Golden Gratitude: The Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tale, ‘The Frog-King’

A young princess learns that beauty is more than skin deep, in the Grimm Brothers’ classic tale “The Frog-King.”

The frog eats a meal with the princess and her family, in an 1874 illustration from "The Frog Prince" by Walter Crane. Public Domain

In their fairy tale “The Frog-King,” Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm tell of a young princess who needs help, but who judges others on their outward appearances, rather than being grateful for the help they offer. This princess will soon learn that a true, kind heart can lie beneath a repulsive exterior.

The Golden Ball

The king’s youngest daughter  is the most beautiful among her sisters. One of her favorite things to do, especially in hot weather, is to go into the nearby forest and spend time near the well. If she ever gets bored, she plays with her golden ball.

Each time she throws it up in the air, she watches the golden ball rise and then fall. She finds so much satisfaction in throwing and catching it.