The Candles
by Hans Christian Andersen · from Collected Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once, there was a proud Waxy Candle. It was made of shiny wax. "I am the best," it thought. "I will shine in a big room."
A Tallow Candle felt less special. It was not pure wax. "I am okay," it thought. "The kitchen is a good place for me."
The Waxy Candle was excited. "I go to a big party!" it thought. It would shine there.
Soon, all Waxy Candles went to the party. But the Kind Lady took the Tallow Candle. She gave it to a Little Boy. "This is for your mother," she said.
The Kind Lady's Rich Girl was happy. "We have a party!" she said. Her eyes shone bright.
The Little Boy had a basket. He put the Tallow Candle inside. The candle felt sad. "No nice place," it thought.
The candle came to a simple home. A Mother lived there. She was very thankful. "Thank you for the candle," she said. She lit the Tallow Candle.
The Tallow Candle sputtered. "This match is not fancy," it thought. "A Waxy Candle would not like it."
At the big house, cars came. Music started to play. The street was very bright.
The Tallow Candle thought of the Rich Girl. Her face was so happy. "I will not see happy faces," it thought.
Then, a Small Girl whispered. "We will have warm food!" she said. Her face shone with big joy.
The Tallow Candle shone back. This joy was very big. It was like the Rich Girl's joy. The candle cried happy tears.
The group ate the warm food. They tasted very good. The Small Girl said, "Thank you, dear Lord."
The children went to sleep. Their Mother sewed by the candle's light. Music came from the big house. Stars shone on all homes.
It thought, "This was a good night." It saw two happy children. One was rich, one was poor. Both felt big joy. Joy is for all. Simple things bring big smiles.
Original Story
The candles
A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen
There was once a big wax candle who had the highest opinion of his merits.
"I," he said, "am made of the purest wax, cast in the best mold. I burn more brilliantly than any other candle, and I outlast them all. I belong in the high chandelier or the silver candlestick."
"What a delightful life you must lead," the tallow candle admitted. "I am only tallow. Just a tallow dip. But it's a comfort to think how much better off I am than the taper. He's only dipped twice, while I am dipped eight times to make a thick and respectable candle of me. I'm satisfied. To be sure it would be better to be born of wax than of tallow, and a lucky thing to be shaped in a mold, but one isn't asked how he wants to be born. Your place is in the big rooms with glass chandeliers. Mine is in the kitchen. But kitchen is a good place too. All the food in the house comes from there."
"There are more important things in the world than food," the wax candle boasted. "There's the glitter of good society in which I shine. Why, I and all my family are invited to a ball that's being given here this very evening."
No sooner had he said this than all the wax candles were sent for. But the tallow candle was not left behind. The mistress of the house took it in her own hand and carried it to the kitchen, where a poor boy waited with his basket full of potatoes and a few apples that she had given him.
" And here's a candle for you too, my little friend," she told him. "Your mother can use it to work by when she sits up late at night."
The lady's small daughter stood close beside her mother, and when she heard the magic words "late at night," she forgot to be shy. " I'm going to stay up late tonight too!" she exclaimed. " We are to have a ball this evening, and I'm to wear my big red ribbon." No candle ever could shine like the eyes of a child.
"Happiness is a blessed thing to see," the tallow candle thought to himself. "I mustn't forget how it looks, for I certainly shan't see it again." They put him in the basket and closed the lid. Away the boy went with it.
"Where can he be taking me?" the candle wondered. "I may have to live with poor people who don't even own a brass candlestick, while the wax candle sits in silver and beams at all the best people. How fine it must be to shine in good company. But this is what I get for being tallow, not wax."
And the candle did come to live with poor people. They were a widow and her three children, who had a low-ceilinged room across the way from the well-to-do house.
"God bless our neighbor for all that she gave us," the widow said. "This good candle will burn far into the night."
She struck a match to it.
"Fut, fie," he sputtered. "What a vile smelling match she lights me with. Would anyone offer such a kitchen match to the wax candle, in the well-to-do house across the way?"
There the candles were lighted too. They made the street bright as carriages came rumbling with guests dressed in their best for the ball. The music struck up.
"Now the ball's beginning." The tallow candle burned brighter as he remembered the happy little girl whose face was more shining than the light of all those wax candles. "I'll never see anything like that again."
The smallest of the poor children reached up, for she was very small, and put her arms around the necks of her brother and sister. What she had to tell them was so important that it had to be whispered. "Tonight we're going to have - just think of it - warm potatoes, this very night."
Her face beamed with happiness and the candle beamed right back at her. He saw happiness again, and a gladness as great as when the little girl in the well-to-do house said, "We're having a ball this evening, and I'm to wear my red ribbon."
"Is it such a treat to get warm potatoes?" the candle wondered. "Little children must manage to be happy here too." He wept tallow tears of joy, and more than that a candle cannot do.
