The Tinderbox - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 20 min

A soldier came marching along the high road: „Left, right – left, right.“ He had his knapsack on his back, and a sword at his side. He had been to the wars, and was now returning home. As he walked on, he met a very frightful-looking old witch in the road. Her under-lip hung quite down on her breast, and she stopped and said, „Good evening, soldier. You have a very fine sword, and a large knapsack, and you are a real soldier. So you shall have as much money as ever you like.“

„Thank you, old witch,“ said the soldier.

„Do you see that large tree,“ said the witch, pointing to a tree which stood beside them. „Well, it is quite hollow inside, and you must climb to the top, when you will see a hole, through which you can let yourself down into the tree to a great depth. I will tie a rope round your body, so that I can pull you up again when you call out to me.“

„But what am I to do, down there in the tree?“ asked the soldier.

„Get money,“ she replied; „for you must know that when you reach the ground under the tree, you will find yourself in a large hall, lighted up by three hundred lamps. You will then see three doors, which can be easily opened, for the keys are in all the locks. On entering the first of the chambers, to which these doors lead, you will see a large chest, standing in the middle of the floor, and upon it a dog seated, with a pair of eyes as large as teacups. But you need not be at all afraid of him. I will give you my blue checked apron, which you must spread upon the floor, and then boldly seize hold of the dog, and place him upon it. You can then open the chest, and take from it as many pence as you please, they are only copper pence; but if you would rather have silver money, you must go into the second chamber. Here you will find another dog, with eyes as big as mill-wheels; but do not let that trouble you. Place him upon my apron, and then take what money you please. If, however, you like gold best, enter the third chamber, where there is another chest full of it. The dog who sits on this chest is very dreadful. His eyes are as big as a tower, but do not mind him. If he also is placed upon my apron, he cannot hurt you, and you may take from the chest what gold you will.“

„This is not a bad story,“ said the soldier. „But what am I to give you, you old witch? For, of course, you do not mean to tell me all this for nothing.“

„No,“ said the witch. „But I do not ask for a single penny. Only promise to bring me an old tinder-box, which my grandmother left behind the last time she went down there.“

„Very well. I promise. Now tie the rope round my body.“

„Here it is,“ replied the witch. „And here is my blue checked apron.“

As soon as the rope was tied, the soldier climbed up the tree, and let himself down through the hollow to the ground beneath; and here he found, as the witch had told him, a large hall, in which many hundred lamps were all burning.

Then he opened the first door. „Ah!“ there sat the dog, with the eyes as large as teacups, staring at him.

„You’re a pretty fellow,“ said the soldier, seizing him, and placing him on the witch’s apron, while he filled his pockets from the chest with as many pieces as they would hold. Then he closed the lid, seated the dog upon it again, and walked into another chamber, and, sure enough, there sat the dog with eyes as big as mill-wheels.

„You had better not look at me in that way,“ said the soldier; „you will make your eyes water;“ and then he seated him also upon the apron, and opened the chest. But when he saw what a quantity of silver money it contained, he very quickly threw away all the coppers he had taken, and filled his pockets and his knapsack with nothing but silver. Then he went into the third room, and there the dog was really hideous. His eyes were, truly, as big as towers, and they turned round and round in his head like wheels.

„Good morning,“ said the soldier, touching his cap, for he had never seen such a dog in his life. But after looking at him more closely, he thought he had been civil enough, so he placed him on the floor, and opened the chest. Good gracious, what a quantity of gold there was! enough to buy all the sugar-sticks of the sweet-stuff women; all the tin soldiers, whips, and rocking-horses in the world, or even the whole town itself There was, indeed, an immense quantity. So the soldier now threw away all the silver money he had taken, and filled his pockets and his knapsack with gold instead; and not only his pockets and his knapsack, but even his cap and boots, so that he could scarcely walk. He was really rich now. So he replaced the dog on the chest, closed the door, and called up through the tree: „Now pull me out, you old witch.“

„Have you got the tinder-box?“ asked the witch.

„No. I declare I quite forgot it.“ So he went back and fetched the tinderbox, and then the witch drew him up out of the tree, and he stood again in the high road, with his pockets, his knapsack, his cap, and his boots full of gold.

