FOURTH STORY. The Prince and Princess

In this chapter of “Andersen’s Fairy Tales,” Gerda encounters a narcissus flower, but quickly moves on, her mission to find Kay superseding her curiosity. She escapes the eternal summer of a magical garden into the wider world, marked by the changing seasons and the onset of autumn. As Gerda travels, weariness and the stark, chilly reality of her surroundings set in—yet she remains determined.

Gerda’s journey leads her to encounter a Raven, who becomes intrigued by her story and quest to find Kay. The Raven shares rumors of a Princess in a nearby kingdom looking for a husband, a man who must be able to engage in intelligent conversation. This kingdom turns away many suitors, but Kay’s presence there is suggested by the Raven, sparking hope in Gerda’s heart. With the help of the Raven and its partner, Gerda ventures towards the palace, fueled by rumors that Kay has gained favor with the Princess through his intellect and demeanor.

Gerda and the Raven navigate the palace’s grandeur and its guards, sneaking into the royal chambers in search of Kay. Here, Gerda’s anticipation peaks as she mistakes another boy for Kay in the dimly lit room. Despite the disappointment that follows, her journey catches the attention of the Prince and Princess, who are touched by her story. Gerda’s tale elicits sympathy, leading to the Ravens being offered a position in the court as a reward for their role in bringing her. Gerda’s profound disappointment upon not finding Kay, combined with the generous response of the royal couple to her plight and the Ravens’ assistance, encapsulates the chapter’s themes of hope, determination, and the unexpected turns in the journey of searching for what is lost.