The Bell - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 15 min

In the narrow streets of a large town people often heard in the evening, when the sun was setting, and his last rays gave a golden tint to the chimney-pots, a strange noise which resembled the sound of a church bell. It only lasted an instant, for it was lost in the continual roar of traffic and hum of voices which rose from the town. „The evening bell is ringing,“ people used to say; „the sun is setting!“

Those who walked outside the town, where the houses were less crowded and interspersed by gardens and little fields, saw the evening sky much better, and heard the sound of the bell much more clearly. It seemed as though the sound came from a church, deep in the calm, fragrant wood, and thither people looked with devout feelings.

A considerable time elapsed: one said to the other, „I really wonder if there is a church out in the wood. The bell has indeed a strange sweet sound! Shall we go there and see what the cause of it is?“ The rich drove, the poor walked, but the way seemed to them extraordinarily long, and when they arrived at a number of willow trees on the border of the wood they sat down, looked up into the great branches and thought they were now really in the wood. A confectioner from the town also came out and put up a stall there. Then came another confectioner who hung a bell over his stall, which was covered with pitch to protect it from the rain, but the clapper was wanting. When people came home they used to say that it had been very romantic, and that really means something else than merely taking tea. Three persons declared that they had gone as far as the end of the wood. They had always heard the strange sound, but there it seemed to them as if it came from the town. One of them wrote verses about the bell, and said that it was like the voice of a mother speaking to an intelligent and beloved child. No tune, he said, was sweeter than the sound of the bell.

The emperor of the country heard of it, and declared that he who would really find out where the sound came from should receive the title of „Bellringer to the World,“ even if there was no bell at all.

Now many went out into the wood for the sake of this splendid berth; but only one of them came back with some sort of explanation. None of them had gone far enough, nor had he, and yet he said that the sound of the bell came from a large owl in a hollow tree. It was a wisdom owl, which continually knocked its head against the tree, but he was unable to say with certainty whether its head or the hollow trunk of the tree was the cause of the noise. He was appointed „Bellringer to the World,“ and wrote every year a short dissertation on the owl, but by this means people did not become any wiser than they had been before.

It was just confirmation-day. The clergyman had delivered a beautiful and touching sermon, the candidates were deeply moved by it. It was indeed a very important day for them. They were all at once transformed from mere children to grown-up people. The childish soul was to fly over, as it were, into a more reasonable being. The sun shone most brightly; and the sound of the great unknown bell was heard more distinctly than ever. They had a mind to go thither, all except three. One of them wished to go home and try on her ball dress, for this very dress and the ball were the cause of her being confirmed this time, otherwise she would not have been allowed to go. The second, a poor boy, had borrowed a coat and a pair of boots from the son of his landlord to be confirmed in, and he had to return them at a certain time. The third said that he never went into strange places if his parents were not with him. He had always been a good child, and wished to remain so, even after being confirmed, and they ought not to tease him for this; they, however, did it all the same.

These three, therefore did not go. The others went on. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the confirmed children sang too, holding each other by the hand, for they had no position yet, and they were all equal in the eyes of God.

Two of the smallest soon became tired and returned to the town; two little girls sat down and made garlands of flowers, they, therefore, did not go on. When the others arrived at the willow trees, where the confectioner had put up his stall, they said: „Now we are out here. The bell does not in reality exist– it is only something that people imagine!“

Then suddenly the sound of the bell was heard so beautifully and solemnly from the wood that four or five made up their minds to go still further on. The wood was very thickly grown. It was difficult to advance: wood lilies and anemones grew almost too high; flowering convolvuli and brambles were hanging like garlands from tree to tree. While the nightingales were singing and the sunbeams played. That was very beautiful! But the way was unfit for the girls. They would have torn their dresses. Large rocks, covered with moss of various hues, were lying about. The fresh spring water rippled forth with a peculiar sound.

„I don’t think that can be the bell,“ said one of the confirmed children, and then he lay down and listened. „We must try to find out if it is!“ And there he remained, and let the others walk on.

They came to a hut built of the bark of trees and branches; a large crab-apple tree spread its branches over it, as if it intended to pour all its fruit on the roof, upon which roses were blooming. The long boughs covered the gable, where a little bell was hanging. Was this the one they had heard? All agreed that it must be so, except one who said that the bell was too small and too thin to be heard at such a distance, and that it had quite a different sound to that which had so touched men’s hearts. He who spoke was a king’s son, and therefore the others said that such a one always wishes to be cleverer than other people.

