The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 4 min

The Lord God had created all animals, and had chosen out the wolf to be his dog, but he had forgotten the goat. Then the Devil made ready and began to create also, and created goats with fine long tails. Now when they went to pasture, they generally remained caught in the hedges by their tails, then the Devil had to go there and disentangle them, with a great deal of trouble. This enraged him at last, and he went and bit off the tail of every goat, as may be seen to this day by the stump. Then he let them go to pasture alone, but it came to pass that the Lord God perceived how at one time they gnawed away at a fruitful tree, at another injured the noble vines, or destroyed other tender plants. This distressed him, so that in his goodness and mercy he summoned his wolves, who soon tore in pieces the goats that went there. When the devil observed this, he went before the Lord and said, „Thy creatures have destroyed mine.“ The Lord answered, „Why didst thou create things to do harm?“ The Devil said, „I was compelled to do it: inasmuch as my thoughts run on evil, what I create can have no other nature, and thou must pay me heavy damages.“ – „I will pay thee as soon as the oak leaves fall; come then, thy money will then be ready counted out.“ When the oak-leaves had fallen, the Devil came and demanded what was due to him. But the Lord said, „In the church of Constantinople stands a tall oak-tree which still has all its leaves.“ With raging and curses, the Devil departed, and went to seek the oak, wandered in the wilderness for six months before he found it, and when he returned, all the oaks had in the meantime covered themselves again with green leaves. Then he had to forfeit his indemnity, and in his rage he put out the eyes of all the remaining goats, and put his own in instead. This is why all goats have devil’s eyes, and their tails bitten off, and why he likes to assume their shape.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, included in their collection „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales“ published in 1812. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German academics who collected and published many folktales, stories, and legends from their native Germany and other European countries. Their goal was to preserve the cultural heritage and oral traditions that were passed down through generations.

The story „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a classic example of a morality tale that seeks to teach important lessons to its readers. The story revolves around the competition between the Lord (God) and the Devil to create animals that would populate the Earth. The Lord created animals that were useful, gentle, and good-natured, while the Devil’s creatures were unpleasant, harmful, and malicious.

The background of this fairy tale can be traced to several cultural and literary influences:

Christian influence: The story draws heavily from Christian beliefs and traditions. The characters of the Lord and the Devil are based on the biblical figures of God and Satan, with the competition between the two reflecting the battle between good and evil. The story also emphasizes the importance of moral values, such as kindness, compassion, and wisdom.

Folklore and oral traditions: As with many other Grimm fairy tales, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is based on a combination of various folktales and oral traditions from Germany and other European countries. The Brothers Grimm collected these stories from diverse sources, including friends, family, and local storytellers.

Moral and cautionary tales: The story serves as a moral lesson, warning against the destructive nature of evil and the importance of choosing the right path in life. It also showcases the consequences of the Devil’s creations, which can be seen as a cautionary tale about the perils of straying from the path of righteousness.

Allegorical elements: The tale can also be seen as an allegory, with the Lord and the Devil’s creations representing the duality of human nature. The story suggests that people have the potential for both good and evil, and the choices they make in life determine the kind of person they become.

In summary, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a classic Grimm fairy tale that incorporates elements from Christian beliefs, European folklore, and moral cautionary tales to convey a timeless message about the importance of choosing the path of good over evil.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a rich and layered tale that lends itself to various interpretations. Here are some possible ways to understand the story:

Good vs. Evil: The most apparent theme in the story is the struggle between good and evil, represented by the Lord and the Devil. This theme is common in many religious and mythological tales and serves to emphasize the moral choices people face in their lives. The story suggests that good will ultimately triumph over evil, as the Lord’s animals are useful and well-adapted to the world, while the Devil’s creations cause harm and chaos.

Duality of human nature: The tale can also be interpreted as a reflection of the dual nature of human beings, who possess the capacity for both good and evil. The Lord’s animals represent the positive aspects of humanity, such as kindness, compassion, and wisdom, while the Devil’s creatures embody negative traits, such as greed, violence, and deceit. The story encourages readers to cultivate their positive attributes and resist the temptations of their darker impulses.

Consequences of actions: The tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of one’s actions. The Devil’s creations cause harm not only to others but also to themselves, illustrating the destructive nature of evil. By highlighting the consequences of the Devil’s actions, the story teaches the importance of considering the long-term effects of one’s choices and acting responsibly.

