THE LANGUAGE of ANIMALS
by Joseph Jacobs · from Europa's Fairy Book
Adapted Version
A boy named Jack lived. Jack was special for talking to creatures!
Jack went to school. He went for three years. Jack learned special things. He learned creature talk. First, he knew dog barks. Then, he knew frog croaks. Last, he knew bird songs. Jack heard their secret words. This was his special gift.
Jack's Father was not happy. He wanted Jack to learn other things. Jack heard a bird sing. The bird told a secret. It said, "Parents will help you." This was special. Jack told his father this.
Jack's Father got very angry. He found a Rough Man. "Take Jack far away," he said. "He must not come back." Rough Man felt bad. He liked Jack. He let Jack go free. He brought back a pretend sign. Jack's Father thought Jack was gone.
Jack walked far. He came to a castle. Dogs barked loudly. Jack heard their words. "Bad people are coming!" they said. Jack told the lord. The lord got ready. He stopped the bad people. Jack got a big prize.
Jack walked to the next castle. The lord's daughter was very sick. Frogs croaked in the water. Jack heard their secret words. He knew why she was sick. Jack helped the girl. She got better and smiled. The lord gave Jack a prize.
Jack met two friends. They walked to a big city. Birds sang in a tree. They sang a secret song. One friend would be a leader. A very big leader.
They came to the big city. The old leader was gone. A new leader must be chosen. There was a special way. A big bell hung high. White doves waited there. People walked under an arch.
Jack's friends walked first. Nothing happened. Then Jack walked under the arch. White doves flew down. They sat on Jack's shoulders. The big bell rang loudly. Jack was the special one. He was the new leader.
Jack became the big leader. He went to his old town. He thought of his folks. He sent for his parents. He wanted them at a big meal. It was a happy time.
At the big meal, Jack smiled. He thought of the bird's secret song. Jack's Father brought water for him. Jack's Mother brought a soft towel. They helped Jack in a special way. The bird's secret words came true.
"Do you know me?" Jack asked. His parents looked hard. They saw it was Jack! They were so happy. They were also very sorry. Jack was kind. He said, "It is okay." They lived as one.
Jack showed his special learning was a gift. He taught us kindness makes folks happy.
Original Story
THE LANGUAGE OF ANIMALS
There was once a man who had a son named Jack, who was very simple in mind and backward in his thought. So his father sent him away to school so that he might learn something; and after a year he came back from school.
"Well, Jack," said his father, "what have you learnt at school?"
And Jack said, "I know what dogs mean when they bark."
"That's not much," said his father. "You must go to school again."
So he sent him to school for another year, and when he came back he asked him what he had learnt.
"Well, father," said the boy, "when frogs croak I know what they mean."
"You must learn more than that," said the father, and sent him once more to school.
And when he returned, after another year, he asked him once more what he had learnt.
"I know all the birds say when they twitter and chirp, caw and coo, gobble and cluck."
"Well I must say," said the father, "that does not seem much for three years' schooling. But let us see if you have learnt your lessons properly. What does that bird say just above our heads in the tree there?"
Jack listened for some time but did not say anything.
"Well, Jack, what is it?" asked his father.
"I don't like to say, father."
"I don't believe you know or else you would say. Whatever it is I shall not mind."
Then the boy said, "The bird kept on saying as clear as could be, 'the time is not so far away when Jack's father will offer him water on bended knees for him to wash his hands; and his mother shall offer him a towel to wipe them with.'"
Thereupon the father grew very angry at Jack and his love for him changed to hatred, and one day he spoke to a robber and promised him much money if he would take Jack away into the forest and kill him there and bring back his heart to show that he had done what he had promised. But instead of doing this the robber told Jack all about it and advised him to flee away, while the robber took back to Jack's father the heart of a deer saying that it was Jack's. Then Jack travelled on and on till one night he stopped at a castle on the way; and while they were all supping together in the castle hall the dogs in the court-yard began barking and baying. And Jack went up to the lord of the castle and said, "There will be an attack upon the castle to-night."
"How do you know that?" asked the lord.
"The dogs say so," said Jack.
