The Sheep, the Fox and the Wolf

One day a little ewe in a white woollen cloak went out through the village gates and set off along the forest road. That morning, the gate of the sheep pen had…

One day a little ewe in a white woollen cloak went out through the village gates and set off along the forest road. That morning, the gate of the sheep pen had tilted to one side, and everyone had rushed to decide that she had pushed it. In fact, the rain had simply loosened a hinge. The ewe felt hurt and headed for the meadow to calm down and think about how to explain what had happened without an argument.

Near a birch grove she met a fox carrying a basket of berries. The fox, too, had recently been blamed for a hen’s missing ribbon, although the wind had blown it onto a bush. After listening to the ewe, the fox said, “When people misunderstand you, it helps especially to have a friend beside you who listens.” They decided to go together to the forester, who knew how to calmly sort out all kinds of misunderstandings.

A gray wolf appeared at a bend in the road. He looked at the warm white cloak and suddenly declared that it had once belonged to him. The ewe was surprised, but the fox did not argue. She asked what size the cloak had been, who had sewn it and why the sheep flock’s mark was embroidered on it. The wolf could not answer, but he was not yet ready to admit his mistake.

The fox suggested going through the wooden “gate of truth” near the forester’s cottage and telling the whole story again, in order. The wolf hurried through first, and the strap of his empty bag caught on a smooth, round peg. The strap gently held the bag in place, and the wolf stopped to untangle it calmly. Then he noticed a basket nearby filled with balls of wool for all the forest animals.

The forester returned, helped lift the strap free and explained that you could ask for a warm garment or offer something in exchange, but you could not claim someone else’s as your own. The wolf felt embarrassed, apologized and chose a ball of wool for a new scarf. Then all three went back to the village gate. The forester tightened the hinge, the ewe’s owner asked her forgiveness, and the fox found the ribbon the wind had blown onto the bush. The evening ended with everyone enjoying tea peacefully in the yard.