A king, engaged in a prolonged war, sends his queen to a distant castle for safety. Heartbroken, she longs for him and devises a plan to escape back to his side. During her escape, she encounters a giantess known as the Lion-Witch, who captures her and takes her to a dark cavern filled with monsters. The queen, desperate and alone, saves a talking frog from a raven, who offers to help her. The frog, part fairy, uses her magic to assist the queen in fulfilling the Lion-Witch's cruel demands, including catching flies for a pastry. As time passes, the queen gives birth to a daughter, Moufette, while the frog remains a loyal friend. The king, unaware of his wife's fate, mourns her loss and is pressured to remarry. The frog eventually journeys to the king, revealing the queen's survival and their daughter's existence. The king, determined to rescue them, confronts the Lion-Witch, leading to a fierce battle against her monsters. With the help of the frog and a dragon, the king ultimately frees the queen and Moufette. In a twist of fate, the frog transforms into a beautiful lady, revealing her true identity. The story concludes with a grand celebration of love and loyalty, as Moufette and her prince are united in marriage, marking the triumph of true love over adversity.
By Charles Perrault · First published 1697 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fairy Tale