Something - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 20 min

„I mean to be somebody, and do something useful in the world,“ said the eldest of five brothers. „I don’t care how humble my position is, so that I can only do some good, which will be something. I intend to be a brickmaker; bricks are always wanted, and I shall be really doing something.“

„Your ’something‘ is not enough for me,“ said the second brother; „what you talk of doing is nothing at all, it is journeyman’s work, or might even be done by a machine. No! I should prefer to be a builder at once, there is something real in that. A man gains a position, he becomes a citizen, has his own sign, his own house of call for his workmen: so I shall be a builder. If all goes well, in time I shall become a master, and have my own journeymen, and my wife will be treated as a master’s wife. This is what I call something.“

„I call it all nothing,“ said the third; „not in reality any position. There are many in a town far above a master builder in position. You may be an upright man, but even as a master you will only be ranked among common men. I know better what to do than that. I will be an architect, which will place me among those who possess riches and intellect, and who speculate in art. I shall certainly have to rise by my own endeavors from a bricklayer’s laborer, or as a carpenter’s apprentice– a lad wearing a paper cap, although I now wear a silk hat. I shall have to fetch beer and spirits for the journeymen, and they will call me ‚thou,‘ which will be an insult.

I shall endure it, however, for I shall look upon it all as a mere representation, a masquerade, a mummery, which to-morrow, that is, when I myself as a journeyman, shall have served my time, will vanish, and I shall go my way, and all that has passed will be nothing to me. Then I shall enter the academy, and get instructed in drawing, and be called an architect. I may even attain to rank, and have something placed before or after my name, and I shall build as others have done before me. By this there will be always ’something‘ to make me remembered, and is not that worth living for?“

„Not in my opinion,“ said the fourth; „I will never follow the lead of others, and only imitate what they have done. I will be a genius, and become greater than all of you together. I will create a new style of building, and introduce a plan for erecting houses suitable to the climate, with material easily obtained in the country, and thus suit national feeling and the developments of the age, besides building a storey for my own genius.“

„But supposing the climate and the material are not good for much,“ said the fifth brother, „that would be very unfortunate for you, and have an influence over your experiments. Nationality may assert itself until it becomes affectation, and the developments of a century may run wild, as youth often does. I see clearly that none of you will ever really be anything worth notice, however you may now fancy it. But do as you like, I shall not imitate you. I mean to keep clear of all these things, and criticize what you do. In every action something imperfect may be discovered, something not right, which I shall make it my business to find out and expose. That will be something, I fancy.“ And he kept his word, and became a critic.

People said of this fifth brother, „There is something very precise about him. He has a good head-piece, but he does nothing.“ And on that very account they thought he must be something.

Now, you see, this is a little history which will never end; as long as the world exists, there will always be men like these five brothers. And what became of them? Were they each nothing or something? You shall hear. It is quite a history.

The eldest brother, he who fabricated bricks, soon discovered that each brick, when finished, brought him in a small coin, if only a copper one; and many copper pieces, if placed one upon another, can be changed into a shining shilling; and at whatever door a person knocks, who has a number of these in his hands, whether it be the baker’s, the butcher’s, or the tailor’s, the door flies open, and he can get all he wants. So you see the value of bricks. Some of the bricks, however, crumbled to pieces, or were broken, but the elder brother found a use for even these.

On the high bank of earth, which formed a dyke on the sea-coast, a poor woman named Margaret wished to build herself a house, so all the imperfect bricks were given to her, and a few whole ones with them. For the eldest brother was a kind-hearted man, although he never achieved anything higher than making bricks. The poor woman built herself a little house– it was small and narrow, and the window was quite crooked, the door too low, and the straw roof might have been better thatched. But still it was a shelter, and from within you could look far over the sea, which dashed wildly against the sea-wall on which the little house was built. The salt waves sprinkled their white foam over it, but it stood firm, and remained long after he who had given the bricks to build it was dead and buried.