„What are you going to do with the tinder-box?“ asked the soldier.

„That is nothing to you,“ replied the witch; „you have the money, now give me the tinder-box.“

„I tell you what,“ said the soldier, „if you don’t tell me what you are going to do with it, I will draw my sword and cut off your head.“

„No,“ said the witch.

The soldier immediately cut off her head, and there she lay on the ground. Then he tied up all his money in her apron, and slung it on his back like a bundle, put the tinderbox in his pocket, and walked off to the nearest town.

It was a very nice town, and he put up at the best inn, and ordered a dinner of all his favourite dishes, for now he was rich and had plenty of money.

The servant, who cleaned his boots, thought they certainly were a shabby pair to be worn by such a rich gentleman, for he had not yet bought any new ones. The next day, however, he procured some good clothes and proper boots, so that our soldier soon became known as a fine gentleman, and the people visited him, and told him all the wonders that were to be seen in the town, and of the king’s beautiful daughter, the princess.

„Where can I see her?“ asked the soldier.

„She is not to be seen at all,“ they said; „she lives in a large copper castle, surrounded by walls and towers. No one but the king himself can pass in or out, for there has been a prophecy that she will marry a common soldier, and the king cannot bear to think of such a marriage.“

„I should like very much to see her,“ thought the soldier; but he could not obtain permission to do so.

However, he passed a very pleasant time; went to the theatre, drove in the king’s garden, and gave a great deal of money to the poor, which was very good of him. He remembered what it had been in olden times to be without a shilling. Now he was rich, had fine clothes, and many friends, who all declared he was a fine fellow and a real gentleman, and all this gratified him exceedingly. But his money would not last forever; and as he spent and gave away a great deal daily, and received none, he found himself at last with only two shillings left. So he was obliged to leave his elegant rooms, and live in a little garret under the roof, where he had to clean his own boots, and even mend them with a large needle. None of his friends came to see him, there were too many stairs to mount up.

One dark evening, he had not even a penny to buy a candle. Then all at once he remembered that there was a piece of candle stuck in the tinder-box, which he had brought from the old tree, into which the witch had helped him. He found the tinder-box, but no sooner had he struck a few sparks from the flint and steel, than the door flew open and the dog with eyes as big as teacups, whom he had seen while down in the tree, stood before him, and said, „What orders, master?“

„Hallo,“ said the soldier; „well this is a pleasant tinderbox, if it brings me all I wish for.“ – „Bring me some money,“ said he to the dog. He was gone in a moment, and presently returned, carrying a large bag of coppers in his month.

The soldier very soon discovered after this the value of the tinder-box. If he struck the flint once, the dog who sat on the chest of copper money made his appearance. If twice, the dog came from the chest of silver; and if three times, the dog with eyes like towers, who watched over the gold. The soldier had now plenty of money. He returned to his elegant rooms, and reappeared in his fine clothes, so that his friends knew him again directly, and made as much of him as before.

After a while he began to think it was very strange that no one could get a look at the princess. „Every one says she is very beautiful,“ thought he to himself. „But what is the use of that if she is to be shut up in a copper castle surrounded by so many towers. Can I by any means get to see her. Stop! where is my tinder-box?“ Then he struck a light, and in a moment the dog, with eyes as big as teacups, stood before him.

„It is midnight,“ said the soldier, „yet I should very much like to see the princess, if only for a moment.“

The dog disappeared instantly, and before the soldier could even look round, he returned with the princess. She was lying on the dog’s back asleep, and looked so lovely, that every one who saw her would know she was a real princess. The soldier could not help kissing her, true soldier as he was.

Then the dog ran back with the princess; but in the morning, while at breakfast with the king and queen, she told them what a singular dream she had had during the night, of a dog and a soldier, that she had ridden on the dog’s back, and been kissed by the soldier.

„That is a very pretty story, indeed,“ said the queen.

So the next night one of the old ladies of the court was set to watch by the princess’s bed, to discover whether it really was a dream, or what else it might be.

