How Frog Went to Heaven A Tale of Angola


 

  How Frog Went to Heaven  A Tale of Angola 

- Aaron Shepard

Aaron Shepard’s “How Frog Went to Heaven” is a charming and thought-provoking retelling of an Angolan folktale. The story reflects the themes of resourcefulness, ambition, and the consequences of overreaching. Through the clever and mischievous character of Frog, Shepard brings to life the traditional wisdom and moral lessons that are deeply rooted in African storytelling traditions.

Summary of the Story

The story begins with Frog, who dreams of going to heaven. Despite his small size and seemingly humble abilities, Frog is determined to achieve this ambitious goal. He devises a clever plan to hide in the feathers of a bird flying to heaven.

The bird, unaware of Frog’s presence, carries him high into the sky and eventually reaches heaven. There, Frog enjoys the heavenly surroundings and feasts. However, when the bird discovers Frog’s deceit, it grows angry. Frog is cast out of heaven and falls back to earth. Miraculously, he survives, thanks to his natural resilience and ability to bounce.

The story ends with Frog back on earth, wiser but still mischievous, suggesting that his adventurous spirit remains undeterred despite the consequences of his actions.

Themes in the Story

  1. Ambition and Determination
    Frog’s desire to go to heaven symbolizes ambition and the determination to achieve seemingly impossible goals. His cleverness and resourcefulness reflect the value of thinking creatively and striving for one’s dreams.

  2. Cleverness and Cunning
    The story showcases Frog’s cleverness in devising a plan to hitch a ride to heaven. This reflects the traditional folktale archetype of the trickster, a character who uses wit to overcome obstacles.

  3. Consequences of Deceit
    While Frog achieves his goal temporarily, his deceit leads to consequences when he is discovered. The story highlights the importance of honesty and the risks of using cunning for selfish purposes.

  4. Resilience and Adaptability
    Despite being thrown out of heaven, Frog survives the fall and returns to earth. This demonstrates resilience and the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances, a recurring theme in many folktales.

  5. Cultural Wisdom
    As a traditional Angolan tale, the story embodies cultural wisdom and lessons that have been passed down through generations. It teaches moral values while entertaining readers with its imaginative and humorous narrative.

Aaron Shepard’s Writing Style

Aaron Shepard is known for his ability to retell folktales with a balance of simplicity and depth. In “How Frog Went to Heaven,” he uses accessible language and vivid imagery to bring the story to life. His portrayal of Frog as a lively and mischievous character adds humor and charm, making the story engaging for readers of all ages. Shepard’s adaptation preserves the essence of the original folktale while making it relatable to a broader audience.


Message of the Story

The story carries multiple messages. It teaches readers to dream big and strive for their goals but also warns against deceit and overreaching ambition. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, showing that failure is not the end but an opportunity to learn and grow. The tale serves as a reminder of the balance between ambition and honesty, as well as the value of perseverance.

Relevance of the Story

In today’s world, where ambition and competition are often celebrated, “How Frog Went to Heaven” offers a meaningful lesson on the importance of ethical behavior and humility. It inspires readers to pursue their dreams while remaining grounded and honest. The story’s themes of resilience and adaptability are also highly relevant, encouraging readers to face challenges with courage and determination.

Conclusion

“How Frog Went to Heaven” by Aaron Shepard is a delightful and insightful retelling of an Angolan folktale. Through the adventures of the clever and mischievous Frog, the story imparts timeless lessons on ambition, honesty, and resilience. Shepard’s engaging narrative style and the tale’s universal themes make it a valuable piece of literature that entertains while inspiring readers to reflect on their values and actions.

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