carved a small piece of meat, but Bouki unrolled a bag he had brought and began filling it.

"Fool!" said Lapin, and he hopped back out through the hole.

Bouki finally tied his bulging sack, ready to leave, but the bundle was too big for the hole.

Bouki pushed and shoved, shoved and pushed, all night long.

Then dawn came.

The Frenchmen caught Bouki and whipped him.

Inspired by: Buying the Wind: Regional Folklore in the United States by Richard Dorson.
Notes: This is "Bouki and Lapin in the Smokehouse" recorded by Calvin Claudel in 1883 from his mother, Mrs. Leota Edwards Claudel. The opening part of the story has Bouki trying to trick the rooster into crowing to wake Lapin to go sooner.

Rabbit, Raccoon, and the Frogs

"What's wrong with you?" Rabbit asked Raccoon.

"I"m starving!" said Raccoon. "The Frogs are so sly now I can't catch them."

"Lie there and play dead," said Rabbit. "Don't move!"

Then Rabbit yelled, "Raccoon's dead!"

Bullfrog came. "I don't believe it."

"Well, let's bury him," said Rabbit. "Start digging."

Bullfrog and all the Frogs started digging.

"Deep enough!" said Bullfrog.

"Can you jump out?" asked Rabbit.

Bullfrog hopped out.

"Keep digging!" said Rabbit.

They dug and dug.

And dug and dug.

"Can you jump out?"

"No!" said Bullfrog.

"Rise up, Raccoon," said Rabbit, laughing. "Frogs in the hole, and supper's ready!"

Inspired by: A Treasury of Afro-American Folklore by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This is "Brer Coon Gets His Meat" (p. 467), and Courlander cites as his source A. W. Eddins in the Publication of the Folk-Lore Society of Texas, 1916. The original story is full of all kinds of fun details and sound effects of the frogs croaking, etc.

After Brer Turtle Won the Race

Rabbit couldn't believe it: Turtle beat him to the finish line.

"You cheated!" Rabbit shouted angrily. Then Rabbit grabbed a stick and he started to beat Turtle, breaking his back into pieces. He finally left Turtle for dead.

"Help!" Turtle groaned. "Help!"

Ants came. "What's wrong?" they asked.

"Rabbit broke my back into all these pieces," said Turtle. "Help me!"

"We can sew you back up," the Ants said, "but what will you give us in return?"

"There is fat under my shell," said Turtle. "Take that!"

So the Ants stitched Turtle's shell back together, and they took his fat.

Inspired by: Swapping Stories: Folktales from Louisiana by Carl Lindahl.
Notes: The storyteller is Bel Abbey, a Koasati storyteller, recorded in 1989.

Spider and Rabbit Go to the Dance

Spider and Rabbit were going to the dance but the river was high; Rabbit couldn't cross.

"I'll spin a web," said Spider, and he spun from one side to the other. But when Rabbit was crossing, Spider cut the web, and Rabbit fell in the water.

Spider ran to the dance, and the ladies admired his fine clothes and elegant dancing.

Rabbit showed up later, soaked and barely alive. He got out his fiddle and sang, "Hear what Spider did do to me, ooooooh, what Spider did do!"

The ladies all comforted Rabbit with kisses and told Spider, "Go away!"

Inspired by: Tales of the Congaree by Edward C. L. Adams.
Notes: This is "The Spider and the Rabbit" (p. 242).

Brer Rabbit, Brer Tiger, and the Treasure

The little Rabbits rushed to untie their father. "No!" Rabbit said. "Leave me tied up. I've got a plan." He told them what to do, and then he waited for Tiger, who showed up at dawn.

"Okay, Tiger," Rabbit said, "we'll split the treasure."

He then led Tiger to the cave and showed him the thread. Tiger rushed in, thinking he would take all the treasure for himself... and he fell into a pit and died.

The children had spent all night digging that pit!

Then they filled it in, brought the dragon's treasure home, and lived happily ever after.

Inspired by: The Days When the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is a continuation of Rabbit and the Dragon's Treasure. In the original story Rabbit has all the other little animals helping him, but I focused instead just on the rabbits to keep it short.

Rabbit and the Dragon's Treasure

When Rabbit rescued the little Rabbits from the dragon's cave, he saw the dragon's treasure in there, and he knew the thread would get him safely in and out.

Tiger also heard about the treasure. He caught Rabbit and tied him up in his own home. "You can have one half," Tiger said, "and I'll take the other half. Just show me how to get in and out of the dragon's cave."

"It's my treasure, not yours!" shouted Rabbit.

"I'll come back tomorrow and ask you again," said Tiger. "If you say no tomorrow, I'll eat you for my breakfast."

Inspired by: The Days When the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is a continuation of Rabbit in Gilyard's Cave. In the original story, Bear and Tiger gang up on Rabbit, but I focused on Tiger. Also, Lizard comes and finds Rabbit and carries the message to the other animals, but I had the little Rabbits do that. To find out what happens next, see Brer Rabbit, Brer Tiger, and the Treasure.

Rabbit in Gilyard's Cave

Rabbit had to rescue the little Rabbits from Gilyard's cave!

He gathered supplies: thread from Spider, light from Lightning-Bug, poison from Rattlesnake.

Then he got meat from Bear's butcher-shop, smearing it with poison.

After tying the thread to a tree, Rabbit entered the cave, using the light to find his way.

At last he saw them: Gilyard, and the little Rabbits in cages.

Rabbit threw the meat at the sleeping dragon, who gobbled it up and died.

Rabbit took the key from Gilyard's pocket, freed his children, and they ran back out, holding the thread.

Nobody mourned the dead dragon.

Inspired by: The Days When the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is a continuation of Brer Rabbit's Children Follow Brer Wolf. In the original story, Lion lives in the cave with Gilyard the dragon, and Rabbit tricks them into fighting with each other before the poisoned meat kills them off. To keep things simpler, I focused on Gilyard. Also, Rabbit makes a first visit into the cave to survey the situation, and since he doesn't have the thread, he makes his way by keeping his left hand always against the cave wall, and then he can come out again by keeping his right hand against the wall. I left out that episode and just had Brer Rabbit go into the cave fully ready for the rescue.

