The Twelve Idle Servants
by Brothers Grimm · from Household Tales
Original Story
The twelve idle servants
A fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm
Twelve servants who had done nothing all the day would not exert themselves at night either, but laid themselves on the grass and boasted of their idleness. The first said, "What is your laziness to me, I have to concern myself about mine own? The care of my body is my principal work, I eat not a little and drink still more. When I have had four meals, I fast a short time until I feel hunger again, and that suits me best. To rise betimes is not for me; when it is getting near mid-day, I already seek out a resting-place for myself. If the master call, I do exactly as if I had not heard him, and if he call for the second time, I wait awhile before I get up, and go to him very slowly. In this way life is endurable."
The second said, "I have a horse to look after, but I leave the bit in his mouth, and if I do not want to do it, I give him no food, and I say he has had it already. I, however, lay myself in the oat-chest and sleep for four hours. After this I stretch out one foot and move it a couple of times over the horse's body, and then he is combed and cleaned. Who is going to make a great business of that? Nevertheless service is too toilsome for me."
The third said, "Why plague oneself with work? Nothing comes of it! I laid myself in the sun, and fell asleep. It began to rain a little, but why should I get up? I let it rain on in God's name. At last came a splashing shower, so heavy indeed, that it pulled the hair out of my head and washed it away, and I got a hole in the skull; I put a plaster on it, and then it was all right. I have already had several injuries of that kind."
The fourth said, "If I am to undertake a piece of work, I first loiter about for an hour that I may save up my strength. After that I begin quite slowly, and ask if no one is there who could help me. Then I let him do the chief of the work, and in reality only look on; but that also is still too much for me."
The fifth said, "What does that matter? Just think, I am to take away the manure from the horse's stable, and load the cart with it. I let it go on slowly, and if I have taken anything on the fork, I only half-raise it up, and then I rest just a quarter of an hour until I quite throw it in. It is enough and to spare if I take out a cartful in the day. I have no fancy for killing myself with work."
The sixth said, "Shame on ye; I am afraid of no work, but I lie down for three weeks, and never once take my clothes off. What is the use of buckling your shoes on? For aught I care they may fall off my feet, it is no matter. If I am going up some steps, I drag one foot slowly after the other on to the first step, and then I count the rest of them that I may know where I must rest.
The seventh said, "That will not do with me; my master looks after my work, only he is not at home the whole day. But I neglect nothing, I run as fast as it is possible to do when one crawls. If I am to get on, four sturdy men must push me with all their might. I came where six men were lying sleeping on a bed beside each other. I lay down by them and slept too. There was no wakening me again, and when they wanted to have me home, they had to carry me." The eighth said, "I see plainly that I am the only active fellow; if a stone lie before me, I do not give myself the trouble to raise my legs and step over it. I lay myself down on the ground, and if I am wet and covered with mud and dirt, I stay lying until the sun has dried me again. At the very most, I only turn myself so that it can shine on me." The ninth said, "That is the right way! To-day the bread was before me, but I was too idle to take it, and nearly died of hunger! Moreover a jug stood by it, but it was so big and heavy that I did not like to lift it up, and preferred bearing thirst. Just to turn myself round was too much for me, I remained lying like a log the whole day." The tenth said, "Laziness has brought misfortune on me, a broken leg and swollen calf. Three of us were lying in the road, and I had my legs stretched out. Some one came with a cart, and the wheels went over me. I might indeed have drawn my legs back, but I did not hear the cart coming, for the midges were humming about my ears, and creeping in at my nose and out again at my mouth; who can take the trouble to drive the vermin away?"
The eleventh said, "I gave up my place yesterday. I had no fancy for carrying the heavy books to my master any longer or fetching them away again. There was no end of it all day long. But to tell the truth, he gave me my dismissal, and would not keep me any longer, for his clothes, which I had left lying in the dust, were all moth-eaten, and I am very glad of it."
