The Old Grave-Stone - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 10 min

In a house, with a large courtyard, in a provincial town, at that time of the year in which people say the evenings are growing longer, a family circle were gathered together at their old home. A lamp burned on the table, although the weather was mild and warm, and the long curtains hung down before the open windows, and without the moon shone brightly in the dark-blue sky. But they were not talking of the moon, but of a large, old stone that lay below in the courtyard not very far from the kitchen door. The maids often laid the clean copper saucepans and kitchen vessels on this stone, that they might dry in the sun, and the children were fond of playing on it. It was, in fact, an old grave-stone.

„Yes,“ said the master of the house, „I believe the stone came from the graveyard of the old church of the convent which was pulled down, and the pulpit, the monuments, and the grave-stones sold. My father bought the latter; most of them were cut in two and used for paving-stones, but that one stone was preserved whole, and laid in the courtyard.“

„Any one can see that it is a grave-stone,“ said the eldest of the children; „the representation of an hour-glass and part of the figure of an angel can still be traced, but the inscription beneath is quite worn out, excepting the name ‚Preben,‘ and a large ‚S‘ close by it, and a little farther down the name of ‚Martha‘ can be easily read. But nothing more, and even that cannot be seen unless it has been raining, or when we have washed the stone.“

„Dear me! how singular. Why that must be the grave-stone of Preben Schwane and his wife.“ The old man who said this looked old enough to be the grandfather of all present in the room. „Yes,“ he continued, „these people were among the last who were buried in the churchyard of the old convent. They were a very worthy old couple, I can remember them well in the days of my boyhood. Every one knew them, and they were esteemed by all. They were the oldest residents in the town, and people said they possessed a ton of gold, yet they were always very plainly dressed, in the coarsest stuff, but with linen of the purest whiteness. Preben and Martha were a fine old couple, and when they both sat on the bench, at the top of the steep stone steps, in front of their house, with the branches of the linden-tree waving above them, and nodded in a gentle, friendly way to passers by, it really made one feel quite happy. They were very good to the poor. They fed them and clothed them, and in their benevolence there was judgment as well as true Christianity. The old woman died first. That day is still quite vividly before my eyes. I was a little boy, and had accompanied my father to the old man’s house. Martha had fallen into the sleep of death just as we arrived there. The corpse lay in a bedroom, near to the one in which we sat, and the old man was in great distress and weeping like a child. He spoke to my father, and to a few neighbors who were there, of how lonely he should feel now she was gone, and how good and true she, his dead wife, had been during the number of years that they had passed through life together, and how they had become acquainted, and learnt to love each other. I was, as I have said, a boy, and only stood by and listened to what the others said; but it filled me with a strange emotion to listen to the old man, and to watch how the color rose in his cheeks as he spoke of the days of their courtship, of how beautiful she was, and how many little tricks he had been guilty of, that he might meet her. And then he talked of his wedding-day; and his eyes brightened, and he seemed to be carried back, by his words, to that joyful time. And yet there she was, lying in the next room, dead– an old woman, and he was an old man, speaking of the days of hope, long passed away. Ah, well, so it is. Then I was but a child, and now I am old, as old as Preben Schwane then was. Time passes away, and all things changed. I can remember quite well the day on which she was buried, and how Old Preben walked close behind the coffin. A few years before this time the old couple had had their grave-stone prepared, with an inscription and their names, but not the date. In the evening the stone was taken to the churchyard, and laid on the grave. A year later it was taken up, that Old Preben might be laid by the side of his wife. They did not leave behind them wealth, they left behind them far less than people had believed they possessed. What there was went to families distantly related to them, of whom, till then, no one had ever heard. The old house, with its balcony of wickerwork, and the bench at the top of the high steps, under the lime-tree, was considered, by the road-inspectors, too old and rotten to be left standing. Afterwards, when the same fate befell the convent church, and the graveyard was destroyed, the grave-stone of Preben and Martha, like everything else, was sold to whoever would buy it. And so it happened that this stone was not cut in two as many others had been, but now lies in the courtyard below, a scouring block for the maids, and a playground for the children. The paved street now passes over the resting place of Old Preben and his wife. No one thinks of them any more now.“

And the old man who had spoken of all this shook his head mournfully, and said, „Forgotten! Ah, yes, everything will be forgotten!“

And then the conversation turned on other matters. But the youngest child in the room, a boy, with large, earnest eyes, mounted upon a chair behind the window curtains, and looked out into the yard, where the moon was pouring a flood of light on the old gravestone,– the stone that had always appeared to him so dull and flat, but which lay there now like a great leaf out of a book of history. All that the boy had heard of Old Preben and his wife seemed clearly defined on the stone, and as he gazed on it, and glanced at the clear, bright moon shining in the pure air, it was as if the light of God’s countenance beamed over His beautiful world.