Brer Rabbit's Children Follow Brer Wolf

"Don't wander off," Rabbit said to the little Rabbits. "Gilyard might eat you!"

Wolf, meanwhile, dressed up as a little old lady, and he strolled down the road singing, "Rabbits like to hippity-hop, nibbling on the turnip tops."

Rabbit's children hopped after the lady, singing along.

"Go sing inside that cave," Wolf said sweetly, "and you'll hear your voices echoing."

That cave was the den of Gilyard the dragon!

Back at home, Rabbit wondered where his children had gone.

He followed their tracks all the way to Gilyard's den.

"Oh no!" groaned Rabbit. "Tracks going in, but none coming out."

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "Brer Rabbit Rescues His Children" (p. 169). In the story, Fox and Wolf gang up together, but I changed it to just be Wolf. To find out what happens next, see: Rabbit in Gilyard's Cave.

Rabbit in the Dragon's Hen-House

Now Rabbit was locked in Gilyard's hen-house, and Gilyard was going to eat him for breakfast.

But when Fox walked by, he heard Rabbit laughing.

"What are you laughing about?" asked Fox.

"I've never seen such fat hens," shouted Rabbit. "I'll be Gilyard's breakfast, but I'm going to feast on his hens all night long."

"Let me have some!" begged Fox.

"Alright," Rabbit agreed. "There's enough for us both. Unlatch the door and come on in."

Fox unlatched the door.

Rabbit hopped out. Fox hopped in.

Then Rabbit slammed the door shut and latched it.

Gilyard ate Fox for breakfast.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: For the first half of this story, see The Dragon and the Sheep-Thief.

The Dragon and the Sheep-Thief

Gilyard was a dragon. Big as an ox, with razor-teeth and a pitchfork-tongue. When Gilyard held barbecues, everybody enjoyed the food, but they were scared too.

Fox had been stealing Gilyard's sheep and wanted to fix the blame on Rabbit. "Gilyard invited us to sing at the barbecue," he said. Then he taught Rabbit his part.

"Who sees Gilyard's sheep?" sang Fox.

"I do, I do!" sang Rabbit.

Then Fox changed the words. "Who steals Gilyard's sheep?"

"I do, I do!" sang Rabbit.

Gilyard grabbed Rabbit and locked him in the henhouse. "I'll eat that Rabbit for breakfast!" he snarled.

Inspired by:The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "Who Stole Brer Gilyard's Sheep?" (p. 158). In the original, Wolf, Fox, and Bear have ganged up on Rabbit, and they sing in a quartet, but I narrowed it down to Fox. I haven't seen the Gilyard-dragon in any other other stories, but there is a whole cycle of Gilyard stories here. To find out what happens next in this story, see: Rabbit in the Dragon's Hen-House.

Brer Bear, Brer Rabbit, and the Cows

Bear had many cows, but he stole Rabbit's only cow and ate it.

"Sorry to hear about your cow, Rabbit" said Bear.

"She probably went underground," Rabbit replied.
Bear just laughed. "Maybe she did!"

That night Rabbit stole one of Bear's cows and ate it.

"Did you take her, Rabbit?" Bear shouted.

"Not me!" said Rabbit. "I bet she's underground. Let's look!"

Then Bear saw his cow's tail sticking up out of the ground. He grabbed and pulled. The tail came out of the ground.

"You pulled too hard!" said Rabbit. "She's gone now."

Bear never figured out what happened.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "How the Cow Went Under the Ground," and Faulker has a great introduction to this story about how Simon Brown told this story as an example of how "unless a slave knew how to outthink his master or oversser, he might not get enough to eat in the wintertime, or he might get a whiplashing on his naked back if he was caught stealing a piece of meat or something. Now, I was too smart to ever go hungry or to get a whipping. I was too much like Brer Rabbit."

Wolf and Rabbit's Jug of Honey

Rabbit hopped inside a tree-hole to escape from Wolf.

"I'll make a fire and smoke you out!" Wolf shouted.

"Don't you want some honey first?" Rabbit replied. "I keep my honey here. You can have half."

Wolf loved honey. "Hand it over!" he shouted.

"I can't!" said Rabbit. "The hole's too small for the jug.

"I'm coming in!" Wolf shouted.

"You can't!" said Rabbit. "There's not enough room in here for us both. But I'll come out, and you can come in."

Rabbit hopped out, Wolf hopped in, and then Rabbit set the tree on fire.

There wasn't any honey.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "Brer Wolf Wants the Honey" (p. 139).

Fox Is Looking for Trouble

"What's wrong with you?" Fox asked Rabbit.

"Times are hard," Rabbit replied. "Trouble's been visiting me."

"Who's Trouble?" said Fox.

Rabbit was surprised. "You don't know Mr. Trouble?"

"Can't say that I do," Fox replied.

"Well, come on!" said Rabbit. "I'll show you."

Rabbit led Fox to a nearby barn. "Go stick your head in there and yell, 'I'm looking for Trouble' and you'll find out."

Rabbit hid in the bushes while Fox stuck his head in the barn door. "I'm looking for trouble!"

A pack of dogs came bounding out, howling and yowling. Fox barely escaped with his life.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "Brer Fox Meets Mister Trouble."

Pater, Filius, et Asinus

Pater et filius iter faciunt cum asino.

Spectator quidam dicit, "Quare asinus neminem portat?" Pater ergo filium asino imponit.

Paulo post alius dicit, "Quare pater, aetate confectus, pedibus ambulat?" Pater ergo filium deponit et ipse asinum ascendit.

Etiam alius dicit, "Quare puer pedibus ambulat, asinum sequens tamquam servus?" Pater ergo filium asino secum superimponit.

Spectatores nunc et patrem et filium castigant, "Quare asinus tantum onus portat?"

Perturbatus tot variis sententiis, pater asinum ligat et baculo suspendit. Hoc modo pater et filius asinum portant.

Omnes eos irrident.

Pater, indignatus, asinum in flumen dejicit.