The second brother of course knew better how to build than poor Margaret, for he served an apprenticeship to learn it. When his time was up, he packed up his knapsack, and went on his travels, singing the journeyman’s song,–

„While young, I can wander without a care,
And build new houses everywhere;
Fair and bright are my dreams of home,
Always thought of wherever I roam.

Hurrah for a workman’s life of glee! There’s a loved one at home who thinks of me;
Home and friends I can ne’er forget,
And I mean to be a master yet.“

And that is what he did. On his return home, he became a master builder,– built one house after another in the town, till they formed quite a street, which, when finished, became really an ornament to the town. These houses built a house for him in return, which was to be his own. But how can houses build a house? If the houses were asked, they could not answer; but the people would understand, and say, „Certainly the street built his house for him.“

It was not very large, and the floor was of lime; but when he danced with his bride on the lime-covered floor, it was to him white and shining, and from every stone in the wall flowers seemed to spring forth and decorate the room as with the richest tapestry. It was really a pretty house, and in it were a happy pair. The flag of the corporation fluttered before it, and the journeymen and apprentices shouted „Hurrah.“ He had gained his position, he had made himself something, and at last he died, which was „something“ too.

Now we come to the architect, the third brother, who had been first a carpenter’s apprentice, had worn a cap, and served as an errand boy, but afterwards went to the academy, and risen to be an architect, a high and noble gentleman. Ah yes, the houses of the new street, which the brother who was a master builder erected, may have built his house for him, but the street received its name from the architect, and the handsomest house in the street became his property. That was something, and he was „something,“ for he had a list of titles before and after his name. His children were called „wellborn,“ and when he died, his widow was treated as a lady of position, and that was „something.“ His name remained always written at the corner of the street, and lived in every one’s mouth as its name. Yes, this also was „something.“

And what about the genius of the family– the fourth brother– who wanted to invent something new and original? He tried to build a lofty storey himself, but it fell to pieces, and he fell with it and broke his neck. However, he had a splendid funeral, with the city flags and music in the procession; flowers were strewn on the pavement, and three orations were spoken over his grave, each one longer than the other. He would have liked this very much during his life, as well as the poems about him in the papers, for he liked nothing so well as to be talked of. A monument was also erected over his grave. It was only another storey over him, but that was „something,“ Now he was dead, like the three other brothers.

The youngest– the critic– outlived them all, which was quite right for him. It gave him the opportunity of having the last word, which to him was of great importance. People always said he had a good head-piece. At last his hour came, and he died, and arrived at the gates of heaven. Souls always enter these gates in pairs. So he found himself standing and waiting for admission with another; and who should it be but old dame Margaret, from the house on the dyke! „It is evidently for the sake of contrast that I and this wretched soul should arrive here exactly at the same time,“ said the critic. „Pray who are you, my good woman?“ said he; „do you want to get in here too?“

And the old woman curtsied as well as she could. She thought it must be St. Peter himself who spoke to her. „I am a poor old woman,“ she said, „without my family. I am old Margaret, that lived in the house on the dyke.“

„Well, and what have you done– what great deed have you performed down below?“

„I have done nothing at all in the world that could give me a claim to have these doors open for me,“ she said. „It would be only through mercy that I can be allowed to slip in through the gate.“

„In what manner did you leave the world?“ he asked, just for the sake of saying something. For it made him feel very weary to stand there and wait.

„How I left the world?“ she replied; „why, I can scarcely tell you. During the last years of my life I was sick and miserable, and I was unable to bear creeping out of bed suddenly into the frost and cold. Last winter was a hard winter, but I have got over it all now. There were a few mild days, as your honor, no doubt, knows. The ice lay thickly on the lake, as far one could see. The people came from the town, and walked upon it, and they say there were dancing and skating upon it, I believe, and a great feasting.

The sound of beautiful music came into my poor little room where I lay. Towards evening, when the moon rose beautifully, though not yet in her full splendor, I glanced from my bed over the wide sea; and there, just where the sea and sky met, rose a curious white cloud. I lay looking at the cloud till I observed a little black spot in the middle of it, which gradually grew larger and larger, and then I knew what it meant– I am old and experienced; and although this token is not often seen, I knew it, and a shuddering seized me.

