The Frog and the Ox

Introduction

This is a short story, a part of the Aesop fables, that has been passed from generation to generation. This story describes how a frog tried to imitate an ox and suffered from an unnatural death. It has a hidden message that explains a moral at the end. Keep reading and enjoy this funny story.

The Frog And The Ox Story in English

Once upon a time, a huge white ox lived on a farm. There was a muddy pond nearby where the ox came to drink water on a sunny day. Many small frogs were playing around in the muddy shallow water.

Small Frogs Playing

The ox approached the pond and the small frogs were frightened. They thought that it was a huge monster and fled. It was the first time they were seeing something so huge.

The ox splashed the muddy shallow to find cleaner water to drink. In the meantime, a small one among the group got trapped under splashed mud. Everyone was frightened seeing that scene.

They came back to the father frog scared and shivering.

The Proud Father Frog

The father frog asked the younger ones what happened. The young frogs could not catch their breath as they swam and ran as fast as they can. They exclaimed, “There is a huge monster drinking water in the pond. It has killed Jerry.”

They said, “It is as big as a mountain, has four huge legs, and his feet have hooves at the end.”

The bigger frog was relieved. He said, “Oh! It is the white ox of the farmer that lives near the pond. Don't be worried. The ox is not a monster. He is not that big.”

The younger frogs wanted to make him understand the size of the ox. Their father wanted to create an example. He again said, “The ox is not that big. He is taller maybe but I can grow as big as him.

The Frog Blew Up

The father frog then started to blow air in and inflate. He asked, “Was he like this?” The small frogs shouted that the ox was much bigger than their father. He again inflated himself more by inhaling more air. “Was he this big?” he asked.

The young frogs exclaimed, “No father, he was much bigger than you!” He kept on inhaling air and asked with pride whether he is as big as the ox or not. The children denied it every time he asked.

Eventually, the father frog’s body could not handle it. When he tried to inhale more air, he blew himself up. His body could not handle the air pressure and burst.

The Father Frog Blew Himself Up

The Frog And The Ox Moral Story

The moral of this story explains that you should aim higher but not the impossible. Then your attempts will all go in vain.

Tips for the Parents

Parents can explain this story to the kids and describe the moral in easier words. They can describe the moral as to aim for something achievable, not something that is not even remotely possible.