A group of frogs ask Jupiter for a king and learn a hard lesson about being careful what you wish for.
Tired of their freedom, the frogs petition Jupiter for a powerful king. Jupiter first sends a harmless log, but when the frogs complain, he sends a hungry crane that begins to eat them one by one.
Author: Aesop
Themes: wisdom, consequences, contentment
The Frogs were tired of governing themselves. They had so much freedom that it had spoiled them, and they did nothing but sit around croaking in a bored manner and wishing for a government that could entertain them with the pomp and display of royalty. They wanted a ruler who would make them know they were being ruled. 'No milk and water government for us!' they declared. So they sent a petition to Jupiter asking for a king.
Jupiter saw what simple and foolish creatures they were, but to keep them quiet and make them think they had a king he threw down a huge log, which fell into the water with a great splash. The Frogs hid themselves among the reeds and grasses, trembling with fear and thinking the new king to be some fearful giant. They watched from a distance, waiting for their new ruler to speak or move.
But they soon discovered how tame and peaceable King Log was. In a short time, the younger Frogs began using him for a diving platform, jumping off his mossy back into the cool water. The older Frogs made him a meeting place, sitting on top of him to sun themselves. However, they soon grew bored again and complained loudly to Jupiter about the quality of their silent government.
To teach the Frogs a lesson, the ruler of the gods now sent a Crane to be king of Frogland. The Crane proved to be a very different sort of king from old King Log. He was active, elegant, and very hungry. As soon as he arrived, he began to gobble up the poor Frogs right and left. The marsh, once filled with bored croaks, was now filled with the sounds of chaos and fear.
The frogs soon saw what fools they had been. In mournful croaks, they begged Jupiter to take away the cruel tyrant before they should all be destroyed. But the god only looked down from the clouds. 'How now!' cried Jupiter. 'Are you not yet content? You have what you asked for and so you have only yourselves to blame for your misfortunes.'
The frogs learned a bitter lesson as the Crane continued his rule. They realized that their previous freedom was far better than the 'pomp' they had desired. The moral of the story is: Be sure you can better your condition before you seek to change it. Contentment with a quiet life is often better than a dangerous excitement.
Introduction
Discover the classic Aesop Fable 'The Frogs Who Wished for a King' in a stunning new Pixar 3D reimagining. This timeless story explores the dangers of discontent and the importance of valuing freedom. Perfect for children and parents to read together as a bedtime story that teaches an essential life lesson through the misadventures of a group of bored frogs and their very different kings.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. While little is known about his life, the collection of fables bear his name have influenced literature and moral education for centuries. His stories often use animals to portray human virtues and vices.
The Moral of the Story
The central lesson is 'Be sure you can better your condition before you seek to change it.' The frogs were unhappy with their safe, boring lives and traded them for a dangerous reality. It teaches children to appreciate peace and freedom over superficial power or status.
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The Frogs Who Wished for a King
Discover the classic Aesop Fable 'The Frogs Who Wished for a King' in a stunning new Pixar 3D reimagining. This timeless story explores the dangers of discontent and the importance of valuing freedom. Perfect for children and parents to read together as a bedtime story that teaches an essential life lesson through the misadventures of a group of bored frogs and their very different kings.
Origins of the Fable
This fable is attributed to Aesop, the legendary storyteller of ancient Greece. For over two millennia, it has served as a political allegory and a moral lesson about the human tendency to seek change without considering the potential negative outcomes. It remains one of the most popular fables for its clear and powerful imagery.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. While little is known about his life, the collection of fables bear his name have influenced literature and moral education for centuries. His stories often use animals to portray human virtues and vices.
The Moral of the Story
The central lesson is 'Be sure you can better your condition before you seek to change it.' The frogs were unhappy with their safe, boring lives and traded them for a dangerous reality. It teaches children to appreciate peace and freedom over superficial power or status.
Gratitude
Freedom
Wisdom
Contentment
Engagement Activities
Talk about the story with your child using these fun ideas:
🎨Ask: Why were the frogs bored at the beginning?
💬Draw: Create a picture of King Log vs. King Crane.
✨Discuss: What is something you are grateful for today?
📝Roleplay: Act out the splash of the log!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓Who is Jupiter?
In Roman mythology, Jupiter is the king of the gods, similar to Zeus in Greek mythology.
❓What is King Log?
He represents a passive or harmless ruler who does nothing.
❓What is the lesson of the story?
To value what you have and be careful when asking for change.