At that the lord and his men laughed, but never-the-less put an extra guard around the castle that night, and, sure enough, the attack was made, which was easily beaten off because the men were prepared. So the lord gave Jack a great reward for warning him, and he went on his way with a fellow traveller who had heard him warn the lord.
Soon afterwards they arrived at another castle in which the lord's daughter was lying sick unto death; and a great reward had been offered to him that should cure her. Now Jack had been listening to the frogs as they were croaking in the moat which surrounded the castle. So Jack went to the lord of the castle and said, "I know what ails your daughter."
"What is it," asked the lord.
"She has dropped the holy wafer from her mouth and it has been swallowed by one of the frogs in the moat."
"How do you know that?" said the lord.
"I heard the frogs say so."
At first the lord would not believe it; but in order to save his daughter's life he got Jack to point out the frog who was boasting of what he had swallowed, and, catching it, found what Jack had said was true. The frog was caught and killed, the wafer got back, and the girl recovered. So the lord gave Jack the reward which was promised, and he went on further with his companion and with another guest of the castle who had heard what Jack had said and done.
So Jack, with his two companions, travelled on towards Rome, the city of cities where dwelt the Pope, in those days the head of all Christendom. And as they were resting by the roadside Jack said to his companions, "Who would have thought it? One of us is going to be the Pope of Rome."
And his comrades asked him how he knew.
And he said, "The birds above in the tree have said so."
And his comrades at first laughed at him, but then remembered that what he had said before of the barking of dogs and of the croaking of frogs had turned out to be true.
Now when they arrived at Rome they found that the Pope had just died and that they were about to select his successor. And it was decided that all the people should pass under an arch whereon was a bell and two doves, and he upon whose shoulders the doves should alight, and for whom the bell should ring as he passed under the arch was to be the next Pope. And when Jack and his companions came near the arch they all remembered his prophecy and wondered which of the three should receive the signs. And his first comrade passed under the arch and nothing happened, and then the second and nothing happened, but when Jack went through the doves descended and alighted upon his shoulder and the bell began to toll. So Jack was made Pope of all Christendom, and he took the name of Pope Sylvester.
After a while the new Pope went upon his travels and came to the town where his father dwelt. And there was a great banquet held, to which Jack's father and mother were invited at his request. And when they came he ordered his servants to give to his father the basin of water, and to his mother the towel, wherewith the Pope would wash his hands after dinner. Now this was, in those days, a great honour, and people wondered why Jack's father and mother should be so honoured. But after Jack's father had offered him the basin of water, and his mother the towel, Jack said to them, "Do you not know me, mother? Do you not know me, father?" and made himself known to them and reminded his father of what the bird had said. So he forgave his father and took him and his mother to live with him ever afterwards.
Story DNA
Moral
True wisdom and unique abilities may not be recognized or valued by everyone, but they will ultimately lead to one's rightful place and can even bring about forgiveness.
Plot Summary
Jack, a simple-minded boy, learns the language of animals, which his father dismisses as useless. When a bird prophesies Jack's future greatness, his enraged father tries to have him killed, but Jack escapes. Using his unique ability, Jack travels and helps various lords, earning rewards and companions. Eventually, birds prophesy that Jack will become Pope, a prophecy fulfilled when divine signs choose him in Rome. As Pope, Jack returns to his hometown, reveals himself to his parents by fulfilling the original prophecy, and forgives them, bringing them to live with him.
Themes
Emotional Arc
rejection to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Joseph Jacobs collected and retold English fairy tales, often drawing from older oral traditions. The story reflects a pre-modern European setting with castles, lords, and the prominent role of the Pope.
Plot Beats (11)
- Jack, a simple-minded boy, is sent to school for three years, each year learning only the language of a different animal group (dogs, frogs, birds).
- His father is displeased with his learning, but Jack reveals a bird's prophecy that his parents will one day serve him.
- Enraged by the prophecy, Jack's father orders a robber to kill him, but the robber spares Jack and brings a deer's heart back instead.
- Jack travels and uses his understanding of barking dogs to warn a castle lord of an impending attack, saving the castle and earning a reward.
