THE FROG PRINCE
by Katharine Pyle · from Mother's Nursery Tales
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, in a big, beautiful castle, lived a princess named Lily. She played with her golden ball. Lily threw the ball up. It fell into the fountain. The ball sank deep. Lily could not get it.
A green frog came from the water. "Why do you cry?" asked Prince Fred. Lily told him about her ball. "I can get it," said the frog. "Be my friend. Eat with me. Sleep near me."
Lily did not think the frog would come. "Yes, yes!" she quickly said. She wanted her ball back. Lily made a promise. She did not mean it.
Prince Fred jumped into the water. He got the golden ball. The frog gave it to Lily. Lily took her ball. She ran away fast. She did not say thank you.
That night, Lily ate dinner. Knock, knock! Someone was at the door. Lily heard a voice. "Princess Lily, open the door!" it said. "You made a promise." It was Prince Fred.
Lily told The King the story. She told him about the frog. The King looked at Lily. "You made a promise," he said. "You must keep your promise. Even when it is hard."
Lily opened the door. Prince Fred hopped inside. He hopped to the table. "Princess Lily," he said. "Please let me eat. I want your golden plate. I want your golden mug."
Dinner was over. Lily wanted to go. Prince Fred spoke again. "Princess Lily," he said. "I want to sleep. I want to sleep near your bed. You made a promise." Lily felt very sad.
The King heard Prince Fred. He looked at Lily. "You must keep your word," he said. Lily took the frog. She went to her room. She did not want to go.
Lily put Prince Fred down. He was in a dark corner. Lily went to bed. "Princess Lily!" called Prince Fred. "Lift me onto your bed. The floor is cold." Lily felt very angry.
Lily took the frog. She was very upset. "You bother me!" she cried. Lily gently dropped him. She dropped him onto her bed. She was so very mad.
Then a magic thing happened. Prince Fred was not a frog. He became a handsome prince. He wore green clothes. He had a gold crown. "A bad fairy changed me," he said.
Prince Fred took Lily's hand. "We can be friends," he said. Lily liked Prince Fred. They would be playmates. Later, they would marry. Lily was happy.
Prince Fred went to his home. Lily went with him. They lived in his kingdom. They were very happy. They lived happily ever after.
Original Story
THE FROG PRINCE
There was once a king who had one only daughter, and her he loved as he loved the apple of his eye.
One day the Princess sat beside a fountain in the gardens, and played with a golden ball. She threw it up into the air and caught it again, and the ball shone and glittered in the sunshine so that she laughed aloud with pleasure. But presently as she caught at the ball she missed it, and it rolled across the grass and fell into the fountain. There it sank to the bottom. The Princess tried and tried to reach it, but she could not. Then she began to weep, and her tears dripped down into the fountain.
“Princess, Princess, why are you weeping?” asked a hoarse voice.
The Princess looked about her, and there was a great squat green frog sitting on the edge of the fountain.
“I am weeping, Froggie, because I have dropped my ball into the water and I cannot get it again,” answered the Princess.
“And what will you give me if I get it for you?”
“Anything in the world, dear Frog, except the ball itself.”
“I wish you to give me nothing, Princess,” said the frog. “But if I bring back your ball to you will you let me be your little playmate? Will you let me sit at your table, and eat from your plate, and drink from your mug, and sleep in your little bed?”
“Yes, yes,” cried the Princess. She was very willing to promise, for she did not believe the frog could ever leave the fountain, or come up the palace steps.
“Very well, then that is a promise,” said the frog, and at once he plunged into the fountain and brought back the ball to the Princess in his arms.
The little girl took the ball and ran away with it without even stopping to thank him.
That evening the child sat at supper with her father, and she ate from her golden plate, and drank from her golden mug, and she did not even give a thought to the frog down in the fountain.
Presently there came a knocking at the door, but it was so soft that no one heard it but the Princess. Then the knocking came again, and a hoarse voice cried, “King’s daughter, King’s daughter, let me in. Have you forgotten the promise you made me by the fountain?”
The Princess was frightened. She slipped down from her chair, and ran to the door, and opened it and looked out. There on the top-most step sat the great green frog.
When the Princess saw him she shut the door quickly, and came back to the table, and she was very pale.
“Who was that at the door?” asked the King.
“It was no one,” answered the Princess.
“But there was surely someone there,” said the King.