Sic pater et filius domum redeunt sine asino.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 935. Pater, Filius, et Asinus, from Poggio Bracciolini (Perry 721). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Father and Son on the Donkey.

Heighway

Senex a Morte Admonitus

Mors ad senem venit, dicens,

"Mors sum, et nunc te e vita rapiam."

Senex, territus, rogat,

"Paululum differ!

Testamentum condere debeo!

Cetera necessaria praeparare volo."

Mors respondet,

"Quare non praeparata sunt omnia?

Toties a me admonitus es!"

Senex clamat,

"Numquam a te admonitus sum!"

Mors ridet.

"Aequales tui nulli iam restant;

Mortui sunt omnes!

Etiam iuvenes, pueros, et infantes quotidie rapio.

Hoc modo de mortalitate tua te admoneo.

Oculi tui hebescunt.

Auditus tuus diminutus est.

Ceteri sensus tui deficiunt.

Corpus tuum ingravescit.

Haec omnia sentis, et te admonitum negas?

Ulterius non differam!"

Et sine mora Mors senem e vita rapit.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 818. Mors et Senex, from Abstemius (not in Perry). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Death's Warnings.

Grandville

Mus Rusticus et Mus Urbanus

Mus rusticus in agris habitat.

Videt urbanum murem rus deambulantem.

Eum invitat ad domum suam, dicens,

"Veni, et laute cenabimus."

Mus rusticus depromit omne penum,

sed mus urbanus damnat ruris inopiam,

urbis copiam laudans.

"Veni, et cenabimus lautitiis urbanis."

Mus urbanus rusticum in urbem ducit

et hominum domum intrant

ubi cibos magnificos in mensa inveniunt.

Inter epulandum, mus rusticus attonitus est clamoribus:

homines clamant et mures invadunt.

Mures e hominum manibus vix effugiunt!

Tunc mus rusticus urbano dicit,

"Iste periculum quotidianum repudio.

Tuae dapes plus fellis quam mellis habent.

Malo vitam meam securam cum inopia

quam divitias tuas cum anxietate."

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 196. Mures Duo, from Barlow's Aesop (Perry 352). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Country Mouse and City Mouse.

(Milo Winter)

Wolf and Rabbit Plant Corn

The next time Wolf farmed with Rabbit, he was ready.
"Let's plant corn!" said Rabbit.

"And this time," said Wolf, snarling, "I'll take the tops and the bottoms."

"Alright," said Rabbit, looking very humble. "I agree: tops and bottoms both for you."

Wolf worked extra hard, and the corn grew tall and strong.

"All mine!" he thought.

But Wolf was wrong. At harvest-time he went to the field, and all he found were stalks from the bottom of the corn and silk from the top.

Rabbit left the tops and the bottoms, but he had taken the ears for himself.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "09. Brer Fox Tries Farming Too" where Fox joins in on the farming adventure. To keep things simple, though, I did not add Fox into the mix; instead, I just had Rabbit trick Wolf for the third and final time with the corn.

corn silks

Wolf and Rabbit Plant Cow-Peas

Next Rabbit and Wolf planted cow-peas.

"How will we divide the crop this time?" Wolf asked, looking unhappy.

"I'll take the tops," said Rabbit. "Will that make you happy?"

Wolf hesitated, not sure what to say. "Rabbit's trying to trick me," he thought. "I better take the tops." But then he thought some more. "No, that's exactly what Rabbit wants me to do: he's pretending to want the tops, but he really wants the bottoms."

So Wolf said, "Yes! I want the bottoms."

The plants grew tall and strong, and Rabbit got all the cow-peas; Wolf got nothing but roots.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: I'm carrying on with the farming adventures of Rabbit and Wolf as in Faulkner's book, but I borrowed the cow-peas from the story of Rabbit and Fox in Strange ways and sweet dreams : Afro-American folklore from the Hampton Institute edited by Donald J. Waters (online at Hathi Trust).

Wolf and Rabbit Plant Carrots

Rabbit liked farming with Wolf. Wolf worked hard, but he didn't know anything about farming. That suited Rabbit just fine.

"Let's plant carrots together!" said Rabbit. "Then we'll divide the harvest."

"How will we do that?" asked Wolf.

"Well, you're big and strong, so you take the tops," said Rabbit. "The bottoms will be enough for me."

Time passed. Wolf saw carrot-plants getting taller and taller, but he didn't see any carrots.

Then Rabbit said it was harvest-time.

"Tops for you," said Rabbit, pulling up one of the carrot plants. "Bottoms for me!"

That's how Rabbit got all the carrots.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "Brer Wolf's Second Pinder Patch" (p. 106). In Faulkner's story, Wolf and Rabbit plant peanuts again. Wolf sees the peanut plants growing and suspects he will get lots of peanuts, only to find out the peanuts are underground. I wanted to separate it from the peanut story, so I used carrots instead.

Gator's Soft Bed

Rabbit saw Gator sunning himself on a rock in the river.

"That bed looks hard!" said Rabbit. "I'll you a nice, soft, warm bed. Very warm!"

"Show me!" said Gator. Then he waddled out of the water and followed Rabbit to a nearby field.

"There in the grass," Rabbit said. "It's so soft!"

Gator sank down into the grass. "Oh!" he said. "Very soft!"

Once Gator was asleep, Rabbit set fire to that grass.

Gator waddled as fast as he could back to the water, but the fire burned his skin all over.

That's how Gator got his crackly skin.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is, "Run, Brer Gator, Run" (p. 128). The story starts with Gator boasting to Fox that he is the smartest animal anywhere. Fox reports this to Rabbit, so Rabbit decides to teach Gator a lesson.

The Fox in the Henhouse

One night a fox crept into the henhouse through a crack in the wall. She then ate so many chickens she couldn't get back out.

At dawn, the farmer came and noticed many chickens were missing.

Then he saw the fox, lying dead on the ground, or so he thought.

"Your greed killed you," he said, grabbing the fox's tail. He carried the body outside and threw it over the fence.

As soon as the fox hit the ground, she took off running. The farmer chased her, but she escaped into the safety of the woods.

