The Wedding of Mrs. Fox
by Brothers Grimm · from Household Tales
Adapted Version
Once, there was a little house. A fox lived there. Her name was Mrs. Fox. Old Mr. Fox went far away. He did not come back.
Mrs. Fox sat in her room. She was very sad. "I am all alone," she said. Miss Cat was her good friend. "I will help you," said Miss Cat. She made warm soup. She sat with Mrs. Fox.
Knock, knock, knock! Someone was at the door. Miss Cat opened it. A big Wolf stood there. "Hello!" said Wolf. "I want to be Mrs. Fox's friend." Miss Cat looked at him. "Do you have a red coat?" she asked. "No," said Wolf. "No red coat? Then off you go!" said Miss Cat. Wolf went away.
Knock, knock, knock! Someone was at the door. Miss Cat opened it. A big Dog stood there. "Hello!" said Dog. "I want to be Mrs. Fox's friend." Miss Cat looked at him. "Do you have a pointy nose?" she asked. "No," said Dog. "No pointy nose? Then off you go!" said Miss Cat. Dog went away.
Knock, knock, knock! Someone was at the door. Miss Cat opened it. A tall Bear stood there. "Hello!" said Bear. "I want to be Mrs. Fox's friend." Miss Cat looked at him. "Do you have a bushy tail?" she asked. "No," said Bear. "No bushy tail? Then off you go!" said Miss Cat. Bear went away.
Knock, knock, knock! Someone was at the door. Miss Cat opened it. A Young Fox stood there. He smiled. "Do you have a red coat?" asked Miss Cat. "Yes!" said Young Fox. "Do you have a pointy nose?" "Yes!" "Do you have a bushy tail?" "Yes!" Miss Cat clapped her paws. "Come in! Come in!" she said.
Mrs. Fox came down the stairs. She saw Young Fox. She smiled a big smile. "Hello," said Young Fox. "Hello," said Mrs. Fox. "Will you be my friend?" he asked. "Yes!" said Mrs. Fox. Miss Cat made a big cake. They all sat at the table. They laughed and ate cake.
Then they played music. Mrs. Fox danced. Young Fox danced. Miss Cat danced too. They were all so happy. And they are still dancing today!
Original Story
The wedding of Mrs. Fox
A fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm
FIRST STORY
There was once on a time an old fox with nine tails, who believed that his wife was not faithful to him, and wished to try her. He stretched himself out under the bench, did not move a limb, and behaved as if he were stone dead. Mrs. Fox went up to her room, shut herself in, and her maid, Miss Cat, sat by the fire, and did the cooking. When it became known that the old fox was dead, wooers presented themselves. The maid heard some one standing at the house-door, knocking. She went and opened it, and it was a young fox, who said,
"What may you be about, Miss Cat.?
Do you sleep or do you wake?"
She answered,
"I am not sleeping, I am waking,
Wouldst thou know what I am making?
I am boiling warm beer with butter so nice,
Will the gentleman enter and drink some likewise?"
"No, thank you, miss," said the fox, "what is Mrs. Fox doing?" The maid replied,
"She sits all alone,
And makes her moan,
Weeping her little eyes quite red,
Because old Mr. Fox is dead."
"Do just tell her, miss, that a young fox is here, who would like to woo her." - "Certainly, young sir."
The cat goes up the stairs trip, trap,
The door she knocks at tap, tap, tap,
"Mistress Fox, are you inside?"
"Oh yes, my little cat," she cried.
"A wooer he stands at the door out there."
"Tell me what he is like, my dear?"
"But has he nine as beautiful tails as the late Mr. Fox?" - "Oh, no," answered the cat, "he has only one."
"Then I will not have him." Miss Cat went downstairs and sent the wooer away. Soon afterwards there was another knock, and another fox was at the door who wished to woo Mrs. Fox. He had two tails, but he did not fare better than the first. After this still more came, each with one tail more than the other, but they were all turned away, until at last one came who had nine tails, like old Mr. Fox. When the widow heard that, she said joyfully to the cat,
"Now open the gates and doors all wide,
And carry old Mr. Fox outside."
But just as the wedding was going to be solemnized, old Mr. Fox stirred under the bench, and cudgelled all the rabble, and drove them and Mrs. Fox out of the house.
SECOND STORY
When old Mr. Fox was dead, the wolf came as a wooer, and knocked at the door, and the cat who was servant to Mrs. Fox, opened it for him. The wolf greeted her, and said,
"Good day, Mrs. Cat of Kehrewit,
"How comes it that alone you sit?
What are you making good?"
The cat replied,
"In milk I'm breaking bread so sweet,
Will the gentleman please come in and eat?"
