The choices we make and the paths we take are lifelong. To make mistakes, to take risks, and to have an opportunity for a “do-over” each day. Life seldom offers us the chance to kiss a frog and find a “happily ever after.” but we do have some control over our destiny – we just need to believe. The Frog King asserted himself into the life of a young girl. Through her promises and his clever (if not very nice) persistence – he and the princess got what they wanted in the end. We might not agree with the method, but they made choices that affected a future full of possibility.
The Frog Maiden is one of my favorite stories. It too, has a transformation from frog to human – but the way in which it took place was lacking violence and guile – acceptance was won with patience, kindness and virtue. The prince repeatedly showed his decency and loyalty to his princess, despite her ugliness. He didn’t have to be reprimanded to obey and honor his promises. He chose to, even when he was disappointed. The Little Princess frog demonstrated her abilities and her cleverness – and her incredible patience, perhaps waiting until her husband truly appreciated her, even if he was not yet capable of loving her. They are both decent, kind and sympathetic characters. I like them. The prince and princess truly deserved their “happily ever after” as a well matched pair capable of making choices that were based on the care and nurturance of another.
The frog will continue to fascinate and delight – in the oral and written tradition. The implications of the socialization of women and their role in society, complete with sexual awakening, will offer something for adults to ponder. The visual imagery of a talking frog, a handsome prince and the promised kiss, will engage children and their imagination. The idea of a transformation, of metamorphosis, offers the promise of a new day. The paths we take and choices we make . . . endless possibilities.
I suppose we are all able to shed our “frog skin” should we choose to do so. Perhaps we are not yet ready – but when we are, we can choose to toss it into the flames.
The image at the top is from Jack Zipes' latest folktale collection and can be found here: http://www.wondersandmarvels.com/2014/09/those-saucy-grimms-fairy-tales-that-your-mother-never-told-you-the-original-first-edition-of-181215.html
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