Her wit saved her.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable.
Notes: This is fable 51. Vulpes Mortem Simulans et Agricola in the book, which is not in Perry; it comes from Spencer's Latin textbook. The motif of the fox playing dead is popular in the bestiary tradition, as in this illustration:

source

The Fox, the Rooster, and the Farmer

"Master Rooster," said Fox, "your father had a fine singing voice. Do you have the same talent?"

Flattered, the rooster closed his eyes and began to cock-a-doodle-doo.

The fox then pounced, seized the rooster in her mouth, and ran off into the woods.

The farmer chased her, shouting, "That fox stole my rooster!"

"Mistress Fox, did you hear that?' squawked the rooster. "He said I'm his, not yours."

The fox shouted, "He's mine..." but as soon as she opened her mouth, the rooster flew away.

"I am not yours after all!" said the rooster, now safely persched in a tree.

Steinhowel

Mors et Cupido

Mors pharetram habet sagittarum plenam,

nivibus et glacie armatarum.

Cupido quoque pharetram habet sagittarum plenam,

ignibus et flammis armatarum.

Improvise mutant pharetras Mors et Cupido!

Mortis sagittae senile pectus penetrant,

et caeco amoris igni senex combustus est.

Senex amat!

Cupidinis sagittae iuvenile pectus penetrant,

et morborbum frigore iuvenis congelatus est.

Iuvenis aegrotat!

Cupido Mortis sagittas Morti remittit,

dicens,

"Ecce sagittae tuae, sagittae mortis!

Da mihi sagittas meas, sagittas amoris."

Mors Cupidinis sagittas Cupidini remittit.

"Ecce sagittae tuae, sagittae amoris!

Da mihi sagittas meas, sagittas mortis."

Sed error delirus remanet:

quaedam Cupidinis sagittae mortales sunt,

et quaedam Mortis sagittae amorem renovant.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 815. Mors et Cupido, from Barlow's Aesop (not in Perry). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Death and Cupid.

(Barlow)

Catus et Rattus

Apud monachos catus quidam habitat.

Mures capit et interficit,

uno magno ratto excepto.

Cogitat catus,

"Quomodo rattum illum magnum decipere possum?"

Catus sibi coronam radit,

et cucullam induit,

se faciens monachum.

Catus inter monachos sedet,

monachorum cibum comedens.

Catum pium videns, rattus cogitat,

"Catus nunc bonus monachus est!"

Saltat igitur huc et illuc.

Catus, dissimulans, oculos suos avertit.

Tandem rattus secure appropinquat ad catum,

et catus statim unguibus rattum capit.

Dicit rattus,

“Quare talem crudelitatem facis?

Quare me non dimittis?

Nonne monachus factus es?”

Dicit catus,

“Quando volo, sum monachus;

quando volo, catus canonicus sum.”

Et devorat rattum illum magnum.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 390. Catus Monachus, from Odo of Cheriton (Perry 592). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: Brother Cat and Brother Rat.

(image source)

Wolf's Peanut Crop

Wolf asked Rabbit, "Do you know how to grow peanuts?"

"I'm an expert!" said Rabbit. "First, you need to buy some planting peanuts."

Wolf bought the peanuts.

Then Rabbit told Wolf to roast the peanuts, salt them, and bring them to the field.

Next Rabbit gave Wolf a hoe. "You dig the holes," he said. "I'll put the peanuts in and cover them with dirt."

So Wolf hoed, and Rabbit pretended to put peanuts in the holes... but really, he ate them all!

When the crop failed, Rabbit blamed moles. "They're always rooting around in other people's dirt," he said.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is "Brer Wolf Plants Pinders" (p. 102).

Coming Straight Back

"Come down!" Fox shouted at Rooster up in a tree.

"I'll fetch him," Rabbit said, "if you promise to wait by the fence."

"I promise!" said Fox.

"To make sure, I'll tie you," said Rabbit. "I'll come straight back."

"Well," said Fox, "if you're coming straight back."

Rabbit tied Fox to the fence.

"Make your escape, Rooster!" Rabbit shouted, and then, "Come get me, Dog!"

Dog came chasing Rabbit, who ran straight for Fox.

"Go left!" shouted Fox. "Or go right! Just not this way!"

Leaping over Fox's head, Rabbit shouted, "I came straight back!"

Dog tore Fox to pieces.

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner.
Notes: This is the story "Brer Rabbit Keeps His Word" (p. 95).

Rabbit, Bear, and Man

Bear caught Rabbit and was about to eat him.

"Don't eat me!" said Rabbit. "I'm so small. You need to eat something big, like Man!"

"What's Man?" asked Bear.

"I'll show you!" said Rabbit.

They hid in the bushes.

"I'm starving!" groaned Bear, as he looked at Rabbit hungrily.

"Just wait," said Rabbit. "Here he comes. Quick now! Go get him!"
Bear rushed out.

BANG went Man's gun.

Bear turned tail and ran. "He's a fire-breathing monster!" Bear shouted as he ran past Rabbit into the woods.

"I only said he's good to eat," Rabbit replied. "Not easy to catch!"

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner,
Notes: I changed the ending; in Faulkner's version, Rabbit says, "Well, Brer Bear, I guess you'd better not trust a man. And you'd better not believe everything you hear either."

Wolf Catches Rabbit in the Garden

"What's all that commotion?" Wolf wondered, and he went to investigate.

"BUBMEANG!" By the light of the moon Wolf saw carrot tops and collard stalks scattered everywhere. "Rabbit!" he yelled. "Where are you?!"
Rabbit tried to hide under a heap of collard stalks, but Wolf reached in and grabbed him by the leg.

"Got you!"
Rabbit laughed. "Can't you tell the difference between rabbit legs and collard stalks?"

Confused, Wolf let go of Rabbit's leg.

Then Rabbit jumped up on Wolf's head, and from the top of Wolf's head he jumped up over the garden gate.

Rabbit had escaped again!

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner,
Notes: You can read the start of the story here: The Gate to Wolf's Garden. The original story has the garden gate still open after Wolf comes in because Wolf didn't use the closing words, but since I didn't include the part about the closing words, I just had Rabbit use Wolf's head to get the height he needed to escape!

