{"id":4112,"date":"2026-06-29T10:46:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T10:46:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/?p=4112"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:44:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:44:57","slug":"the-steadfast-tin-soldier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/en\/the-steadfast-tin-soldier\/","title":{"rendered":"The Steadfast Tin Soldier"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk--hide-mobile stk-block stk-bcab097\" data-block-id=\"bcab097\"><style>.stk-bcab097 {margin-bottom:28px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-bcab097-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-72a749f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"72a749f\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-72a749f {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-72a749f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-72a749f-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9603505\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9603505\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9603505 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(40% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9603505-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9603505-inner-blocks\">\n<div style=\"height:150px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\" data-block-type=\"core\">The Steadfast Tin Soldier<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbc85039fc0d2e1435923edac6ba6aa7\" style=\"color:#888888\" data-block-type=\"core\">Hans Christian Andersen<br>1805 \u2014 1875<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b89659ef07cd5080b66f110b81157ff3\" style=\"color:#555555\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some steadfast,<br>hearts reveal their true shape only through fire.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns aligncenter stk-block-columns stk--hide-desktop stk--hide-tablet stk-block stk-ef9041c\" data-block-id=\"ef9041c\"><style>.stk-ef9041c {margin-bottom:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ef9041c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1a89ad3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1a89ad3\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-1a89ad3 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1a89ad3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1a89ad3-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5c01\u9762-4.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-806b06e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"806b06e\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-806b06e {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(40% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-806b06e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-806b06e-inner-blocks\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Steadfast Tin Soldier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbc85039fc0d2e1435923edac6ba6aa7\" style=\"color:#888888\" data-block-type=\"core\">Hans Christian Andersen<br>1805 \u2014 1875<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b89659ef07cd5080b66f110b81157ff3\" style=\"color:#555555\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some steadfast,<br>hearts reveal their true shape only through fire.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-63dc23f\" data-block-id=\"63dc23f\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-63dc23f-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0706a3c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0706a3c\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0706a3c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0706a3c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-d155b49\" data-block-id=\"d155b49\"><style>.stk-d155b49 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-d155b49 {margin-bottom:30px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">There were once five-and-twenty tin soldiers, all brothers, for they had been made from the same old tin spoon. They shouldered their muskets and looked straight ahead, splendid in their red and blue uniforms. The very first words they heard in this world were \u201cTin soldiers!\u201d cried by a little boy when their box was opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He clapped his hands with delight, for they were his birthday present. He set them all out on the table. Every soldier was exactly alike except one. He had only one leg, for he had been cast last and there was not quite enough tin to finish him. Yet there he stood, just as steady on his one leg, and that made him all the more remarkable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The table where the tin soldiers stood was covered with other toys, and the most striking of all was a lovely paper castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Through the tiny windows you could see right into the rooms. In front of the castle stood little trees around a mirror that was meant to be a lake. Wax swans glided upon it and were reflected in the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">All of this was charming, but the most charming thing of all was a little lady standing in the open doorway of the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">She too was cut from paper. She wore a skirt of the finest gauze and a narrow blue ribbon across her shoulder like a scarf. In the middle of the ribbon was a glittering gold rose as big as her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The little lady was a dancer. She stretched out both her arms, and raised one leg so high that the tin soldier could not see it at all, and thought she had only one leg like himself. \u201cShe would be just the wife for me,\u201d he thought, \u201cbut she is too grand. She lives in a castle while I have only a box with four-and-twenty others \u2014 that is no place for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1-1.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Still, I must make her acquaintance.\u201d So he lay down at full length behind a snuff-box on the table and watched the graceful little lady, who kept standing on one leg without losing her balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">When evening came, all the other tin soldiers were put away in their box and the people of the house went to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Then the toys began to play \u2014 visiting, fighting, dancing. The tin soldiers rattled in their box, for they wanted to join in, but could not lift the lid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The nutcracker played leapfrog and the pencil pranced about on the table. The racket woke the canary, who began to speak \u2014 in verse, no less. Only the tin soldier and the dancer stayed perfectly still. She stood on the tips of her toes with both legs outstretched, as steady as he was on his one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tin soldier never took his eyes off her. The clock struck twelve \u2014 crack! \u2014 up flew the lid of the snuff-box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Out jumped a little black goblin. There was no snuff inside \u2014 it was a trick box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u201cTin soldier,\u201d said the goblin, \u201ckeep your eyes to yourself.\u201d The tin soldier pretended not to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u201cVery well, wait till tomorrow,\u201d said the goblin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">When morning came and the children were up, the tin soldier was placed on the window sill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Whether it was the goblin\u2019s doing or a sudden draught, the window flew open and out fell the tin soldier headlong from the third storey. It was a terrible fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He landed head first with his leg sticking up in the air, his helmet and bayonet wedged between the paving stones. The maidservant and the little boy ran down to look for him, but though they nearly trod on him they could not find him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">If only he had called out \u201cHere I am!\u201d they would have found him at once. But he was in uniform and thought it beneath his dignity to cry for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It began to rain, falling faster and faster until it was a real downpour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">When it was over, two street boys came by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u201cLook,\u201d said one, \u201ca tin soldier. Let\u2019s send him sailing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">They made a boat out of newspaper, set the tin soldier in it and sent him sailing down the gutter, while they ran alongside clapping their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"1537\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Heavens, what waves there were in that gutter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">What a current!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The rain had been heavy indeed. The paper boat tossed up and down, spinning round and round, till the tin soldier trembled. But he stood firm, keeping his face steady and his musket shouldered, staring straight ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Suddenly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">the boat shot under a long plank bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It was as dark here as inside the tin soldiers\u2019 box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u201cWhere am I going now?