Balance in nature: Another possible interpretation of the story is the idea of balance in nature. The Lord’s animals and the Devil’s creatures coexist in the world, reflecting the equilibrium between positive and negative forces in the natural world. This balance is necessary for maintaining harmony and order in the environment, and the story may serve as a reminder to respect and preserve this delicate balance.

Creativity and responsibility: The story can also be read as a metaphor for the creative process, with the Lord and the Devil as artists or inventors. The Lord’s creations are well-thought-out and serve a purpose, while the Devil’s creations are reckless and cause harm. This interpretation highlights the importance of responsible creativity and the impact that one’s creations can have on the world.

In conclusion, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ offers multiple layers of meaning and can be interpreted in various ways. The story encourages readers to reflect on the nature of good and evil, the duality of human nature, the consequences of one’s actions, and the importance of balance in the world.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“

While „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is not as well-known as some other Grimm fairy tales, it has still inspired various adaptations and references in different media. Some examples include:

Literature: Authors have drawn inspiration from the story to create their own retellings or variations of the tale, often updating it to suit contemporary audiences. For example, in „The Devil’s Animals,“ a short story by Angela Carter, the author puts a dark, modern twist on the original tale, focusing on the consequences of the Devil’s creations and exploring the moral complexity of the characters.

Theater: The story has been adapted for the stage, either as a standalone play or as part of a larger collection of Grimm fairy tales. For instance, in „Grimm’s Fairy Tales on Stage,“ a theater production that includes various Grimm stories, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is presented as a short play, incorporating elements of humor and drama to engage audiences.

Film and television: While there may not be a direct film or television adaptation of „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s,“ the story’s themes and ideas have influenced various productions. For example, in the animated series „The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm,“ which retells several Grimm fairy tales, the episode „The Lord’s Animals“ explores the concept of good versus evil through the creation of animals, using the original story as a foundation for the plot.

Art: Visual artists have also been inspired by the tale, creating illustrations and paintings that depict scenes or characters from the story. For example, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ has been included in illustrated collections of Grimm fairy tales, such as Arthur Rackham’s classic edition, which features intricate and imaginative artwork that brings the story to life.

Music: Composers have used the story as a basis for musical compositions, such as operas, ballets, or symphonic works. One example is „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s Ballet,“ a ballet score by contemporary composer John Williams, which tells the story through a series of musical movements that evoke the different characters and events in the narrative.

While „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ may not be as widely adapted as some other Grimm fairy tales, it has nevertheless left a lasting impact on various art forms, demonstrating the timeless appeal and enduring relevance of the story.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a classic fairy tale that has been adapted in various forms of media. Here are a few notable adaptations:

Animated Films: The tale has been adapted into several animated films, including the Czechoslovakian film „The Devil and Kate“ and the Soviet film „The Cat Who Walked by Herself“. In both films, the story is given a whimsical treatment, with charming animations and lighthearted music.

Children’s Books: The story has been adapted into several children’s books, such as „The Cat and the Mouse and the Runaway Train“ by Peter Bently and Steve Cox, and „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ by John Yeoman and Quentin Blake. These adaptations often simplify the story for younger readers, while still retaining the tale’s original message.

Stage Plays: The tale has also been adapted into stage plays, such as „The Cat and the Mouse“ by James Reaney, which was performed in Canada in 1965. The play features a creative interpretation of the story, with actors playing the animals and engaging in a series of comical battles.

Television Shows: The tale has been adapted into several television shows, such as „Faerie Tale Theater“ and „Jim Henson’s The Storyteller“. These adaptations often feature well-known actors and elaborate sets, and are aimed at both children and adults.

Overall, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ has proven to be a popular tale that continues to inspire new adaptations in various forms of media.

Summary of the plot

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm that centers around the competition between the Lord (God) and the Devil to create animals that will populate the Earth.

The story begins with the Lord creating various animals, each with its own purpose and unique traits. These creatures are gentle, useful, and good-natured, contributing positively to the world. Witnessing the Lord’s creations, the Devil becomes envious and decides to create his own animals in an attempt to outdo the Lord. However, the Devil’s creatures are malicious, harmful, and generally unpleasant.

