Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse
by Joseph Jacobs · from Collected Folk Tales
Adapted Version
Titty and Tatty lived in a small house.
Titty and Tatty look for food. They find some corn. They make a meal.
Tatty puts her meal in the pot. Titty tries putting her meal in the pot. The pot falls over. Titty gets hurt and cries.
Tatty sits down and cries. "Titty is hurt. I'm sad," she says.
The Stool hears Tatty cry. "Why?" asks the Stool. "Titty is hurt. I'm sad," says Tatty. "I hop," says the Stool. The Stool hops.
The Broom sees the Stool hop. "Why?" asks the Broom. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Stool. "I sweep," says the Broom. The Broom sweeps.
The Door hears the Broom sweep. "Why?" asks the Door. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Broom. "I creak," says the Door. The Door creaks.
The Window hears the Door creak. "Why?" asks the Window. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Door. "I rattle," says the Window. The Window rattles.
The Bench hears the Window rattle. "Why?" asks the Bench. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Window. "I run," says the Bench. The Bench runs around the house.
The Tree sees the Bench run. "Why?" asks the Tree. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Bench. "I drop leaves," says the Tree. The Tree drops its leaves.
The Bird sees the leaves fall. "Why?" asks the Bird. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Tree. "I lose feathers," says the Bird. The Bird loses its feathers.
A Girl walks by with milk. She sees the Bird. "Why?" asks the Girl. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Bird. The Girl is sad. She drops the milk. The milk spills.
A Man on a ladder sees milk spill. "Why?" asks the Man. "'Titty hurt, Tatty sad,' says the Girl. The Man is sad. He drops his tools. The tools fall.
The Tree feels the Man's sadness. It falls down. It hits the Bench and the house. The house makes a mess. The Window, Door, Broom, and Stool fall down.
Poor Tatty is under the mess. "Oh no!" says Tatty. "Everyone is sad because I am sad. My sadness made a big chain."
They all help clean up. "We are sorry," they say. "We were sad too."
"Our sadness can make others sad," says Tatty. "Let's cheer up together." They all feel better. They promise to help each other feel happy.
Original Story
TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE
Titty Mouse went a leasing and Tatty Mouse went a leasing,
So they both went a leasing.
Titty Mouse leased an ear of corn, and Tatty Mouse leased an ear of corn,
So they both leased an ear of corn.
Titty Mouse made a pudding, and Tatty Mouse made a pudding,
So they both made a pudding.
And Tatty Mouse put her pudding into the pot to boil,
But when Titty went to put hers in, the pot tumbled over, and scalded her
to death.
Then Tatty sat down and wept; then a three-legged stool said: “Tatty, why
do you weep?” “Titty's dead,” said Tatty, “and so I weep;” “then,” said
the stool, “I'll hop,” so the stool hopped.
Then a broom in the corner of the room said, “Stool, why do you hop?”
“Oh!” said the stool, “Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and so I hop;”
“then,” said the broom, “I'll sweep,” so the broom began to sweep.
“Then,” said the door, “Broom, why do you sweep?” “Oh!” said the broom,
“Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool hops, and so I sweep;”
“Then,” said the door, “I'll jar,” so the door jarred.
“Then,” said the window, “Door, why do you jar?” “Oh!” said the door,
“Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool hops, and the broom sweeps,
and so I jar.”
“Then,” said the window, “I'll creak,” so the window creaked. Now there
was an old form outside the house, and when the window creaked, the form
said: “Window, why do you creak?” “Oh!” said the window, “Titty's dead,
and Tatty weeps, and the stool hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars,
and so I creak.”
“Then,” said the old form, “I'll run round the house;” then the old form
ran round the house. Now there was a fine large walnut-tree growing by the
cottage, and the tree said to the form: “Form, why do you run round the
house?” “Oh!” said the form, “Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, and so I
run round the house.”
“Then,” said the walnut-tree, “I'll shed my leaves,” so the walnut-tree
shed all its beautiful green leaves. Now there was a little bird perched
on one of the boughs of the tree, and when all the leaves fell, it said:
“Walnut-tree, why do you shed your leaves?” “Oh!” said the tree, “Titty's
dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool hops, and the broom sweeps, the door
jars, and the window creaks, the old form runs round the house, and so I
shed my leaves.”
“Then,” said the little bird, “I'll moult all my feathers,” so he moulted
all his pretty feathers. Now there was a little girl walking below,
carrying a jug of milk for her brothers and sisters' supper, and when she
saw the poor little bird moult all its feathers, she said: “Little bird,
why do you moult all your feathers?” “Oh!” said the little bird, “Titty's
dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool hops, and the broom sweeps, the door
jars, and the window creaks, the old form runs round the house, the
walnut-tree sheds its leaves, and so I moult all my feathers.”
