The story revolves around a young girl who lives with her father and stepmother. The father has married again after the death of his first wife, and the stepmother treats the girl poorly. The girl's life becomes increasingly difficult due to her stepmother's cruelty. One day, while out walking, the girl meets an old woman who gives her a small bird in exchange for some bread. The bird is a gift from the old woman's daughter, who has died but lives on as a spirit. The bird is a symbol of the dead daughter and serves as a reminder to the girl of the love and kindness she once knew. The stepmother becomes jealous of the attention the girl receives from her father due to the bird and decides to get rid of it. She tricks the girl into throwing the bird out the window, where it dies. The girl is devastated by the loss of the bird and realizes that her stepmother's cruelty has caused her pain. The story ends with the girl understanding that true love and kindness are more valuable than material possessions or wealth.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1836 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 46 chapters