Hans Christian Andersen needs no introduction. A talented writer has created a huge number of works. Among them are poems, essays, novels, plays, but first of all he is known as the author of world famous fairy tales.
Both adults and children read them. They are kind and sad, fascinating and instructive, with a good or bad ending. Andersen's tales are distinguished by a special manner of narration.
The writer uses epithets, a lot of details, his narration is leisurely, the tales are quite voluminous, so it’s better not to read them to young children under 3 years old. When a child reaches this age, it is necessary to introduce him to the work of Hans Christian.
Below is a rating of Andersen's most famous fairy tales.
10. Swineherd
A fairy tale "Swineherd" do not read before 6-7 years, because it has a deep meaning. The first publication is 1841.
There are many similar stories in the world, but this one differs from others in that there is no excessive sentimentality in it.
The prince from the fairy tale is not rich, but he really likes the daughter of the emperor. Hoping for reciprocity, he sends the girl the most precious thing he has: a rose and nightingales.
These gifts did not appeal to the princess. Then the prince decides to teach a capricious girl a lesson, he pretends to be a swineherd and gets a job with the emperor.
First he makes a magic pot. The princess agrees to buy him for 10 kisses. A rattle is worth much more - 100 kisses, but the girl is ready for anything for these gizmos.
The emperor accidentally saw the moment of reckoning, he drove both out of the palace. The prince leaves for his castle, leaving the princess with nothing.
9. The Steadfast Tin Soldier
The optimal age is over 8 years. Story "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" makes you think about the meaning of life. It was first published in 1838.
This is the story of a tin soldier and dancer. Yes, these are toys, but at night they come to life. The soldier falls in love with a dancer, an evil troll prevents their happiness.
In the morning the soldier falls out of the window. He has a lot to go through, but he will nevertheless come back.
The toy soldier ends up in the nursery again, but some boy throws it into the fireplace. There is a dancer, she was carried away by a gust of wind. Loving hearts connected, but at what cost?
This tale shows the reader that life and death are always near, and while there is an opportunity, good deeds need to be done.
8. Wild swans
A classic tale where good conquers evil. "Wild Swans" can be read by children over 3 years of age. The tale was published in 1838.
The king alone raised 11 sons and a daughter. He will marry soon. The evil stepmother disliked the king's children and cast a spell on them. The youths turned into swans and flew away, witchcraft did not work on Eliza.
The wicked woman by cunning managed to get the king to expel her daughter from the castle. Eliza found her brothers, and at night she had a dream. She must tie 11 shirts from the nettles and throw them on the brothers, then they will turn into people.
Eliza withstood all the trials and was able to save the brothers.
7. The new dress of the king
In a children's fairy tale "The new dress of the king" ridiculed human vices - stupidity and narcissism, it is suitable for reading to children over 6 - 7 years old. Date of publication - 1837.
The writer borrowed the plot from Juan Manuel ("Count Lucanor"), he mentions this in his diary.
The king is very fond of dressing up and hires two tailors who, in fact, know nothing about sewing. They promised to sew a dress invisible to fools.
When they "put on" new clothes on the king, neither he nor his courtiers can admit that they do not see the dress. They do not want to be considered fools.
Only one boy was not afraid to expose the ruler and shouted: "But the king is naked!" Tailors trickers have long left the city, and the king hid in his palace.
6. The Princess and the Pea
Short tale "Princess on the Pea" from the same age category as the “King's New Dress” is intended for children over 6 years old. First published in 1835.
The main idea here is that you do not need to evaluate people by their appearance. The first impression is often misleading.
The prince was looking for a wife for a long time, he dreamed of a real princess, but he did not meet such.
Once a girl knocked on a castle door. She looked awful. There was heavy rain, and the poor thing got wet through. The girl claimed that she was a real princess, but no one believed her.
Then the old queen decided to check the veracity of the words of an unexpected guest. She laid a pea on her bed, covered her with a pile of mattresses from above. In the morning, the girl complained of a bad dream.
The prince realized that he was a real princess and married her.
5. Thumbelina
A fairy tale "Thumbelina" you can safely read to 3-year-old children, she is kind and with a good ending. Date of publication - 1835.
Thumbelina appeared from a flower, she lived with a good woman, but she was kidnapped by a frog. She decided that the tiny girl would be a good party for her son.
Fortunately, Thumbelina managed to escape, but there were still many obstacles in her way.
In the finals, she prepares to marry a mole and goes to say goodbye to the sun.
A swallow arrives, which Thumbelina helped to survive, and saves her. They fly to warmer climes. There Thumbelina meets a beautiful elf and marries him.
With this tale, the writer makes it clear that you never need to despair, there is always a chance for salvation.
4. Flint
Story "Flint" will be clear to young children (3 - 5 years old). The first was published in 1835.
An ordinary soldier, thanks to his courage and resourcefulness, became the ruler of the state and married the princess. At first he had to meet with an evil sorceress who asked him for a favor.
The soldier had to climb into the hollow and get her a flint. For this, he could take any amount of money that lay in the hollow under the protection of three scary dogs.
The soldier thought that the flint was of great value and was not mistaken. He took possession of it, and it helped him more than once.
The soldier met the beautiful princess, married her, and all thanks to the flint: its owner could ask scary dogs for the fulfillment of any desire.
3. The Little Mermaid
One of the most famous fairy tales, suitable for children 5-6 years of age, but adults are also happy to read it. "Mermaid" quite long, so it can be divided into several evenings. Date of first publication - 1837.
This is the sad story of the Little Mermaid, who lived in the underwater world with her father and sisters. She fell in love with a man, a prince whom she had saved from the water.
She turns to the sea witch for help. She gives her a potion that will help the Little Mermaid turn into a person, but in return she asks for her tongue.
From now on, the Little Mermaid will not be able to talk, she will have legs, but when walking she will experience excruciating pain.
For the sake of love, she agrees to everything. But the prince did not like the Little Mermaid. The witch gave her a chance to save her life by killing her beloved, but the Little Mermaid prefers to die.
2. The ugly duckling
Designed for children from 3 years. Story "Ugly duck" It was first published in 1843.
The little duckling differed from his brothers and sisters in a terrible appearance. Even the duckling mother did not support him, the duckling could only run away from ridicule and humiliation.
For some time he lived with an old woman, but other animals - a cat and a chicken, also began to mock the duckling. Then the bird flew to the lake, for some time the duckling lived alone.
His only joy was the beautiful white swans, whom he admired from afar, he longed to be like them.
Spring came, and the duckling flew over the lake, he decided to approach the majestic birds. Sinking into the water, he saw his reflection. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan.
1. The Snow Queen
A beautiful and touching love story "The Snow Queen" Suitable for children from 5 to 6 years old. Date of first publication - 1844.
Andersen was inspired to write this fairy tale by his life experience. He unrequitedly loved opera singer Jenny Lind.
Kai and Gerda are friends, the Snow Queen abducts a boy. She holds him in her palace.
The girl goes to help a friend. She will be able to overcome the difficult path, cope with all the trials, only to save Kai. In this tale, good conquers evil.