The twelfth said, "To-day I had to drive the cart into the country, and made myself a bed of straw on it, and had a good sleep. The reins slipped out of my hand, and when I awoke, the horse had nearly torn itself loose, the harness was gone, the strap which fastened the horse to the shafts was gone, and so were the collar, the bridle and bit. Some one had come by, who had carried all off. Besides this, the cart had got into a quagmire and stuck fast. I left it standing, and stretched myself on the straw again. At last the master came himself, and pushed the cart out, and if he had not come I should not be lying here but there, and sleeping in full tranquillity."
- * * * *
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Twelve servants, having spent the day in idleness, gather to boast about their extreme laziness. Each servant recounts a tale of how they avoided work, neglected duties, or even suffered personal injury and loss due to their profound sloth, with each story more absurd than the last. The tales escalate from ignoring calls to letting rain cause injury, neglecting animals, and even nearly dying of hunger and thirst. The final servant describes allowing a cart to get stuck and a horse to be stripped of its harness, only for the master to rescue the situation while he remained asleep, concluding the humorous competition of idleness.
Themes
Emotional Arc
amusement to disbelief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This tale reflects a humorous exaggeration of a common societal 'problem' or character type, rather than a specific historical event. It plays on the universal concept of sloth.
Plot Beats (13)
- Twelve servants, having been idle all day, lie on the grass and begin to boast about their laziness.
- The first servant describes his routine of constant eating, sleeping, and ignoring his master's calls.
- The second servant explains how he neglects his horse, sleeping in the oat-chest and only minimally grooming the animal.
- The third servant recounts how he let it rain on him until his hair was washed away and he got a hole in his skull, which he simply plastered.
- The fourth servant details his method of loitering, asking for help, and letting others do the work.
- The fifth servant describes taking an entire day to move one cartful of manure, resting frequently.
- The sixth servant boasts of lying down for three weeks, never taking off his clothes, and counting steps to plan rests.
- The seventh servant explains how he crawls instead of runs, needs four men to push him, and had to be carried home after sleeping with six other men.
- The eighth servant tells how he lies down in mud rather than stepping over a stone, waiting for the sun to dry him.
- The ninth servant admits he nearly died of hunger and thirst because he was too idle to reach for bread or lift a jug.
- The tenth servant recounts how his legs were run over by a cart because he was too lazy to move, distracted by midges.
- The eleventh servant reveals he was dismissed for leaving his master's clothes in the dust to be moth-eaten, and is glad of it.
- The twelfth servant describes sleeping in a cart, losing the reins, having the horse's harness stolen, and the cart getting stuck in a quagmire, only for the master to rescue it while he continued to sleep.
Characters
The First Idle Servant
Of average height and build, likely with a soft, unmuscled physique due to extreme inactivity. His skin might be pale from avoiding strenuous outdoor work, possibly with a slightly bloated appearance from overeating and drinking.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant clothing typical of 19th-century Germany, perhaps a loose-fitting linen tunic or shirt, breeches, and possibly a waistcoat, all likely stained and rumpled from constant lounging. His shoes, if worn, would be scuffed and untied.
Wants: To achieve maximum personal comfort and avoid any form of exertion or responsibility.
Flaw: His extreme self-indulgence and aversion to work make him utterly useless and vulnerable to any demand.
Remains unchanged, steadfast in his idleness.
Self-absorbed, gluttonous, extremely lazy, indifferent to duty, boastful of his idleness.
The Second Idle Servant
Likely of a sturdy build, perhaps once strong, but now softened by neglect. His hands might show signs of past work, but his current state suggests a lack of recent exertion. He might have a perpetually tired look.
Attire: Practical but neglected stablehand attire: a coarse wool tunic or shirt, sturdy breeches, and heavy, mud-stained boots. His clothes would be dirty and show signs of wear, but not necessarily torn.
Wants: To avoid the physical labor associated with his duties, particularly caring for the horse, and maximize his sleep.