The Gate to Wolf's Garden

Rabbit knew Wolf's garden was full of collards and carrots, but he couldn't get inside. The garden gate had no latch, no handle, no hinges. "It's magic!" Rabbit realized, so he waited in hiding to learn the magic words.

Wolf came. "BUBMEANG!" he said. The gate opened and then shut.

Rabbit came back that night. "BUBMEANG!" The gate opened, and Rabbit raced in. Then the gate shut.

After eating his fill of collards and carrots, Rabbit was ready to leave.

"BUBMEANG!"

Nothing happened.

Rabbit knew the words to get inside the garden, but not the words to get back out!

Inspired by: The Days when the Animals Talked by William J. Faulkner,
Notes: This is "Brer Wolf's Magic Gate," and in the original story, Rabbit does hear the words for coming back out ("Crimp up!") but he's written them in his notebook and when the clouds cover the moon, he can't read what he wrote. Also, when he says the wrong words, the gate starts going "Bang! Bang!" which is what alerts Wolf, but I switched it to the next day: Wolf Catches Rabbit in the Garden.

Faulkner's main source for these stories was Simon Brown, a former slave whom Faulkner knew when he was growing up in South Carolina. There's a historical marker now in Simon Brown's honor: Green Book of South Carolina.

Rabbit Does the King a Favor

Rabbit was going to marry a beautiful princess.

Before the wedding, the king summoned Rabbit and said, "I need you to do me a favor."

"Gladly," said Rabbit.

"Bury this sack of money someplace safe," said the king, handing Rabbit a heavy sack.

Rabbit toted the sack away. "This sack sure is heavy," he thought to himself, "and I need a new suit. The king's practically my father-in-law, so he won't mind if I take a little money."

But when Rabbit opened the sack, two big dogs jumped out and chased him.

Rabbit never did get to marry the princess.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This story is a "Rabbit Seeks Endowments" type of story, where the king sets Rabbit three tasks. The first two tasks are getting the sack of blackbirds and the teeth of a live snake; this is the third task..

Rabbit Scratches Elephant's Head

Wolf was bothering Rabbit, and Rabbit was tired of it. So when Elephant asked Rabbit to scratch his head, Rabbit knew what to do.

"Scratch me right between the ears," Elephant said. "It itches bad!"

"Alright," said Rabbit. "And while I'm scratching, you shout 'Help! He's killing me! Help' and buck and rear and stomp your feet."

Then Rabbit jumped on Elephant's head and started scratching, and Elephant bucked and stomped. "Help! He's killing me! Help!"

Wolf came running to watch.

"After I kill and eat this one," Rabbit shouted, "I'm going after Wolf next!"

Wolf turned tail and ran.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This is "Rabbit Scratches Buh Elephant's Back" (p. 50).

Bullfrog Guards the Well

Rabbit kept stealing water from the animals' well.

The animals appointed Bear to be watchman, but he fell asleep. Next was Wolf, but he fell asleep too.

Finally they appointed Bullfrog to guard the well.

Bullfrog kept his eyes open big and wide, and Rabbit saw he was awake.

Then, when Bullfrog felt himself starting to doze, he'd jump in the well. Splash! Then he jumped back out, wide awake.

Rabbit couldn't get water when Bullfrog guarded the well.

And if you hear Bullfrogs splashing in the night, that's why: they're waking themselves up to stand guard over the water.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: The first part of the story tells the usual tale of how Rabbit refuses to help dig the well, claiming that he can just lick the dew off the grass. Then, when the well fills with water, Rabbit sneaks up at night and takes what he wants..

Rabbit in the Hole

Fox was chasing Rabbit, nipping at his tail. They ran and ran. This way! That way! Left! Right!

Finally Rabbit saw a small hole in the ground. He jumped in, curled up, and thought about what had happened.

"Ears, you heard Fox coming and warned me! Feet, you ran fast: thank you! But Tail," he said to himself, "you just about got me killed. It's time we parted ways."

Rabbit stuck his tail out of the hole. Fox bit down, tore off Rabbit's tail, and ran happily home.

"He took my tail," Rabbit said, smiling, "but I saved my life!"

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This follows a whole series of adventures, including a tar-baby story and also a story about Rabbit caught in a tree.

How Fox Lost His Shoes

The next day, Fox wanted more fish.

Just like Rabbit, Fox threw his shoe on the road. Bear came along and this time he picked the shoe up right away and threw it on the cart.

Foolish Fox should have stopped right then, but he didn't. He ran ahead and threw his other shoe on the road.

Bear came along, took the shoe, and threw it on the cart.

"Wait!" shouted Fox. "Those are my shoes."

"So you are the fish-thief!" Bear roared, and he beat Fox to death.

When Rabbit heard what Fox had done, he laughed and laughed.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This is a continuation of Rabbit Gets the Fish.

Rabbit Gets the Fish

Fox had finally caught Rabbit.

"I'm not very tasty," said Rabbit. "I'll show you how to get fresh fish. Very tasty!"

"Show me!" said Fox.

Rabbit took off his shoe and threw it on the road. Bear came along with his fish-cart, saw the shoe, and kept going. Then Rabbit ran ahead and threw his other shoe on the road. Bear saw it, put down his cart, went back for the first shoe.

When he returned, no more fish! And no more shoe!

For the price of a shoe, Rabbit saved his life and enjoyed a find dinner with Fox.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This "Buh Fox's Number Nine Shoes" (p. 37). In the original story, Fox has Rabbit trapped in a long; Rabbit says there's plenty of greens in the log to keep him going, so he can just outwait Fox, and Fox gets frustrated. There's a second part to the story here: Fox's Shoes.

Rabbit at the Revival Meeting

The animals got together for a revival meeting. The preachers preached, Then they started confessing their sins.

Preacher Coon confessed, "I've been raiding other folks' gardens."

Preacher Dog confessed, "Brethren, I've been eating other folks' lambs."

Preacher Rooster confessed, "Every time I see a chicken, I take her to bed."

Preacher Fox confessed, "I drink too much, way too much."

Everybody was confessing, except for Preacher Rabbit.

