Tale of the Scorpion and the Frog

The Tale of the Scorpion and the Frog was an ancient parable meant to teach that true changes of character rarely happen.

1 The Scorpion and the Frog
2 Bayushi and Shinsei
- 2.1 Shinsei's Tale
- 2.2 "I Can Swim"
3 References

The Scorpion and the Frog Edit

A scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back because the scorpion cannot swim. The frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion says, "Because I need your help, I like you ."

The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the onset of paralysis and starts to sink, but has just enough time to gasp "Whyyyyy?"

The scorpion replies: "Thats what we do it's our nature..."

Bayushi and Shinsei Edit

When Shinsei tried to tell this story to Bayushi at the Tournament of the Kami, the Kami thought he knew the scorpion's response because he had heard the tale before. Shinsei changed the answer from "It's my nature..." to "But little frog, I can swim."

Bayushi was so pleased by the wisdom of this version that he had to wear a mask to hide his smile. "I can swim" convinced Bayushi to lose the rest of the contests on purpose. After that, Bayushi built his clan on the principles of Shinsei's version of the tale and chose the scorpion as his mon.

Shinsei's Tale Edit

Shinsei's retelling of the tale to Bayushi had a different ending- the Scorpion's answer to the Frog's question was: "but, little frog, I can swim."

Shinsei had completely altered the meaning of the parable. The original warning to the Frog was turned into a lesson for the Scorpion: Do not expose your true nature, and others will always underestimate your capabilities.

"I Can Swim" Edit

Almost all Scorpion are familiar with Shinsei's retelling of the tale of the Scorpion and the Frog to Bayushi. To some, it is the crucial historical moment when Bayushi first realised his role in the Empire; to others, it serves as a classic reminder of the first lesson that any young Scorpion first learns: that nothing is ever as it seems.