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Pictures of Sweden

by H. C. Andersen (1805–1875)

  • Free to read
  • 3 hours to read
  • 24 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Pictures of Sweden" by Hans Christian Andersen is a travelogue written in the mid-19th century that reflects the author's experiences and impressions of various locations in Sweden, blending narrative, history, and folklore. This work serves as both a descriptive exploration of the Swedish landscape and cultural insights, aimed at promoting an appreciation for the country's beauty and richness through its natural sights, historical landmarks, and local tales. The opening of the work sets a picturesque and poetic tone as Andersen invites readers on a journey through Sweden, encouraging them to listen to the songs of nature and the stories from its rich history. He paints vivid images of the Swedish wilderness, including majestic waterfalls and serene forests, while introducing characters such as the old gentleman from Trollhätta who recounts tales of ancient warriors and local legends. These stories are interwoven with reflections on the impact of modernization in Sweden, emphasizing the contrast between the natural world and human progress.

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  • Sweden · Description and travel
  • Fairy tales · Sweden

Read the opening

The Bird Phoenix

In the garden of Paradise, under the tree of knowledge, stood a hedge of roses. In the first rose a bird was hatched; its flight was like that of light, its colours beautiful, its song magnificent.

But when Eve plucked the fruit of knowledge, when she and Adam were driven from the garden of Paradise, a spark from the avenging angel's flaming sword fell into the bird's nest and kindled it. The bird died in the flames, but from the red egg there flew a new one—the only one—the ever only bird Phoenix. The legend states that it takes up its abode in Arabia; that every hundred years it burns itself up in its nest, and that a new Phoenix, the only one in the world, flies out from the red egg.

The bird hovers around us, rapid as the light, beautiful in colour, glorious in song. When the mother sits by the child's cradle, it is by the pillow, and with its wings flutters a glory around the child's head. It flies through the chamber of contentment, and there is the sun's radiance within:—the poor chest of drawers is odoriferous with violets.

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Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Bird Phoenix
  3. Kinnakulla
  4. Grandmother
  5. The Prison-Cells
  6. Beggar-Boys
  7. Vadstene
  8. The Puppet-Showman
  9. Stockholm
  10. Diurgaerden
  11. A Story
  12. Upsala
  13. Sala
  14. The Mute Book
  15. The Midsummer Festival in Lacksand
  16. Faith and Knowledge
  17. In the Forest
  18. Fahlun
  19. What the Straws Said
  20. The Poet's Symbol
  21. The Dal-Elv
  22. Danemora
  23. The Swine
  24. Poetry's California

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About this edition

This free edition of Pictures of Sweden by H. C. Andersen comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #12313, released 2004-05-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Mythology, Legends & Folklore, Travel Writing.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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