This book contains the following story:
"The Swineherd" is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1841. The story revolves around a selfish and arrogant princess and a clever prince who seeks to win her heart. Here is a summary of the tale:
Once upon a time, there was a vain princess who cared only for her own beauty and possessions. A prince, disguised as a poor swineherd, arrives at the palace with a simple pot and plays a musical instrument that can make anyone dance. He requests a small piece of the princess's "dirty dish" and a kiss in return for letting her play with his magical pot.
Intrigued, the princess agrees but soon forgets her promise. The prince, undeterred, cooks a delicious soup in his pot. He offers the soup to the princess, her maid, and the entire court. The princess is captivated by the flavour and aroma of the soup and inquires about the recipe. The prince agrees to share his secret in exchange for a kiss, but the princess refuses, thinking the prince is beneath her station.
To test the princess's character, the prince creates a second, more magical pot that produces beautiful and melodious music. He offers it to the princess in exchange for a kiss. She agrees but still refuses to give him a kiss, believing the pot is worth more than a simple kiss. The prince, disappointed by her shallow nature, reveals his true identity and departs from the palace.
Meanwhile, the maid, who is kind-hearted and sincere, befriends the prince when he is a swineherd. She appreciates his simplicity and falls in love with him. In the end, it is the maid's genuine nature that wins the prince's heart, and they live happily ever after.
"The Swineherd" is a tale that explores themes of vanity, selfishness, and the importance of inner beauty and sincerity. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of superficiality and the value of true love and genuine character.