Flaw: His extreme laziness leads him to neglect his responsibilities, potentially harming the animals under his care.
Remains unchanged, committed to his unique brand of laziness.
Deceptive, neglectful, resourceful in avoiding work, indifferent to animal welfare.
The Third Idle Servant
A man who bears the marks of his extreme idleness, possibly with a slightly disheveled appearance. He might have a visible plaster or bandage on his head, indicating past injuries from his inaction.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing, likely stained and worn from being exposed to the elements. A coarse linen shirt, rough wool trousers, and possibly a simple leather jerkin, all showing signs of neglect.
Wants: To avoid any physical movement or decision-making, even at the cost of personal harm.
Flaw: His extreme passivity makes him vulnerable to injury and neglect, as he refuses to take action for his own well-being.
Remains unchanged, continuing his pattern of passive endurance.
Extremely passive, fatalistic, indifferent to personal injury, utterly averse to effort.
The Fourth Idle Servant
A man of average build, perhaps appearing slightly less robust than he should be for his age. His movements are deliberate and slow, designed to conserve energy.
Attire: Clean but simple peasant clothing, perhaps a plain linen shirt and trousers, indicating he avoids the dirtiest work. His clothes might be well-maintained, as he avoids activities that would soil them.
Wants: To avoid physical labor by finding others to do his work, while appearing to be involved.
Flaw: His inability to genuinely contribute to any task, relying entirely on others.
Remains unchanged, perfecting his art of idleness through delegation.
Manipulative, cunning, work-avoidant, a master of delegation (or rather, shirking).
The Fifth Idle Servant
A man of solid build, perhaps with strong arms that are rarely used to their full potential. He moves with a deliberate, almost theatrical slowness, making every small action appear monumental.
Attire: Coarse, heavy-duty peasant clothing, likely stained with mud and manure from his stable duties. A thick linen smock, sturdy breeches, and heavy wooden clogs, all showing signs of hard wear, despite his minimal effort.
Wants: To minimize the physical output of his work, stretching out tasks to last as long as possible with minimal exertion.
Flaw: His extreme inefficiency makes him unproductive and unreliable.
Remains unchanged, perfecting his art of minimal effort.
Deliberately inefficient, prone to excessive resting, self-justifying, utterly averse to strenuous effort.
The Sixth Idle Servant
A man who appears unkempt and disheveled, as if he rarely changes or cares for himself. His clothes would be rumpled and possibly dirty from prolonged wear.
Attire: The same set of worn, rumpled peasant clothing, likely a coarse wool tunic and trousers, that he has not removed for weeks. His shoes would be untied or falling off, showing extreme neglect.
Wants: To avoid any form of effort, including basic self-care and movement, for as long as possible.
Flaw: His extreme neglect of himself and his surroundings, leading to a state of constant disarray.
Remains unchanged, dedicated to his unique brand of prolonged idleness.
Extremely neglectful of personal hygiene, utterly averse to even minor efforts like tying shoes, methodical in his idleness.
The Seventh Idle Servant
A man who appears to be in a state of perpetual sluggishness, as if moving through thick mud. He might have a heavy, almost leaden appearance.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing, likely somewhat dirty and rumpled from his slow movements and frequent periods of lying down. A coarse linen shirt and sturdy trousers.
Wants: To remain in a state of deep rest, avoiding any form of physical exertion or awakening.
Flaw: His extreme sluggishness and deep sleep make him completely unproductive and reliant on others for movement.
Remains unchanged, a monument to extreme inertia.
Extremely sluggish, unresponsive, prone to deep, unrousable sleep, utterly passive.
The Eighth Idle Servant
A man who appears perpetually disheveled and dirty, often covered in mud. His body might seem to lack any tension, always seeking the lowest possible position.
Attire: Coarse, practical peasant clothing, but perpetually stained with mud and dirt, as he often lies directly on the ground. A simple tunic and trousers, likely dark in color to hide the grime.
