Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish writer born in 1805. He wrote some of the most famous fairy tales in the world. The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, and The Snow Queen all came from his imagination. Unlike older fairy tales that were passed down by word of mouth, Andersen made up his own original stories. His tales have been translated into more than 125 languages.

Beloved Fairy Tales

Andersen's stories are known all over the world. The Ugly Duckling is about a bird who is teased for being different but grows into a beautiful swan. The Little Mermaid tells of a mermaid who gives up the sea for love. Thumbelina is about a tiny girl no bigger than a thumb who goes on a big adventure. His stories often have lessons about kindness, being yourself, and never giving up hope.

From Poverty to Fame

Andersen grew up very poor in Denmark. His father was a shoemaker. Young Hans wanted to be a singer, dancer, or actor, but those dreams did not work out. He began writing instead. At first, he wrote plays and novels. Then he started writing fairy tales, and the whole world fell in love with them. He traveled all over Europe and met kings, queens, and other famous people. Today, a statue of The Little Mermaid sits in Copenhagen harbor.

Fun Facts

• Andersen wrote 156 fairy tales during his lifetime.
• The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been a famous landmark since 1913.
• Disney's movie Frozen was inspired by Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen.

Did You Know?

Hans Christian Andersen was so afraid of being buried alive that he always kept a note on his bedside table saying he was not actually dead, just sleeping!