„Forgotten! Everything will be forgotten!“ still echoed through the room, and in the same moment an invisible spirit whispered to the heart of the boy, „Preserve carefully the seed that has been entrusted to thee, that it may grow and thrive. Guard it well. Through thee, my child, shall the obliterated inscription on the old, weather-beaten grave-stone go forth to future generations in clear, golden characters. The old pair shall again wander through the streets arm-in-arm, or sit with their fresh, healthy cheeks on the bench under the lime-tree, and smile and nod at rich and poor. The seed of this hour shall ripen in the course of years into a beautiful poem. The beautiful and the good are never forgotten, they live always in story or in song.“

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The old grave-stone“

„The Old Grave-Stone“ is a lesser-known fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The story was first published in 1852 as part of a collection of tales titled „New Fairy Tales.“ As with many of Andersen’s works, „The Old Grave-Stone“ is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

The story is centered around an old, neglected grave-stone located in a quiet churchyard. Over the years, the grave-stone has weathered away, and the inscriptions on it have become nearly illegible. The stone begins to reminisce about its past, sharing memories of the people it has watched come and go, and the events that have transpired within the churchyard. Throughout its long existence, the grave-stone has been a silent witness to the lives of those buried beneath it and their loved ones.

One of the most poignant memories shared by the grave-stone is that of a young couple who were deeply in love but tragically separated by death. The stone recounts their story, describing their love, devotion, and eventual heartbreak when one of them passes away. The surviving partner visits the grave frequently, expressing their grief and longing for their lost love.

As time passes, the grave-stone watches as generations come and go, each leaving their mark on the churchyard. Despite the changes that occur around it, the stone remains steadfast in its duty, serving as a memorial to the lives and stories of those who have passed. Eventually, the story takes a turn when the churchyard is slated for renovation, and the old grave-stone is removed from its place. As it is being taken away, the stone laments the loss of its purpose and the memories it has cherished for so long.
However, the tale does not end in despair. Instead, the old grave-stone is repurposed as part of a new monument, giving it a renewed sense of purpose and significance. As it becomes part of the new structure, the stone continues to serve as a reminder of the past and a testament to the enduring power of love and memory.

„The Old Grave-Stone“ is set against the backdrop of a small, rural village, with the churchyard serving as the primary setting for the narrative. The story unfolds through the perspective of the grave-stone itself, offering a unique and insightful look at the passage of time and the human experience.

As with many of Andersen’s fairy tales, „The Old Grave-Stone“ explores universal themes, such as love, loss, and the passage of time. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing memories and honoring the lives of those who have come before us. Through its contemplative narrative, the tale encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the legacy they will leave behind.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The old grave-stone“

„The Old Grave-Stone“ by Hans Christian Andersen is a thought-provoking and touching fairy tale that offers several interpretations. Some key interpretations of the story include:

The Passage of Time: The narrative follows the life of the grave-stone as it silently observes the world around it, witnessing the passage of time and the changes it brings. The story reminds readers of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change, prompting reflection on how time affects our lives and relationships.

The Power of Memory: The grave-stone serves as a physical representation of memory, preserving the stories and experiences of the people who have passed. The story highlights the importance of remembering and honoring those who have come before us, as well as the role that memory plays in shaping our understanding of the past and present.

Love and Loss: The tale of the young couple separated by death is a poignant exploration of love and loss. Through their story, the grave-stone emphasizes the enduring power of love and the pain that comes with losing a loved one. This theme invites readers to consider their own relationships and the impact of love and loss in their lives.

Resilience and Adaptation: When the grave-stone is removed and repurposed as part of a new monument, it demonstrates the ability to adapt and find new purpose in the face of change. This theme encourages readers to consider their own capacity for resilience and adaptation when faced with challenges and changing circumstances.