- Jack travels to another castle and uses his understanding of croaking frogs to discover the cause of the lord's daughter's illness (a swallowed holy wafer), curing her and earning another reward.
- With two companions, Jack travels towards Rome, and birds prophesy that one of them will become the Pope.
- In Rome, the Pope has died, and a selection process involving a bell and doves under an arch is set up.
- Jack's companions pass without incident, but when Jack passes, the doves alight on him and the bell tolls, signifying he is the chosen Pope.
- Jack becomes Pope Sylvester and later travels to his hometown, inviting his parents to a banquet.
- At the banquet, Jack orchestrates the fulfillment of the bird's prophecy, having his father offer him water and his mother a towel.
- Jack reveals his identity to his parents, forgives them for their past actions, and takes them to live with him.
Characters
Jack ★ protagonist
A young boy of average height and build, with a generally unassuming appearance that might lead others to perceive him as simple-minded. His features are not particularly striking, contributing to the initial underestimation of his abilities.
Attire: Initially, simple, coarse linen or wool tunic and breeches, typical of a peasant boy in medieval Europe. As he travels and gains wealth, his clothing would become more refined, perhaps a sturdy wool cloak over a finer tunic. As Pope, he wears elaborate papal vestments: a white cassock, a red mozzetta, and a mitre, all adorned with gold embroidery and precious stones.
Wants: Initially, to learn and understand the world, then to survive after being cast out. Later, to use his gift for good and ultimately to reconcile with his parents.
Flaw: His initial perceived 'simplicity' makes him underestimated and vulnerable to his father's anger. He is also very trusting, as seen when the robber spares him.
Transforms from an underestimated, simple boy into the powerful and respected Pope of all Christendom, demonstrating that true wisdom comes in many forms. He also achieves reconciliation and forgiveness with his parents.
Perceptive, quiet, forgiving, humble, observant. Despite being called 'simple in mind', he possesses a unique and powerful gift.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has light brown, slightly disheveled hair, round, observant light blue eyes, and fair skin. He wears a simple, coarse grey linen tunic and dark brown breeches, with sturdy leather boots. His expression is quiet and thoughtful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Jack's Father ⚔ antagonist
A man of mature age, likely of a sturdy build, reflecting a life of work or comfortable living. His features might show signs of impatience and a quick temper.
Attire: Initially, the practical, respectable clothing of a well-off commoner or minor landowner in medieval Europe: a sturdy wool tunic, hose, and a simple cloak. Later, as a guest of the Pope, he would wear his finest, more formal attire, perhaps a dark wool doublet and hose.
Wants: To have a son who is conventionally intelligent and successful. He is driven by societal expectations and his own pride.
Flaw: His inability to understand or appreciate his son's unique gift, leading to his cruel actions. His pride and quick temper are his fatal flaws.
Starts as a loving but frustrated father, becomes an antagonist who orders his son's murder, and eventually experiences profound remorse and reconciliation, living under his son's care.
Impatient, short-tempered, materialistic, judgmental, easily angered, ultimately remorseful. He values conventional learning and practical skills over unusual talents.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern, somewhat impatient expression, with a furrowed brow. His hair is dark and short, with a few streaks of grey. He wears a sturdy, dark green wool tunic over a cream linen shirt, with dark brown hose and practical leather shoes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Jack's Mother ◆ supporting
A woman of mature age, likely of a gentle demeanor, possibly showing signs of worry or sadness due to her son's situation. Her build would be typical of a woman of her social standing.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing of a commoner's wife in medieval Europe: a long, modest linen or wool gown, possibly with an apron, in muted colors like brown, grey, or undyed linen. Later, as a guest of the Pope, she would wear her finest, more formal gown.
Wants: To care for her family and maintain peace within the household. Later, to reconcile with her son.
Flaw: Her passive acceptance of her husband's cruel decision regarding Jack.
Initially a background figure, she becomes complicit in her husband's actions against Jack but is ultimately reunited with her son and lives under his care, experiencing reconciliation.
