An old woman decided to bake a gingerbread man as a treat. When she opened the oven, the little biscuit leapt out and ran through the kitchen door. 'Run, run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!' he shouted. The woman and her husband gave chase, but he was too quick. As he ran, he passed a cow and a horse, both of whom joined the pursuit, yet he outpaced them all with his taunting chant. Eventually, he reached a wide river he could not cross. A clever fox appeared and offered the gingerbread man a ride on his tail. As the water deepened, the fox suggested he move to his back, then his shoulders, and finally his nose to stay dry. The moment they reached the other side, the fox tossed his head back and snapped the gingerbread man up in a single bite.
Be wary of those who offer help with honeyed words, and do not let overconfidence lead you into a trap.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Gingerbread Man?
The moral is to be cautious of strangers and to avoid excessive pride. The Gingerbread Man's overconfidence and his decision to trust a predator led to his ultimate demise.
Who wrote The Gingerbread Man?
The story is a cumulative folk tale of unknown origin. It first appeared in print in the American 'St. Nicholas Magazine' in 1875, though similar 'runaway food' stories exist in many cultures.
Why did the fox eat the Gingerbread Man?
The fox used flattery and deception to gain the Gingerbread Man's trust. By pretending to help him cross the river, the fox lured the biscuit into a vulnerable position on his nose.
What is the famous chant in the story?
The most famous line is: 'Run, run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!' It is repeated throughout his flight from his pursuers.
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Good night.
