When I came to the hut in the woods, I was very upset because I had not found my father. I had gone out to bring him food, and now he would have nothing to eat. The windows of the cottage were lit up, so I knocked on the door, and a rough voice cried, “Come in.” I stepped into the dark entrance and knocked on the inner door.

“Just come in,” cried the voice. When I opened the door, I saw a grey-haired man sitting at the table. He had his chin in both his hands, and his white beard went almost to the ground. There were three animals lying by the stove: a hen, a cock, and a brindled cow.

I asked if I might be able to spend the night in the cottage, and the old man asked his animals for permission. They agreed to let me stay. I went and stroked the smooth feathers of the two birds, and I caressed the brindled cow between her horns. I made something to eat for myself and the old man, but the animals had nothing, so I went outside for barley and hay.

If I have received any riches in my life, it is only because of the generous animals who feed and clothe us. So why should they go unfed?

Maiden Who Loves Animals in The Hut in the Forest, Grimms. Illustration by John B. Gruelle.