Wants: To avoid even the slightest physical effort, such as stepping over a stone, by choosing to lie down and endure discomfort.
Flaw: His extreme passivity leads him to be constantly dirty and uncomfortable, enduring rather than acting.
Remains unchanged, a testament to passive endurance.
Extremely passive, indifferent to personal cleanliness or comfort, utterly averse to lifting his legs.
The Ninth Idle Servant
A man who appears weak and emaciated from self-imposed starvation and thirst. His body would be thin and frail from lack of nourishment.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant clothing, likely hanging loosely on his emaciated frame. A thin linen shirt and trousers, showing signs of neglect.
Wants: To avoid any physical movement whatsoever, even if it means enduring extreme hunger and thirst.
Flaw: His extreme passivity leads to self-harm and near-death experiences, making him utterly helpless.
Remains unchanged, continuing his pattern of self-destructive inaction.
Extremely passive, self-destructive in his idleness, utterly unwilling to perform even basic survival actions.
The Tenth Idle Servant
A man with visible injuries: a broken leg and a swollen calf, indicating past misfortune due to his idleness. He might appear somewhat disoriented.
Attire: Worn peasant clothing, possibly torn or stained from his accident. A simple tunic and trousers, perhaps with a makeshift bandage on his leg.
Wants: To avoid any effort, even swatting away insects or moving out of harm's way.
Flaw: His extreme passivity and inability to react to external stimuli make him vulnerable to severe injury.
Remains unchanged, despite his injuries, still committed to his idleness.
Extremely passive, easily distracted, oblivious to danger, prone to misfortune due to inaction.
The Eleventh Idle Servant
A man who appears somewhat unkempt and careless, perhaps with a slight smirk of satisfaction at his dismissal.
Attire: Worn, slightly moth-eaten peasant clothing, perhaps a simple tunic and trousers, reflecting his neglect of his master's clothes and his own. His clothes might be dusty.
Wants: To avoid the continuous, repetitive effort of his duties, particularly carrying books.
Flaw: His extreme neglect leads to his dismissal, but he views it as a positive outcome.
Remains unchanged, finding freedom in his idleness.
Neglectful, irresponsible, indifferent to consequences, secretly pleased by his dismissal.
The Twelfth Idle Servant
A man who appears perpetually sleepy and unconcerned, even after significant mishaps. He might have a soft, unmuscled build.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing, likely covered in bits of straw and dust from his impromptu bed. A coarse linen shirt and trousers.
Wants: To achieve uninterrupted sleep, even at the cost of his duties and property.
Flaw: His extreme passivity and deep sleep lead to significant losses and neglect of his responsibilities.
Remains unchanged, finding peace in his idleness.
Extremely passive, oblivious to responsibility, prone to deep sleep, utterly unconcerned by loss or disaster.
Locations
Grassy Field
A field covered in grass, likely near a dwelling or estate, where the twelve servants gather to boast of their idleness.
Mood: Relaxed, boastful, communal in idleness.
The twelve servants gather to share their tales of extreme laziness.
Horse Stable
A stable, likely constructed of rough-hewn timber and straw, with an oat-chest. The air would be thick with the smell of hay and horses.
Mood: Neglected, dusty, quiet save for the sounds of a horse.
The second servant describes sleeping in the oat-chest instead of caring for the horse.
Sun-drenched Spot (outdoors)
An open area exposed to direct sunlight, possibly a field or courtyard, where one can easily fall asleep.
Mood: Initially peaceful and warm, then abruptly uncomfortable and chaotic.
The third servant describes being too lazy to move out of the rain, even when it became a splashing shower.
Quagmire/Muddy Road
A section of a country road that has become a deep, sticky quagmire, likely due to rain or poor drainage, surrounded by rural landscape.
Mood: Stuck, desolate, frustrating.
The twelfth servant drives a cart into a quagmire, loses the horse's tack, and remains sleeping in the stuck cart.