The Swineherd
"The Swineherd" is a literary fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published 20 December 1841 by C. A. Reitzel in Copenhagen, Denmark in Fairy Tales Told for Children. The fairy tale appears to be original with Andersen though similar tales about the humbling of a proud princess are known, such as "King Thrushbeard" by the Brothers Grimm. "The Swineherd" has been adapted to various media including ballet and opera.
| "The Swineherd" | |
|---|---|
| Page 197 of Fairy tales and other stories (Andersen, Craigie).png | |
| Author | Hans Christian Andersen |
| Original title | "Svinedrengen" |
| Country | Denmark |
| Language | Danish |
| Genre(s) | Literary fairy tale |
| Published in | Fairy Tales Told for Children (Eventyr fortalte for Børn) |
| Publication type | Fairy tale collection |
| Publisher | C. A. Reitzel |
| Media type | |
| Publication date | 20 December 1841 |
| Published in English | 1846 in A Danish Storybook |
Story
A poor prince wants to marry the Emperor's daughter. She is proud and rejects his simple gifts of a nightingale and a beautiful rose. He disguises himself as a swineherd and gets a job tending the pigs at the palace. One day, he makes a wonderful rattle that plays every tune in the world. The princess gives him 10 kisses for it. Another day, he makes a magical pot that lets the owner know what everyone in town is cooking. The princess gives him 100 kisses for the pot. The Emperor is disgusted that his daughter would kiss a swineherd for a couple of toys. He casts her out. The prince is disgusted too, and closes his door on her. The princess is left outdoors singing sadly.
References
- Opie, Iona; Opie, Peter (1974), The Classic Fairy Tales, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-211559-6
Other websites
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Wikisource has original writing related to this article: |
- "Svinedrengen" Archived 2011-07-16 at the Wayback Machine. Original Danish text
- "The Swineherd". English translation by Jean Hersholt