Twice in my life had I seen this same thing, and I knew that there would be an awful storm, with a spring tide, which would overwhelm the poor people who were now out on the ice, drinking, dancing, and making merry. Young and old, the whole city, were there; who was to warn them, if no one noticed the sign, or knew what it meant as I did?

I was so alarmed, that I felt more strength and life than I had done for some time. I got out of bed, and reached the window. I could not crawl any farther from weakness and exhaustion; but I managed to open the window. I saw the people outside running and jumping about on the ice. I saw the beautiful flags waving in the wind. I heard the boys shouting, ‚Hurrah!‘ and the lads and lasses singing, and everything full of merriment and joy. But there was the white cloud with the black spot hanging over them. I cried out as loudly as I could, but no one heard me. I was too far off from the people.

Soon would the storm burst, the ice break, and all who were on it be irretrievably lost. They could not hear me, and to go to them was quite out of my power. Oh, if I could only get them safe on land! Then came the thought, as if from heaven, that I would rather set fire to my bed, and let the house be burnt down, than that so many people should perish miserably. I got a light, and in a few moments the red flames leaped up as a beacon to them. I escaped fortunately as far as the threshold of the door; but there I fell down and remained: I could go no farther. The flames rushed out towards me, flickered on the window, and rose high above the roof.

The people on the ice became aware of the fire, and ran as fast as possible to help a poor sick woman, who, as they thought, was being burnt to death. There was not one who did not run. I heard them coming, and I also at the same time was conscious of a rush of air and a sound like the roar of heavy artillery. The spring flood was lifting the ice covering, which brake into a thousand pieces. But the people had reached the sea-wall, where the sparks were flying round. I had saved them all; but I suppose I could not survive the cold and fright. So I came up here to the gates of paradise. I am told they are open to poor creatures such as I am, and I have now no house left on earth; but I do not think that will give me a claim to be admitted here.“

Then the gates were opened, and an angel led the old woman in. She had dropped one little straw out of her straw bed, when she set it on fire to save the lives of so many. It had been changed into the purest gold– into gold that constantly grew and expanded into flowers and fruit of immortal beauty.

„See,“ said the angel, pointing to the wonderful straw, „this is what the poor woman has brought. What dost thou bring? I know thou hast accomplished nothing, not even made a single brick. Even if thou couldst return, and at least produce so much, very likely, when made, the brick would be useless, unless done with a good will, which is always something. But thou canst not return to earth, and I can do nothing for thee.“

Then the poor soul, the old mother who had lived in the house on the dyke, pleaded for him. She said, „His brother made all the stone and bricks, and sent them to me to build my poor little dwelling, which was a great deal to do for a poor woman like me. Could not all these bricks and pieces be as a wall of stone to prevail for him? It is an act of mercy. He is wanting it now; and here is the very fountain of mercy.“

„Then,“ said the angel, „thy brother, he who has been looked upon as the meanest of you all, he whose honest deeds to thee appeared so humble,– it is he who has sent you this heavenly gift. Thou shalt not be turned away. Thou shalt have permission to stand without the gate and reflect, and repent of thy life on earth; but thou shalt not be admitted here until thou hast performed one good deed of repentance, which will indeed for thee be something.“

„I could have expressed that better,“ thought the critic; but he did not say it aloud, which for him was something, after all.

Read another short fairy tale (5 min)

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „Something“

„Something,“ a lesser-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, was first published in 1858. The story follows a poet who faces constant criticism and skepticism from those around him. Despite these challenges, the poet persists and continues to create beautiful poetry that touches the hearts of those who read it. It is a story that aims to inspire readers to recognize the potential within themselves and to not underestimate the power of seemingly small, insignificant things.

The themes found in „Something“ are prevalent throughout Andersen’s works and much of the literature of the 19th century. The story emphasizes the importance of persistence, self-belief, and creativity in the face of adversity, much like other Andersen stories, such as „The Ugly Duckling“ and „The Little Mermaid.“ While „Something“ has not gained the same level of popularity as some of Andersen’s other works, the themes and messages within it remain relevant today. The story encourages readers to pursue their passions and remain steadfast in their beliefs, even when faced with doubt and criticism from others.