The soldier longed very much to see the princess once more, so he sent for the dog again in the night to fetch her, and to run with her as fast as ever he could. But the old lady put on water boots, and ran after him as quickly as he did, and found that he carried the princess into a large house. She thought it would help her to remember the place if she made a large cross on the door with a piece of chalk. Then she went home to bed, and the dog presently returned with the princess. But when he saw that a cross had been made on the door of the house, where the soldier lived, he took another piece of chalk and made crosses on all the doors in the town, so that the lady-in-waiting might not be able to find out the right door.

Early the next morning the king and queen accompanied the lady and all the officers of the household, to see where the princess had been.

„Here it is,“ said the king, when they came to the first door with a cross on it.

„No, my dear husband, it must be that one,“ said the queen, pointing to a second door having a cross also.

„And here is one, and there is another!“ they all exclaimed. For there were crosses on all the doors in every direction. So they felt it would be useless to search any farther.

But the queen was a very clever woman. She could do a great deal more than merely ride in a carriage. She took her large gold scissors, cut a piece of silk into squares, and made a neat little bag. This bag she filled with buckwheat flour, and tied it round the princess’s neck; and then she cut a small hole in the bag, so that the flour might be scattered on the ground as the princess went along.

During the night, the dog came again and carried the princess on his back, and ran with her to the soldier, who loved her very much, and wished that he had been a prince, so that he might have her for a wife.

The dog did not observe how the flour ran out of the bag all the way from the castle wall to the soldier’s house, and even up to the window, where he had climbed with the princess. Therefore in the morning the king and queen found out where their daughter had been, and the soldier was taken up and put in prison.

Oh, how dark and disagreeable it was as he sat there, and the people said to him, „To-morrow you will be hanged.“ It was not very pleasant news, and besides, he had left the tinder-box at the inn. In the morning he could see through the iron grating of the little window how the people were hastening out of the town to see him hanged. He heard the drums beating, and saw the soldiers marching. Every one ran out to look at them, and a shoemaker’s boy, with a leather apron and slippers on, galloped by so fast, that one of his slippers flew off and struck against the wall where the soldier sat looking through the iron grating.

„Hallo, you shoemaker’s boy, you need not be in such a hurry,“ cried the soldier to him. „There will be nothing to see till I come; but if you will run to the house where I have been living, and bring me my tinder-box, you shall have four shillings, but you must put your best foot foremost.“ The shoemaker’s boy liked the idea of getting the four shillings, so he ran very fast and fetched the tinder-box, and gave it to the soldier. And now we shall see what happened.

Outside the town a large gibbet had been erected, round which stood the soldiers and several thousands of people. The king and the queen sat on splendid thrones opposite to the judges and the whole council.

Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)

The soldier already stood on the ladder; but as they were about to place the rope around his neck, he said that an innocent request was often granted to a poor criminal before he suffered death. He wished very much to smoke a pipe, as it would be the last pipe he should ever smoke in the world.

The king could not refuse this request, so the soldier took his tinder-box, and struck fire, once, twice, thrice, and there in a moment stood all the dogs. The one with eyes as big as teacups, the one with eyes as large as mill-wheels, and the third, whose eyes were like towers.

„Help me now, that I may not be hanged,“ cried the soldier. And the dogs fell upon the judges and all the councillors; seized one by the legs, and another by the nose, and tossed them many feet high in the air, so that they fell down and were dashed to pieces.

„I will not be touched,“ said the king. But the largest dog seized him, as well as the queen, and threw them after the others. Then the soldiers and all the people were afraid, and cried, „Good soldier, you shall be our king, and you shall marry the beautiful princess.“

So they placed the soldier in the king’s carriage, and the three dogs ran on in front and cried „Hurrah!“ and the little boys whistled through their fingers, and the soldiers presented arms. The princess came out of the copper castle, and became queen, which was very pleasing to her. The wedding festivities lasted a whole week, and the dogs sat at the table, and stared with all their eyes.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Tinderbox“

„The Tinderbox“ is a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1835 as part of his inaugural collection, „Fairy Tales Told for Children.“ It tells the story of a soldier who encounters a witch and gains access to a magical tinderbox with the power to summon three powerful dogs. The tale is known for its fantastical elements and moral ambiguity.

