The Frog King or Iron Henry

In a kingdom surrounded by deep, ancient forests, there lived a young princess who loved nothing more than to play with her golden ball. Each afternoon, she would wander to a cool, mossy well at the edge of the woods, tossing her ball high into the air and catching it with laughter. One day, as she played, the ball slipped from her hands and fell with a splash into the dark water below.

The princess peered into the well, but the ball was lost in the depths. Tears welled in her eyes, and she began to weep. Suddenly, a voice croaked from the shadows: “Why do you cry, princess?”

Startled, she saw a large green frog sitting on the edge of the well. “My golden ball has fallen in, and I cannot reach it,” she sobbed.

The frog blinked his bulging eyes. “I can fetch your ball, but what will you give me in return?”

“Anything you wish, dear frog! My jewels, my crown, even my silken dress!”

The frog shook his head. “I want none of those. Promise to let me be your companion, to sit beside you at your table, eat from your plate, and sleep on your pillow.”

The princess, thinking the frog could never leave the well, agreed. “Yes, yes, I promise!”

With a splash, the frog dove into the water and soon returned with the golden ball. The princess snatched it and ran home, forgetting her promise.

That evening, as the royal family dined, there came a wet, persistent knock at the palace door. The princess’s heart sank as the frog’s voice echoed through the hall: “Open the door, princess! Remember your promise!”

Reluctantly, she let the frog in. He hopped to the table and demanded to sit beside her. The king, seeing her distress, said, “A promise must be kept.”

The frog ate from her plate, and when night fell, he insisted on sleeping on her pillow. Disgusted, the princess placed him at the far edge of the bed, but he crept closer. In a fit of anger, she picked him up and threw him against the wall.

To her astonishment, the frog transformed into a handsome prince. “You have broken the witch’s spell,” he said gently. “Your promise has set me free.”

The next morning, a splendid carriage arrived, drawn by eight white horses. The prince’s loyal servant, Iron Henry, greeted them. He had bound his heart with three iron bands to keep it from breaking during his master’s enchantment. As they rode away, the bands snapped with joy.

The princess and the prince were married, and Iron Henry served them faithfully ever after. Thus, a promise kept brought happiness to all.