Therefore they let him go alone; and as he walked on, the solitude of the wood produced a feeling of reverence in his breast; but still he heard the little bell about which the others rejoiced, and sometimes, when the wind blew in that direction, he could hear the sounds from the confectioner’s stall, where the others were singing at tea. But the deep sounds of the bell were much stronger; soon it seemed to him as if an organ played an accompaniment– the sound came from the left, from the side where the heart is.

Now something rustled among the bushes, and a little boy stood before the king’s son, in wooden shoes and such a short jacket that the sleeves did not reach to his wrists. They knew each other: the boy was the one who had not been able to go with them because he had to take the coat and boots back to his landlord’s son. That he had done, and had started again in his wooden shoes and old clothes, for the sound of the bell was too enticing– he felt he must go on.

„We might go together,“ said the king’s son. But the poor boy with the wooden shoes was quite ashamed. He pulled at the short sleeves of his jacket, and said that he was afraid he could not walk so fast; besides, he was of opinion that the bell ought to be sought at the right, for there was all that was grand and magnificent.

„Then we shall not meet,“ said the king’s son, nodding to the poor boy, who went into the deepest part of the wood, where the thorns tore his shabby clothes and scratched his hands, face, and feet until they bled. The king’s son also received several good scratches, but the sun was shining on his way, and it is he whom we will now follow, for he was a quick fellow.

„I will and must find the bell,“ he said, „if I have to go to the end of the world.“

Ugly monkeys sat high in the branches and clenched their teeth. „Shall we beat him?“ they said. „Shall we thrash him? He is a king’s son!“

But he walked on undaunted, deeper and deeper into the wood, where the most wonderful flowers were growing. There were standing white star lilies with blood-red stamens, sky-blue tulips shining when the wind moved them; apple-trees covered with apples like large glittering soap bubbles: only think how resplendent these trees were in the sunshine! All around were beautiful green meadows, where hart and hind played in the grass. There grew magnificent oaks and beech-trees; and if the bark was split of any of them, long blades of grass grew out of the clefts. There were also large smooth lakes in the wood, on which the swans were swimming about and flapping their wings. The king’s son often stood still and listened; sometimes he thought that the sound of the bell rose up to him out of one of these deep lakes, but soon he found that this was a mistake, and that the bell was ringing still farther in the wood.

Then the sun set, the clouds were as red as fire. It became quiet in the wood. He sank down on his knees, sang an evening hymn and said: „I shall never find what I am looking for! Now the sun is setting, and the night, the dark night, is approaching. Yet I may perhaps see the round sun once more before he disappears beneath the horizon. I will climb up these rocks, they are as high as the highest trees!“

And then, taking hold of the creepers and roots, he climbed up on the wet stones, where water-snakes were wriggling and the toads, as it were, barked at him: he reached the top before the sun, seen from such a height, had quite set. „Oh, what a splendour!“ The sea, the great majestic sea, which was rolling its long waves against the shore, stretched out before him, and the sun was standing like a large bright altar and there where sea and heaven met– all melted together in the most glowing colours. The wood was singing, and his heart too. The whole of nature was one large holy church, in which the trees and hovering clouds formed the pillars, the flowers and grass the woven velvet carpet, and heaven itself was the great cupola; up there the flame colour vanished as soon as the sun disappeared, but millions of stars were lighted; diamond lamps were shining, and the king’s son stretched his arms out towards heaven, towards the sea, and towards the wood. Then suddenly the poor boy with the short-sleeved jacket and the wooden shoes appeared. He had arrived just as quickly on the road he had chosen. And they ran towards each other and took one another’s hand, in the great cathedral of nature and poesy, and above them sounded the invisible holy bell; happy spirits surrounded them, singing hallelujahs and rejoicing.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The bell“

„The Bell“ is a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author known for his collection of children’s stories and fairy tales. Born on April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark, Andersen grew up in a poor family and experienced various hardships during his childhood. He moved to Copenhagen at the age of 14, seeking work in the arts, and eventually achieved success as a writer, publishing his first story in 1829. „The Bell“ is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1845. The story focuses on the search for a mystical bell that rings out from a nearby forest, captivating the people who live in a small village.

Nature and spirituality: Andersen often used nature as a backdrop for his stories and infused his tales with elements of spirituality. „The Bell“ explores the relationship between nature and spirituality, as the mysterious bell’s sound is believed to emanate from a sacred place within the forest.

