The Sole (Grimm)
Division into chapters is editorial.
The race for fish king
In the underwater kingdom, chaos reigned among the fish for a long time. The aquatic realm lacked any form of order or governance, creating a state of constant discord and conflict among its inhabitants.
The fishes had for a long time been discontented because no order prevailed in their kingdom. None of them turned aside for the others, but all swam to the right or the left as they fancied
The stronger fish dominated the weaker ones through violence and intimidation. They would strike smaller fish with their tails, driving them away from desirable locations, or simply devour them without hesitation. This lawless environment created suffering throughout the aquatic community, with the vulnerable having no protection from predators and bullies.
Recognizing the need for leadership and justice, the fish community decided to take action. They gathered together to discuss their situation and reached a unanimous decision about establishing proper governance in their realm.
How delightful it would be, said they, if we had a king who enforced law and justice among us! and they met together to choose for their ruler, the one who could cleave through the water most quickly
The fish established clear criteria for their future monarch: the fastest swimmer would become their king and would be responsible for protecting the weak members of their society. This democratic approach ensured that their leader would possess the physical capabilities necessary to maintain order and defend those in need.
On the day of the great competition, all the fish assembled along the shoreline, organizing themselves into orderly ranks in preparation for the race. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as the community prepared to witness this historic event that would determine their future ruler.
The Pike stepped forward to serve as the race official, positioning himself to give the starting signal.
With a powerful movement of his tail, The Pike signaled the beginning of the race. Immediately, all the competitors launched themselves forward into the water with tremendous speed and determination.
Like an arrow, the pike darted away, and with him the herring, the gudgeon, the perch, the carp, and all the rest of them. Even the sole swam with them, and hoped to reach the winning-place.
The competition was fierce as numerous fish species participated, each hoping to claim the crown and bring order to their chaotic kingdom.
The soles jealousy and punishment
As the race progressed, it became clear that one competitor had emerged victorious. The announcement rang out across the waters, declaring the winner of this momentous competition.
All at once, the cry was heard, The herring is first! Who is first? screamed angrily the flat envious sole, who had been left far behind, who is first?
The Herring had won the race and earned the right to rule the fish kingdom.
However, The Sole, who had performed poorly in the race and found herself far behind the other competitors, could not accept this result gracefully.
When the other fish confirmed the results of the race, The Sole's jealousy and bitterness erupted into a spiteful outburst that would have lasting consequences.
The herring! The herring, was the answer. The naked herring? cried the jealous creature, the naked herring?
The Sole's contemptuous reference to The Herring as 'naked' revealed the depth of her envy and poor sportsmanship. Unable to accept defeat with dignity, she chose instead to insult the rightful winner of the competition. This display of jealousy and spite did not go unnoticed by the forces that govern justice in the natural world.
The Sole's bitter words and envious behavior resulted in a permanent physical transformation that would serve as an eternal reminder of her jealousy and poor character.
Since that time the sole's mouth has been at one side for a punishment.