The Fir-Tree facts for kids

"The Fir-Tree" (in Danish: Grantræet) is a famous fairy tale written by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. He lived from 1805 to 1875. This story is about a young fir tree that is always wishing for more. It wants to grow up quickly and experience exciting things. Because of this, the tree finds it hard to enjoy its life in the present moment.

The tale was first printed on December 21, 1844. It appeared in a collection called New Fairy Tales. First Volume. Second Collection. This book was published in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some experts believe "The Fir-Tree" was one of Andersen's first fairy tales to show a sad or pessimistic feeling.

What Happens in the Story?

A young fir tree in the forest.

In a quiet forest, there lives a small fir tree. It is very eager to grow taller. The little tree feels embarrassed when a hare jumps right over it. This makes the tree feel even smaller. Women passing by call it the "baby of the forest," which also makes the tree feel frustrated.

A stork tells the fir tree about older trees being cut down. These trees are then used to make tall ship masts. The little tree feels jealous of them. In the autumn, other trees nearby are cut down. Sparrows tell the fir tree that these trees are taken to houses and decorated.

The Tree's Big Adventure

One day, when the fir tree is still young, it is cut down. It is chosen to be a Christmas decoration! The tree is bought and carried into a house. There, it is decorated with bright candles, colorful apples, toys, and baskets of candy. On Christmas Eve, a shiny gold star is placed at the very top.

Children come into the room and excitedly take the candy and gifts from the tree. Then, a man tells a story about a character named 'Klumpe-Dumpe'. This character had a surprising journey, falling down but then achieving great honor.

Life in the Attic

The next day, the fir tree expects more fun. But instead, servants take it down. They carry the tree into the attic. The tree feels very lonely and disappointed. However, some mice gather around to hear the tree tell the story of 'Klumpe-Dumpe'.

Later, some rats arrive. They make fun of the simple story. Because of this, the mice leave and do not come back. The fir tree is left alone again.

The End of the Journey

In the spring, the fir tree is withered and its color has faded. It is carried outside into the yard. A boy walks on the tree and takes the star from its top branch. Finally, the fir tree is cut into pieces and burned.

Story Adaptations

"The Fir-Tree" has been turned into different movies and shows.

Video and TV Shows

In 1979, the story was made into a 28-minute video. It was produced by Kevin Sullivan and filmed in Canada. Jeff Kahnert was the voice of the Fir-Tree. This was one of the first films by Kevin Sullivan, who later made the famous Anne of Green Gables movies.

The story was also adapted as an episode of the TV show The Fairytaler. This was the sixteenth episode of the series.

See also

In Spanish: El abeto para niños