Hans Christian Andersen didn't shy away from dark themes, and "The Angel" is no different. First published with three others in "New Fairy Tales," this story tells the tale of an angel leading a deceased child to Heaven, pausing to collect flowers from the child's favourite earthly spots. Among their finds is a withered field lily in a trash heap, chosen because it once comforted a dying child—revealed to be the angel himself.

This tale, touching on themes of loss, memory, and hope, was inspired by the real-life grief Andersen felt for a close friend’s loss. Its blend of sorrow with a message of beauty and redemption struck a chord with readers, making "The Angel" a memorable piece in Andersen’s collection.