The table was spread and the potatoes were eaten. How good they tasted! It was a real feast. There was an apple for everyone, and the smallest child said grace:
"Now thanks, dear Lord, I give to Thee
That Thou again hast filled me. Amen."
"And didn't I say it nicely?" the little girl asked.
"Don't say such things," her mother told her. "Just thank the good Lord for filling you up."
The children went to bed, were kissed good night, and fell fast asleep. Their mother sat up late and sewed to make a living for them and for herself. From the well-to-do house came light and music. But the stars overhead shone on all the houses, rich or poor, with the same light, clear and kind.
"This has been a wonderful evening," the tallow candle told himself. "Can the wax candle have had any better time of it in his silver candlestick? I'd like to know that before I'm burned out."
He remembered the two happy children, one face lighted up by the wax candle, the other shining in the tallow candle's light. One was happy as the other. Yes, that is the whole story!
- * * * *
Story DNA
Moral
True happiness and worth are found not in material possessions or social status, but in the joy one brings to others and the appreciation of simple blessings.
Plot Summary
A proud wax candle boasts of its superiority, while a humble tallow candle accepts its lesser status. Both are taken from the kitchen; the wax candle goes to a grand ball, and the tallow candle is given to a poor family. Initially lamenting its fate, the tallow candle witnesses the profound joy of the poor children over a simple meal of warm potatoes, realizing it is as genuine as the rich child's excitement for the ball. The tallow candle concludes that true happiness is not tied to wealth or status, but to the simple blessings and shared joy, ending its night content.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to humility
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Hans Christian Andersen often explored themes of social class and the inner lives of inanimate objects, reflecting the societal norms and disparities of 19th-century Denmark.
Plot Beats (15)
- A proud wax candle boasts of its pure wax and high social standing, destined for chandeliers.
- A humble tallow candle acknowledges its lesser status but finds comfort in being better than a taper, accepting its kitchen role.
- The wax candle anticipates shining at a grand ball that evening.
- All wax candles are taken for the ball, while the mistress gives the tallow candle to a poor boy for his mother.
- The mistress's small daughter expresses excitement for the ball, her eyes shining brightly.
- The tallow candle is put into the boy's basket, lamenting its fate of living with poor people without a brass candlestick.
- The tallow candle arrives at a poor widow's home, who blesses the neighbor for the gift and lights the candle.
- The tallow candle sputters at the 'vile smelling match' and compares it unfavorably to how a wax candle would be treated.
- Carriages arrive at the rich house for the ball, and music begins, making the street bright.
- The tallow candle remembers the happy little girl from the rich house, thinking it will never see such happiness again.
- The smallest poor child whispers excitedly to her siblings about having warm potatoes that night, her face beaming.
- The tallow candle beams back, realizing this joy is as great as the rich child's joy for the ball, and weeps tallow tears of joy.
- The family enjoys their simple meal, and the smallest child says grace.
- The children go to bed, and their mother sews by the candle's light, while light and music come from the rich house, and stars shine on all.
- The tallow candle reflects that its evening was wonderful and wonders if the wax candle could have had a better time, noting that both children experienced equal happiness.
Characters
Wax Candle ◆ supporting
Tall, made of pure wax, cast in the best mold
Attire: None, but implied to be placed in a fancy chandelier or silver candlestick
Proud, boastful, elitist
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, slender humanoid figure with smooth, pale wax-like skin and a gentle, flickering flame atop its head instead of hair. It wears simple, humble peasant clothing: a rough-spun tunic and trousers in muted cream colors. The figure has large, dark, expressive eyes and a kind, slightly nervous smile. It stands in a timid, slightly hunched posture, holding its hands together in front of its chest as if offering warmth or light. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Tallow Candle ◆ supporting
Made of tallow, dipped eight times
Attire: None, but implied to be placed in a simple candlestick or holder
Humble, content, thoughtful
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, humble figure made of softly yellowed tallow, with a gentle, flickering flame atop its head like a simple hairstyle. Its body is slightly lumpy and uneven, with a few drips of wax frozen mid-trickle down its torso. It wears a simple, rustic tunic of rough-spun brown fabric, cinched with a thin rope belt. Its expression is kind and patient, with simple dark dots for eyes. It stands in a helpful posture, slightly leaning forward, holding a small wooden matchbox in its hands as if ready to offer assistance. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Lady ◆ supporting
Implied to be well-to-do
Attire: Fine dress appropriate for her social standing
Kind, generous
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman with a gentle, kind expression and soft brown hair pinned up in a practical bun. She wears a simple yet elegant dress of muted blue linen with a modest neckline and long sleeves, cinched at the waist. Her posture is poised and attentive, hands clasped lightly before her. She has a warm, supportive smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Little Daughter ◆ supporting