"No, thank you, Mrs. Cat," answered the wolf. "Is Mrs. Fox not at home?"
The cat said,
"She sits upstairs in her room,
Bewailing her sorrowful doom,
Bewailing her trouble so sore,
For old Mr. Fox is no more."
The wolf answered,
"If she's in want of a husband now,
Then will it please her to step below?"
The cat runs quickly up the stair,
And lets her tail fly here and there,
Until she comes to the parlour door.
With her five gold rings at the door she knocks,
"Are you within, good Mistress Fox?
If you're in want of a husband now,
Then will it please you to step below?
Mrs. Fox asked, "Has the gentleman red stockings on' and has he a pointed mouth?" - "No," answered the cat. "Then he won't do for me."
When the wolf was gone, came a dog, a stag, a hare, a bear, a lion, and all the beasts of the forest, one after the other. But one of the good points which old Mr. Fox had possessed, was always lacking, and the cat had continually to send the wooers away. At length came a young fox. Then Mrs. Fox said, "Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has he a little pointed mouth?" - "Yes," said the cat, "he has." - "Then let him come upstairs," said Mrs. Fox, and ordered the servant to prepare the wedding-feast.
"Sweep me the room as clean as you can,
Up with the window, fling out my old man!
For many a fine fat mouse he brought,
Yet of his wife he never thought,
But ate up every one he caught."
Then the wedding was solemnized with young Mr. Fox, and there was much rejoicing and dancing; and if they have not left off, they are dancing still.
- * * * *
Story DNA
Moral
Deception, especially within a marriage, can lead to unexpected and often humorous consequences, and true loyalty is rare.
Plot Summary
An old fox pretends to be dead to test his wife's fidelity. His wife, Mrs. Fox, begins to entertain numerous suitors, rejecting them all for not possessing the exact physical traits (like nine tails or red stockings) of her 'deceased' husband. In one version, when a suitor finally matches, the old fox reveals his deception and drives her out. In another, the old fox is truly dead, and Mrs. Fox marries the matching suitor, celebrating her new husband and disparaging the old.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suspense to surprise to comedic resolution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Grimm's fairy tales often reflect societal norms and anxieties, sometimes with a darker or more pragmatic edge than later adaptations. The two distinct endings suggest different oral traditions or interpretations of the same core narrative.
Plot Beats (13)
- Old Mr. Fox pretends to be dead to test his wife's faithfulness.
- Mrs. Fox goes to her room to mourn, while Miss Cat cooks.
- A young fox with one tail arrives to woo Mrs. Fox; Miss Cat relays the message.
- Mrs. Fox rejects the first suitor because he only has one tail, unlike her 'dead' husband's nine.
- Successive suitors arrive with increasing numbers of tails, but none have nine, and are all rejected.
- A suitor with nine tails finally arrives, matching old Mr. Fox's characteristic.
- Mrs. Fox joyfully orders Miss Cat to open the doors and carry old Mr. Fox's body outside for the wedding.
- Old Mr. Fox stirs, reveals his deception, and drives out Mrs. Fox and all the suitors.
- In the second story, old Mr. Fox is truly dead.
- Various animals (wolf, dog, stag, etc.) arrive to woo Mrs. Fox, but are rejected for lacking specific traits (red stockings, pointed mouth) of the 'dead' Mr. Fox.
- A young fox arrives who possesses all the desired traits.
- Mrs. Fox joyfully accepts the young fox, orders the wedding feast, and disparages her former husband.
- The wedding is solemnized, and they live happily ever after.
Characters
Old Mr. Fox ★ protagonist
An old fox with nine tails.
Attire: None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a male fox of the period.
Suspicious, cunning, observant, possessive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly anthropomorphic fox with graying fur and wise, deep-set amber eyes, standing upright. He wears a slightly rumpled tweed waistcoat over a white linen shirt, with small round spectacles perched on his long snout. His bushy tail curls slightly behind him as he holds one paw thoughtfully to his chin. He has a gentle, knowing expression and stands with a dignified yet slightly weary posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Mrs. Fox ★ protagonist
A female fox, described as having 'little eyes' which she weeps red.
Attire: None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a female fox of the period.
Fickle, opportunistic, mournful (initially), joyful (when a suitable suitor arrives), demanding.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature female anthropomorphic fox with sleek russet fur, sharp intelligent amber eyes, and a determined expression. She wears a practical deep green dress with a white apron tied at the waist, and sturdy brown boots. Her posture is upright and confident, one paw resting on her hip while the other holds a woven basket. She stands in a sun-dappled autumn forest path. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Miss Cat ◆ supporting
A cat, servant to Mrs. Fox.
Attire: None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a domestic cat, perhaps with a simple apron or servant's attire.
