"I've collected every old storybook and fairy tale I could find" 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.

“	Oh look brothers! For here we find delectable pies of every variety!	„
	― Grimbert to his fellow animals, Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall — "The Christmas Pies"

Grimbert is a Fable badger who lives on the Farm in upstate New York. He debuts in Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm."

History

Exile

“	I wonder if they allow Christmas in the mundane world?	„
	― Grimbert to his fellow freedom-seeking Fable animals, Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall — "The Christmas Pies"

Grimbert 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 Grimbert's fellow subjects, the fox Reynard, was known for his mischief. At one point, Grimbert 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 Grimbert and the other animal Fables with three nights of Christmas feasting, during which they delighted in the delectable pies. As Grimbert and his companions discovered the delicious treats on the initial night, he expressed his joy, remarking that there were scrumptious pies of every kind. He was spotted with red fruit juice on his face as he engaged in the festivities on the second night. On the fourth night, Grimbert 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. As he and the other animals escaped through the gateway, Grimbard, in reaction to a deer's pleasure at the Christmas festivities, wondered if Christmas was allowed in the mundane world.^[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. Grimbert, 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 Grimbert 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

Grimbert 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] Grimbert is a badger who is also known as Brocket, Grimbaert,^[3] Grimbard,^[5] Grimbeert, Grimbart, Grinbert, Grymbart, Grymbeert, Grymbert and Krimel. He is the husband of fellow badger Slopecade, the nephew and main supporter of the fox Reynard, and father of the badger Malapert.^[3]

Please note: This article assumes that the unnamed badger that appears alongside King Noble is Grimbert, as he appears in significantly more texts than the other two "badger candidates."^[3]

References