\u201d he wondered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u201cThis must be the goblin\u2019s doing. Ah, if only the little lady were here with me in the boat, I should not mind the dark at all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Just then a large water rat appeared. He lived beneath the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u201cYour passport!\u201d said the rat. \u201cShow me your passport at once!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.2.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tin soldier said nothing but gripped his musket tighter than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The boat rushed on and the rat came after it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He gnashed his teeth and shrieked to the sticks and straws: \u201cStop him! Stop him! He has not paid his toll! He has shown no passport!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">But the current grew stronger and stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Already the tin soldier could see daylight at the end. Then he heard a roaring that would have frightened the bravest man. The drain poured into a great canal \u2014 as dangerous for him as a waterfall would be for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.1.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He was so close now that he could not stop. The boat shot out. The poor tin soldier held himself as erect as he could and did not blink, to show he was not afraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The boat whirled round three or four times, filled with water and was certain to sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tin soldier stood up to his neck in water. The boat sank lower, the paper grew soft and sodden and came apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">At last the water closed over his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He thought of the little dancer whom he would never see again, and the words of an old song rang in his ears:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Farewell, warrior! Ever brave,<br>drift onward to your grave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Then the paper fell apart and the tin soldier sank \u2014 and was instantly swallowed by a large fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-300x451.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1.jpg 1023w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">How dark it was inside the fish!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Even darker than under the bridge, and narrower. But the tin soldier was as steadfast as ever, lying with his musket on his shoulder. The fish dived and twisted in the most extraordinary ways, until at last it was quite still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">After a while it was as if a flash of lightning passed through. Daylight streamed in and someone cried: \u201cThe tin soldier!\u201d The fish had been caught, taken to market, sold to the cook, who cut it open in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">She picked up the tin soldier between her finger and thumb and carried him into the sitting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Everyone wanted to see the remarkable soldier who had travelled inside a fish. He was not proud at all. They put him on the table \u2014&nbsp;what strange things happen in this world \u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">he was in the very same room. There were the same children, the same toys, the same fine castle, and in the doorway \u2014 the same graceful little dancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">She was still balancing on one leg with the other raised high. She was as steadfast as he was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tin soldier was so moved he could almost have wept \u2014 but soldiers do not weep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He looked at her. She looked at him. Neither said a word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Then one of the little boys snatched him up and threw him into the stove. He had no reason for it \u2014 it must have been the goblin in the snuff-box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tin soldier stood in the flames and felt a terrible heat \u2014 from the real fire or from love, he could not tell. His bright colours had quite faded, though no one could say whether from the journey or from grief. He gazed at the little dancer, and she gazed at him. He felt himself melting, but he stood firm and shouldered his musket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Just then the door flew open. A draught caught the little dancer and she flew like a sylph straight into the stove beside the tin soldier, blazed up and was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tin soldier melted down to a lump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Next day when the maid raked out the ashes, she found him in the shape of a little tin heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">As for the little dancer, all that remained was the gold rose \u2014 burnt as black as a cinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/8.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-453c6fc\" data-block-id=\"453c6fc\"><style>.stk-453c6fc {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-453c6fc-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b25077a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b25077a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b25077a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b25077a-inner-blocks\">\n<div style=\"height:280px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fa0193497b82c537106d239d689f00d9\"><br>Before You Leave<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:280px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-f3717ad\" data-block-id=\"f3717ad\"><style>.stk-f3717ad hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-f3717ad {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-265b2b79487a6f836dda805d6951ac3e\">Reflection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some love is never spoken aloud<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some steadfastness<br>is only revealed at the end of a flame \u2014<br>when it shows the shape of a heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:280px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-e0e720d\" data-block-id=\"e0e720d\"><style>.stk-e0e720d hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-e0e720d {margin-bottom:1px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some stories<br>are meant to be read<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>And some stories<br>are meant to be treasured for a lifetime<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>If this story<br>stays with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>If a single line<br>that stays with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>If you wish<br>walk with it<br>a little further<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:300px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-024cd20\" data-block-id=\"024cd20\"><style>.stk-024cd20 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-024cd20 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\">Everything we cherish <br>will one day become a memory<br>but the light it leaves within us will continue into the future<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns alignfull stk-block-columns stk-block stk-e8b9f58\" data-block-id=\"e8b9f58\"><style>.stk-e8b9f58 {min-height:300px !important;align-items:center !important;margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--70, 3.38rem) !important;margin-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--70, 3.38rem) !important;display:flex !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-e8b9f58-column alignwide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-cd62b16\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"cd62b16\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-cd62b16-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-cd62b16-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-9a76929\" data-block-id=\"9a76929\"><style>.stk-9a76929 .stk-inner-blocks{column-gap:10px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hans Christian Andersen1805 \u2014 1875 Some steadfast,heart [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-andersen-fairy-tales"],"blocksy_meta":{"has_hero_section":"enabled","hero_elements":[{"id":"custom_title","enabled":false,"heading_tag":"h1","title":"Home","__id":"DskyE0j9qskHo58poUO--"},{"id":"custom_description","enabled":true,"description_visibility":{"desktop":true,"tablet":true,"mobile":false},"__id":"X6LUosUtlpzP8OHd_srFs"},{"id":"custom_meta","enabled":true,"meta_elements":[{"id":"author","enabled":true,"label":"\u4f5c\u8005","has_author_avatar":"yes","avatar_size":25},{"id":"post_date","enabled":true,"label":"\u4e8e","date_format_source":"default","date_format":"M j, 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