Obedient, diligent, communicative, loyal to Mrs. Fox's wishes.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman with pointed cat ears and a slender tail, appearing in her late teens with large, curious green eyes and a playful smirk. She wears a fitted, forest-green tunic over dark brown leggings, with soft leather boots. A small leather satchel is slung across her chest. She stands in a relaxed, welcoming pose, one hand slightly raised as if offering assistance. Her auburn hair is tied back in a practical ponytail. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Young Mr. Fox ◆ supporting
A young fox with nine tails, red stockings, and a little pointed mouth.
Attire: Red stockings.
Persistent, desirable (to Mrs. Fox).
Image Prompt & Upload
A young anthropomorphic fox with sleek rust-red fur and a white chest tuft, standing upright with a confident, slightly sly posture. He wears a tailored forest-green waistcoat over a crisp white shirt, brown knee-breeches, and polished black boots. His bushy tail curls elegantly behind him. He has intelligent amber eyes and a charming, knowing smirk. One paw rests on a wooden walking stick, the other is tucked into his waistcoat pocket. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Wolf ○ minor
A wolf, lacking red stockings and a pointed mouth.
Attire: None explicitly mentioned.
Wooing, persistent.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, predatory canine with shaggy grey fur, sharp white teeth, and piercing yellow eyes. It stands on its hind legs, wearing a tattered red cloak, one paw raised as if gesturing. Its expression is cunning with a sly grin, ears perked up. The posture is upright and menacing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Under the bench
A dark, confined space beneath a bench, where the old fox feigns death.
Mood: Tense, deceptive, hidden.
The old fox stages his 'death' to test his wife's fidelity.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dimly lit, claustrophobic space beneath a weathered wooden park bench. Dappled, late afternoon sunlight filters through the slats above, casting long, thin shadows across the dusty, packed earth. The underside of the bench is rough-hewn, with peeling grey paint and clinging cobwebs. A few fallen, dry leaves and a small, smooth stone are visible in the gloom. The air feels still and silent, with a sense of quiet, hidden refuge. The color palette is muted: browns, greys, and deep shadows with slivers of warm, golden light. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mrs. Fox's room
An upstairs room where Mrs. Fox secludes herself in mourning.
Mood: Sorrowful, private, expectant.
Mrs. Fox receives news of her wooers and makes decisions based on their descriptions.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dimly lit upstairs room in a vintage manor, late afternoon light filtering through a tall, dusty window with heavy velvet curtains drawn halfway. The atmosphere is heavy with melancholy, dust motes floating in the slanted sunbeams. Muted, desaturated colors dominate: faded burgundy wallpaper, ash-grey wood floors, and a deep navy blue armchair beside a cold, dark fireplace. A four-poster bed with rumpled, white linen sheets sits in the shadows. A single, wilting white rose in a crystal vase on a mahogany nightstand is the only vibrant detail. The view through the window shows a bare-branched tree against a pale, overcast sky. The room feels silent, still, and steeped in quiet grief. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The house-door / Downstairs
The entrance to the house where wooers arrive and are greeted by Miss Cat.
Mood: Anticipatory, bustling with arrivals and departures.
Wooers present themselves and are either welcomed or sent away by Miss Cat.
Image Prompt & Upload
A twilight scene at the entrance of an old, charming stone house. A large, arched wooden door, slightly ajar, is the focal point, its dark oak planks weathered with age and adorned with a heavy, ornate iron knocker. Warm, golden lantern light spills from within, casting long shadows on the cobblestone doorstep. The surrounding stone walls are draped in climbing roses and ivy. A cobblestone path leads up to the door, flanked by overgrown flower beds with foxgloves and hollyhocks. The sky is a deep blue-purple, with the first stars appearing. A soft, magical mist clings to the ground. The atmosphere is inviting, mysterious, and steeped in fairy tale lore. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
The Parlour
A main living area in the house, where the wedding feast is prepared and the wedding is solemnized.
Mood: Joyful, celebratory, then chaotic (First Story); festive (Second Story).
The wedding of Mrs. Fox is celebrated, or nearly celebrated, here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, magical parlour at dusk, bathed in the warm glow of a hundred beeswax candles and a crackling stone fireplace. The room features rustic wooden beams across a high ceiling, whitewashed stone walls, and arched doorways draped with garlands of ivy and white roses. A long, polished oak banquet table dominates the space, laden with golden platters, crystal goblets, and overflowing bowls of ripe fruit and berries. Scattered flower petals in blush pink and cream litter the dark, worn floorboards. A large, ornate woven rug sits before the hearth, where a ceremonial space is prepared. The fading twilight filters through tall, leaded glass windows, mixing with the candlelight to create a soft, ethereal ambiance. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
