The Angel - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 7 min

Whenever a good child dies, an angel of God comes down from heaven, takes the dead child in his arms, spread out his great white wings, and flies with him over all the places which the child had loved during his life. Then h gathers a large handful of flowers, which he carries up to the Almighty, that they may bloom more brightly i heaven than they do on earth. And the Almighty presses the flowers to His heart, but He kisses the flower tha pleases Him best, and it receives a voice, and is able to join the song of the chorus of bliss.

These words were spoken by an angel of God, as he carried a dead child up to heaven, and the child listened as if in a dream. Then they passed over well-known spots, where the little one had often played, and through beautiful gardens full of lovely flowers.

„Which of these shall we take with us to heaven to be transplanted there?“ asked the angel.

Close by grew a slender, beautiful, rose-bush, but some wicked hand had broken the stem, and the half-opened rosebuds hung faded and withered on the trailing branches.

„Poor rose-bush!“ said the child, „let us take it with us to heaven, that it may bloom above in God’s garden.“

The angel took up the rose-bush. Then he kissed the child, and the little one half opened his eyes. The angel gathered also some beautiful flowers, as well as a few humble buttercups and heart’s-ease.

„Now we have flowers enough,“ said the child; but the angel only nodded, he did not fly upward to heaven. It was night, and quite still in the great town. Here they remained, and the angel hovered over a small, narrow street, in which lay a large heap of straw, ashes, and sweepings from the houses of people who had removed. There lay fragments of plates, pieces of plaster, rags, old hats, and other rubbish not pleasant to see.

Amidst all this confusion, the angel pointed to the pieces of a broken flower-pot, and to a lump of earth which had fallen out of it. The earth had been kept from falling to pieces by the roots of a withered field-flower, which had been thrown amongst the rubbish.

„We will take this with us,“ said the angel, „I will tell you why as we fly along.“

And as they flew the angel related the history.

„Down in that narrow lane, in a low cellar, lived a poor sick boy. He had been afflicted from his childhood, and even in his best days he could just manage to walk up and down the room on crutches once or twice, but no more. During some days in summer, the sunbeams would lie on the floor of the cellar for about half an hour. In this spot the poor sick boy would sit warming himself in the sunshine, and watching the red blood through his delicate fingers as he held them before his face. Then he would say he had been out, yet he knew nothing of the green forest in its spring verdure, till a neighbor’s son brought him a green bough from a beech-tree. This he would place over his head, and fancy that he was in the beech-wood while the sun shone, and the birds carolled gayly. One spring day the neighbor’s boy brought him some field-flowers, and among them was one to which the root still adhered. This he carefully planted in a flower-pot, and placed in a window-seat near his bed. And the flower had been planted by a fortunate hand, for it grew, put forth fresh shoots, and blossomed every year. It became a splendid flower-garden to the sick boy, and his little treasure upon earth. He watered it, and cherished it, and took care it should have the benefit of every sunbeam that found its way into the cellar, from the earliest morning ray to the evening sunset. The flower entwined itself even in his dreams– for him it bloomed, for him spread its perfume. And it gladdened his eyes, and to the flower he turned, even in death, when the Lord called him. He has been one year with God. During that time the flower has stood in the window, withered and forgotten, till at length cast out among the sweepings into the street, on the day of the lodgers‘ removal. And this poor flower, withered and faded as it is, we have added to our nosegay, because it gave more real joy than the most beautiful flower in the garden of a queen.“

„But how do you know all this?“ asked the child whom the angel was carrying to heaven.

„I know it,“ said the angel, „because I myself was the poor sick boy who walked upon crutches, and I know my own flower well.“

Then the child opened his eyes and looked into the glorious happy face of the angel, and at the same moment they found themselves in that heavenly home where all is happiness and joy. And God pressed the dead child to His heart, and wings were given him so that he could fly with the angel, hand in hand. Then the Almighty pressed all the flowers to His heart; but He kissed the withered field-flower, and it received a voice. Then it joined in the song of the angels, who surrounded the throne, some near, and others in a distant circle, but all equally happy. They all joined in the chorus of praise, both great and small,– the good, happy child, and the poor field-flower, that once lay withered and cast away on a heap of rubbish in a narrow, dark street.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The angel“

„The Angel“ is a heartwarming fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1843. The story, like many of Andersen’s works, focuses on themes of love, kindness, and the power of good deeds. Andersen was known for his deep spirituality, and this fairy tale reflects his Christian beliefs and values.

The story follows a young boy who dies and is guided to the afterlife by an angel. As they journey together, the angel shows the boy a series of good deeds that the boy had performed during his life, each represented by a flower. The angel collects these flowers, explaining that they will accompany the boy to Heaven and form part of his eternal happiness.

One flower, in particular, stands out – a withered, humble-looking flower that was once a blooming rose. The boy had given this rose to a sick and lonely neighbor, bringing her great comfort and happiness. The angel explains that this small act of kindness is especially precious and will shine brightly in Heaven.

