The Frog King or Iron Heinrich

Once upon a time, in a kingdom nestled deep within an enchanted forest, there lived a beautiful young princess. Her beauty was not only in her appearance but also in her heart. She had golden hair that shone like the sun, cascading in waves down her back, and her eyes sparkled with the light of a thousand stars. Her laughter was as melodious as the sweetest songbird, and her smile could brighten the darkest day. She lived in a grand castle with her father, the King, who loved her more than anything in the world. The princess had everything she could ever desire—riches, fine clothes, and an abundance of toys and jewels. But despite all her treasures, her favorite possession was a golden ball, a gift from her father.

One sunny afternoon, the princess decided to take a walk in the forest. She loved the peacefulness of the woods, the way the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor. She wandered to a place she often visited, a deep, dark well with water as clear as crystal. Here, she would sit and play with her golden ball, tossing it high into the air and catching it. She loved the way it gleamed in the sunlight, a perfect sphere of gold.

As she played, she threw the ball higher and higher, each time trying to catch it at the last possible moment. But on this particular day, she misjudged her throw. The ball soared into the air, slipped through her fingers, and fell into the well with a splash. The princess watched in horror as her beloved ball sank deeper and deeper into the dark water, beyond her reach.

Despair overwhelmed her, and she knelt by the well, peering into the depths and weeping bitterly. "Oh, my golden ball! How will I ever retrieve it from such a deep well?" she cried. Her sorrowful cries echoed through the forest, carried on the wind until they reached the ears of an unlikely listener—a frog.

The frog, hearing the princess's cries, emerged from

the water and hopped onto the edge of the well. He was an ordinary-looking frog, with green, warty skin and bulging eyes. But there was something about his demeanor, a sense of calm and wisdom. "Why are you crying, dear princess?" the frog croaked in a surprisingly gentle voice.

The princess was startled to hear the frog speak, but she was too distraught to question it. "My golden ball has fallen into the well, and I cannot retrieve it," she sobbed.

The frog considered her plight for a moment and then said, "I can help you retrieve your ball, but you must promise me something in return."

The princess, desperate to have her ball back, agreed without thinking. "Anything you wish, dear frog, I promise!"

The frog's eyes glimmered with a strange light. "I want you to be my friend. You must let me eat from your golden plate, drink from your golden cup, and sleep in your bed."

The princess thought this a peculiar request, but she was too focused on getting her ball back to care. "Yes, yes, I promise," she said hastily.

With a satisfied nod, the frog dove into the well. Moments later, he emerged with the golden ball balanced on his back. The princess was overjoyed and snatched the ball from him. She thanked the frog quickly and then ran back to the castle, her heart light with relief.

The frog watched her go and called out, "Remember your promise, dear princess!" But the princess did not look back.

That evening, as the princess sat at dinner with her father, there came a knock at the castle door. A servant opened it, and there stood the frog. He bowed low and said, "Good evening, dear princess. I have come to dine with you as per our agreement."

The princess's heart sank. She had hoped the frog would forget their arrangement. But seeing the look of surprise on her father's face, she reluctantly told him the whole story.

The King listened and then said, "A promise is a promise. You must keep your word, my daughter. Invite the frog in."

The princess did as she was told, and the frog hopped onto the table, eating from her golden plate and drinking from her golden cup. She watched in disgust but said nothing. When dinner was over, the frog said, "I am tired, dear princess. Carry me to your bed so that I may sleep."

The princess was horrified but could not disobey her father. She carried the frog to her room and placed him on her pillow. She lay down beside him, shuddering with revulsion.

As the moonlight streamed through the window, the frog spoke again. "Dear princess, please kiss me goodnight."

The princess could bear it no longer. In a fit of anger, she grabbed the frog and threw him against the wall with all her might. "There, now you will leave me in peace!" she cried.

But as the frog hit the wall, a miracle occurred. The frog was transformed into a handsome young prince with kind eyes and a gentle smile. The princess gasped in astonishment as he stood before her.

"Thank you, dear princess," the prince said. "I was under a wicked enchantment, and only your kiss could break the spell."

The princess was filled with regret for her harsh actions, but the prince reassured her. "Do not be troubled. Your kindness in promising to help me has freed me from my curse. Now I can return to my kingdom."

The prince explained that he was the son of a powerful king in a faraway land. A wicked witch had cursed him, turning him into a frog until a kind and brave princess would break the spell. The princess was overjoyed to hear his tale and felt a deep affection for the prince growing in her heart.

The next morning, the prince and the princess went to the King and told him everything. The King was delighted and gave his blessing for the prince to stay in the castle until he could return to his own kingdom.

Days turned into weeks, and the prince and princess spent every moment together, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. They shared their dreams and hopes, finding in each other a true companion and friend.

One day, the prince's faithful servant, Heinrich, arrived at the castle. Heinrich had been searching tirelessly for his master ever since the witch had cursed him. When he saw the prince restored to his human form, Heinrich wept with joy.

"Dear Heinrich," the prince said, "you have remained loyal and true, even in my darkest hours. I am forever grateful to you."

Heinrich, who had three iron bands placed around his heart to keep it from breaking with sorrow, felt the bands snap as his heart swelled with happiness. "My prince, my heart is now free, and my joy is complete."

With Heinrich by his side, the prince prepared to return to his kingdom, but he could not bear to leave the princess behind. "Will you come with me and be my queen?" he asked her.

The princess's eyes shone with love. "Yes, my prince. I will go wherever you go, for my heart belongs to you."

And so, the prince and the princess, along with Heinrich, set off for the prince's kingdom. They were welcomed with great celebration and joy. The prince and princess were married in a grand ceremony, their love and happiness shining like a beacon throughout the land.

Together, they ruled wisely and justly, bringing peace and prosperity to their people. The princess, now a queen, was beloved by all for her kindness and grace. The prince, with his brave heart and gentle spirit, was a ruler worthy of his kingdom.

And as for Heinrich, he remained ever faithful to his prince, his heart strong and unbroken. He served the royal couple with unwavering loyalty, his love for them as steadfast as the iron bands that had once bound his heart.

In the end, the frog prince and his beloved princess lived a life filled with love, joy, and adventure. Their tale became a legend, a story passed down through generations, reminding all who heard it of the power of love, loyalty, and the fulfillment of promises.

And so, they all lived happily ever after, their hearts bound together by the strongest magic of all—love.