"Haven't you got some sin to confess?" they asked.

"I confess that I do love to gossip," said Rabbit, "and thank you for all you've told me today!" Then he ran off, laughing.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This is "Buh Rabbit's Human Weakness," p. 31.

Blacksnake and Rabbit's Fence

Blacksnake ate one of Rabbit's children, so Rabbit built a fence around his yard. Then Blacksnake found a knot-hole in the fence and watched, just waiting for a Rabbit-child to come close.

To catch Blacksnake, Rabbit took two chicken eggs. He put one inside the fence and one outside.

"An egg!" said Blacksnake as he slithered up to the fence. He swallowed it. Then, through the knot-hole, he saw the other egg. He stuck his head out and swallowed the other egg.

Blacksnake was trapped: one bulge ahead and one behind. He couldn't move!

Then Rabbit came and killed him.

Inspired by: Gullah Animal Tales from Daufuskie Island, South Carolina as told by Albert H. Stoddard, edited by Will Killhour.
Notes: This is "Buh Black Sneak Git Ketch" (p. 62). In the original story, Rabbit brings his whole family out to watch the snake and taunt him, so the snake kills himself twisting and turning in the knot-hole.

Rabbit and Crane's Party

Rabbit and Crane threw a party. "You go buy liquor," said Crane, giving him money. "Get a big five-gallon jug."

Everybody came! Rabbit fiddled, while Crane called the figures. Every time Crane swung around, he dipped his long beak into that jug.

Between songs, Rabbit tried to take a drink, but the jug was too heavy to lift and his tongue was too short to reach the liquor.

Rabbit sang, "Couldn't get any; I tried so hard."

Crane kept drinking, and Rabbit kept singing.

Then Crane passed out, so Rabbit took Crane's girl home with him, laughing all the way.

Inspired by: Gullah Animal Tales from Daufuskie Island, South Carolina as told by Albert H. Stoddard, edited by Will Killhour.
Notes: The story is "Long Bill Duh Good Ting?" (p. 53). The original story was so many charming details about how Rabbit and Crane planned their party.

Deer and Rabbit Race

"Let's race!" Rabbit said to Deer. "You run the road, I'll go through the bushes."

Deer agreed.

They started the race at dawn: Deer on the road, Rabbit in the bushes. "Ready, set... go!" Deer shouted.

Deer ran a mile, and then heard Rabbit in the bushes laughing. "Best hurry up!"

Another mile. Deer heard Rabbit's voice again. "I've been waiting for you!"

Finish-line: Rabbit was there already, doing his victory dance.

Deer didn't know it, but Rabbit had been waiting at the finish-line all along; those were Rabbit's brothers hiding in the bushes.

Rabbit won the race without running!

Inspired by: Gullah Animal Tales from Daufuskie Island, South Carolina as told by Albert H. Stoddard, edited by Will Killhour.
Notes: This is "Buh Deer and Buh Rabbit Race" (p. 42).

Partridge and Rabbit's Hiding Contest

"I'm better at hiding than you," Rabbit said to Partridge.

"Show me!" Partridge replied. "Go hide, then whoop, and I'll come find you."

Rabbit hid in the bushes, his eyes open wide, watching. Then he whooped.

Partridge found him. "Your big eye shines a mile!" he said.

Then Partridge told Rabbit where he would hide. "You still won't find me," he said.

When Rabbit heard Partridge whoop, he went to the place. He felt all around in the leaves. "I give up!" he said.

"You're right on top of me," Partridge laughed. "Move, and I'll get up."
Rabbit was beat.

Inspired by: Gullah Animal Tales from Daufuskie Island, South Carolina as told by Albert H. Stoddard, edited by Will Killhour.
Notes: This story is "Buh Partridge Outhides Buh Rabbit" (p. 10). This is not the only time that Partridge is able to get the better of Rabbit.

Tiny Tales of the African Rabbit

I'm now writing stories to use in Tiny Tales of the African Rabbit, using stories from all over Africa. I've just started writing (progress so far), and I'll be adding stories through May. I'll do the editing and arranging in June, and then after proofreading and recording, the book should be done in early July.

The Fox Trapped by the Farmer

A farmer laid a trap for the fox who had been raiding the henhouse. Sure enough, the fox fell into the trap, and the rooster found him there.

"Help me, Rooster!" said the fox. "I'll reward you! Bring a knife so I can cut myself free, and don't tell your master."

"Agreed," said the rooster, who immediately went and told the farmer. The farmer came running, knife in hand, ready to kill the fox.

"Alas," said the fox, "I was a fool to think the rooster would trust me after I killed and devoured the hens who were his wives."

illustration in Croxall

Fox and Rooster's Conversation

Fox saw Rooster in a tree. "Come down here!" she said. "There's so much I want to tell you."

"I'll stay up here," replied Rooster, "where I'm safe."

Fox smiled. "But haven't you heard? The Lion declared peace among all the animals. You're in no danger."

Rooster said nothing, staring intently into the distance.

"What are you looking at?" asked Fox.

"I'm looking at the dogs coming this way," said Rooster.

Fox took off running.

"Wait!" said Rooster. "What about the peace?"

"I'm not sure the news has reached the dogs," Fox shouted back, as she vanished into the woods.

illustration by Praeger

The Lion-King and the Fox-Queen

The lion-queen died and the lion-king married a fox.

To his eldest cub the lion-king said, "You will rule until we return from our honeymoon."

This young lion, meanwhile, married a she-bear.

When the lion-king returned, the son refused to give up the throne.

The angry father summoned the foxes, and his son summoned the bears, and then they fought.

"Dig a trench filled with sharp stakes," the she-fox commanded, "and conceal it with honey-covered branches."

The honey lured the bears into the trap, and they fell to their deaths.

Thus the lion-king regained his kingdom, thanks to his fox-queen.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una, a collection of Latin fables that I've edited, free to read online. I am not translating the Latin here; instead, I am just telling a 100-word version of the fable. Notes: This is fable 33. Leo, Filius Eius, Ursi et Vulpes in the book, which is from the Romulus Anglicus, but which is not in Perry.