The Importance of Legacy: The grave-stone’s role as a memorial for the people buried beneath it underscores the idea of leaving a legacy. The story invites readers to reflect on the legacies they will leave behind and the ways in which they will be remembered by future generations.

Human Connection: The grave-stone serves as a reminder of the connections between people, both living and deceased. Through its recollections of the lives and stories it has witnessed, the grave-stone highlights the importance of cherishing human connections and acknowledging the shared experiences that bind us together.

These interpretations of „The Old Grave-Stone“ showcase the depth and richness of Andersen’s storytelling, illustrating his ability to craft narratives that resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level. As with many of his works, the story offers valuable insights into the human experience, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The old grave-stone“

Although „The Old Grave-Stone“ is not as famous as some of Hans Christian Andersen’s other fairy tales, it has been adapted in various forms over the years. Some of these adaptations include:

Illustrated Books: Like many of Andersen’s stories, „The Old Grave-Stone“ has been published as an illustrated book, with artists providing their interpretations of the tale. One example is „The Old Grave-Stone and Other Stories“ illustrated by W. Heath Robinson, which includes beautiful images that accompany the narrative.

Audio Dramatizations: The story has been adapted into audio productions, such as radio plays or audiobooks, providing an immersive experience for listeners. For example, an audiobook version of „The Old Grave-Stone“ narrated by David Horovitch offers an engaging way to experience the tale.

Stage Performances: Although not as widely adapted as other Andersen tales, „The Old Grave-Stone“ has been performed on stage as part of larger productions showcasing multiple stories by the author. For example, a theater production titled „An Evening with Hans Christian Andersen“ might include a dramatic reading or enactment of „The Old Grave-Stone“ along with other tales.

Art Installations and Exhibitions: The themes and imagery of „The Old Grave-Stone“ have inspired artists to create installations and exhibits that explore the story’s ideas. One such example is a sculpture installation by Danish artist Jeppe Hein, which incorporates elements of the story to create a reflective and contemplative space for viewers to experience the tale.

While specific examples of adaptations of „The Old Grave-Stone“ may not be as numerous as those for more famous works by Andersen, the story’s poignant themes and evocative imagery continue to inspire artists and creators across various media.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The old grave-stone“

„The Old Grave-Stone“ by Hans Christian Andersen has inspired various adaptations, including:

Musical adaptations: In 1998, a musical adaptation of „The Old Grave-Stone“ was created by the Danish composer Bent Fabricius-Bjerre. The musical features original songs and tells the story of the old grave-stone in a contemporary setting.

Animated adaptations: There have been several animated adaptations of the fairy tale, including a stop-motion version created by The Brothers Quay in 1988. The story has also been adapted into a 2D animated short film by Russian animator Ivan Maximov.

Stage adaptations: The story has been adapted for the stage, including a production by the Danish theatre company Teatret Fair Play in 2014. The production used puppets and live actors to tell the story of the old grave-stone.

Literary adaptations: „The Old Grave-Stone“ has been adapted into a picture book by author and illustrator Tomi Ungerer. The book features Ungerer’s signature illustrations and brings the story to life for a new generation of readers.

Film adaptations: In 1995, Danish director Erik Clausen adapted „The Old Grave-Stone“ into a feature film called „The One and Only“. The film is a modern retelling of the story, with the old grave-stone serving as a central metaphor for the passage of time and the importance of remembrance.

Overall, „The Old Grave-Stone“ has inspired a wide range of adaptations in various mediums, demonstrating the enduring power of Andersen’s timeless tale.

Summary of the plot

„The Old Grave-Stone“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that tells the story of an old, weathered grave-stone in a quiet churchyard. Over time, the inscriptions on the stone have faded, and it has become nearly forgotten. The narrative is told from the perspective of the grave-stone itself as it reminisces about the people it has seen come and go over the years.

One of the most poignant memories the grave-stone shares is the story of a young couple who were deeply in love but tragically separated by death. The surviving partner visits the grave frequently, expressing their grief and longing for their lost love. The grave-stone silently witnesses the passage of time and the lives of those buried beneath it, as well as the changes that occur in the churchyard and the surrounding village.

Eventually, the churchyard is set for renovation, and the old grave-stone is removed from its place. As it is being taken away, the stone laments the loss of its purpose and the memories it has cherished for so long. However, it is repurposed as part of a new monument, giving it a renewed sense of purpose and significance.

