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The Steadfast Tin Soldier facts for kids

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"The Steadfast Tin Soldier"
Vilhelm Pedersen, DK2-0006, ubt.jpeg
Illustration by Vilhelm Pedersen
Author Hans Christian Andersen
Original title Den standhaftige Tinsoldat
Country Denmark
Language Danish
Characters Tin Soldier
Paper Ballerina
Jack in the Box
Genre(s) Literary fairy tale
Published in Fairy Tales Told for Children
Publication type Fairy tale collection
Publisher C. A. Reitzel
Media type Print
Publication date 2 October 1838
Notable adaptations The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Ballets by Bournonville and Balanchine)

The Steadfast Tin Soldier is a famous fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 1838. This story was special because it was Andersen's first tale that he completely made up himself. It wasn't based on old folk tales or other stories.

The story tells about a brave tin soldier who falls in love with a beautiful paper ballerina. He goes on an amazing adventure after falling out of a window. Even after many challenges, he finds his way back to the toy room. In the end, both the tin soldier and the paper ballerina are destroyed together in a fire. This tale has been made into ballets and animated movies.

The Story of the Tin Soldier

This classic tale begins with a set of 25 tin soldiers. One of them has only one leg because he was the last one made from the melted tin. Despite this, he stands tall and proud.

A Special Ballerina

The one-legged tin soldier sees a beautiful paper ballerina in the same room. She is standing on one leg, which makes him think she is also one-legged like him. He falls in love with her right away. He watches her from afar, wishing they could be together.

An Unexpected Journey

One day, the tin soldier falls out of the window. He lands on the street below. A strong wind blows him into a paper boat. The boat floats down a gutter, then into a dark sewer. He meets a big rat, but the soldier stays brave and doesn't give up.

Back to the Toy Room

After a long journey, the paper boat sinks. The tin soldier is swallowed by a fish! But his adventure isn't over. The fish is caught and bought by a cook. When the cook cuts open the fish, she finds the tin soldier inside. He is brought back to the very same house and placed back in the toy room.

A Sad Ending

The tin soldier is happy to see his beloved ballerina again. But then, a little boy throws the tin soldier into the fireplace. A sudden breeze blows the paper ballerina into the fire too. They are both burned up together, leaving behind only a small tin heart and a burnt rose.

Meaning of the Story

"The Steadfast Tin Soldier" is a story about bravery and accepting what happens. The tin soldier faces many challenges but always stays strong. He doesn't complain or try to change his fate.

Lessons from the Tale

The story shows how the tin soldier remains loyal and brave, even when things are difficult. It teaches us about staying true to ourselves and facing life's challenges with courage. It also explores ideas of love and loss.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: El soldadito de plomo para niños

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