“It was only a great green frog from the fountain,” said the Princess. And then she told her father how she had dropped her ball into the fountain, and how the frog had brought it back to her, and of what she had promised him.
“What you have promised that you must perform,” said the King. “Open the door, my daughter, and let him in.”
Very unwillingly the child went back to the door and opened it; the frog hopped into the room. When she returned to the table, the frog hopped along close at her heels.
She sat down and began to eat. “King’s daughter, King’s daughter, set me upon the table that I too may eat from your golden plate,” said the frog.
The Princess would have refused, but she dared not because of what her father had said. She lifted the frog to the table, and there he ate from her plate, but she herself could touch nothing.
“I am thirsty,” said the frog. “Tilt your golden mug that I may drink from it.”
The Princess did as he bade her, but as she did so she could not help weeping so that her tears ran down into the milk.
When supper was ended the Princess was about to hurry away to her room, but the frog called to her, “King’s daughter, King’s daughter, take me along. Have you forgotten that I was to sleep in your little white bed?”
“That you shall not,” cried the Princess in a passion. “Go back to the stones of the fountain, where you belong.”
“What you have said that you must do,” said the King. “Take the frog with you.”
The Princess shuddered, but she dared not refuse.
She took the frog with her up to her room, and put him down in the darkest corner, where she would not see him. Then she undressed and went to bed. But scarcely had her head touched the pillow when she heard the frog calling her.
“King’s daughter, King’s daughter! Is this the way you keep your promise? Lift me up to the bed, for the floor is cold and hard.”
The Princess sprang from the bed and seized the frog in her hands. “Miserable frog,” she cried, “you shall not torment me in this way.” So saying she threw the frog against the wall with all her force.
But no sooner did the frog touch the wall than it turned into a handsome young prince, all dressed in green, with a golden crown upon his head, and a chain of emeralds about his neck.
The Prince came to her, and took her by the hand.
“Dear Princess,” said he, “you have broken the enchantment that held me. A cruel fairy was angry with my father, and so she changed me into a frog, and put me there in the fountain. But now that the enchantment is broken we can really be playmates, and when you are old enough you shall be my wife.”
The Princess did not say no. She was delighted at the thought of having such a handsome playmate. And as for marrying him later on, she was quite willing for that, too.
So the Prince stayed there in the palace, and the King was very glad to think he was to have him for a son-in-law, and when he and the Princess were married, there was great rejoicing and feasting through all the kingdom.
The Prince, however, was not willing to stay away from his own kingdom any longer. He said he must return to see his old father.
One day a handsome golden coach drawn by eight white horses drove up to the door. It had been sent by the Prince’s father to fetch him home again. Upon the box rode the faithful servant who had cared for the Prince when he was a child.
When the Prince had been carried away by the fairy this faithful servant had grieved so bitterly he had feared his heart would break. To keep this from happening he had put three great iron bands around his body.
The Prince and the Princess entered the coach, and away went the horses. They had not driven far, however, when a loud crack was heard.
“What is that?” cried the Princess. “Surely something has broken.”
“Yes, mistress,” answered the faithful servant,
“It was a band that bound my heart.
My joy hath broken it apart.”
They drove a little farther, and then there came another crack, even louder than the first.
“Surely the coach is breaking down,” cried the Prince.
“Nay, master,” answered the faithful servant,
“’Tis but my joy that rives apart
The second band that held my heart.”
A little farther on there came a crack that was louder than any.
“Now surely something has broken,” cried the Prince and Princess together.
“’Tis the last band that held my heart,
And joy has riven all apart,”
answered the servant.
After that they drove on quietly until they reached their own country. There the Prince and Princess lived in happiness to the end of their lives, and the faithful servant with them.
Story DNA
Moral
Keep your promises, even when they are difficult or unpleasant, for true worth may be hidden beneath an unappealing exterior.
Plot Summary
A spoiled princess loses her golden ball in a fountain and promises a talking frog companionship if he retrieves it. She immediately breaks her word, but her father, the King, forces her to honor the promise. The frog demands to share her meals and her bed, pushing the princess to her limit. In a fit of rage, she throws the frog against a wall, breaking an enchantment and transforming him into a handsome prince. They fall in love, marry, and journey to his kingdom, where his faithful servant's heart, bound by grief, is finally freed by joy.
Themes
Emotional Arc
disgust to acceptance to joy
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This version, by Katharine Pyle, is a retelling of the Brothers Grimm's 'Der Froschkönig oder der eiserne Heinrich' (The Frog King, or Iron Heinrich), which itself is a compilation of older folk tales. The 'Iron Heinrich' element (the faithful servant with iron bands) is a distinctive feature of the Grimm version.
