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    • Chapter

      THE BELL

      THE BELL Cover
      by LovelyMay In the bustling streets of a large town, amidst the cacophony of rolling carriages and multitudinous voices, a curious and enchanting sound pierces the air briefly, reminiscent of a church bell's call, yet this sound was ephemeral, overshadowed by the town's din. However, on the town's outskirts, where space allowed for gardens and fields, the bell's melody was clearer, evoking a profound sense of solemnity in those who heard it, leading them to wonder about its source, assumed to be a church hidden in the…
    • Chapter

      THE ELDERBUSH

      THE ELDERBUSH Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Elderbush," a tale from Andersen's Fairy Tales, a young boy with wet feet is put to bed by his mother, who prepares Elderflower tea to warm him. At this moment, a merry old man, who lives alone upstairs and enjoys telling fairy tales, joins them. The mother suggests a fairy tale might follow the tea, sparking a conversation about storytelling and the origin of stories. The old man claims that genuine stories come spontaneously, knocking on his forehead demanding to be told. As they discuss, the…
    • Chapter

      THE LEAP-FROG

      THE LEAP-FROG Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Leap-Frog," a tale from Andersen's Fairy Tales, a whimsical competition unfolds where a Flea, a Grasshopper, and a Leap-frog vie for the highest jump, spurred by a king's offer of his daughter's hand to the victor. The contest, open to all, becomes a stage for the three contenders to showcase their unique attributes under the gaze of an eager audience. The Flea, boasting noble lineage and refined manners, presents himself first, confident in his societal standing and agility. Following him, the…
    • SIXTH STORY. The Lapland Woman and the Finland Woman Cover
      by LovelyMay In the story "The Lapland Woman and the Finland Woman," Gerda continues her journey to rescue Kay, arriving in Lapland, where an old woman offers her guidance for reaching Finland. Despite the hardships, Gerda's determination remains unshaken. She meets the Finland woman, who, after reading a message from the Lapland woman, reveals that only Gerda's innocence and purity can save Kay. The Finland woman advises Gerda on how to proceed to the Snow Queen's palace but warns that she can give no more power than…
    • FIFTH STORY. The Little Robber Maiden Cover
      by LovelyMay In the dark wood, little Gerda's carriage, shining brightly, attracts robbers who believe it to be gold. They seize the carriage, rough up the servants, and captivate Gerda. The robbers, led by an old, bearded woman, contemplate killing Gerda until her plans are thwarted by her own wild daughter, the Little Robber Maiden, who decides Gerda will be her new plaything. The Little Robber Maiden, characterized by her dark eyes and untamable spirit, claims Gerda's belongings and demands her company, protecting…
    • FOURTH STORY. The Prince and Princess Cover
      by LovelyMay 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…
    • THIRD STORY. Of the Flower-Garden At the Old Woman’s Who Understood Witchcraft Cover
      by LovelyMay In the tale of little Gerda's quest for her playfellow Kay, her journey brings her to the river's edge, hoping to find him or learn of his fate. Despite the sorrowful possibility that Kay might have drowned, Gerda's hope revives with the seasons, as both the Sunshine and the Swallows deny Kay's demise. Prompted by a blend of hope and longing, she dons her red shoes—an item Kay has never seen—and offers them to the river in exchange for her friend, demonstrating her willingness to part with her most…
    • SECOND STORY. A Little Boy and a Little Girl Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter of "Andersen's Fairy Tales," we are introduced to the enchanting yet simple life of two children, Kay and Gerda, whose friendship flourishes amidst the beauty of nature surrounding their homes. Their window boxes brim with roses, fostering a connection not just between them but also with the changing seasons. This bond takes on a literal form as they maneuver through the complexities of wintertime, finding joy even when the world outside turns frosty and the floral archway that once…
    • Chapter

      THE FIR TREE

      THE FIR TREE Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen, an innocent and impatient Fir Tree is consumed by desires and dreams far beyond its humble beginnings in a quiet forest. Initially, it cannot appreciate the beauty of its surroundings or the joy of young children playing nearby, as it is solely focused on growing taller and achieving grandeur. The tree envies the birds and the majestic trees that get cut down and taken to unknown, glorious places. This desire grows stronger with tales from a stork and…
    • VI. The Best That the Galoshes Gave Cover
      by LovelyMay In Andersen's "The Best That the Galoshes Gave," the narrative follows the transformative and whimsical misadventures of individuals granted their heart's desires through the power of magical galoshes, only to find themselves dissatisfied or disconcerted by the reality of their wishes. Beginning with the Clerk who dreams himself into a frightful flight across Copenhagen, mimicking a parrot's cry for human aspiration, the tale swiftly transitions to a young Divine's longing for travel and adventure.…
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