The Story of Reynard the Fox by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Short summary

5 seconds

Reineke the fox is invincible because of his cunning. Many times they wanted to kill him for his crimes and deception, but the fox can convince everyone of his innocence. Thanks to his deception, Reinecke becomes chancellor.

1 minute

On the feast day, King Nobel of the Beasts gathers his subjects. Only Reineke the Fox, a notorious knave and trickster, does not come to court. It turns out that he has killed a hen and broken the law of peace.

The furious King sends beasts to fetch Reyneke, but they return empty-handed. Only his nephew can bring the fox.

The Court of the Beasts decides to hang Reyneke. But the fox promises to tell the king where the treasure is buried. He is pardoned for this.

Once again Reineke deceives the king. On realising this, Nobel resolves to set all the beasts on him. But once again the fox cheats and cleverly makes himself look good.

Understanding that the fox cannot be defeated by deception, the wolf challenges him to a duel. Reinecke defeats him by stealth. The King trusts Reinecke, appoints him Chancellor and gives him his seal of state.