The Frogs Asking for a King
What makes a good leader?
Goal:
Goal:
In the last lesson, you learned about fables. Let's review the features of this type of story. A fable is a short story with characters that are usually animals that talk and act like humans. The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson or a moral. For example, the lesson could be about the importance of honesty. Morals are beliefs about how to behave in a way that most people agree is good and right.
The fable you will read in this lesson teaches the importance of choosing a good leader. Watch and listen to the fable below. As you do, think about whether or not the frogs chose their leader wisely.
The Frogs Asking for a King
an adaptation of Aesop’s fable
Long ago frogs lived in the waters and were at liberty to live their lives as they chose. One day they grew tired of all of their freedom and called upon Jupiter to give them a King to rule over them.
"You may not like what you receive," warned Jupiter. But the frogs felt certain that they needed a ruler to tell them what to do, so they begged and pleaded with him. Soon Jupiter grew weary of their cries so he picked up a log and threw it in the water. "There," he said. "There is your ruler."
The frogs were impressed and frightened by the great splash that the log made as it landed in the water. They swam to the edges of the water and hid in the tall reeds. For a long time the frogs refused to come near the log. Finally, they noticed that nothing was happening and so their courage began to return.
One by one the frogs swam to the log and inspected their new ruler. Soon
they climbed on top of it. The jumped on it and dove off. They yelled
at it and made faces. Still, nothing happened. The log did not make a
sound.
The frogs grew contemptuous of their new leader and called for Jupiter once again. "We want a ruler who will be powerful!" they demanded. Jupiter again said, "Be careful who you choose, little frogs." But the frogs demanded louder still for a powerful ruler whom they might fear and respect. So Jupiter sent them a Stork.
At first the frogs were delighted by this giant creature in their midst. No sooner had the Stork arrived, however, than he began to devour the frogs! "Help us, Jupiter," they cried. But Jupiter replied, "You must choose wisely little frogs. Now you must learn to live with the Stork."
So it was that the frogs were now ever watchful of the Stork and they never lived a worriless life again.