The story of „The Angel“ serves as a reminder of the importance of love, compassion, and good deeds, as well as the belief that acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver. It also highlights the idea that even the smallest gestures can be incredibly meaningful and contribute to a person’s eternal happiness in the afterlife.

In summary, „The Angel“ is a touching fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that focuses on themes of love, kindness, and the power of good deeds. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and the lasting impact of our actions, reflecting Andersen’s Christian beliefs and values.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The angel“

„The Angel“ by Hans Christian Andersen offers a heartwarming story that can be interpreted in various ways. Through the tale of a young boy, his angel guide, and the symbolic flowers that represent the boy’s good deeds, the story explores themes such as love, kindness, the value of small acts, and the idea of eternal happiness. Here are some interpretations of the fairy tale:

The power of kindness: The story highlights the lasting impact of even the smallest acts of kindness. The withered flower, which represents the rose the boy gave to a sick and lonely neighbor, serves as a reminder that our actions can bring comfort and happiness to others, and that these acts of kindness contribute to our own eternal happiness in the afterlife.

The beauty of humility: The humble appearance of the withered flower symbolizes the importance of valuing inner beauty and the genuine impact of our actions, rather than focusing on superficial appearances. The story encourages readers to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the value of selflessness.

The guidance of angels: In this tale, the angel serves as a symbol of divine guidance, helping the boy understand the significance of his actions on Earth and preparing him for his eternal life in Heaven. This interpretation emphasizes the role of spiritual beings in guiding and supporting us through our lives.

The concept of eternal happiness: The angel’s collection of flowers to accompany the boy to Heaven suggests that our good deeds on Earth contribute to our eternal happiness in the afterlife. This idea reinforces the importance of leading a life filled with love, kindness, and compassion.

The interconnectedness of lives: The story illustrates how the boy’s acts of kindness touched the lives of those around him, showing that our actions can have far-reaching effects on others. This interpretation emphasizes the interconnectedness of human lives and the importance of compassion and empathy in our relationships.

In conclusion, „The Angel“ offers various interpretations that focus on themes such as the power of kindness, the beauty of humility, the guidance of angels, the concept of eternal happiness, and the interconnectedness of lives. Through the story of the young boy and his angel guide, Andersen encourages readers to appreciate the lasting impact of our actions and the importance of love, kindness, and compassion in our lives.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The angel“

While „The Angel“ might not be one of the most well-known fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, it has inspired some adaptations and references across different media. Here are a few examples:

Children’s books and illustrations: Illustrated versions of „The Angel“ have been published as part of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale collections or as standalone picture books. These adaptations use vivid illustrations to bring the story to life, emphasizing the themes of love, kindness, and the power of good deeds.

Animation: „The Angel“ has been adapted into animated short films or featured as a part of animated anthology films based on Andersen’s works. These adaptations use the visual medium to portray the angel’s journey with the boy and the symbolic flowers representing the boy’s good deeds.

Audiobooks and radio dramas: Adaptations of „The Angel“ in the form of audiobooks or radio dramas have been created, using voice acting and sound effects to bring the story to life for listeners. These adaptations allow the audience to focus on the story’s themes and messages, using their imagination to visualize the events and characters.

Musical compositions and songs: The themes of „The Angel“ have inspired composers to create musical pieces based on or inspired by the story. These works can range from orchestral suites to choral pieces or songs, often emphasizing the story’s emotional and spiritual aspects.

Theater and puppetry: Some theater companies have adapted „The Angel“ as a play or as a part of a larger production featuring multiple Andersen stories. Puppet theater productions have also been created, using marionettes or shadow puppets to bring the tale to life on stage.

Although specific examples of adaptations of „The Angel“ may be less numerous compared to some of Andersen’s more famous works, the story’s themes of love, kindness, and the impact of our actions offer opportunities for creative reinterpretations in various forms.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The angel“

„The Angel“ by Hans Christian Andersen has been adapted in various forms of media, including film, television, and stage productions. Some notable adaptations include:

„Elsie’s Journey to Heaven“ (1912): This silent film adaptation of „The Angel“ was directed by J. Searle Dawley and stars Mary Fuller as Elsie. The film was produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company and runs for approximately 14 minutes.

„The Angel“ (1969): This made-for-TV movie adaptation of the fairy tale was directed by Peter H. Hunt and stars Cliff Robertson as the angel. The film follows the story of Elsie (played by Kate Manx) and her journey with the angel to heaven.

„The Angel“ (1998): This stage production of „The Angel“ was adapted by Jeffery Hatcher and premiered at the Indiana Repertory Theater. The play explores the themes of love, loss, and the afterlife through the story of Elsie and the angel.

„The Angel and the Solider Boy“ (2009): This children’s book by Peter Collington is a modern retelling of „The Angel“ with a contemporary setting. The book follows the story of a young girl named Rose and a soldier boy who become friends, and their journey to heaven with the angel.

