We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Foxes and Scotland:
A barely-passed law by government bans the hunting of animals with the use of dogs. Thus, a fox hunting club that has chased foxes by hounds since the 1700s had their last official hunt in Fall 2023. Some people still hunt for foxes by flushing them out with dogs despite the ban. In many stories, we see how foxes are tricksters. Perhaps there are some grudges through the years? The story below features a girl named Kirsty MacLeod who is hunted by a fox but somehow escapes.
50-word-or-less summary
Fox wished to eat Kirsty MacLeod. Fox claimed too afraid to cross bridge. Fox needed her braid to lead him across. Kirsty asked Fox to close eyes. Switched Fox’s tail for braid. Ran! Later, Fox and Kirsty traded riddles. Last riddle was hard. Fox closed eyes to think. Ran! Safe.
Finding the Story:
Please note: All three of these books are written by Theresa Breslin and illustrated by Kate Leiper. The last story of each of these books is called “Tale End” that features Kirsty MacLeod. Discover each of the adventures with her and the fox if you do so in this top-to-bottom order of books.
Book – An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales – here
Book – An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures – here
Book – An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
Females come in all ages. This one happens to be quite young. She is strong and adventurous. Yet, she still could be eaten by a persistent fox. Kirsty stands tall despite the teeth and claws of the fox. Her parents must have taught her plenty of riddles or always tested her with puzzles and games to boost her intellect. We do know that her father would always brush her hair while her mother would always pleat it as a single braid. This is already fantastic upbringing with both parents show care and attention for the girl.
That very same braided hair comes in handy for one of the three adventures against the fox. Kirsty was fast to use the fox’s tail rather than her braid to lead the fox over the bridge as he claimed to be afraid of crossing “running water.”
In a competition of riddles for another adventure, Kirsty was able to hold her own in answering and asking riddles.
How fantastic!
Recommended Article:
As this girl was able to out-fox a fox many times, what about learning about some genius women of the world? Read this article entitled “11 Female Geniuses Who Changed the World” written by Victoria Smith-Douglas.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.
I love foxes and have always wanted to visit Scotland!