Excited and happy
Attire: Party dress with a big red ribbon
Excitable, innocent
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl of about eight years old with rosy cheeks and bright, kind eyes. Her long brown hair is tied in two neat braids with simple blue ribbons. She wears a modest, faded blue cotton dress with a white pinafore apron, and sturdy brown ankle boots. She stands with a gentle, determined expression on a forest path, carefully holding a small bundle of wrapped bread and cheese against her chest as if on an important errand. The dappled sunlight filters through the leaves above her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Poor Boy ○ minor
Poorly dressed, carrying a basket
Attire: Simple, worn clothing
Grateful
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy around eight years old, with a thin face and large, hopeful brown eyes. His hair is messy and light brown, sticking up in odd directions. He wears a faded, oversized shirt with patches at the elbows and torn, too-short trousers held up by a piece of rope. His feet are bare and dirty. He stands with a slight, humble hunch, holding a simple wooden bowl in his hands. His expression is one of quiet, innocent longing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Widow ◆ supporting
Poor, hardworking
Attire: Simple, worn clothing
Grateful, hardworking
Image Prompt & Upload
A woman in her late fifties with sharp, intelligent eyes and a stern, composed expression. Her silver-streaked black hair is pulled back into a tight, practical bun. She wears a high-collared dress of deep charcoal grey wool, with long sleeves and a simple, modest cut. A single silver brooch shaped like a thorned rose is pinned at her collar. Her posture is straight and rigid, her hands clasped firmly before her as she stands in a dimly lit cottage interior, surrounded by shelves of dusty jars and dried herbs. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Smallest Child ◆ supporting
Small, easily excited
Attire: Simple, worn clothing
Innocent, easily pleased
Image Prompt & Upload
A small young boy with messy brown hair and wide curious eyes, wearing simple peasant clothes of a rough-spun tunic and patched trousers, barefoot. He is standing slightly hunched with a hesitant posture, as if observing something from a distance. His expression is a mix of wonder and uncertainty. The scene is a soft-focus enchanted forest with dappled light filtering through the leaves. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Well-to-do House - Ballroom
Large room with glass chandeliers, silver candlesticks, bright with many wax candles.
Mood: glittering, elegant, festive
The wax candle shines brightly during a ball, representing high society.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening light filters through tall arched windows into a grand ballroom, casting cool blue moonbeams across a polished white marble floor. Warm golden light emanates from multiple tiered glass chandeliers and numerous silver candlesticks lining the walls, their flames flickering gently. Ornate gilded moldings and pale blue silk wallpaper adorn the walls, reflecting the dual light sources. The air is still and silent, highlighting the opulent, empty space. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Well-to-do House - Kitchen
A kitchen where food is prepared and given to the poor.
Mood: practical, charitable
The tallow candle is given to a poor boy, setting the stage for its journey.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening light glows through a wide kitchen window, illuminating a spacious, rustic kitchen with wooden beams and stone walls. A large, well-scrubbed wooden table dominates the center, laden with freshly baked loaves of golden bread, wheels of cheese, and bowls overflowing with ripe apples and pears. Copper pots and pans hang from a rack, gleaming warmly. Steam rises gently from a large, bubbling pot on a cast-iron stove, its wisps seeming to dance in the slanting sunbeams. Baskets of vegetables sit on the floor, and bunches of herbs dry from the rafters. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and generously abundant, with a soft, magical glow emanating from the prepared food. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Poor Widow's Room
Low-ceilinged room across the way from the well-to-do house.
Mood: humble, grateful, warm
The tallow candle illuminates a humble meal and brings joy to the poor children.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dim, low-ceilinged room at dusk, lit only by the weak glow of a single tallow candle on a rough-hewn table. The cramped space has bare wooden walls, a simple straw pallet bed, and a small, cracked window. Through the window, the warm, golden light spills from the grand, well-lit windows of a wealthy house across a muddy lane, its ornate facade and manicured garden visible in the rainy twilight. The atmosphere is one of quiet poverty and stark contrast, with cool blue shadows inside the room contrasting with the inviting amber glow from outside. Rain streaks the windowpane. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Night Sky
Stars shining overhead.
Mood: peaceful, impartial
The stars shine equally on both the rich and poor houses, symbolizing equality.
Image Prompt & Upload
Deep night sky over a serene, rolling landscape, illuminated by a luminous full moon and countless twinkling stars. The Milky Way stretches in a brilliant, glowing band across the heavens. Below, gentle hills are covered in soft, dew-kissed grass, with the dark silhouette of a distant forest on the horizon. The air is clear and cool, with a palette of deep indigo, silver, and midnight blue. A single, ancient stone well sits in the foreground, its moss-covered stones catching the faint moonlight. No border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
