The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Name: The Steadfast Tin Soldier
Author: Hans Christian Andersen

A small tin soldier stands on a table, part of a toy theater. He falls off and becomes separated from his partner, a ballerina. The two are swept up by different people and have various adventures. Eventually, they are reunited in the fireplace where they melt together into a single figure.

By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1838 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 1,978 words

First lines

THERE were once five and twenty tin soldiers. They were brothers, for they had all been made out of the same old tin spoon. They all shouldered their bayonets, held themselves upright, and looked straight before them. Their uniforms were very smart-looking -- red and blue -- and very splendid. The first thing they heard in the world, when the lid was taken off the box in which they lay, was the words "Tin soldiers! " These words were spoken by a little boy, who clapped his hands for joy. The soldiers had been given him because it was his birthday, and now he was putting them out upon the table.

What this Textopian page supports

The Steadfast Tin Soldier is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1838 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Date: 1838 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Length: 1,978 words
Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Hans Christian Andersen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features fantastical elements, moral lessons, and anthropomorphic characters typical of fairy tales.
Children's Literature — The narrative is simple, imaginative, and intended for a young audience, with themes of bravery and love.
Fantasy — The plot includes magical elements such as toys coming to life and a goblin in a snuffbox.
Adventure — The tin soldier embarks on a perilous journey, facing various challenges and dangers.