The Flying Trunk facts for kids
Vilhelm Pedersen illustration
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| Author | Hans Christian Andersen |
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| Original title | Den flyvende Kuffert |
| Country | Denmark |
| Language | Danish |
| Genre | Literary fairy tale |
| Publisher | C.A. Reitzel |
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Publication date
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19 October 1839 |
| Media type | |
The Flying Trunk (in Danish: Den flyvende Kuffert) is a fun fairy tale written by the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It's about a young man who gets a magical trunk that can fly! This trunk takes him on an amazing adventure to Turkey, where he meets a princess. The story was first published in 1839.
Contents
Story Summary
Once there was a young man who spent all his money. He had nothing left but a few coins, some slippers, and an old robe. A friend sent him a trunk, telling him to pack up and leave. Since he had nothing to pack, he climbed inside the trunk himself!
This trunk was special; it was enchanted and could fly. It carried him all the way to the land of the Turks. He used the flying trunk to visit the Sultan's daughter. She was kept in a tall tower because of an old prophecy. The prophecy said her marriage would be unhappy.
The young man told the princess many wonderful stories. He soon convinced her to marry him. When her parents, the Sultan and his wife, visited her tower, the young man told them a fantastic story too. They were very impressed and agreed to the marriage.
To celebrate his upcoming wedding, the young man bought lots of fireworks. He flew high over the land in his trunk, setting off the fireworks. But when he came back down, a spark from the fireworks hit the trunk. The trunk caught fire and burned up!
Now, the young man could no longer fly to visit the princess in her tower. So, he wandered the world, telling his amazing stories to everyone he met.
When Was It Published?
This fairy tale was first released in Copenhagen on October 19, 1839. It was part of a collection called Fairy Tales Told for Children. New Collection. Second Booklet. "The Flying Trunk" was the second story in this book. The first was "The Garden of Paradise", and the last was "The Storks".
The story was printed again later. It appeared in a book called Fairy Tales. 1850. in December 1849. It was also in Fairy Tales and Stories. First Volume. 1862. in December 1862.
Story Adaptations
"The Flying Trunk" has inspired many different types of art and entertainment.
Books and Literature
- The famous author Andrew Lang included this tale. It was in his book The Pink Fairy Book.
Animated Movies
- Lotte Reiniger created an animated silhouette film based on the story. This movie was made in 1921.
Theme Park Rides
- In 1993, a fun ride was opened at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. This ride is based on "The Flying Trunk". It shows 32 different scenes from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales.
Music and Musicals
- In 2014, a musical play of "The Flying Trunk" was created. Bobby Sample wrote the story, songs, and music. Josh Hontz, Katie Sample, and Connor Sample also helped with the music. This musical won an award for being an "Outstanding New Musical."
See also
In Spanish: El cofre volador para niños