Pixabay

The Donkey and the Treacherous Fox

Donkey and Fox became friends, hunting together as partners.

One day, however, Fox ran right into Lion. Terrified, she used her wiles to escape being eaten. "Dear Lion," she said, "I was hoping to find you! Donkey is very near here. Let me go, and I'll bring him to you."

"Donkey would make a fine meal! Lion agreed. "Bring him here!"

Fox then led poor unsuspecting Donkey straight into Lion's trap.

But before eating Donkey, Lion grabbed Fox and killed her. "I'll snack on Fox first," he said, "and eat Donkey at my leisure."

Treachery often brings its own punishment.

Notes: This is fable 32. Leo, Asinus, et Vulpes Perfida in the book, which is Perry 191, taken from Camerarius's Latin Aesop.

Medici Aesop

Wolf Sets Rabbit to Guard Turtle

When Wolf caught Turtle, Turtle pulled his head and feet inside his shell.

Then Wolf saw Rabbit. "Come guard Turtle!" he shouted. "I'll go fetch a rock to smash him with."

Wolf left, and then Turtle poked his head out. "So long, Rabbit!" he said, walking off.

Rabbit didn't want to anger Wolf, so he plucked a tick from his fur and put it where Turtle had been.

"Where's Turtle?" shouted Wolf.

"It's my fault," said Rabbit. "My left eye has this fierce power, turning folks into ticks." Rabbit turned his head towards Wolf, but Wolf had already run off.

Inspired by: Animal Tales from North Carolina by Emma Backus and Ethel Hatton Leitner (in JAF).
Notes: This is "When Brer Rabbit Help Brer Terapin," online at Hathi Trust. In the original story, Rabbit borrows the tick from Cow, but I didn't have room to include her.

Rabbit and Raccoon Divide the Crop

After Tiger ran off, Raccoon came back.

"Some kind of partner you are!" said Rabbit. "I think it's time we end our partnership and divide the crop."

"How are we going to divide it?" asked Raccoon.

"Well, you're bigger and stronger than me," said Rabbit. "You go on and tote off the biggest load you can carry. I'm just a little fellow, so I'll take what you leave behind."

"I guess I am big and strong," said Raccoon happily, "compared to you." Grunting and groaning, Raccoon managed to lift one watermelon and carry it away.

Rabbit got all the rest.

Inspired by: Animal Tales from North Carolina by Emma Backus and Ethel Hatton Leitner (in JAF).
Notes: This is the second part of Rabbit and Raccoon's Watermelon Patch.

Rabbit and Raccoon's Watermelon Patch

Rabbit and Raccoon were farming a watermelon patch together.

"Uh-oh!" shouted Raccoon. "Tiger's coming."

Raccoon ran, leaving Rabbit alone. Rabbit could have run, but he knew Tiger would take all their watermelons. So, quick as he could, he dug two holes, buried watermelons in them, and was working on a third hole when Tiger arrived.

Tiger stared at the heaped up earth. "Who's in those graves?" he asked.

"Those are the graves of folks I killed today," said Rabbit. "I'm digging one now just for you!"

Tiger ran off, and as soon as he was gone Rabbit burst out laughing.

Inspired by: Animal Tales from North Carolina by Emma Backus and Ethel Hatton Leitner (in JAF). Online at Hathi Trust.
Notes: This story is "Bro' Rabbit an' de Water-millions." This is the first part of the story; to see what happens next, read: Rabbit and Raccoon Divide the Crop.

Rabbit and Tortoise Run a Race

"I'll race you to the creek!" Tortoise said.

Rabbit laughed. "Agreed!"

Then Tortoise said, "1-2-3 GO!"

Rabbit raced off, leaving Tortoise far behind.

Imagine Rabbit's surprise when he rounded the bend halfway to the creek. There was Tortoise, trodding along. "I'm faster than I look," said Tortoise.

It was Tortoise's mother, but foolish Rabbit couldn't tell the difference. He raced ahead even faster.

But when Rabbit got to the creek, he saw Tortoise there already, dancing a victory dance. "I'm faster than Rabbit!" he sang. "Faster than Rabbit am I!"

It was really Tortoise's brother.

Rabbit never figured it out.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.

Notes: This is the story "Slow Train to Arkansas," p. 28. Courlander's version just says ther were three terrapins, but I found it easier to tell using family names for the body doubles.

Rabbit, Blacksnake, and the Rock

Blacksnake squeezed tighter and tighter, so Rabbit ran faster and faster towards Blacksnake's rock.

"I know you want to get back home," said Rabbit, "but after swallowing me, you'll be too big to wiggle under your rock."

"I sssssupposssse you're right," said Blacksnake.

"You best get under the rock, then open your mouth, and I'll hop in!"

"Yessssss," hissed Blacksnake. "That'sssss a good plan."

Rabbit dropped Blacksnake on the ground, and he slithered under his rock.

"Ready?" asked Rabbit.
"Ready!" said Blacksnake, opening his mouth wide.

Then Rabbit threw a handful of dirt in Blacksnake's mouth and ran off, laughing.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This is the second part of the story; you'll find the first part here: Brer Rabbit's New Necktie.

Brer Rabbit's New Necktie

On a cold winter day, Blacksnake lay on a rock, not moving.

Rabbit saw him and thought, "That dead snake would make a fine necktie."

So Rabbit tied the snake around his neck. "The gals will surely admire my elegant ensemble!" he said to himself.

But when Rabbit got home and sat before the fire, Blacksnake warmed up. He hissed at Rabbit angrily, squeezing his neck.

"I'll take you home!" shrieked Rabbit, and he ran back to the rock.

As they were running, Blacksnake got to thinking that Rabbit might make a very fine meal, and he squeezed even tighter.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.

Notes: This is the story "Brer Rabbit's Tight Necktie," p. 21. This is just the first part of the story; see what happens next here: Rabbit, Blacksnake, and the Rock.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

The shepherd's boy grew bored tending the sheep and decided to play a trick.

"Help!" he shouted. "There's a wolf!"

The villagers came running, and he just laughed. "There's no wolf," he said.