Background and inspiration:

Folklore and oral tradition: Like many of Andersen’s fairy tales, „The Tinderbox“ was inspired by European folklore and oral storytelling traditions. The story incorporates elements such as magical objects, supernatural creatures, and trickery, which are common motifs in folktales.

Literary influences: Andersen was influenced by the works of other European authors, including the German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. „The Tinderbox“ shares similarities with some of the Grimm brothers‘ tales, including the use of magical objects and a protagonist who employs cunning to achieve his goals.

Danish culture and tradition: „The Tinderbox“ reflects Danish culture and tradition, featuring a soldier as the protagonist, which was a common character in Danish folktales. The story’s setting and characters were designed to resonate with Andersen’s contemporary readers and provide a familiar backdrop for the fantastical elements.

Moral ambiguity: Unlike many traditional fairy tales, „The Tinderbox“ is known for its moral ambiguity. The protagonist is not a clear-cut hero, as he uses trickery and violence to achieve his aims. This departure from the typical „good vs. evil“ dichotomy adds complexity and depth to the story, making it stand out among other fairy tales of the time.

Influence of personal experiences: Andersen often drew upon his own life experiences when crafting his stories. Although there is no direct evidence linking „The Tinderbox“ to specific events in his life, it is possible that the tale was influenced by his experiences as a struggling artist and his desire for success.

In summary, „The Tinderbox“ is a captivating fairy tale that draws on European folklore, literary influences, Danish culture, and Andersen’s own storytelling style. The story’s unique blend of magical elements and moral ambiguity has contributed to its enduring popularity and appeal.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Tinderbox“

„The Tinderbox“ by Hans Christian Andersen offers various interpretations, focusing on different themes and messages within the story. Some common interpretations include:

The power of knowledge and resourcefulness: The soldier in the story is able to triumph over adversity by using the magical tinderbox and his own cleverness. This theme highlights the importance of knowledge and resourcefulness, which can lead to success and the achievement of one’s goals.

Ambiguity of morality: Unlike many traditional fairy tales, „The Tinderbox“ presents a morally ambiguous protagonist. The soldier uses deceit and violence to achieve his aims, challenging the conventional „good vs. evil“ dichotomy often found in fairy tales. This interpretation encourages readers to consider the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.

Greed and ambition: The story explores themes of greed and ambition, as the soldier desires wealth and power. His pursuit of these goals leads him to use the magical tinderbox in morally questionable ways. This interpretation serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of unchecked ambition and the importance of maintaining a moral compass.

Magic and the supernatural: „The Tinderbox“ features magical elements and supernatural creatures, such as the enchanted tinderbox and the three powerful dogs. This interpretation highlights the allure and danger of the supernatural, as well as the potential consequences of meddling with forces beyond human control.

Social commentary: The story can be read as a social commentary on the desire for upward mobility and the lengths to which individuals might go to achieve it. The soldier’s actions can be seen as a critique of societal values and the pursuit of wealth and power at any cost.

In conclusion, „The Tinderbox“ offers multiple interpretations that explore themes such as knowledge, resourcefulness, morality, greed, ambition, and the supernatural. Andersen’s unique storytelling and morally ambiguous protagonist invite readers to consider the tale’s deeper meanings and reflect on the complexities of human nature.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Tinderbox“

„The Tinderbox“ has inspired various adaptations across different media formats, showcasing the enduring popularity of this Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Some specific examples include:

Film adaptations:
a. „Fyrtøjet“ (1946): A Danish live-action film directed by Johan Jacobsen, which closely follows the story of the original fairy tale.
b. „The Tinderbox“ (1972): An animated short film produced by the Soyuzmultfilm studio in the Soviet Union, directed by Leonid Amalrik and Natalya Serebryakova.

Television adaptations:
a. „The Tinderbox“ (1988): A British animated television adaptation of the story, part of the „Stories from the Old Kingdom“ series.
b. „SimsalaGrimm“ (1999-2010): A German animated television series that features adaptations of various fairy tales, including an episode based on „The Tinderbox.“

Book adaptations and retellings:
a. „The Annotated Hans Christian Andersen“ (2007) by Maria Tatar: This comprehensive edition of Andersen’s fairy tales includes annotations and historical context for each story, offering readers a deeper understanding of „The Tinderbox“ and other tales from the collection.
b. „The Tinderbox“ (2013) by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline: A beautifully illustrated edition of the classic fairy tale, bringing the story to life for a new generation of readers.

