The Fox and the Geese
Introduction
This is one of the shortest and most unusual tales the Brothers Grimm collected. It belongs to an old folk genre called the 'endless tale' or circular story, in which the ending is designed never to arrive: the geese pray one after another without ever stopping, so the fox must wait forever and the story can never truly finish. Grown-ups once used tales like this to tease children who kept begging for 'just one more story.' Beneath the clever structure lies a classic fairy-tale lesson, too — the weak geese cannot fight the fox with strength, so they buy time with their wits, asking for one last prayer. When you reach the end, try pausing and asking your child: were the geese ever eaten at all?
Vocabulary from "The Fox and the Geese"
11 key words from this story with definitions and original context sentences for language learners.
A field covered in grass, often with wild flowers.
草地；草甸。
The fox once came to a meadow in which was a flock of fine fat geese.
有一次，狐狸来到一片草地上，那里有一群肥硕的好鹅。
A group of birds or sheep of the same kind.
（鸟或羊的）一群。
The fox once came to a meadow in which was a flock of fine fat geese.
有一次，狐狸来到一片草地上，那里有一群肥硕的好鹅。
At the very last moment, just before it is too late.
在最后关头；正是时候（恰好来得及）。
I come in the nick of time, you are sitting together quite beautifully, so that I can eat you up one after the other.
我来得正是时候，你们坐在一起的样子真美，正好让我把你们一只接一只地吃掉。
Made the loud, harsh cry of a goose or hen; laughed in a loud, unpleasant way.
（鹅、鸡等）嘎嘎叫；发出刺耳的怪笑。
The geese cackled with terror, sprang up, and began to wail and beg piteously for their lives.
鹅群惊恐地嘎嘎大叫，跳了起来，开始哀号，可怜地乞求饶命。
To cry out with a long, loud sound because of pain or sadness.
哀号；恸哭；发出长而响的悲叫。
The geese cackled with terror, sprang up, and began to wail and beg piteously for their lives.
鹅群惊恐地嘎嘎大叫，跳了起来，开始哀号，可怜地乞求饶命。
In a way that makes you feel pity; sadly and pleadingly.
可怜地；令人同情地。
The geese cackled with terror, sprang up, and began to wail and beg piteously for their lives.
鹅群惊恐地嘎嘎大叫，跳了起来，开始哀号，可怜地乞求饶命。
Kindness shown by not punishing or harming someone you have power over.
仁慈；宽恕；饶恕。
But the fox would listen to nothing, and said, "There is no mercy to be had! You must die."
但狐狸什么也听不进去，说道："没有仁慈可言！你们必须死。"
To give up something, especially unwillingly.
交出；放弃；屈服。
If we poor geese are to yield up our vigorous young lives, show us the only possible favour and allow us one more prayer.
如果我们这些可怜的鹅非得交出充满活力的年轻生命，请施予我们唯一可能的恩惠，允许我们再做一次祷告。
Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
精力充沛的；强健的。
If we poor geese are to yield up our vigorous young lives, show us the only possible favour and allow us one more prayer.
如果我们这些可怜的鹅非得交出充满活力的年轻生命，请施予我们唯一可能的恩惠，允许我们再做一次祷告。
A kind or helpful act done for someone.
恩惠；善意的帮助。
If we poor geese are to yield up our vigorous young lives, show us the only possible favour and allow us one more prayer.
如果我们这些可怜的鹅非得交出充满活力的年轻生命，请施予我们唯一可能的恩惠，允许我们再做一次祷告。
Deeply religious and reverent; showing sincere devotion.
虔诚的；笃信宗教的。
"Yes," said the fox, "that is reasonable, and a pious request."
"好，"狐狸说，"这很合理，也是个虔诚的请求。"
Reading Together & Learning More
The Moral
When facing a stronger opponent, cleverness often protects us better than force.
Educational Value
Encourages children to solve problems with wit, introduces the playful language of circular tales, and nurtures humour and creative thinking.
Tips for Parents
Pause at the ending and ask your child whether the geese were ever eaten; enjoy the open ending together, and try making up what happens next.
Talk About It
- The geese were not strong enough to beat the fox, yet they found a way to save their lives. What was their trick?
- The story ends by saying the geese are still praying. Do you think the fox ever got to eat them?
- If you were the first goose to speak up, could you think of another way to keep the fox waiting?
- When you face someone stronger than you, which is more useful — being clever or being strong?
