
In a city scarred by conflict, a weary man sits alone, haunted by the silence where once countless tales knocked at his door. He remembers a time when stories arrived like birds returning from distant lands—bright, vivid, and full of wonder—only to find the streets now reduced to ash and broken doors. The lingering grief of war fuels his yearning for that familiar, comforting voice, prompting him to search for any sign that the magic of storytelling might still linger.
Through fragments of memory he conjures images of youthful fairies, wandering merchants, and ancient sages whose words once painted worlds of gold and dragons. Each fleeting vision hints at the power of imagination to outlive even the darkest days, suggesting that the tales themselves are resilient, waiting to be heard again. The narrator’s quiet hope becomes a quiet invitation to listeners, urging them to rediscover the wonder hidden among the ruins.
The collection unfolds as a mosaic of short, whimsical episodes—windmills, silver shackles, mischievous sprites, and humble household scenes—each offering a glimpse of joy, mystery, and gentle humor. Together they promise a soothing escape, reminding us that even in the bleakest moments, a story can still find its way to the heart.
Language
fi
Duration
~3 hours (195K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Finland: WSOY, 1925.
Credits
Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2023-07-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1805–1875
Best known for timeless fairy tales like "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Emperor’s New Clothes," this Danish writer turned stories for children into classics loved by readers of all ages. His work mixes wonder, sadness, humor, and hope in a way that still feels fresh today.
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