In the context of Andersen’s life, „Something“ can be seen as somewhat autobiographical. Andersen himself faced many hardships and obstacles in his pursuit of becoming a successful writer, but he persevered and ultimately became one of the most famous and beloved fairy tale authors of all time. The story of the poet in „Something“ might be a reflection of Andersen’s personal experiences and serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence and faith in oneself.

Hans Christian Andersen faced many challenges throughout his life, including poverty and social exclusion. These experiences helped shape his stories, as he often portrayed underdogs and characters who overcame great adversity. „Something“ reflects this theme, showing how even the smallest, most overlooked things can have a significant impact. The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid technological advancements and social changes. Andersen wrote during this time, and his works often reflected the challenges and anxieties faced by those living through such transformative times. In „Something,“ he emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the potential of small, seemingly inconsequential things, which can be seen as a commentary on the rapid advancements in technology and industry during the period.

Hans Christian Andersen had a deep appreciation for nature and its beauty, which is evident in many of his stories. In „Something,“ the main character – a small, overlooked piece of nature – is ultimately able to demonstrate its worth and potential. This can be seen as Andersen’s way of highlighting the importance of valuing and preserving nature amidst rapid industrialization. Throughout his life, Andersen relied on his vivid imagination to help him overcome hardships and create his enduring stories. „Something“ encourages readers to use their imaginations, as the main character’s potential is only revealed when people start to imagine what it could become.

Like many of Andersen’s fairy tales, „Something“ carries a moral lesson. The story teaches readers that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant things have value and potential. By not underestimating these small things, people can discover their true worth and unlock their potential. In conclusion, Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale „Something“ reflects the author’s life experiences, the historical context of the Industrial Revolution, and his love for nature. The story emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential in even the smallest things and serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and value in everything around us.

Interpretations to fairy tale „Something“

„Something,“ a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, offers various interpretations and themes to explore. Here are a few interpretations of the story:

The power of art and creativity: One interpretation of „Something“ is that it highlights the importance and power of art and creativity. The poet in the story, despite facing criticism and skepticism, continues to create poetry that touches people’s hearts. This illustrates the transformative power of art and its ability to reach people on a deeper, emotional level.

Perseverance and self-belief: The story emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity. The poet continues to write even when others doubt him, which demonstrates his unwavering faith in his creative abilities. This theme encourages readers to stay true to their passions and believe in themselves, even when confronted with challenges and negativity.

The role of the artist in society: „Something“ also explores the role of the artist in society. The poet faces criticism and skepticism, yet his work ultimately influences others and impacts their lives. This suggests that artists have a unique ability to reach people and convey messages that may not be fully understood or appreciated by the general public. The story also serves as a reminder that the value of art and its creators should not be underestimated.

The transformative power of art: The story illustrates the transformative power of art, as the poet’s work touches the hearts of those who read it. This transformation can occur on both a personal and societal level, as the poet’s work impacts individual lives and contributes to a broader understanding of the human experience.

Overcoming obstacles: Another interpretation of „Something“ is that it demonstrates the importance of overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of one’s dreams. The poet faces numerous challenges, yet he continues to write and create, eventually finding success. This theme is a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to success, even in the face of adversity.

The Value of Small Things: „Something“ demonstrates that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant things have value and potential. The story encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and importance of everything around them, regardless of size or prominence.

The Power of Imagination: The tale also highlights the power of imagination, as it is only when the characters start to imagine the possibilities of what the little „something“ could become that its potential is revealed. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of using our creativity and imagination to unlock the hidden potential in ourselves and the world around us.

The Importance of Perseverance: „Something“ teaches the lesson of perseverance, as the small and overlooked „something“ never gives up on proving its worth, even when others don’t see it. This interpretation suggests that readers should be resilient and persistent in pursuing their goals, even when faced with obstacles or discouragement.

