--- title: The Shadow — Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen · full text with trees · page 2 description: The Shadow, «Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen» by H. C. Andersen: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: In very hot climates, where the heat of the sun has great power, people are usually as brown as mahogany; and in the hottest countries they ar --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/page/2/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/) / The Shadow # The Shadow · page 2 [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/) **2** [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/page/3/) - [101](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/101/) — There was no light, or at least it seemed in partial darkness, for the door of a whole suite of rooms stood open, and they were brilliantly lighted. - [102](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/102/) — The blaze of light would have killed me, had I approached too near the maiden myself, but I was cautious, and took time, which is what every one ought to do." - [103](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/103/) — "And what didst thou see?" asked the learned man. - [104](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/104/) — "I saw everything, as you shall hear. - [105](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/105/) — But--it really is not pride on my part, as a free man and possessing the knowledge that I do, besides my position, not to speak of my wealth--I wish you would say you to me instead of thou." - [106](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/106/) — "I beg your pardon," said the learned man; "it is an old habit, which it is difficult to break. - [107](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/107/) — You are quite right; I will try to think of it. - [108](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/108/) — But now tell me everything that you saw." - [109](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/109/) — "Everything," said the shadow; "for I saw and know everything." - [110](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/110/) — "What was the appearance of the inner rooms?" asked the scholar. " - [111](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/111/) — Was it there like a cool grove, or like a holy temple? - [112](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/112/) — Were the chambers like a starry sky seen from the top of a high mountain?" - [113](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/113/) — "It was all that you describe," said the shadow; "but I did not go quite in--I remained in the twilight of the ante-room--but I was in a very good position,--I could see and hear all that was going on in the court of poetry." - [114](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/114/) — "But what did you see? - [115](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/115/) — Did the gods of ancient times pass through the rooms? - [116](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/116/) — Did old heroes fight their battles over again? — checked by a teacher - [117](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/117/) — Were there lovely children at play, who related their dreams?" - [118](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/118/) — "I tell you I have been there, and therefore you may be sure that I saw everything that was to be seen. - [119](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/119/) — If you had gone there, you would not have remained a human being, whereas I became one; and at the same moment I became aware of my inner being, my inborn affinity to the nature of poetry. - [120](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/120/) — It is true I did not think much about it while I was with you, but you will remember that I was always much larger at sunrise and sunset, and in the moonlight even more visible than yourself, but I did not then understand my inner existence. - [121](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/121/) — In the ante-room it was revealed to me. - [122](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/122/) — I became a man; I came out in full maturity. - [123](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/123/) — But you had left the warm countries. - [124](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/124/) — As a man, I felt ashamed to go about without boots or clothes, and that exterior finish by which man is known. - [125](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/125/) — So I went my own way; I can tell you, for you will not put it in a book. - [126](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/126/) — I hid myself under the cloak of a cake woman, but she little thought who she concealed. - [127](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/127/) — It was not till evening that I ventured out. - [128](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/128/) — I ran about the streets in the moonlight. - [129](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/129/) — I drew myself up to my full height upon the walls, which tickled my back very pleasantly. - [130](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/130/) — I ran here and there, looked through the highest windows into the rooms, and over the roofs. - [131](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/131/) — I looked in, and saw what nobody else could see, or indeed ought to see; in fact, it is a bad world, and I would not care to be a man, but that men are of some importance. - [132](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/132/) — I saw the most miserable things going on between husbands and wives, parents and children,--sweet, incomparable children. - [133](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/133/) — I have seen what no human being has the power of knowing, although they would all be very glad to know--the evil conduct of their neighbors. - [134](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/134/) — Had I written a newspaper, how eagerly it would have been read! - [135](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/135/) — Instead of which, I wrote directly to the persons themselves, and great alarm arose in all the town I visited. - [136](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/136/) — They had so much fear of me, and yet how dearly they loved me. - [137](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/137/) — The professor made me a professor. - [138](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/138/) — The tailor gave me new clothes; I am well provided for in that way. - [139](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/139/) — The overseer of the mint struck coins for me. - [140](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/140/) — The women declared that I was handsome, and so I became the man you now see me. - [141](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/141/) — And now I must say adieu. - [142](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/142/) — Here is my card. - [143](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/143/) — I live on the sunny side of the street, and always stay at home in rainy weather." - [144](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/144/) — And the shadow departed. - [145](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/145/) — "This is all very remarkable," said the learned man. - [146](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/146/) — Years passed, days and years went by, and the shadow came again. " - [147](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/147/) — How are you going on now?" he asked. - [148](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/148/) — "Ah!" said the learned man; "I am writing about the true, the beautiful, and the good; but no one cares to hear anything about it. - [149](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/149/) — I am quite in despair, for I take it to heart very much." - [150](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/150/) — "That is what I never do," said the shadow; "I am growing quite fat and stout, which every one ought to be. - [151](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/151/) — You do not understand