In the Brothers Grimm tale “The Frog King,” the frog becomes a prince after the spell is broken.
The story begins when a princess loses a golden ball in a spring. A frog retrieves it after she promises to let him share her life, including her meals and lodging. The princess initially resists keeping that promise, creating the tale’s central tension.
In the Grimms’ version, the enchanted frog becomes a prince after the princess throws him against a wall. This detail differs from many later children’s adaptations, where a kiss is used to break the spell. The wall detail is therefore an important point of comparison between the Grimm text and popular retellings.
The prince explains that a wicked witch enchanted him. His transformation leads to marriage with the princess, and the loyal servant Heinrich follows them. Heinrich’s iron bands spring apart because he is relieved that his master’s enchantment has ended.