Social Commentary: The story can be seen as a social commentary on the Industrial Revolution and the rapid technological advancements that occurred during Andersen’s lifetime. The tale’s emphasis on not underestimating small things may be interpreted as a reminder to society not to overlook the value of nature and simpler times amid rapid progress and industrialization.

The Underdog Story: „Something“ can be interpreted as an underdog story, with the small, seemingly insignificant protagonist ultimately proving its worth and achieving great things. This interpretation aligns with Andersen’s own experiences as an underdog who overcame adversity and hardships to become a renowned author.

The Power of Belief: Another interpretation of „Something“ is the importance of belief in oneself and the potential of others. The story teaches that by believing in ourselves and recognizing the potential in others, we can create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

In summary, „Something“ by Hans Christian Andersen can be interpreted in various ways, including as a lesson on the value of small things, the power of imagination, perseverance, social commentary, the underdog story, and the power of belief. These interpretations allow readers to find their own meaning and connection to the story, which contributes to the tale’s enduring appeal. These interpretations show that „Something“ is a multi-layered story with themes that are relevant even today, highlighting the power of art, creativity, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „Something“

Although „Something“ by Hans Christian Andersen is not one of his most popular or well-known fairy tales, it has still inspired some adaptations and interpretations across various media forms. Some examples include:

Theater: „Something“ has been adapted into stage performances and plays, often as part of a larger collection of Hans Christian Andersen’s works. This adaptation typically involves a mix of live acting, music, and dance, creating an immersive experience for audiences. Andersen’s fairy tales have been adapted for the stage in various forms, from plays to musicals and ballets.

Literature: Some authors have reimagined or retold „Something“ in the form of short stories or novels, often adding new twists or reinterpreting the original tale. These adaptations may place the story in a modern context, explore the characters more deeply, or focus on different themes.

Animation and Film: While there may not be any direct film adaptations of „Something,“ the themes and ideas presented in the story can be found in various animated and live-action films that explore the power of art, creativity, and perseverance. Hans Christian Andersen’s stories have been adapted into numerous animated works. For example, the animated series „The Fairytaler“ has episodes dedicated to several of Andersen’s lesser-known stories. The Fairytaler – Something: In 2004, an animated television series called „The Fairytaler“ (also known as „H.C. Andersen’s The Fairytaler“) featured an episode titled „Something.“ Produced by Magma Films, the series adapts various lesser-known fairy tales by Andersen, and this specific episode brings the story of „Something“ to life through animation, making it more accessible and engaging for younger audiences.

Art: Visual artists have been inspired by „Something“ to create illustrations, paintings, or other forms of visual art that depict scenes or characters from the story. These artworks often explore the themes and emotions present in the story, offering a unique perspective on Andersen’s tale.

Music: Composers and musicians may have created musical pieces inspired by „Something,“ often as part of a larger work dedicated to the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. These compositions can evoke the emotions and atmosphere of the story, providing a different way to experience the tale.

While „Something“ may not have as many adaptations as some of Andersen’s more famous fairy tales, it has still managed to inspire creative works across various forms of media, showcasing its enduring themes and the power of art and storytelling.

Summary of the plot

„Something“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The story is a reflective piece that discusses the importance of even the smallest contributions and achievements in life. It’s not a traditional fairy tale with a linear plot but rather an allegorical tale that imparts a valuable lesson.

The story begins with a conversation between a piece of old rotten wood and a discarded metal pot. They discuss their seemingly insignificant existence and ponder their purpose in the world. As they talk, a bee flies by, explaining that it is collecting honey from flowers. The bee explains that it’s not only gathering honey for itself but also for the queen bee and the entire hive. The bee’s diligent work ethic and dedication to its community serve as an example of the value of even the smallest of contributions.

The story continues with a conversation between a sunbeam and a dewdrop. The sunbeam, which is proud of its position, is humbled when it recognizes the beauty and value of the dewdrop. The dewdrop’s humble existence reminds the sunbeam that there is merit in every role, regardless of its size or stature. „Something“ emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of small actions and the potential impact they can have on the world. It also teaches readers to appreciate their own contributions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, as even the smallest efforts can make a difference in the grand scheme of things.

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