H.C. Andersen: The Travelling Companion

"The Traveling Companion" (Danish: "Reisekamaraten") is a short fantasy story for children by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It was first published in 1835.

The story's protagonist is a young man named John. After his father dies, John decides to leave home and go out into the world to seek his fortune. Shortly after he pays off the debts of a dead man whom he never met, John is joined on his travels by a man with magical powers. With the help of his traveling companion, John puts a stop to a series of unjust executions and wins the hand of a princess in marriage.