“Then,” said the little girl, “I'll spill the milk,” so she dropt the
pitcher and spilt the milk. Now there was an old man just by on the top of
a ladder thatching a rick, and when he saw the little girl spill the milk,
he said: “Little girl, what do you mean by spilling the milk, your little
brothers and sisters must go without their supper.” Then said the little
girl: “Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool hops, and the broom
sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the old form runs round the
house, the walnut-tree sheds all its leaves, the little bird moults all
its feathers, and so I spill the milk.”
“Oh!” said the old man, “then I'll tumble off the ladder and break my
neck,” so he tumbled off the ladder and broke his neck; and when the old
man broke his neck, the great walnut-tree fell down with a crash, and
upset the old form and house, and the house falling knocked the window
out, and the window knocked the door down, and the door upset the broom,
and the broom upset the stool, and poor little Tatty Mouse was buried
beneath the ruins.
Story DNA
Moral
Grief, especially when uncontained, can have devastating and far-reaching consequences, leading to widespread destruction.
Plot Summary
Titty Mouse dies accidentally when her pudding pot overturns, scalding her. Her friend, Tatty Mouse, weeps, initiating a bizarre chain reaction where various inanimate objects and animals, upon learning of Titty's death and Tatty's grief, perform sympathetic actions (a stool hops, a broom sweeps, a tree sheds leaves, etc.). This escalating chain culminates in an old man intentionally breaking his neck, which causes a massive walnut-tree to fall, destroying the house and burying Tatty Mouse, thus ending the tragic sequence.
Themes
Emotional Arc
innocence to tragedy
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Joseph Jacobs was a prominent collector of English fairy tales, often adapting them from earlier oral traditions or printed sources. This story exemplifies a cumulative chain tale, common in folklore.
Plot Beats (14)
- Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse go leasing for corn.
- They both find an ear of corn.
- They both make a pudding.
- Tatty Mouse puts her pudding in the pot to boil.
- Titty Mouse's pot tumbles over, scalding her to death.
- Tatty Mouse weeps for Titty.
- A three-legged stool hops in sympathy with Tatty's weeping.
- A broom sweeps, a door jars, a window creaks, and an old form runs around the house, each reacting to the previous event and the news of Titty's death.
- A walnut-tree sheds its leaves, and a little bird moults its feathers, continuing the chain of sympathetic reactions.
- A little girl, carrying milk, spills it after hearing the bird's reason for moulting.
- An old man on a ladder, hearing the girl's explanation for spilling the milk, decides to tumble off and break his neck.
- The old man's death causes the walnut-tree to fall, destroying the house.
- The falling house causes a domino effect, knocking down the window, door, broom, and stool.
- Tatty Mouse is buried beneath the ruins of the house.
Characters
Titty Mouse ◆ supporting
A small mouse, likely brown or grey, with typical mouse features.
Attire: None, as a wild mouse.
Industrious, unfortunate.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young anthropomorphic mouse with soft brown fur and large, curious black eyes. It wears a simple, slightly oversized peasant tunic in faded blue, tied at the waist with a rough cord. Its posture is friendly and slightly tilted, as if listening intently, with one small paw raised in a gesture of gentle support. The mouse has a warm, cheerful expression with a faint, kind smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Tatty Mouse ★ protagonist
A small mouse, likely brown or grey, with typical mouse features.
Attire: None, as a wild mouse.
Industrious, mournful, empathetic.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young anthropomorphic mouse with large, bright eyes and a determined expression, wearing a well-worn, patched-up green tunic, brown trousers, and a small red scarf. He has soft brown fur, a long tail, and carries a walking stick. He is striding forward with purpose, one foot slightly raised. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Three-legged Stool ◆ supporting
A small, simple wooden stool with three legs.
Attire: None.
Empathetic, reactive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, ancient wooden stool with three sturdy legs, its surface worn smooth from use. It has a kindly, carved face on its seat with a slight smile and deep, knowing eyes. The wood grain is warm honey-brown, with faint, glowing runes etched along its legs. It stands firmly in a gentle, supportive pose, as if ready to be used. Soft, magical light emanates from its core, casting a warm glow. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Broom ◆ supporting
A household broom, likely made of natural bristles and a wooden handle.
Attire: None.