the world; you will make yourself ill about it; you ought to travel; I am going on a journey in the summer, will you go with me? - [152](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/152/) — I should like a travelling companion; will you travel with me as my shadow? - [153](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/153/) — It would give me great pleasure, and I will pay all expenses." - [154](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/154/) — "Are you going to travel far?" asked the learned man. - [155](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/155/) — "That is a matter of opinion," replied the shadow. " - [156](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/156/) — At all events, a journey will do you good, and if you will be my shadow, then all your journey shall be paid." - [157](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/157/) — "It appears to me very absurd," said the learned man. - [158](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/158/) — "But it is the way of the world," replied the shadow, "and always will be." - [159](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/159/) — Then he went away. - [160](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/160/) — Everything went wrong with the learned man. - [161](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/161/) — Sorrow and trouble pursued him, and what he said about the good, the beautiful, and the true, was of as much value to most people as a nutmeg would be to a cow. - [162](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/162/) — At length he fell ill. " - [163](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/163/) — You really look like a shadow," people said to him, and then a cold shudder would pass over him, for he had his own thoughts on the subject. - [164](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/164/) — "You really ought to go to some watering-place," said the shadow on his next visit. " - [165](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/165/) — There is no other chance for you. - [166](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/166/) — I will take you with me, for the sake of old acquaintance. - [167](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/167/) — I will pay the expenses of your journey, and you shall write a description of it to amuse us by the way. - [168](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/168/) — I should like to go to a watering-place; my beard does not grow as it ought, which is from weakness, and I must have a beard. - [169](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/169/) — Now do be sensible and accept my proposal; we shall travel as intimate friends." - [170](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/170/) — And at last they started together. - [171](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/171/) — The shadow was master now, and the master became the shadow. - [172](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/172/) — They drove together, and rode and walked in company with each other, side by side, or one in front and the other behind, according to the position of the sun. The shadow always knew when to take the place of honor, but the learned man took no notice of it, for he had a good heart, and was exceedingly mild and friendly. - [173](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/173/) — One day the master said to the shadow, "We have grown up together from our childhood, and now that we have become travelling companions, shall we not drink to our good fellowship, and say thee and thou to each other?" - [174](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/174/) — "What you say is very straightforward and kindly meant," said the shadow, who was now really master. " - [175](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/175/) — I will be equally kind and straightforward. - [176](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/176/) — You are a learned man, and know how wonderful human nature is. - [177](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/177/) — There are some men who cannot endure the smell of brown paper; it makes them ill. - [178](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/178/) — Others will feel a shuddering sensation to their very marrow, if a nail is scratched on a pane of glass. - [179](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/179/) — I myself have a similar kind of feeling when I hear any one say thou to me. - [180](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/180/) — I feel crushed by it, as I used to feel in my former position with you. - [181](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/181/) — You will perceive that this is a matter of feeling, not pride. - [182](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/182/) — I cannot allow you to say thou to me; I will gladly say it to you, and therefore your wish will be half fulfilled." - [183](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/183/) — Then the shadow addressed his former master as thou. - [184](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/184/) — "It is going rather too far," said the latter, "that I am to say you when I speak to him, and he is to say thou to me." - [185](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/185/) — However, he was obliged to submit. - [186](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/186/) — They arrived at length at the baths, where there were many strangers, and among them a beautiful princess, whose real disease consisted in being too sharp-sighted, which made every one very uneasy. - [187](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/187/) — She saw at once that the new comer was very different to every one else. " - [188](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/188/) — They say he is here to make his beard grow," she thought; "but I know the real cause, he is unable to cast a shadow." - [189](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/189/) — Then she became very curious on the matter, and one day, while on the promenade, she entered into conversation with the strange gentleman. - [190](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/190/) — Being a princess, she was not obliged to stand upon much ceremony, so she said to him without hesitation, "Your illness consists in not being able to cast a shadow." - [191](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/191/) — "Your royal highness must be on the high road to recovery from your illness," said he. " - [192](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/192/) — I know your complaint arose from being too sharp-sighted, and in this case it has entirely failed. - [193](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/193/) — I happen to have a most unusual shadow. - [194](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/194/) — Have you not seen a person who is always at my side? - [195](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/195/) — Persons often give their servants finer cloth for their liveries than for their own clothes, and so I have dressed out my shadow like a man; nay, you may observe that I have even given him a shadow of his own; it is rather expensive, but I like to have things about me that are peculiar." - [196](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/196/) — "How is this?" thought the princess; "am I really cured? - [197](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/197/) — This must be the best watering-place in existence. - [198](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/198/) — Water in our times has certainly wonderful power. - [199](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/199/) — But I will not leave this place yet, just as it begins to be amusing. - [200](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/200/) — This foreign prince--for he must be a prince--pleases me above all things. [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/) **2** [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/165/page/3/) - ← previous: [The Saucy Boy](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/164/) - next →: [The Shepherdess and the Sheep](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/166/) - ↑ back to [Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/)