Stage productions:
a. „The Tinderbox“ (2007) by Susie McKenna: A stage adaptation of the fairy tale performed at the Hackney Empire in London, combining elements of pantomime and musical theater.
b. Various children’s theater companies and schools have produced stage adaptations of „The Tinderbox“ for their performances, introducing the story to younger audiences.

Audio adaptations:
a. BBC Radio has produced various adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, including „The Tinderbox,“ in which voice actors, sound effects, and music are used to create an immersive listening experience.

These adaptations of „The Tinderbox“ demonstrate the story’s lasting appeal and its ability to engage audiences across different media formats. By introducing the tale to new generations of readers and viewers, these adaptations ensure that the magic and moral complexity of „The Tinderbox“ will continue to resonate for years to come.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Tinderbox“

„The Tinderbox“ has been adapted in various forms over the years, including in literature, film, television, and theater. Here are some notable adaptations:

„The Tinder Box“ (1961): This animated adaptation was produced by the Russian film studio Soyuzmultfilm. It was directed by Ivan Ivanov-Vano and is notable for its colorful and whimsical animation.

„The Tinderbox“ (1990): This British television adaptation was part of the „Fairy Tale Theater“ series and starred British actor Ben Kingsley as the voice of the narrator. It was directed by Jim Henson and featured puppetry and live-action sequences.

„The Tinderbox“ (2000): This musical adaptation was created by the composer Frank Loesser and premiered at the New York City Opera. It features a score that blends classical, operatic, and contemporary styles.

„Tales of Hans Christian Andersen“ (1952): This Danish film anthology includes a segment based on „The Tinderbox,“ directed by Charles Vidor. It stars Farley Granger as the soldier and is notable for its colorful and imaginative visuals.

„The Tinderbox“ (2013): This animated short film was produced by the National Film Board of Canada and directed by Regina Pessoa. It is a dark and atmospheric retelling of the story, featuring a unique visual style inspired by the Portuguese art form of „needle painting.“

„The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira“ (2015): This young adult novel by author Lou Diamond Phillips is a science fiction retelling of „The Tinderbox.“ It features a female protagonist and a futuristic setting, with elements of adventure and romance.

These are just a few examples of the many adaptations of „The Tinderbox“ that have been created over the years, demonstrating the enduring popularity of Andersen’s classic fairy tale.

Summary of the plot

„The Tinderbox“ is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a soldier who encounters a witch while returning from war. The witch tells the soldier about a hidden treasure in a hollow tree, promising him great wealth if he retrieves it for her. She also warns him about three magical dogs guarding the treasure and provides him with a plan to avoid them. In return, she asks for a small tinderbox found in the same chamber as the treasure.

The soldier follows the witch’s instructions, subdues the dogs, and finds the treasure. He takes the gold and silver coins for himself, and as the witch instructed, retrieves the tinderbox. When he returns, he asks the witch why she wants the tinderbox, but she refuses to explain. Suspicious, the soldier kills the witch and keeps the tinderbox.

Later, the soldier learns that when he strikes the tinderbox, it summons the three magical dogs, who obey his commands. He uses the dogs to obtain wealth, food, and other comforts. Eventually, he becomes enamored with a beautiful princess who is kept in a locked tower by her overprotective parents. With the help of the dogs, he kidnaps the princess and brings her to his home.

When the king and queen discover their daughter’s disappearance, they try to locate her using various methods. A local swineherd finds the soldier’s home, and the king sends his men to arrest the soldier. Before his execution, the soldier requests a final smoke from his pipe. He uses the tinderbox to summon the dogs, who save him from execution, eliminate the king and queen, and place the soldier on the throne. The soldier marries the princess, and they rule the kingdom together.

„The Tinderbox“ is a tale of magic, adventure, and moral ambiguity, featuring a protagonist who employs cunning and supernatural forces to achieve his goals. The story presents themes of power, resourcefulness, and the complexities of human nature.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Tinderbox“

„The Tinderbox“ is a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author who is best known for his popular stories like „The Little Mermaid,“ „The Ugly Duckling,“ and „The Snow Queen.“ The story was first published in 1835 and is one of Andersen’s earliest works.

