The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann

Description

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann was first published in 1816. It tells the story of a young girl named Marie who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. That night, Marie discovers that the Nutcracker comes to life and, alongside a band of toy soldiers, battles the evil seven-headed Mouse King and his mouse army. After the Nutcracker wins the battle with Marie's help, he transforms into a handsome prince and takes her on a magical journey to his kingdom, the Land of Sweets, where they meet enchanted characters and celebrate their victory with a feast. Rooted in German Romanticism, which embraced fantasy, the supernatural, and the darker sides of human experience, Hoffmann’s story blends childhood wonder with a sense of mystery, offering layers of meaning about bravery, transformation, and the boundary between reality and fantasy. The story’s most famous adaptation came in 1892, when it was reinterpreted as a ballet by composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The ballet differs somewhat from Hoffmann’s original tale, simplifying the darker aspects and emphasizing the magical spectacle, transforming it into a family-friendly celebration of wonder and joy. This is an 1853 translation by Mrs. St. Simon.

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