Romanticism: The Romantic movement in literature, which emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, likely influenced Andersen’s writing of „The Bell.“ The tale’s focus on the search for the sublime, as well as the quest for the source of the mystical bell, is reminiscent of Romantic themes.

Danish folklore and legends: Andersen was inspired by the rich tradition of Danish folklore and legends. The search for the bell and the magical forest setting may have roots in Danish myths and stories that capture the imagination and provide moral lessons.

The search for meaning: „The Bell“ can also be interpreted as an allegory for the search for meaning and purpose in life. The villagers, captivated by the bell’s beautiful sound, embark on a journey to find the source, representing the human desire for understanding and spiritual enlightenment.

The power of perception: Another significant theme in the story is the power of perception and the importance of individual interpretation. Different people experience the bell’s sound differently, and this serves as a reminder that reality is often shaped by our personal perspectives and experiences.

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are famous for their imaginative plots, moral lessons, and emotional depth. His stories often touch upon themes of love, friendship, beauty, and the search for happiness and self-discovery. Some of his most famous works include „The Little Mermaid,“ „The Ugly Duckling,“ „The Emperor’s New Clothes,“ and „The Snow Queen.“ „The Bell“ was first published in 1845 as part of Andersen’s „New Fairy Tales. First Volume. Third Collection“ and is considered one of his lesser-known stories. Like many of Andersen’s other works, „The Bell“ explores themes of spirituality, nature, and the human desire to find meaning in life. The story also reflects Andersen’s appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the importance of unity and empathy among people of different backgrounds.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The bell“

„The Bell“ by Hans Christian Andersen is a thought-provoking fairy tale that can be interpreted in various ways. Here are some possible interpretations of the story:

The search for spiritual meaning: The mysterious bell represents a spiritual quest for meaning and truth. The sound of the bell draws people to search for its source, symbolizing the human desire to understand the divine and connect with a higher power. The quest for the source of the mystical bell’s sound symbolizes the human desire to find meaning, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. Each person in the story experiences the bell differently, reflecting the individual nature of one’s spiritual journey and the search for a higher purpose.

The beauty of nature: The story highlights the importance of appreciating nature’s beauty and embracing its serenity. The king’s son’s journey through the woods and his awe at the sunset and the sea demonstrate that nature can provide solace and a sense of wonder that can enrich our lives.

The power of unity: The tale suggests that true understanding and spiritual growth can be achieved through unity and empathy. The king’s son and the poor boy come together, despite their different social backgrounds, and find the source of the bell sound. This signifies that a sense of harmony and togetherness can lead to enlightenment.

The importance of perseverance: The characters who give up on their search for the bell do not experience the profound spiritual awakening that the king’s son and the poor boy do. Their determination and persistence in seeking the truth ultimately lead them to discover the source of the sound, showing the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.

The relativity of truth: Different characters in the story believe they have found the source of the bell sound at different points, suggesting that truth is subjective and may vary based on individual perspectives. The tale highlights the importance of remaining open to new experiences and interpretations to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

The power of perception and experience: The tale emphasizes the role of individual perception and experience in shaping our understanding of reality. Different characters perceive the bell’s sound differently, suggesting that our interpretations of the world around us are often influenced by our own unique perspectives and personal experiences.

Nature and its connection to the divine: „The Bell“ explores the connection between nature and spirituality, with the enchanted forest serving as a backdrop for the story. The bell’s sound is believed to emanate from a sacred place within the forest, reinforcing the idea that nature can be a source of spiritual inspiration and divine wisdom.

The beauty of the unknown: The story also highlights the allure and mystery of the unknown. The villagers are captivated by the bell’s sound, but none of them can find its exact source. This elusiveness adds a sense of wonder and enchantment to the story, reminding readers that there is beauty in the unknown and the unattainable.

The importance of personal interpretation: Andersen’s tale demonstrates that there is no single „correct“ interpretation of an experience or event. Each character in the story has their own understanding of the bell’s sound, which emphasizes the importance of personal interpretation and the subjective nature of human experience.

