The Steadfast Tin Soldier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" |
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Illustration by Vilhelm Pedersen
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| 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 | |
| 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.
Contents
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
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Andersen in 1836
See also
In Spanish: El soldadito de plomo para niños
