In this occasional series, I am looking at children’s books that feature sentient toys – loved playthings that acquire the ability to think, feel, and interact independently. The concept of toys coming to life, or becoming real, has always been a popular theme in literature and there are many tales of toys leaving their lifeless states to develop personalities, emotions, and a sense of agency.
Marie still had the wounded Nutcracker wrapped in her handkerchief, and she carried him in her arms. Now she placed him cautiously on the table, unwrapped him softly, softly, and tended to the injuries. Nutcracker was very pale, but he beamed so ruefully and amiably that his smile shot right through her heart.”
– E.T.A. Hoffmann
The Christmas story of The Nutcracker with its magical narrative of the Nutcracker Prince’s triumph over the Mouse King is well-loved. But this charm-filled fable was not how the tale was originally told.
Composed in 1816, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Nutcracker and Mouse-king is a much darker tale that delves into the fears of childhood and the lines that separate what is real from what is imagined. Hoffmann’s complex gothic fairy story starkly contrasts the more approachable, familiar version we recognise today.
Nutcracker and Mouse-king, written by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann, is a classic fairy tale first published in 1816. The story begins on Christmas Eve, as young Marie receives a gift of a beautifully crafted nutcracker that looks like a soldier. As the clock strikes midnight, Marie discovers that her beloved nutcracker comes to life, along with the rest of the toys in the household.
The Nutcracker leads a battle against the sinister Mouse King and his army of mice. After a fierce struggle, the nutcracker defeats the Mouse King with Marie’s help, breaking an ancient curse that had transformed him into a wooden toy. The Nutcracker is revealed to be a prince under an enchantment, and he takes Marie to his magical kingdom where they are greeted with splendid festivities and a grand celebration. The story concludes with Marie waking up, holding her nutcracker, and wondering if it was all a dream.
Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann (1776–1822) was a German writer, composer, and artist. He was a prominent figure of the Romantic movement and is best known for his fantastical and often dark tales, which blend reality with supernatural elements. Hoffmann’s literary work frequently explores the depths of human psychology.
Hoffmann was also a jurist and a composer, and his middle name, Amadeus, was adopted in homage to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His diverse talents and interests allowed him to fill his stories with rich musical, artistic, and legal references, making his works multidimensional and engaging.
The story was first published in 1816 in German in a volume entitled Kinder-Mährchen, (Children’s Stories), which also included tales by Carl Wilhelm Contessa and Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. In 1853 it was published in the U.S. in a translation by Mrs St. Simon in New York with illustrations by Albert H. Jocelyn. This version can be found here.
Story of a Nutcracker (Histoire d’un Casse-Noisette) by Alexandre Dumas was first written in 1844 as an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale. Dumas crafted his version at the request of a publisher seeking to simplify Hoffmann’s complex and darker narrative for a broader, more family-friendly audience.
Dumas’s retelling retained the core elements of Hoffmann’s story but infused it with a lighter tone and a more straightforward plot. Dumas’ story can be found in this book.
This adaptation ultimately made the tale more accessible and laid the foundation for the enchanting version that would inspire Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet, The Nutcracker. Marie’s name is usually changed to Clara in most subsequent adaptations.
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet, premiered in 1892 and has become an iconic Christmas tradition, celebrated for its enchanting music and magical storytelling.
The ballet was commissioned by the Russian Imperial Theatre and choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Tchaikovsky’s rich, emotive music lifted the story’s enchanting scenes and includes one of the most iconic compositions of our time, the ethereal “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”. Despite a lukewarm reception at its debut, the ballet eventually grew in popularity and is now celebrated worldwide for its vibrant melodies, intricate compositions and enchanting choreography. Watch the ballet here.
1930 A new edition of The Nutcracker and the Mouse-King was published by Albert Whitman and Company in Chicago, translated by Louise F. Encking with illustrations by Emma L. Brock.
It is available in full here.
1973 The Nutcracker: A Soviet animation film set to Tchaikovsky’s score.
1977 The Nutcracker Ballet with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland.
1979 The Nutcracker and the Mouseking – a live-action puppet film by animators Bura and Hardwick which won a Bafta Award.
1999 The Mickey Mouse Nutcracker is an adaptation of this tale, with Minnie Mouse playing Marie, Mickey playing the Nutcracker, Ludwig Von Drake playing Drosselmeyer, albeit very briefly, and Donald Duck playing the Mouse King. Playlist here.
2001 Barbie in The Nutcracker (Official Trailer) Barbie appears in an animated version of The Nutcracker.
Dumas’ whimsical retelling of The Nutcracker story and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting ballet have enriched Hoffmann’s original dark and intricate tale. The story’s legacy has been preserved, and these adaptations paved the way into mainstream storytelling ensuring an enduring appeal and adaptability.
Were you aware of Hoffman’s original Nutcracker tale? Have you see the ballet performed live? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Selected links for relevant websites, books, movies, videos, and more. Some of these links lead to protected content on this website, learn more about that here.
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King various versions
Story of a Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas
Nutcracker and Mouse-king by E.T.A. Hoffman & Story of a Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas
Nutcracker and Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann audio recording
Nutcracker Ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
E.T.A. Hoffman
Susannah Fullerton: Alexandre Dumas is born
Susannah Fullerton: Alexandre Dumas dies
Christine Stevenson
I didn’t know of Hoffman’s Nutcracker. The Victorian Ballet Company performed the Nutcracker in Bendigo in December last year. It was wonderful, a perfect start to the Christmas season.