So. Much. Symbolism! While I think there are many ways to interpret this story, I think that pointing out some of the key symbols can be helpful to understand and otherwise strange and rather short story. We have the Frog Prince (or King) who throughout history has represented fertility and life. Placing the Frog in the highest and most respectable position of power cannot be overlooked.
Then we have the Princess who typically represents us, or the soul. She is beautiful (virtuous, chaste, righteous), and starts the story playing with her golden ball (gold often represents divinity or divine, precious qualities). She misplaces her golden ball in the water of a deep well. (Water often represents both life and death). It is returned to her by the Frog Prince, who turns down the Princess’s offer of jewels or her crown in return, and instead requests a direct relationship with her instead (marriage).
The Princess does not want to stick by her word and engage in this relationship with the Frog Prince. She tries to hide away from him and ignore her vow. But when the King, her Father, hears of this, he holds her accountable.
Ultimately, after throwing the poor Frog Prince against a wall when it came time for bed, the creature was transformed into the true Prince, and the eyes of the Princess are opened as he promised to take her away to his Father’s kingdom in the morning, with his servant “Faithful Henry” (faithfulness/fidelity) by their side.
This is a deeply religious story when you take the time to dissect and ponder on the symbols and meanings. I really enjoyed it and love the study of the allegory and the meanings behind the Grimm’s choice of words and symbols.
Really beautiful!