The Steadfast Tin Soldier
1838 
Denmark Story
Once upon a time, a little boy received a wonderful birthday present: a box containing twenty-five tin soldiers. They were all identical, made from the same old tin spoon, except for one special soldier. He had been made last when there wasn't quite enough tin, so he had only one leg. But he stood just as firmly on his one leg as the others did on two.
From the moment he was set upon the table, the one-legged tin soldier noticed a beautiful paper ballerina standing at the door of a cardboard castle. She stood on one leg with her arms raised gracefully above her head. The soldier thought she, too, had only one leg like himself, and he fell deeply in love with her.
"She would be the perfect wife for me," thought the tin soldier. But she lived in a castle, and he was just a simple soldier. Still, he could not take his eyes off her all night long.
The next morning, the tin soldier was placed on the windowsill. Whether by accident or by the mischief of a toy goblin who was jealous of the soldier's love for the ballerina, a gust of wind blew him out the window. He tumbled down three stories and landed headfirst between the cobblestones below.
Two boys found him and made a boat out of newspaper. They placed the tin soldier inside and sent him sailing down the gutter into a storm drain. The brave soldier held his rifle firmly and stood tall, even as the boat rushed through the dark tunnel and water splashed all around him.
The paper boat began to fall apart in the water, but just as the soldier was about to sink, a large fish swallowed him whole! Inside the fish's belly, it was very dark, but the tin soldier remained steadfast, thinking of his beautiful ballerina.
Miraculously, the fish was caught by a fisherman and sold at the market. And where was it taken? Right to the very same house where the tin soldier had begun his adventure! When the cook cut open the fish, she found the little tin soldier inside.
The soldier was placed back on the table, and there was the beautiful paper ballerina, still standing on one leg in her castle. They gazed at each other with joy. Though the story's original ending is bittersweet, many believe the brave soldier and his ballerina were finally united in a place where toy soldiers and paper dancers could live happily ever after.
History and Meaning
"The Steadfast Tin Soldier" was written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1838. It is one of Andersen's most poignant stories, exploring themes of love, courage, and perseverance.
The story is notable for featuring a protagonist who has a physical difference—his single leg—yet proves to be as brave and worthy as anyone else. The tin soldier's steadfastness, his refusal to give up despite all obstacles, makes him a heroic figure.
Some scholars believe Andersen may have written the story as a reflection of his own life experiences. Andersen often felt like an outsider and faced many rejections in love, which may have influenced the melancholic beauty of this tale.
The story has been adapted into films, ballets, and even inspiring the character of the toy soldiers in Disney-Pixar's "Toy Story." Its message about staying true to oneself and maintaining hope through adversity continues to resonate with readers of all ages.