In this mini storytelling episode, we share and reflect on the classic Aesop fable, "The Frogs Who Wished for a King." The story follows a community of frogs living peacefully in their pond, who become dissatisfied with their simple lives and ask Jupiter, the king of the gods, for a ruler. Their wish is granted—first with a passive king (a log), then with a dangerous one (a crowned crane). In the original tale it was a water snake. In many other versions its a stork. I changed the bird to a crowned crane because I felt his crown was perfect for this story. The tale ends with a powerful moral: be careful what you wish for, as change can bring unintended consequences. Some key themes we see in this story include the dangers of discontent and wishing for change without understanding the consequences, the nature of leadership and power and the relevance of ancient fables to modern times and democracy

Aesop Fables with Dr. Laura Gibbs 

Aesop Fables Youtube Episode

[00:09] Introduction

[00:37] Story Introduction the Aesop fable, "The Frogs who Wished for a King," and a brief explanation of fables.

[01:04] Life in the Pond

[01:30] The First Wish: King Log

[02:09] Discontent and Second Wish

[03:06] The Crowned Crane Arrives

[03:36] Consequences

[04:37] The Moral

[05:06] Modern Reflection

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