Empathetic, reactive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A friendly, personified broom character with a smooth wooden handle and a tuft of golden straw for hair. It wears a simple patchwork tunic and stands upright with a helpful, eager posture. Its bristles form a sturdy base, and its carved wooden face has a warm, welcoming smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Door ◆ supporting
A wooden door, likely part of a simple cottage.
Attire: None.
Empathetic, reactive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ancient, wise wooden door with a face subtly formed in its grain, possessing kind, deep-set eyes and a warm, knowing smile. It wears flowing robes carved from rich, dark oak, adorned with intricate iron hinges and glowing mossy runes. Standing slightly ajar in a welcoming posture, one carved hand extended as if offering passage. Moonlight filters through its keyhole, casting a soft glow. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Window ◆ supporting
A window, likely with wooden frames and glass panes, in a cottage.
Attire: None.
Empathetic, reactive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman with deep laugh lines and kind, crinkled eyes, her silver hair neatly braided. She wears a practical, faded blue apron over a simple grey dress, her sleeves rolled up. Her posture is slightly stooped but strong, one hand resting on a wooden cane, the other extended in a welcoming gesture. She has a warm, knowing smile. Soft, warm lighting illuminates her from the side. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Old Form ◆ supporting
An old, long wooden bench or seat, situated outside the house.
Attire: None.
Empathetic, reactive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly figure with deep wrinkles and kind, weathered features, appearing to be in their late seventies. They have long, wispy silver hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Dressed in a simple, flowing robe of undyed linen, cinched with a braided leather belt. They stand with a slight stoop, leaning gently on a gnarled wooden walking staff. Their expression is one of quiet contemplation and gentle support, with a soft, knowing smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Walnut-tree ◆ supporting
A fine, large walnut-tree with beautiful green leaves, growing by a cottage.
Attire: None.
Empathetic, reactive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ancient, wise tree with a kind face subtly formed in its gnarled bark, its sturdy trunk and limbs resembling a protective figure. Thick, moss-covered roots anchor it to the earth, and its broad canopy of lush green leaves spreads wide in a sheltering gesture. The bark has a rich, deep brown texture, and small, gentle eyes seem to twinkle from the wood. It stands in a posture of steadfast support, as if offering shade and refuge. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Mice's Home/Cottage Interior
A humble dwelling where Titty and Tatty Mouse live, containing a pot for boiling pudding, a three-legged stool, a broom in the corner, a door, and a window.
Mood: Initially domestic and cozy, quickly turns tragic and mournful, then chaotic and destructive.
Titty Mouse's death by scalding, Tatty Mouse's weeping, and the chain reaction of objects reacting to the news of Titty's death, culminating in the house's destruction.
Image Prompt & Upload
Golden afternoon light streams through a small, wavy glass window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air inside a cozy, humble cottage interior. The warm glow highlights a rough-hewn wooden table holding a large, steaming iron pot over dying embers in a simple hearth. A sturdy three-legged stool sits nearby. In a shadowed corner, a worn straw broom leans against the wall. The walls are of uneven stone and timber, and a sturdy wooden door with iron hinges is slightly ajar, hinting at a world beyond. The atmosphere is peaceful, quiet, and warmly rustic, with rich textures of wood, stone, and woven materials. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Outside the Cottage
The immediate exterior of the cottage, featuring an old form, a fine large walnut-tree, and a little bird perched on its boughs.
Mood: Initially calm, then becomes increasingly dramatic and sympathetic to the internal tragedy, leading to widespread destruction.
The form running around the house, the walnut-tree shedding its leaves, and the bird moulting its feathers, all in response to Titty's death.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon golden hour light filters through the sprawling branches of a magnificent, ancient walnut tree, its gnarled bark textured and leaves casting dappled shadows. A tiny, bright-eyed songbird perches on a lower bough. The cozy, thatched-roof cottage with stone walls and a wooden door sits beneath it, surrounded by a wildflower meadow with daisies and clover. A weathered stone path leads to the door. Soft, warm light, tranquil and magical atmosphere. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Rural Path/Field near a Rick
A path or area where a little girl walks carrying a jug of milk, and an old man is on a ladder thatching a rick.
Mood: Initially mundane, then becomes a scene of escalating misfortune and ultimately, death.
The little girl spilling milk and the old man falling off the ladder and breaking his neck, directly leading to the final catastrophic collapse.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon golden hour, a winding dirt path through a lush green field. A tall, neatly thatched rick of golden hay stands prominently, a wooden ladder leaning against its side. Rolling hills dotted with wildflowers stretch into the distance under a soft, clear sky. Warm, directional sunlight casts long, gentle shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
