In Vietnamese culture, the toad is the “Uncle of God,” and the image of the Toad is often depicted in folk arts to represent bravery, humanity, and righteousness - all the qualities of valor that the tiny but mighty Toad displayed in the ancient lore “The Toad Sues Heaven”, when it dared confronting God to demand rain for the poor villagers. The legend has it…⬇️

Once upon a time, there was a time of severe drought on Earth. All the people and animals of the land were suffering and desperate for rain. The small and ugly Toad, unable to turn a blind eye to the misery, decided to march to the Heavens to confront God for rain. On his journey, he gathered a group of friends to join his quest - Fox, Bear, and Tiger.

Once they reached the Heavens’ gates, Toad found the Drum of Grievance outside and started to beat it loudly. Back in ancient times, court officials would have a large drum hanging at their gates, and anyone who wanted to raise complaints of injustice would beat the drums to gain attention for their case.

The angel on guard, annoyed at an ugly little toad causing a ruckus, sent a flock of chickens to pluck at him. But when the chickens came out, Fox jumped in and devoured them all.

The angel then sent a dog out to take down Fox. But Bear came to Fox’s defense and chased the dog away.

The angel then sent a group of guards to defeat Bear. But Tiger jumped in and decimated the guards.

Astounded at the immense strength of the small and ugly Toad, God finally allowed him into the Imperial Court and listened to what he had to say. Through Toad’s explanation, God realized that there has been a serious oversight by the Angel of Rain, who has been sleeping instead of tending to his duties.

God immediately ordered for rain to pour all over the land, awakening the drought-stricken life on Earth. God commended Toad and his friends for their persistent bravery, and instructed Toad that in the future, whenever rain is needed, Toad only needs to grind his teeth to signal to the Heavens for rain.

The people, so grateful and admiring of Toad’s valor, named him “Uncle of God” - the only one whose humanity and righteousness God himself cannot ignore.