A few weeks later, he did it again, laughing when the villagers came running.

Then, not long afterwards, the wolf really did attack the flock!

"Help!" he shouted. "There's a wolf!"

But no one came running.

He shouted even louder. He screamed. He shrieked.

No one came. "He won't fool us a third time," the villagers said.

So the wolf ravaged the flock, killing all the sheep.

Notes: This is fable 76. Lupus et Puer Mendax in the book, which is Perry 210.

illustration by Barlow

The Crow and the Fox, Partners

A crow and a fox were partners. When they got hungry, the fox would put on a monk's habit, kneel, hold a missal in his front paws, lift his eyes heavenward, and pray reverently.

Then the crow would go summon the chickens to confess their sins. "It's a miracle!" the crow would shout. "A most holy fox will hear your confessions and intercede with God on your behalf."

The foolish hens would follow the crow, but this time a rooster stopped them. "Silly hens!" he said, suspecting foul play. "You cannot trust a crow, and a fox even less so."

Speculum Sapientiae

Fox Leads Rabbit to the Fence

Fox caught Rabbit and was leading him home, tied with a rope. "I'll show Miss Meadows and the gals that you're my prisoner," he gloated.

They reached a fence. "I can go under," said Rabbit, "but you won't fit. I'll need to lift up that fence-rail for you."

Fox hesitated.

"I think I see Miss Meadows and the gals over there," Rabbit added.

"Miss Meadows?" repeated Fox. "Hurry! Let's go!"

Rabbit lifted the rail and as soon as Fox stuck his head through, Rabbit dropped the rail back down right on top of Fox's head, and then ran away, laughing.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.

Notes: This is the story "Rabbit, Fox, and the Rail Fence," p. 18. Courlander cites an Indonesian story about mouse deer who escapes by getting his enemy to put his nose in a split bamboo tree, and there he gets stuck. In the original story, Fox is taking rabbit to "the pretty girls from Tuscaloosa," but I borrowed "Miss Meadows and the gals" from the Joel Chandler Harris stories.

Hawk, Buzzard, and Rabbit

Hawk saw Buzzard sitting on the ground looking miserable.

"What's wrong?" Hawk asked.

"I'm about starved to death," Buzzard replied, "waiting on the Lord's salvation."

"You can expect the Lord to do for you!" said Hawk. You've got to feed yourself. Just watch me!"

Hawk soared into the sky and then swooped down to grab Rabbit, but Rabbit saw him and hopped inside a tree stump. Hawk smashed headfirst into that tree stump and killed himself dead.

From inside the stump, Rabbit shouted, "Come and get him, Buzzard! The Lord's salvation has arrived."

Then Rabbit and Buzzard enjoyed a feast.

Inspired by: Terrapin's Pot of Sense by Harold Courlander.
Notes: This is the story "Waiting on Salvation," p. 4. Not all versions of this story include Rabbit as a character, but this one does! This version also has buzzard not eating right away because he can't stand the thought of fresh meat.

Muli et Latrones

Eunt muli duo, sarcinis diversis onusti. Alter fiscos cum pecunia portat, alter saccos hordei.

Ille, onere superbiens, celsam cervicem iactat, et clarum tintinnabulum in collo gerit.

Comes placido gradu ambulat, mulum superbum sequens; celsam cervicem non iactat, et tintinnabulum in collo non gerit.

Subito latrones ex insidiis advolant, et muliones fugant.

Tunc latrones mulum superbum ferro vulnerant, et nummos diripiunt.

Alterius muli hordeum neglectum est. Latrones pecuniam quaerunt, non hordeum.

Ille mulus superbus casum suum deflet, "Vae mihi! Spoliatus sum, et vulneratus."

Alter mulus ei dicit, "Equidem gaudeo, quod contemptus sum."

Fabula docet:

Suis rebus contentum esse maximae sunt divitiae.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 252. Muli et Latrones, from the Heidelberg textbook (Perry 491). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: The Two Donkeys.

illustration by Grandville

Feles, Aquila, et Sus

Aquila in summa quercu cum pullis habitat; feles cum catulis in media; et sus cum porcellis in ima.

Horum concordiam feles fraude evertere vult.

Scandit ad aquilae nidum et dicit, "Sus pernicies mihi et tibi paratur! Quotidie solum fodit, quercum volens evertere et progeniem nostram opprimere."

Ad suis cubile descendit et dicit, "Magno in periculo sumus! Aquila porcellos tuos et catulos meos rapere vult.”

Feles se in caverna sua celat et noctu exit, escam quaerens.

Aquila, perniciem metuens, in ramis arboris insidet.

Sus, metu aquilae, porcellos linquere non audet.

Et aquila et sus inedia necatae sunt, dapem feli catulisque praebentes.

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 396. Feles, Aquila, et Sus, from Potts and Darnell's Latin textbook (Perry 488). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: The Cat and her Neighbors.

illustration by

Edward Eksergian

Rusticus et Asellus Aratrum Portans

Rusticus in agro laborat, arans.

Labore fatigatus est, et boves quoque fessi sunt.

Rusticus aratrum tollit, boves liberans.

Bobus dicit, "Domum ite!"

Boves liberati ad domum festinant.

Tunc rusticus aratrum super asellum alligat, dicens, "Domum eamus, aselle bone!" Deinde rusticus asellum ascendit.

Asellus domum ire vult, sed onere gravatus est, et rusticum et aratrum portans. Sub pondere deficiens, asellus gemit.

Rusticus dicit, "Aselle bone, nimio onere gravatus es, et ire non potes. Ego te adiuvo!"

Tum rusticus descendit, et aratrum tollit, super humerum ponens.

Rursus asellum ascendit, et dicit, "Nunc recte ambulare potes! Non enim tu aratrum fers, sed ego!"

Inspired by: Mille Fabulae et Una.
Notes: This story is Fable 826. Rusticus Aratrum Portans, from Poggio Bracciolini (not in Perry). I have simplified the story, making it easier to read. For an English version (not a translation), see: The Fool Carries the Plow. This story is also told about Nasruddin: Nasruddin Shares the Donkey's Load.

farmer plowing with oxen