The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Story

A young boy is given a set of 25 tin soldiers for his birthday. They have all been made from the same tin spoon but there was not quite enough metal, meaning that the last soldier has only one leg. The soldier falls in love with a paper ballerina, who is also standing on one leg.

Why we chose it

A story of love between a tin soldier and a paper ballerina that, although not one of Hans Christian Andersen's best known stories, has all the romantic, fairy tale characteristics that have made his stories so well loved over so many years.

Where it came from

This was one of Hans Christian Andersen’s first original literary fairy tales, not based on an existing folktale. It was published in 1838 in the collection Fairy Tales Told for Children alongside The Wild Swans and other tales.

Where it went next

There have been a number of picture book retellings and the story has been adapted for the stage and for film animations. A ballet choreographed by George Balanchine was first performed in 1975.

Associated stories

Hans Christian Andersen has written many other fairy tales, including The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothers, The Red Shoes, The Little Matchgirl, Thumbelina and The Snow Queen.

In the museum

Find the miniature world based on the story of The Steadfast Tin Soldier in the Enchanted Library.