Story Summary
Discover the classic tale of Thumbelina, a tiny girl born from a flower who faces great adventures and finds her true home among the magical flower fairies.
Once, a lonely woman planted a magical seed and was blessed with a tiny, beautiful girl named Thumbelina, who was no bigger than a thumb. Her peaceful life was upended when a toad kidnapped her to be a bride for her son. Thumbelina escaped, but her journey was fraught with peril; she was captured by a beetle and later sought refuge from the winter with a field mouse. The mouse urged her to marry a wealthy, blind mole, which would have meant living forever underground. However, Thumbelina had spent the winter nursing an injured swallow back to health. On the day of her wedding to the mole, the swallow returned and carried her away to a sun-drenched land of flowers. There, she met the king of the flower fairies. Recognizing a kindred spirit, she married him, received her own wings, and finally found the home where she belonged.
The Moral
True happiness is found when you stay true to yourself and possess the courage to seek a world where you truly belong.
“Farewell, you bright sun! Farewell!”
Fun Fact
Unlike many fairy tales that are passed down through oral tradition, Thumbelina was an original literary creation by Hans Christian Andersen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Thumbelina?
The moral is about the importance of kindness and perseverance. By helping others and following her heart, Thumbelina eventually finds her true home and happiness.
Who wrote the original story of Thumbelina?
Thumbelina was written by the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published in 1835 as part of his collection of fairy tales.
How does Thumbelina escape the mole?
She is rescued by a swallow that she had nursed back to health during the winter. The bird flies her away to a warm, flowery land just before her wedding.
What kind of creatures does Thumbelina meet?
Throughout her journey, she encounters a variety of animals including a toad, a June beetle, a field mouse, a mole, and finally a friendly swallow.
Does Thumbelina have a happy ending?
Yes, she finds a land of flower fairies where she meets a king her own size. They marry, and she receives wings so she can fly from flower to flower.
Why is the main character called Thumbelina?
She is given the name because she was born from a flower and was no taller than a human thumb, making her uniquely small in a world of giants.