Supportive, gentle, perhaps more accepting than her husband, though initially complicit in his actions. She shows a capacity for love and eventual remorse.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, gentle expression, with soft, light brown eyes. Her hair is covered by a simple white linen coif. She wears a long, modest, undyed linen gown with a dark brown wool apron over it. Her hands are clasped gently in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Robber ◆ supporting
A rugged man, likely with a strong build, accustomed to life in the wilderness. His features might be weathered from exposure.
Attire: Practical, dark, and sturdy clothing suitable for a life of banditry in a forest: a dark wool tunic, rough breeches, and a thick, hooded cloak, possibly made of coarse leather or dark wool. Worn leather boots.
Wants: To gain wealth through his illicit activities. He is motivated by self-preservation and a pragmatic assessment of risk and reward.
Flaw: His initial willingness to commit murder for money, though he ultimately chooses a less violent path.
Initially hired to commit murder, he chooses to spare Jack and deceive his employer, demonstrating a moral compass beyond simple villainy.
Cunning, pragmatic, opportunistic, but also capable of mercy and a sense of fairness, as he spares Jack's life despite the reward.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rugged man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a rough, unshaven face with keen, dark eyes and unkempt dark hair. He wears a dark, thick wool hooded cloak over a coarse brown tunic and dark breeches, with worn leather boots. He holds a hunting knife in his right hand. His expression is wary and cunning. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Jack's Childhood Home
A modest, likely rural, German-style home, possibly a half-timbered Fachwerk house with a thatched roof, where Jack lived with his parents. The specific scene takes place within earshot of a tree.
Mood: Initially domestic and questioning, then quickly turns tense and hostile due to the bird's prophecy.
Jack reveals his ability to understand birds, leading to his father's anger and decision to have him killed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic, cozy interior of a 14th-century German Fachwerk house. Sunlight streams through a small, leaded-glass window, illuminating dust motes in the air. A rough-hewn wooden table sits in the center, with a simple earthenware jug and cups. A large, dark stone hearth dominates one wall, with a small fire glowing. Outside the window, the dense green leaves of a deciduous tree are visible. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
First Castle (Under Attack)
A fortified medieval European castle, likely German or French, with a courtyard where dogs are kept. The main action occurs within the castle hall and the courtyard during a night attack.
Mood: Initially jovial during supper, quickly shifts to alert and tense, then triumphant after the attack is repelled.
Jack uses his ability to understand dogs to warn the lord of an impending attack, saving the castle.
Image Prompt & Upload
A moonlit, imposing medieval European castle courtyard at night, constructed of rough-hewn grey stone. The ground is packed earth, with scattered straw. Large, fierce dogs are barking towards the heavy wooden gate, which is reinforced with iron bands. Torches flicker on the stone walls, casting long, dancing shadows. The sky above is a deep, star-studded indigo. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Second Castle (Moated)
Another fortified medieval European castle, distinguished by a prominent moat surrounding it, where frogs croak. The interior includes a lord's chambers or a sickroom.
Mood: Somber and desperate due to the lord's daughter's illness, transitioning to hopeful and finally relieved.
Jack uses his ability to understand frogs to diagnose and cure the lord's daughter.
Image Prompt & Upload
A serene, moon-drenched medieval European castle, its grey stone walls rising majestically from a wide, dark moat. The water is still, reflecting the castle, and covered in patches of green lily pads and reeds. Frogs are barely visible among the vegetation, their forms silhouetted. A sturdy wooden drawbridge is partially raised. The air is cool and still. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
St. Peter's Basilica Archway, Rome
A grand, ceremonial archway in Rome, likely a temporary structure erected for the Papal selection, adorned with a bell and two doves. It stands in a public square or approach to a significant building like St. Peter's Basilica.
Mood: Anticipatory, solemn, and ultimately miraculous.
Jack passes under the arch, and the doves alight on him while the bell tolls, signifying his selection as the new Pope.
Image Prompt & Upload
A magnificent, temporary triumphal arch, possibly constructed of painted wood and draped fabric, standing in a sun-drenched Roman piazza. The arch is adorned with classical motifs and has a large, bronze bell suspended from its apex. Two pure white doves are perched elegantly on the arch's highest point. The ground is paved with ancient, worn cobblestones, and the background shows glimpses of classical Roman architecture under a clear blue sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