Overall, the enduring popularity of „The Angel“ is a testament to the timeless themes of love, loss, and spirituality that it explores. Its adaptability across different media platforms demonstrates the continued relevance and resonance of Andersen’s classic fairy tale.

Summary of the plot

„The Angel“ is a heartwarming fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that follows the journey of a young boy who has passed away and is guided by an angel to the afterlife. The story explores themes of love, kindness, and the power of good deeds, as well as the idea of eternal happiness.

As they journey together, the angel shows the boy a series of flowers, each representing a good deed the boy had performed during his life. The angel collects these flowers to accompany the boy to Heaven, where they will contribute to his eternal happiness. The boy learns that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others and can be treasured in the afterlife.

One particular flower stands out among the others: a withered, humble-looking flower that once was a blooming rose. The boy had given this rose to a sick and lonely neighbor, bringing her great comfort and happiness during her difficult time. The angel explains to the boy that this simple act of kindness is especially valuable and will shine brightly in Heaven.

In summary, „The Angel“ is a touching fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that highlights the importance of love, kindness, and the power of good deeds. Through the story of a young boy and his angel guide, the tale serves as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on others and contribute to our eternal happiness in the afterlife.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The angel“

„The Angel“ is a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who was born on April 2, 1805, and died on August 4, 1875. Andersen is one of the most famous fairy tale writers in history, known for his captivating stories that often contain profound moral lessons. Some of his most well-known works include „The Little Mermaid,“ „The Ugly Duckling,“ „The Emperor’s New Clothes,“ and „The Snow Queen.“

Andersen’s stories have been translated into more than 150 languages, and they continue to be popular with both children and adults worldwide. His stories often incorporate elements of folklore, mythology, and his own experiences. They frequently explore themes such as beauty, innocence, love, and the human struggle to find happiness and meaning.

„The Angel“ was first published in 1844 as part of Andersen’s „New Fairy Tales“ collection. Like many of his stories, „The Angel“ is a poignant and touching tale that explores universal themes and offers deep moral lessons. The story emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and the beauty found in simple things. It also showcases Andersen’s signature storytelling style, which combines evocative imagery, vivid characterization, and a deep understanding of human emotions.

Andersen’s works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, including films, television series, plays, and ballets. His tales continue to capture the imaginations of readers and audiences, making him one of the most celebrated and enduring figures in the world of fairy tales.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The angel“

„The Angel“ by Hans Christian Andersen offers multiple interpretations, touching upon themes of innocence, the beauty in simplicity, the transformative power of love and compassion, and the value of finding joy in small things.

Innocence and purity: The story highlights the purity and innocence of a good child who is taken to heaven by an angel. The child’s ability to see beauty in a broken rose-bush and the withered field-flower symbolizes the purity of heart that is often found in children.

Beauty in simplicity: The tale emphasizes the beauty of simple things, like the withered field-flower, which brought immense joy to the sick boy. It suggests that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places and that even the most humble things can have a profound impact on people’s lives.

The transformative power of love and compassion: The love and care the sick boy showed for the field-flower, despite his own suffering, transformed the flower into something divine. This transformation symbolizes the power of love and compassion to elevate and transform even the most ordinary things into something extraordinary and eternal.

The value of finding joy in small things: The story highlights the importance of cherishing small joys in life, as illustrated by the sick boy who found happiness in his single flower. This theme serves as a reminder to appreciate the small pleasures of life, even in difficult circumstances.

The connection between heaven and earth: The tale depicts the angel and the child’s journey from earth to heaven, bridging the gap between the two realms. The child’s memories of earthly places and the flowers they bring to heaven demonstrate the enduring connection between the earthly and the divine.

Overall, „The Angel“ offers a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the beauty and value that can be found in the simplest and most humble aspects of life, and the power of love and compassion to transform and elevate even the most ordinary things.

Summary of the plot

„The Angel“ is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about the journey of a deceased child to heaven, accompanied by an angel of God. The angel tells the child that whenever a good child dies, an angel comes to carry them to heaven, picking flowers to bloom more brightly there than on earth. The Almighty kisses the most pleasing flower, granting it a voice to join the heavenly chorus.

As they fly together, the angel and child pass places the child had loved and gather flowers to take to heaven. The child insists on taking a broken rose-bush to bloom in God’s garden. They remain in a town at night, where the angel finds a withered field-flower amid rubbish and explains its significance. The flower once belonged to a sick boy who lived in a cellar, unable to experience the beauty of nature. The boy cherished the flower, which brought him immense joy before his death.

The child asks the angel how he knows the story, to which the angel replies that he was the sick boy himself. They arrive in heaven, where God embraces the child and gives him wings. The Almighty kisses all the flowers, but bestows a voice upon the withered field-flower, allowing it to join the angelic chorus. The tale concludes with the image of the happy child and the once-discarded field-flower singing in harmony among the angels.

Informations for scientific analysis

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