Plot Beats (16)
- A princess plays with her golden ball by a fountain and accidentally drops it in.
- A frog emerges and offers to retrieve the ball if the princess promises to be his playmate, sharing her table and bed.
- The princess, not believing the frog can follow, readily agrees.
- The frog retrieves the ball, but the princess immediately runs away without a word of thanks.
- Later, at dinner, the frog knocks at the palace door, reminding the princess of her promise.
- The King, upon hearing the story, insists his daughter honor her word.
- The princess reluctantly lets the frog in, and he demands to eat from her plate and drink from her mug.
- After dinner, the frog demands to sleep in her bed, causing the princess great distress.
- The King again commands the princess to uphold her promise, and she takes the frog to her room.
- The frog insists on being lifted into her bed, pushing the princess to her breaking point.
- In a fit of anger, the princess throws the frog against the wall.
- The frog transforms into a handsome prince, explaining he was under a fairy's enchantment.
- The prince and princess agree to be playmates and eventually marry.
- A golden coach arrives from the prince's kingdom, driven by his faithful servant, whose heart had been bound by iron bands due to grief.
- As the coach travels, the servant's iron bands crack and break, symbolizing his overwhelming joy at the prince's return.
- The prince and princess arrive in his kingdom and live happily ever after.
Characters
The Princess ★ protagonist
A young girl of slender build, likely of Northern European descent given the story's origin. Her exact height is not specified, but she is small enough to be easily frightened and to be lifted by her father.
Attire: A finely made dress suitable for a princess, likely of silk or velvet, in a soft color like cream, rose, or light blue, possibly adorned with delicate embroidery or lace. She would wear soft leather slippers.
Wants: To retrieve her golden ball and maintain her comfortable, undisturbed life. Later, to find happiness and companionship.
Flaw: Selfishness and a lack of empathy, leading her to break promises and treat others poorly. Her initial fear and revulsion towards the frog also prevent her from seeing beyond appearances.
She transforms from a spoiled, promise-breaking child who is repulsed by the frog to a young woman who, through her father's guidance and her own passionate act, breaks an enchantment and accepts a handsome prince as her future husband.
Spoiled, initially thoughtless, easily frightened, passionate, eventually compliant, and ultimately delighted. She is quick to make promises she doesn't intend to keep but is forced to honor them by her father.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl, approximately 8-10 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, a round face, and large, expressive blue eyes. Her long, light brown hair is styled in two braids adorned with white ribbons. She wears a pale pink silk dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, trimmed with delicate white lace at the collar and cuffs. She holds a small, shiny golden ball in her hands, looking slightly hesitant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Frog Prince ★ protagonist
As a frog: A great, squat, green frog, noticeably large. As a prince: A handsome young man of regal bearing, dressed in green, with a strong, noble physique.
Attire: As a frog: None. As a prince: A finely tailored tunic and breeches of deep forest green velvet, possibly with gold embroidery, and a matching cloak. He wears a golden crown and a chain of emeralds.
Wants: To break the enchantment placed upon him and return to his true form and kingdom. To find a companion and future wife.
Flaw: Bound by the enchantment, making him appear repulsive and helpless in his frog form. His reliance on the Princess to break the spell.
Begins as a repulsive frog, patiently enduring his curse and holding the Princess to her word. He is transformed into a handsome prince, finding love and breaking free from his enchantment, eventually returning to his kingdom with his new wife.
Persistent, patient, determined, honorable (insisting on the promise), and ultimately kind and loving. He endures his enchantment with quiet resolve.
Image Prompt & Upload
A handsome young man, approximately 20-25 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a noble face, clear brown eyes, and short, neatly styled dark brown hair. He wears a rich forest green velvet tunic with gold embroidery on the collar and cuffs, matching breeches, and soft leather boots. A small, ornate golden crown rests on his head, and a heavy chain of polished emeralds is draped around his neck. He has a gentle, kind expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A man of mature age, likely of a sturdy build befitting a monarch. His height and specific features are not detailed, but he commands respect.
Attire: Royal robes of a European monarch, perhaps a deep red or purple velvet, trimmed with ermine fur, and adorned with gold embroidery. He would wear a crown and a scepter would be nearby.
