Nordic Tales / Mighty Mikko: The Story of a Poor Woodsman and a Grateful Fox

Once, there lived an elderly woodsman and his wife, who had a sole son named Mikko. In the sorrowful moment of his mother's impending demise, the young man wept profusely, overcome by grief. Amidst tears, the young man expressed his heartfelt concern to his dear mother, saying, "Once you are gone, there will be no one remaining to hold me in their thoughts."

In her limited capacity, the impoverished woman sought to console him and offered these words of solace:

"You will yet possess the presence of your father,"

Not long after the woman passed away, the elderly man also fell ill, leaving Mikko feeling burdened by the weight of sorrow and apprehension.

As Mikko sat by his father's side, witnessing his diminishing strength, a profound realization settled within him. "Now, truly, I shall be left bereft and solitary," he contemplated, feeling the weight of impending loneliness.

"My son," spoke the old man in his final breaths, "I possess naught but three snares, faithful companions in my pursuits of trapping wild creatures throughout the years. They are the sole legacy I can offer you." "The ownership of those snares is now bestowed upon you, once I have passed away, venture into the woods. If you come across a wild creature entangled within any of them, release it with a gentle touch and bring it back to our abode, ensuring its survival."

Following his father's demise, Mikko recollected the snares and ventured into the woods to inspect them. The first and second snares turned out to be empty, but within the third one, he discovered a diminutive red fox. With utmost care, he lifted the spring that had ensnared one of the fox's feet, carrying the tiny creature back home in his embrace. Mikko graciously shared his supper with the fox, and as he settled down for sleep, the fox curled up at his feet.

In their shared existence, they dwelled together for a while, gradually fostering a deep bond that transformed them into close companions and dear friends.

"Mikko," the Fox spoke one day, breaking the silence, "why do you carry a weight of sadness within you?"

"Because I feel a sense of loneliness,"

"Pooh!" dismissed the Fox, offering a perspective. "Such talk is not befitting a young man like you! You should consider getting married! That way, you would no longer feel the pangs of loneliness."

"Married!" Mikko echoed, his tone filled with uncertainty. "But how can I enter into matrimony? I am too impoverished to marry a poor girl, and a wealthy girl would not consider me as her match."

"Nonsense!" retorted the Fox, dismissing Mikko's doubts. "You are a fine, well-built young man, and your kind and gentle nature speaks volumes. What more could a princess desire in a partner?"

Mikko chuckled at the thought of a princess considering him as a husband. "You jest!" he exclaimed.

But the Fox persisted, emphasizing, "I speak in earnest! Consider our very own Princess. What if you were to contemplate marrying her?"

Mikko's laughter grew even louder than before.

"I have heard," he replied, his amusement evident, "that she is the epitome of beauty, renowned as the most exquisite princess in the world!

Any man would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to marry her!"

"Very well," responded the Fox, accepting Mikko's sentiment. "If you hold such admiration for her, then I shall take it upon myself to arrange the wedding between you and the princess."

With determination, the little Fox embarked on its journey, making its way to the grand royal castle and successfully securing an audience with the King.

"My master extends his greetings," conveyed the Fox, addressing the King. "He humbly requests the loan of your bushel measure."

"The very same bushel measure that I use in my kingdom?" the King repeated, taken aback by the unusual request. "Pray tell, who is your master, and what is the purpose behind his desire for my bushel measure?"

"Hush!" the Fox whispered in a low tone, as if eager to keep their conversation discreet from prying ears. Then, approaching the King closely, it murmured into his ear:

"Surely, you must have heard of Mikko, haven't you? The renowned Mighty Mikko, as he is known," the Fox whispered, highlighting Mikko's fame and reputation.

The King confessed that he had never come across any mention of a Mighty Mikko before, perplexed by the unfamiliar name, however, considering the possibility that he should be aware of such a figure, he shook his head and murmured contemplatively.

"H'm! Mikko! Mighty Mikko! Oh, indeed! Yes, yes, of course!"

"My master is preparing for a forthcoming journey, and he requires a bushel measure for a very specific purpose,"

"I comprehend! I comprehend!" the King exclaimed, even though he didn't grasp the true nature of the situation. He promptly issued orders for the castle's storeroom bushel measure to be retrieved and handed over to the Fox as requested.