Dateline NBC: "Gerda the Brave"

Episode 2 of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen
Aired: December 29, 2025
Host: Keith Morrison

Overview

In this dramatic retelling, Dateline NBC continues its adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Snow Queen." In this second episode, “Gerda the Brave,” the story follows young Gerda as she braves the unknown in search of her missing friend, Kay. Her journey takes her through magical and perilous encounters that test her courage, resilience, and devotion. The episode balances classic storytelling with rich narrative details, bringing Gerda’s legendary perseverance to life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gerda’s Arrival at the Old Woman’s House

• [01:20] The episode opens with Gerda, frightened but determined, finding herself at a small house after being carried away by a river. An old woman appears, friendly yet peculiar, helping Gerda ashore.
• Keith Morrison's narration brings an ominous yet warm tone as Gerda is welcomed, given cherries, and her hair is combed—small comforts in a strange land.
• The old woman’s subtle use of magic is revealed—she wishes to keep Gerda by her side, yet “she was not a wicked witch.”

Notable Quote:

"She conjured only a little for her own amusement. And she did so now because she wanted to keep Gerda."
(Keith Morrison, 03:11)

2. The Garden Without Roses

• [04:30] Gerda enjoys the magical garden, but senses something missing. The old woman, in her attempt to erase all roses (for fear they would remind Gerda of Kay), forgets one painted rose on her hat.
• Upon noticing no roses are present, Gerda remembers Kay, and her tears cause the rosebush to bloom again—magic tied to love and memory.

Notable Quote:

"What? Are there no roses here? cried Gerda. And she ran out into the garden. She examined all the flower beds and searched and searched. There was not one to be found. Then she sat down and wept, and her tears fell precisely on one spot, the one spot where rose trees once stood."
(Narration, 05:08)

3. The Flowers’ Tales and Gerda’s Realization

• [06:15] Gerda questions each flower for news of Kay. Instead, they share their own cryptic stories—none about Kay, but each rich with their own fairy tale symbolism.
• The tiger lily recounts a tale of loss; the morning glory narrates longing for love; the snowdrop and buttercup share vignettes of joy and heartbreak.
• Gerda realizes the flowers’ self-absorption and finds resolve to leave the garden and continue her quest.

Notable Quote:

"It's no use asking the flowers. They only know their own songs and can give me no information."
(Gerda, 08:52)

4. Escape from the Enchanted Garden

• [09:10] Gerda escapes, feeling the shock of how much time has passed—the world is now cold and autumnal. Tired and sore, she sits on a stone to rest, but resolutely continues her search for Kay.

"Oh, I've wasted my time, said little Gerda. It is autumn. I must not rest any longer."
(Gerda, 10:11)

5. The Meeting with the Crow

• [15:19] A talking crow approaches, speaking kindly to Gerda and listening to her story. He suggests he may have seen Kay, who is now possibly in a palace with a princess.
• The crow, aided by his sweetheart who is a tame crow at the palace, provides news of a clever princess seeking a husband, and a boy resembling Kay who visited the palace.

Memorable Exchange:

"Do you think you have? cried little Gerda. And she kissed the crow and hugged him almost to death with joy. Gently, gently, said the crow."
(Narration & Crow, 16:40)

6. The Palace Contest and the Clever Princess

• [17:10] The crow recounts how suitors lined up to win the princess’s hand, but only the clever and poised—including the boy believed to be Kay—made an impression.
• Gerda is ecstatic at the hope that Kay is alive and within reach.

Notable Quote:

"Oh, certainly that was Kay, said Gerda. He is so clever he could work mental arithmetic in fractions."
(Gerda, 20:39)

7. Gerda’s Secret Entrance to the Palace

• [25:34] With the crows’ help, Gerda sneaks into the palace through a back stairwell. The sequence is filled with suspense and magical dreamlike imagery as Gerda hopes to find Kay.
• Gerda instead discovers the prince, not Kay, in the bed she hopes holds her friend. Heartbroken, she tells her story to the prince and princess, who are moved by her loyalty and the crows’ assistance.

Notable Exchange:

"Would you like to have your freedom? Asked the princess, or would you prefer to be raised to the position of court crows with all that is left in the kitchen for yourselves?... Both the crows bowed and begged to have a permanent position in court, for they thought of their old age..."
(Princess and Crows, 28:05)

8. Reward and Renewed Determination

• [29:55] The prince and princess, touched by Gerda’s journey and the crows’ loyalty, reward both. Gerda receives warm clothes and a golden carriage to continue her journey for Kay.
• With emotional goodbyes, Gerda sets out anew, steadfast in her quest. The crow accompanies Gerda for a short while before she is left to her own fate once more.

Memorable Moment:

"Men and animals too. Then she closed her eyes and fell into a sweet sleep. All the dreams came flying back to her and they looked like angels. And one of them drew a little sled on which sat Kay and nodded to her. But all this was only a dream and vanished as soon as she awoke."
(Narration, 29:35)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [01:20] – Gerda finds the old woman's house; first encounter
• [05:08] – Gerda discovers the roses’ absence and remembers Kay
• [06:15] – The flowers each tell their stories
• [09:10] – Gerda escapes the old woman's magical garden
• [15:19] – Gerda meets the crow; the crow’s story of the palace and princess
• [25:34] – The palace infiltration and Gerda’s heartbreak at not finding Kay
• [29:55] – Prince and princess reward Gerda and the crows; Gerda resumes journey

Notable Quotes

• "She conjured only a little for her own amusement. And she did so now because she wanted to keep Gerda."
  (Keith Morrison, 03:11)

• "What? Are there no roses here? cried Gerda."
  (Gerda, 05:08)

• "It's no use asking the flowers. They only know their own songs and can give me no information."
  (Gerda, 08:52)

• "Oh, certainly that was Kay, said Gerda. He is so clever he could work mental arithmetic in fractions."
  (Gerda, 20:39)

• "Men and animals too. Then she closed her eyes and fell into a sweet sleep. All the dreams came flying back to her and they looked like angels."
  (Narration, 29:35)

Memorable Moments

• Gerda’s heartbreak as she fails to find Kay in the prince's bed, but is comforted and aided by the prince and princess.
• The magical, unsettling beauty of the flower garden and the dreams that flit through the palace halls at night.
• The crow’s comical and touching desire for a comfortable old age alongside his sweetheart at court.

Conclusion

“Gerda the Brave” is a moving portrait of a child’s perseverance and the power of innocent love. The episode methodically walks listeners through Gerda’s trials, the magical manipulations she overcomes, and the hope that fuels her journey. Keith Morrison’s narration brings warmth to every twist, leaving listeners eager for the next installment and Gerda’s continued adventure.

Next episode teaser: Gerda faces new and greater challenges, requiring friends and bravery in the face of the enigmatic Snow Queen herself.