This story revolves around a young girl who lives with her mother and stepfather. The family's financial situation is precarious, and the stepfather is often drunk. One day, while out walking, the girl meets an old woman who gives her a bell to take home. The girl is instructed to ring the bell whenever she needs help or guidance. The girl returns home and rings the bell, but instead of receiving assistance, she is met with ridicule from her stepfather. Undeterred, she continues to ring the bell in times of need, only to be rebuffed each time. Eventually, the girl's mother dies, leaving her alone with her stepfather. The girl becomes desperate for help and rings the bell one final time. This time, however, it is not an old woman who appears but a group of people who have been summoned by the bell. They take the girl in and provide for her needs. The story concludes with the girl living happily among these strangers, having finally found the help she so desperately needed.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1908 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore