“Der Tor und der Tod”

"Der Tor und der Tod" (The Fool and Death) is a short story by the German author Hans Christian Andersen, published in 1847. It explores themes of life, destiny, and the inevitability of death. The story follows a simple man, often seen as foolish, who encounters Death personified. Through a series of events, the Fool outsmarts Death, leading to a reflection on the value of life and the futility of trying to escape one's fate. Ultimately, it conveys that while one can attempt to evade death, it is an inescapable part of the human experience.