A soldier returning from war met a witch who offered him a fortune if he would climb inside a hollow tree to retrieve an old tinderbox. Inside, he found three chambers guarded by three dogs with eyes as large as saucers, mill-wheels, and the Round Tower of Copenhagen. He filled his pockets with gold and took the tinderbox, but when the witch wouldn't reveal its secret, he struck her down. Living as a gentleman, he eventually spent all his gold. One night, he struck the tinderbox to light a candle, and the dogs appeared, ready to serve him. He used their power to see the beautiful princess, who was locked in a tower. Though the King and Queen captured him and sentenced him to death, he used the tinderbox at the gallows. The dogs arrived, tossed the judges and the royal guards into the air, and the people proclaimed the soldier their new King, where he lived happily with his new Queen.
Wit and resourcefulness can help one overcome any obstacle, but power is most effective when paired with courage.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Tinderbox?
The story suggests that wit, courage, and a bit of luck can help one overcome social barriers. It highlights how resourcefulness can turn a desperate situation into a triumph of fortune.
Who wrote The Tinderbox?
The Tinderbox was written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published in May 1835 as part of his very first collection of fairy tales.
How do the three dogs differ in the story?
The three dogs are distinguished by the size of their eyes and the treasure they guard. They have eyes as large as saucers, mill-wheels, and the Round Tower of Copenhagen respectively.
How does the magical tinderbox work?
The tinderbox acts as a summoning tool for the three magical dogs. Striking it once brings the first dog, twice brings the second, and three times brings the most powerful third dog.
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Good night.