In summary, „The Bell“ is a rich and evocative fairy tale that offers multiple interpretations, touching on themes such as the search for meaning, the power of perception, the connection between nature and spirituality, and the beauty of the unknown. Andersen’s tale encourages readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the ways in which their personal experiences shape their understanding of the world.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The bell“

Although „The Bell“ by Hans Christian Andersen is not as widely known as some of his other works, it has inspired a few adaptations over the years. Here are some specific examples:

Literature adaptations: „The Bell“ has been retold and illustrated in various children’s book collections and anthologies featuring Andersen’s works. These adaptations aim to introduce the story and its themes to younger audiences, often with accompanying illustrations to help visualize the tale. „The Bell“ has been adapted into several picture books for children, including „The Talking Bell“ by Margie Palatini and „The Bell“ by Ray Bradbury. It has also been included in various collections of Andersen’s fairy tales.

Animation and short films: „The Bell“ (1978): A Soviet animated short film directed by Vladimir Pekar, which brings the story to life through traditional animation techniques. The film captures the mysterious and enchanting atmosphere of the tale, focusing on the villagers‘ search for the source of the bell’s sound.

Theater and stage performances:  Some theater groups have adapted „The Bell“ as a stage play, focusing on the emotional connections and themes of the story. These performances often use minimalist sets and props, allowing the audience to engage with the characters and themes on a deeper level. „The Bell“ has been adapted into several stage productions, including a 1987 production by the Royal Shakespeare Company in England, and a 2018 production by the Company of Angels in Los Angeles.

Radio adaptations: „The Bell“ has been adapted into radio dramas or audio recordings, using voice acting and sound effects to create an immersive listening experience for audiences. These adaptations often emphasize the emotional aspects of the story and the themes of perception, spirituality, and the search for meaning.

Musical Adaptations: In 1990, the German composer Siegfried Matthus adapted „The Bell“ into an opera, which premiered in Berlin. The story has also been adapted into a musical, titled „The Talking Bell,“ by the British composer Tim Sutton.

Ballet Adaptations: The Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff composed a ballet based on „The Bell“ in 1913. The ballet was first performed in Moscow and has since been adapted by various choreographers and dance companies.

While „The Bell“ has not been adapted as extensively as some of Andersen’s more famous works, its thought-provoking narrative and timeless themes continue to resonate with readers and audiences. These adaptations aim to preserve the story’s core messages and introduce them to new generations of readers and audiences.

Summary of the plot

„The Bell“ is a thought-provoking fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that centers around the search for a mysterious bell that rings out in a nearby forest, captivating the people in a small village.

The story begins with the villagers hearing the enchanting sound of a distant bell ringing in the forest. Its beautiful sound sparks curiosity and awe, and the villagers become determined to find the source of the mysterious bell. They believe that the bell’s sound comes from a sacred place hidden within the forest.

Various groups of people set out on separate journeys to find the bell. Along the way, each group encounters different experiences in the forest, such as beautiful flowers, serene lakes, and ancient trees. Each person perceives the bell’s sound differently, with some finding it soothing, while others find it haunting. Despite their efforts, none of the groups can locate the exact source of the bell.

As the story unfolds, the villagers come to understand that the bell’s sound and its source are unique to each individual’s perception and experience. This realization emphasizes the subjective nature of human experience and the power of personal interpretation.

In the end, the villagers return to their village, unable to find the precise location of the bell. However, they carry with them the memories and impressions of their journey through the enchanted forest. The story concludes with the notion that the search for meaning and the beauty of the unknown are essential aspects of the human experience.

In summary, „The Bell“ is a fairy tale that explores themes such as the search for meaning, the power of perception, the connection between nature and spirituality, and the allure of the unknown. Through the villagers‘ journey, the story invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual quests and the ways in which personal experiences shape their understanding of the world.

Short summary

„The Bell“ by Hans Christian Andersen is a fairy tale that tells the story of a mysterious bell sound that is heard in a large town. People are drawn to the sound, believing it comes from a church deep in the woods. The emperor offers a title to anyone who can find the source of the sound, but no one can locate it, despite various attempts.

On confirmation day, a group of confirmed children decides to search for the bell. As they journey through the woods, some children give up and return to town. The remaining few hear a small bell hanging outside a hut and believe it to be the source of the mysterious sound. However, a king’s son disagrees and ventures deeper into the woods.

The king’s son encounters various obstacles and magnificent scenes in the woods, eventually reaching a breathtaking view of the sea and a beautiful sunset. As he marvels at the beauty of nature, the poor boy in wooden shoes, who had taken a different path, joins him. They hold hands, and the mysterious holy bell sounds above them, signifying that they have found the true source of the sound in the unity of nature and the human spirit. The tale concludes with happy spirits surrounding the boys and singing in celebration.

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