Vulpecula

Vulpecula (The Fox)

In the late 17th century, the astronomer Johannes Hevelius created this constellation.
It was originally known as Vulpecula cum ansere - "the little Fox with the Goose" or Vulpecula et Anser - "the little Fox and the Goose". Later, the name was shortened to just "Vulpecula" - the fox.

Many constellations have received their names from various myths or tales.
This poem was created to tell the story of "Vulpucula".


The little fox, she runs ahead
Straight to the flock of geese.
She holds one goose around the neck
Until his struggles cease.

And then she prances all around
To show the rest her skill
At using stealth and pointed teeth
To quickly make a kill.

But then, the farmer sees the fox.
He roars an angry cry.
He grabs her by her bushy tail
And throws her toward the sky.

The farmer checks his flock of geese
And utters in despair,
“Don’t send this vixen back to earth.
Please, gods, just keep her there.”

Then lightning flashes; thunder booms.
The sky turns black and dark.
The outline of the fox is seen
With stars to hold the mark.

The farmer called his children forth
To see this wondrous sight.
They saw the fox stuck fast against
The velvet of the night.

And so, this tale is handed down;
This lesson you should learn.
You must not take what is not yours
Or you may not return.


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