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Illustration for The Tinderbox

English · Intermediate

The Tinderbox

By Hans Christian Andersen

A soldier finds a magical tinderbox that summons three powerful dogs.

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Intermediate sample in English

Scene 1

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Illustration for the scene “The soldier meets a witch”

Scene 1 · Intermediate

The soldier meets a witch

English

A soldier marched along the main road. “Left, right; left, right.” He carried a knapsack on his back and wore a sword at his side. He had been away at war and was now on his way home.

English

Along the road, he met a frightening old witch whose lower lip hung down to her chest. She stopped him and said, “Good evening, soldier. That's a fine sword you have, and a large knapsack. You're a real soldier, so you shall have as much money as you like.”

English

“Thank you, old witch,” the soldier replied.

English

“Do you see that big tree?” she asked, pointing beside them. “It's completely hollow. Climb to the top, and you'll find a hole. You can lower yourself through it deep into the tree. I'll tie a rope around you so I can pull you back up when you call.”

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