
In a whimsical prologue, a world bereft of Truth sends five scholars—Science, Theology, Love, Gold, and Wine—on a frantic quest, each claiming their own discovery. Their heated rivalry shatters the very ideas they cherish until a small girl leads them to a quiet meadow where a radiant, winged figure declares itself Truth, only to be dismissed as a fairy‑tale. This playful clash of philosophies sets a tone of gentle satire and wonder that runs through the whole tale.
From this allegorical opening the story turns to the life of a curious child known only as Two‑Legs, raised by a steadfast mother in a forest of ancient animals. As he grows, he confronts the strange and the ordinary—learning to hunt, to trade, and to grapple with the mysteries of the natural world. The early chapters follow his first steps into adulthood, hinting at a journey that will test his ingenuity and shape the legacy he leaves behind.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (178K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2021-04-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1856–1908
Best remembered for lively Danish fairy tales, this prolific writer gave animals, plants, and natural forces a voice of their own. His stories mix wonder, humor, and a clear curiosity about how nature works.
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