This book contains the following story:
"The Tinderbox" is a classic fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows a poor soldier who, after returning from war, travels through a dark forest. There, he encounters an old witch who tells him about a magical tinderbox buried beneath an old tree. The witch instructs the soldier to fetch the tinderbox and gives him further details about how to use it.
Upon retrieving the tinderbox, the soldier discovers that when he strikes it, three powerful dogs of different sizes appear and obey his commands. These dogs possess immense strength and are capable of fulfilling any wish. The soldier uses the dogs to amass great wealth, but his greed leads him to make foolish decisions.
One day, he sees a beautiful princess and falls in love with her. He decides to use the tinderbox to abduct her and take her to his chambers. However, the princess cleverly swaps places with her lady-in-waiting, and the soldier's plan is foiled. The soldier is eventually captured and sentenced to death.
In prison, the soldier requests to see the princess one last time. During their meeting, he asks her to allow him to smoke one last pipe before his execution. Using the tinderbox, he summons the dogs, who then overpower the guards and the king. The soldier becomes the ruler, marries the princess, and lives happily ever after.
"The Tinderbox" explores themes of greed, power, and the consequences of one's actions.