The plot revolves around a soldier who encounters an old witch while returning home from war. The witch instructs him to descend into a hollow tree to retrieve a magical tinderbox in exchange for unlimited wealth. Inside the tree, the soldier finds three chambers guarded by large dogs with eyes as big as saucers, teacups, and towers, respectively. Each dog guards a chest filled with coins: copper, silver, and gold.

The soldier takes the tinderbox and the coins, but he refuses to give the tinderbox to the witch. Instead, he kills her to keep the magical object for himself. After discovering the tinderbox’s ability to summon the three dogs to do his bidding, the soldier uses the magical item to accumulate wealth, power, and love.

As with many fairy tales, „The Tinderbox“ has elements of magic and fantasy, such as the magical tinderbox and the monstrous dogs with oversized eyes. These elements serve to engage the reader’s imagination and convey moral lessons or deeper meanings, as discussed in the interpretations provided earlier.

„The Tinderbox“ is not only a story about ambition, love, and redemption, but it also reflects the socio-economic and political realities of Andersen’s time. The tale touches upon themes such as social mobility, class differences, and the power dynamics between commoners and the nobility, which were relevant issues in the 19th-century Europe.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Tinderbox“

„The Tinderbox“ by Hans Christian Andersen can be interpreted in several ways. Here are a few possible interpretations:

The power of desire and ambition: The story highlights the soldier’s strong desire for wealth, power, and love. His ambitious nature allows him to overcome challenges and take risks, ultimately leading him to find fortune and happiness. This interpretation suggests that ambition and desire can be powerful driving forces in one’s life, leading to success and fulfillment.

The consequences of greed: While the soldier’s ambition leads him to wealth, it also puts him in dangerous situations. His excessive desire for money and power eventually lands him in prison, facing execution. This interpretation warns against the dangers of greed and the potential negative consequences of pursuing material wealth at any cost.

The importance of resourcefulness and cleverness: Throughout the story, the soldier demonstrates resourcefulness and cleverness in dealing with various challenges, such as outsmarting the witch, the dogs guarding the treasure, and even the king and queen. This interpretation suggests that using one’s wit and intelligence can be more valuable than physical strength or social status in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

The transformative power of love: In the beginning, the soldier’s main goal is to gain wealth and power. However, upon seeing the princess, his desires shift, and he becomes determined to be with her. This newfound love changes the course of his life and ultimately leads to his redemption. This interpretation highlights the power of love to transform and redeem individuals, guiding them towards a better path in life.

Social mobility and the challenges of class: The story illustrates the soldier’s journey from a humble background to a wealthy and respected position. However, his low social status initially prevents him from being with the princess. The king and queen’s opposition to their union underscores the challenges of social mobility and the prejudices that can arise from class differences. The soldier’s eventual triumph can be seen as a commentary on the potential for individuals to break through societal barriers and achieve success despite their origins.

Summary of the plot

„The Tinderbox“ is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a soldier who discovers a magical tinderbox that allows him to summon three powerful dogs with gigantic eyes. After returning from war, the soldier meets a witch who tells him about a tree with a hidden chamber full of riches, guarded by three dogs. She asks him to retrieve an old tinderbox for her, and in return, he can take as much treasure as he wants. The soldier takes gold, silver, and copper coins, as well as the tinderbox, but refuses to give it to the witch. He kills her and takes the tinderbox with him to a nearby town.

The soldier discovers that the tinderbox has the power to summon the three dogs, who obey his commands. He uses the dogs to become wealthy and live a luxurious life. Eventually, he learns about a beautiful princess locked away in a castle due to a prophecy that she will marry a common soldier. He uses the dogs to see the princess, and they fall in love. However, the king and queen track down the soldier, who is arrested and sentenced to hang.

On the day of his execution, the soldier uses the tinderbox to summon the dogs, who help him escape and overthrow the king and queen. The soldier and the princess marry, fulfilling the prophecy, and they live happily ever after with the help of the magical tinderbox and the dogs.

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