Wants: To ensure his daughter learns responsibility and honor, and to maintain the integrity of his word and his kingdom.
Flaw: His deep love for his daughter might make him initially overlook her flaws, but he ultimately prioritizes moral principles.
Remains consistent throughout the story, serving as the moral compass and catalyst for the Princess's actions. He facilitates the breaking of the enchantment through his insistence on honor.
Loving (towards his daughter), wise, just, firm, and honorable. He upholds the sanctity of a promise, even when it's inconvenient or unpleasant.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly king, approximately 60-70 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind but firm face, with a neatly trimmed gray beard and mustache, and wise, deep-set eyes. He wears a rich, deep purple velvet robe trimmed with white ermine fur, a heavy gold chain of office, and a golden crown adorned with jewels. He holds a golden scepter in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Faithful Servant ◆ supporting
A man of mature age, likely of a sturdy and loyal build, having served the Prince since childhood. His specific features are not detailed, but he carries the marks of deep sorrow and then overwhelming joy.
Attire: Livery appropriate for a royal coachman and trusted servant, likely in the colors of the Prince's kingdom, perhaps green and gold, made of sturdy wool or linen. He would wear a tricorn hat or a similar period-appropriate headwear.
Wants: To serve and protect his master, the Prince, and to witness his happiness and return to his rightful place.
Flaw: His intense emotional attachment to the Prince, which caused him such grief that he feared his heart would break.
Begins as a grieving servant, physically binding his heart to cope with sorrow. He experiences a profound emotional release and healing as his master returns to his true form and kingdom, symbolizing the restoration of hope and joy.
Extremely loyal, devoted, deeply emotional, and resilient. He grieves profoundly for his master and experiences immense joy upon his return.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man, approximately 40-50 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, weathered face with a short, neatly trimmed brown beard and warm, loyal eyes. He wears a sturdy dark green wool coat with brass buttons, a cream linen shirt, and brown breeches. Three thick, dark iron bands are visibly strapped around his chest, beneath his coat. He holds a coachman's whip in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Palace Gardens with Fountain
Lush, sun-drenched gardens surrounding a royal palace, featuring a central fountain. The grass is green and well-maintained, and the fountain's edge is accessible. The golden ball glitters in the sunshine.
Mood: Initially joyful and playful, then shifts to distress and reluctant negotiation.
The Princess loses her golden ball in the fountain and makes a promise to the frog in exchange for its retrieval.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sun-drenched formal garden with a large, classical stone fountain at its center. The fountain's basin is filled with clear water, and the surrounding grass is vibrant green. Golden light filters through unseen trees, casting soft shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King's Dining Hall
A grand dining hall within the palace, where the King and Princess eat their supper. It features a large table set with golden plates and mugs, indicating wealth and royalty. The atmosphere is initially calm, then becomes tense and uncomfortable.
Mood: Formal and regal, but quickly becomes awkward and strained due to the frog's presence.
The frog arrives at the palace, and the Princess is forced by her father to honor her promise, allowing the frog to eat from her plate and drink from her mug.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand medieval European dining hall, with a long, polished oak table laden with golden plates and mugs. Warm candlelight from sconces illuminates the rough-hewn stone walls and high timbered ceiling. A large, ornate fireplace dominates one wall. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Princess's Bedroom
The Princess's private chamber, featuring a 'little white bed'. It's a personal space that becomes the scene of the frog's transformation. The atmosphere shifts from revulsion and anger to surprise and delight.
Mood: Initially private and safe, then invaded and frustrating, culminating in magical transformation and wonder.
The Princess, exasperated, throws the frog against the wall, breaking the enchantment and revealing him as a handsome prince.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, well-appointed medieval European princess's bedroom at night. A soft, white canopy bed with rich drapes stands against a plaster wall. Moonlight streams faintly through a tall, arched window, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. A dark, shadowed corner is visible. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Road to the Prince's Kingdom
A winding road through the countryside, leading from the Princess's palace to the Prince's homeland. The journey is marked by the sounds of breaking iron bands from the faithful servant's heart.
Mood: Joyful and expectant, with a touch of mystery and wonder as the servant's bands break.
The Prince and Princess travel to his kingdom, and the faithful servant's heart bands break from joy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, well-maintained dirt road winds through a verdant European countryside under a clear blue sky. Rolling hills covered in green fields and scattered deciduous trees line the path. A magnificent golden coach pulled by eight white horses travels along the road, kicking up a faint dust trail. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
