logo

34 pages 1 hour read

The Snow Queen

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1844

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Hans Christian Andersen

The Snow Queen

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1844
Book Details
Pages

75

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Scandinavia • 19th century

Publication Year

1844

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

"The Snow Queen" follows the adventure of Gerda as she seeks to rescue her best friend, Kai, from the clutches of the Snow Queen. Kai's heart and eye are pierced by shards from a magical mirror created by the devil, causing his emotions to become cold and distant. Determined, Gerda braves numerous challenges to save him, ultimately restoring his warmth and innocence.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen is celebrated for its imaginative storyline and deep exploration of themes like friendship and innocence. Readers admire its richly detailed narrative and evocative imagery. Some find its complex structure challenging and its dark tones unsettling for children. Nevertheless, it remains a cherished classic in fairy tale literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Snow Queen?

A reader who delights in fairy tales and classic literature would enjoy Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen. Similar to those captivated by the enchanting narratives in the Brothers Grimm's Grimm's Fairy Tales or the wonder of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, this story is perfect for readers who appreciate timeless tales of adventure and moral lessons.

Character List

Gerda

A kind and determined girl who undertakes a journey filled with challenges and adventures, showcasing her steadfastness and courage as she searches for her missing friend Kai.

Gerda's best friend, who transforms and faces a series of challenges after being influenced by a powerful external force, prompting a rescue mission led by Gerda.

The mysterious and powerful ruler of a cold and distant realm, whose presence is pivotal to the story's central conflict and evokes themes of both enchantment and danger.

Book Details
Pages

75

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Scandinavia • 19th century

Publication Year

1844

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.