Story Summary
Explore the classic tale Reynard's Confession, where the legendary trickster fox uses a fake display of piety to mask his true, predatory nature from others.
Summoned to the court of King Noble the Lion to answer for his many crimes, Reynard the Fox found himself traveling alongside his nephew, Grimbert the Badger. Knowing his life was at stake, Reynard put on a mask of deep melancholy and religious fervor. 'I am burdened by my sins,' he sighed, 'and must confess them to unburden my soul.' With a performance that would move even the stones, Reynard listed his transgressions: how he had tricked Bruin the Bear into a honey trap and caused Isegrim the Wolf to be beaten by villagers. He wept for the chickens he had snatched and the peace he had disturbed, begging Grimbert for a penance. The badger, moved by such apparent piety, gave him a light lashing with a switch and declared him absolved. However, no sooner had the words left Grimbert's mouth than they passed a poultry yard full of fat, clucking hens. Reynard’s ears pricked, and his eyes glinted with predatory hunger. He forgot his prayers and nearly pounced, restrained only by the badger's scolding. It was clear that while Reynard’s tongue spoke of heaven, his heart remained firmly in the hen house.
The Moral
Words of repentance are meaningless if the heart remains unchanged and the temptation of old habits persists.
“A fox may change his skin, but never his nature.”
Fun Fact
Reynard the Fox was so popular in the Middle Ages that the French word for fox changed from 'goupil' to 'renard' in his honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Reynard's Confession?
The moral is that true repentance requires a change in character, not just words. Reynard proves that a leopard cannot change its spots, as he immediately returns to his old ways when tempted.
Who is Reynard the Fox?
Reynard is a famous trickster figure from medieval European folklore. He is known for using his wit and cunning to outsmart his social superiors and escape punishment for his mischief.
Why does Reynard pretend to confess his sins?
Reynard feigns remorse to manipulate Grimbert the Badger and gain sympathy before his trial. By appearing to have repented, he hopes to lessen the severity of the King's judgment.
Is Reynard the Fox a hero or a villain?
Reynard is a complex anti-hero. While he is a thief and a liar, his stories often served as a satire of the corrupt church and aristocracy, making his victories over powerful figures popular among common people.
What role does Grimbert the Badger play?
Grimbert is Reynard’s nephew and his most loyal defender at court. He represents the honest but gullible individual who is easily misled by the trickster's persuasive tongue.
Where did the stories of Reynard the Fox originate?
The Reynard cycle originated in the 12th century, with roots in French, Dutch, German, and Latin literature. These beast epics were used to comment on human nature and medieval social structures.