The Frog Who Became an Emperor

Q: Based on the title, what do you think this story will be about?

Q: How do you know?

Once upon a time there lived a very poor couple. His wife was pregnant when the husband was forced to leave his home to find a living somewhere far away.

Poor Couple

Q: What is it like to be poor?

Q: How do you think the title of the story, ‘The Frog who Became an Emperor’, is related to the poor couple?

Before he left, he embraced his wife fondly and gave her the last few silver pieces he had, saying,

“When the child is born, whether it is a boy or a girl, you must do all you can to bring it up. You and I are so poor that there is no hope for us now. But our child may be able to help us find a living.”

Baby

Why does the poor couple look forward to having a baby?

Write down any thoughts or emotions that this picture makes you think of on your activity sheet.

Three months after her husband’s departure, the wife gave birth. The baby was neither a boy nor a little girl, but a frog!

FrogSon

Q: Did you expect the wife to give birth to a frog? Why or why not?

Q: How do you think the couple will treat their new son?

•The father came home and met his son, who had been waiting for him along the way.

•He was grieved when he found that his son was a frog.

•However, he was amazed when his son seemed to know “everything under heaven.”

•The frog revealed that the country was being threatened by enemies, and asked his parents to let him go to the emperor so he could save the country.

•“The imperial capital is in danger. Our country has been invaded. We are willing to marry our daughter to the man who can drive away the enemy.”

•The frog tore down the decree and with one gulp he swallowed it.

•The emperor asked the frog how many men and horses he would need.

•“Not a single horse or a single man,” answered the frog. “All I need is a heap of hot, glowing embers.”

The frog sat before the fire devouring the flames by the mouthful for three days and three nights. He ate until his belly was as big and round as a bladder full of fat.

By now, the city was in great danger, for the enemy was already at the walls. The emperor was terribly apprehensive, but the frog behaved as if nothing unusual was happening, and calmly went on swallowing fire and flame.

Invading Armies

Q: What do you think are the feelings of the emperor and the citizens at this time?

Q: Do you think the frog is going to defeat the enemy? Why?

The emperor was overjoyed when he saw that the enemy was defeated. He made the frog a general and ordered that the victory should be celebrated for several days.

But of the princess he said nothing, for he had not the slightest intention of letting his daughter marry a frog.

Beautiful Princess

•The emperor decided that whoever managed to catch the embroidered ball would marry his daughter.

•The frog drew in a might breath and sucked the ball straight to him.

•The emperor declared that the embroidered ball could only be seized by a human hand.

This time a young, stalwart fellow caught the ball.

Stalwart - Hardy: Having rugged physical strength

Handsome Prince

Can you guess who that young, stalwart fellow was? Of course it was the frog, now in the guise of a man.

•After he was married to the princess, he changed back into a frog.

•Every night, he stripped off his green skin and was transformed into a fine, upstanding youth.

•When the emperor found out, he asked his son-in-law why he wore the ugly frog skin during the day.

“Ah, Sir,” replied the frog, “this outer garment is priceless. When I wear it in winter, it keeps me warm and cozy; and in summer, I am cool and fresh … as long as I wear it, I can live for thousands of years.”

“Let me try it on!” demanded the emperor.“Yes, Sir,” replied the frog and made haste to discard his skin. The emperor smiled gleefully. He took off his dragon-embroidered robe and put on the frog-skin.

The Frog Skin Coat

But then he could not take it off again!

The frog then put on the imperial robe and became the emperor. His father-in-law remained a frog forever.

Discuss with a partner: Did your predictions about the text turn out to be true? Why or why not?

Q: What do you think is the main point of this story? Give a reason to explain your answer.