The Shadow by Hans Christian Andersen

A learned man sends his shadow to spy on a mysterious house, but the shadow becomes independent and gains power over time. Years later, it returns as a wealthy, arrogant figure who manipulates and ultimately replaces its former master. The plot is darkly philosophical, exploring themes of identity, duality, and the corruption of self. Andersen questions what happens when our darker impulses gain control. It’s a haunting tale of the shadow overtaking the soul—both literally and symbolically.