Through its contemplative narrative, „The Old Grave-Stone“ explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the passage of time, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the legacies they will leave behind.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The old grave-stone“

„The Old Grave-Stone“ is a lesser-known fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Born in 1805 in Odense, Denmark, Andersen is one of the most famous and influential fairy tale authors in history. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and his stories have been adapted into various forms of art, including ballet, theater, and film.

Andersen began his literary career as a poet, but he gained widespread fame for his fairy tales, which were first published in the 1830s. His stories often contained moral lessons and explored themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time. Some of his most famous works include „The Little Mermaid,“ „The Ugly Duckling,“ „The Emperor’s New Clothes,“ and „The Snow Queen.“

„The Old Grave-Stone“ was first published in 1861 as a part of Andersen’s later collection of fairy tales. The story is set in a provincial Danish town and features a family discussing an old gravestone in their courtyard. Through the tale, Andersen explores themes such as the passage of time, the power of memory, the importance of kindness and goodness, and the role of inspiration and creativity in preserving the past.

Though „The Old Grave-Stone“ is not as well-known as some of Andersen’s other works, it reflects his signature style of combining elements of fantasy, realism, and moral lessons, offering readers a poignant and thought-provoking story.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The old grave-stone“

„The Old Grave-Stone“ can be interpreted in several ways, touching on themes such as the passage of time, the power of memory, and the importance of kindness and goodness.

Passage of time: The story illustrates how time passes, and with it, the memories of people and places fade away. The old couple, once prominent figures in the town, are now forgotten, and their house and gravestone are the only remaining relics of their existence. This theme serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence and the inevitable march of time.

Power of memory: Despite the passage of time and the fading of memories, the story also emphasizes the power of memory in preserving the legacies of those who have passed. The elderly man’s recollection of Preben and Martha brings their story back to life for a moment, and the young boy’s encounter with the spirit encourages him to ensure that their memory lives on. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of remembering and honoring the past, as well as the impact that individuals can have on keeping memories alive.

Importance of kindness and goodness: Preben and Martha were known for their kindness, generosity, and humility, and their good deeds had a lasting impact on the town. The story suggests that these qualities are worth remembering and celebrating, even after the individuals themselves have been forgotten. The spirit’s message to the boy emphasizes the enduring value of the beautiful and the good, which can live on through stories and songs.

Inspiration and creativity: The tale also touches on the idea of inspiration and the creative process. The young boy is inspired by the story of Preben and Martha and is encouraged by the spirit to preserve their memory through his actions. This aspect of the story can be interpreted as a metaphor for the creative process, where artists and writers draw inspiration from the world around them and use their talents to create something new and enduring.

In conclusion, „The Old Grave-Stone“ is a multifaceted story that explores themes of time, memory, kindness, and creativity. Through the tale of Preben and Martha, it reminds readers of the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have come before us and the enduring value of the beautiful and the good in our lives.

Summary of the plot

„The Old Grave-Stone“ is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that revolves around an old gravestone lying in a family’s courtyard. The story is set in a provincial town during a time when the evenings are growing longer. The family gathers together to discuss the old stone, which was once a grave-stone in the churchyard of a now-demolished convent. The stone is adorned with the faint remnants of an hour-glass and an angel, and the names ‚Preben‘ and ‚Martha‘ are still discernible.

An elderly man in the room shares his memories of Preben and Martha, who were the oldest and most respected residents of the town. They were known for their kindness, generosity, and humility, always dressed in plain clothes and helping the poor. The man remembers their courtship, their wedding day, and eventually Martha’s death. He describes how the couple’s gravestone had been prepared in advance with their names and an inscription, but without the date.

When Martha dies, Preben is devastated and reminisces about their life together. After a year, Preben also passes away, and the couple’s gravestone is placed over their shared grave. As time goes by, their house is demolished, and their gravestone is sold, eventually ending up in the family’s courtyard. The story reflects on how everything and everyone will eventually be forgotten.

However, the youngest child in the room, a boy with large, earnest eyes, gazes at the stone under the moonlight and feels the presence of an invisible spirit. The spirit urges him to preserve the memory of Preben and Martha through his own actions. The boy is inspired to keep the memory of the couple alive, and the story implies that their kindness and goodness will live on through the boy’s efforts. This tale highlights the importance of remembering the beautiful and good deeds of others, as they continue to live on in stories and songs.

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