The Snow Queen
by Hans Christian Andersen
The Snow Queen is a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1845. The story centers on the struggle between good and evil as taken on by a little boy and girl, Gerda and Kay.
Source: Andersen, H. C. (1845). The Snow Queen.
- First Story: Which Treats of a Mirror and of the Splinters
- A wicked sprite's creation spreads across the land, affecting the hearts and minds all who come in contact with it.
- Second Story: A Little Boy and a Little Girl
- Years after the creation of the mirror, Kay and Gerda play in their families gardens.
- Third Story: Of the Flower-Garden at the Old Woman’s who Understood Witchcraft
- Kay's grandmother tells the children about the Snow Queen. Kay's behavior is greatly affected by pieces of the troll-mirror. Kay encounters the Snow Queen.
- Fourth Story: The Prince and Princess
- A heartbroken Gerda continues to search for her friend. Gerda visits the palace of the Prince and Princess after receiving some promising news.
- Fifth Story: The Little Robber Maiden
- Gerda's travels are once again interrupted. Gerda receives more news about the whereabouts of Kay.
- Sixth Story: The Lapland Woman and the Finland Woman
- Gerda and her companion make a couple of stops before heading to the Snow Queen's palace.
- Seventh Story: What Took Place in the Palace of the Snow Queen, and What Happened Afterward
- Gerda finally arrives at the Snow Queen's Palace where she finds Kay and his captor on the frozen lake.
- Year Published: 1845
- Language: English
- Country of Origin: Denmark
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Readability:
- Flesch–Kincaid Level: 5.5
- Word Count: 12,590
- Genre: Fairy Tale/Folk Tale
- Keywords: 19th century literature, fairy tales