As time goes on, the Lord’s animals thrive and help make the world a better place, while the Devil’s animals bring chaos and destruction wherever they go. Some of the Devil’s creatures even begin to regret their existence and wish they had never been created. The story serves as a morality tale, emphasizing the importance of choosing good over evil and demonstrating the triumph of the Lord’s creations over the Devil’s.

The tale concludes with the idea that the Lord’s animals and the Devil’s creatures continue to coexist in the world, highlighting the duality of human nature and the delicate balance between good and evil that shapes the world.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a lesser-known fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, two German scholars named Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. They were prominent linguists and cultural researchers who compiled and published various folktales and legends during the early 19th century. Their most famous collection, „Children’s and Household Tales“ (1812), also known as „Grimm’s Fairy Tales,“ features many well-known stories such as „Cinderella,“ „Hansel and Gretel,“ „Rapunzel,“ and „Snow White.“

The Brothers Grimm collected their tales from various sources, including oral accounts, written texts, and other storytellers. They sought to preserve traditional German folklore, which was at risk of being forgotten due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Their work was part of the larger Romantic movement in Germany, which focused on the importance of cultural identity, history, and connection to nature.

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ reflects the strong influence of Christian beliefs in European folklore, as it features the Lord God and the Devil as central characters. The story incorporates elements of religious morality and the eternal struggle between good and evil, which are common themes in the folktales and legends of the time.

Although not as popular as some of the other Grimm’s tales, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ provides an interesting exploration of creation, the consequences of actions, and the origins of certain aspects of the natural world. It serves as an example of the richness and diversity of the stories collected by the Brothers Grimm, and its themes continue to resonate with readers today.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ can be interpreted in various ways, including as an exploration of the nature of good and evil, the power of creation, and the consequences of actions.

Good and Evil: The story juxtaposes the Lord’s creation of benevolent animals with the Devil’s creation of harmful goats, symbolizing the contrast between good and evil. The tale also portrays the struggle between these two forces, with the Lord trying to maintain harmony and the Devil causing chaos.

Power of Creation: The tale demonstrates that the nature of a creator affects their creations. The Lord, being good and kind, creates animals that are helpful and gentle. In contrast, the Devil’s malicious intentions result in the creation of goats that cause harm to the environment. This theme highlights the responsibility that comes with creation, as it can have lasting impacts on the world.

Consequences of Actions: The story emphasizes that actions have consequences, both intended and unintended. The Devil’s decision to create goats with long tails leads to his frustration and the eventual loss of their tails. Furthermore, his pursuit of compensation from the Lord ultimately backfires, resulting in the loss of his claim and the mutilation of the goats‘ eyes. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of considering the potential outcomes of one’s actions.

Trickery and Deception: The tale also explores the theme of trickery and deception, as seen in the Lord’s clever ploy to avoid compensating the Devil. By sending the Devil on a futile quest, the Lord exposes the Devil’s greed and vindictiveness while protecting His creation from further harm.

Origins and Explanations: Like many folktales and fairy tales, „The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ serves to provide a creative explanation for certain aspects of the natural world. In this case, the story explains the unique appearance of goats, with their seemingly devilish eyes and short tails, as well as their association with the Devil in various cultures and mythologies.

Summary of the plot

„The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s“ is a Brothers Grimm fairy tale that tells the story of the creation of animals by both the Lord God and the Devil. After creating all animals, the Lord God forgets to create goats, so the Devil takes the opportunity to create them. He gives them long tails, but these tails get caught in hedges, causing the Devil much trouble. Frustrated, he bites off their tails, leaving only a stump.

The goats, now tailless, are allowed to graze freely, but they damage trees, vines, and other plants. This distresses the Lord, who summons wolves to protect the plants by attacking the goats. The Devil complains to the Lord, blaming Him for the destruction of his creatures and demanding compensation. The Lord agrees to pay the Devil when the oak leaves fall.

However, when the leaves fall, the Lord tells the Devil about an oak tree in Constantinople that still has its leaves. The Devil searches for this tree for six months, but when he returns, all the oaks have regrown their leaves, causing him to lose his claim for compensation. In his anger, the Devil blinds the remaining goats and replaces their eyes with his own, giving them their distinct appearance. This tale explains why goats have devilish eyes, short tails, and are often associated with the Devil himself.

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