Although this article is based on canonical information, the actual name of this subject is conjecture based on the original source it's adapted from. |
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| “ | In truth, I believe it is the miracle of the legend! | „ |
| ― Fine to Grimbert, Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall — "The Christmas Pies" |
Fine is a Fable weasel who lives on the Farm in upstate New York. They first appear in Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm."
History
Exile
Fine was one the subjects of King Noble and resided in a vast sprawling valley, sharing this territory with the other subjects under Noble's rule. One day, however, their valley was occupied by the armies of the Adversary. The invaders let Noble continue to rule, as long as he kept his subjects pacified and paid taxes to the Empire. However, they were not allowed to celebrate Christmas, and the enemy seized the forest's magic gateway that lead to the mundane world, and arrested anyone who attempted to flee through it.[1]
One of Fine's fellow subjects, the fox Reynard, was known for his mischief. At one point, Fine was observed watching from a branch while the stag Brichemer reported to King Noble and Fière that the fox had been misbehaving once more.[1]
Later, in the midst of a snowy winter, the cunning Reynard put his mischief to good use and deceived the local goblin forces into preparing an abundance of pies, which were then left for the residents of the valley, providing Fine and the other animal Fables with three nights of Christmas feasting, during which the creatures delighted in the delectable pies. As Fine and their companions discovered the delicious treats on the initial night, Fine expressed their joy, believing this to truly be the local legend of the miracle of the Christmas pies. On the fourth night, Fine and the rest of King Noble's people, desiring freedom from the evil oppressors, found a way to escape through the gateway after Reynard tricked the enemy into leaving it unguarded for one night.[1]
Goldilocks' revolution
During the revolt of Goldilocks and the Three Little Pigs, most of the animal Fables choose to remain neutral and await the outcome of the situation. Fine, along with a group of former subjects of King Noble, are among the few animals who choose to side with Snow White. Noble and his subjects convene to outline a plan regarding the ongoing insurrection, and Fine watches as Reynard reports to King Noble. The lion tasks Reynard with finding out of Snow is still alive. If she is, they'll persevere; if not, they will try to escape the Farm during the opponents' midday rally.[2]
Appearances
Fables
- Fables #9 (first appearance)
- Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall (flashback)
Original source
Fine is based on the character of the same name from[3] the medieval literary cycle of Reynard the Fox, which encompasses Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and English stories.[4]
Please note: There are two weasels within the literary cycle; Fine the weasel and Hermine the ermine; this article assumes that the unnamed weasel that appears alongside King Noble's people is Fine, as the latter appears in more texts than the other "candidate" (three, as opposed to one).[3]