Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales

The tales of Hans Christian Andersen have been part of our cultural heritage for over one hundred and fifty years. While the Brothers Grimm were known as collectors of fairy tales and folklore, the Danish author wrote many of his own original stories, some of which have inspired ballets, plays, and films, and have been translated into over one hundred languages. The son of a cobbler and a washerwoman, Andersen grew up in extreme poverty, but despite his humble beginnings, he went on to achieve fame and recognition in his own lifetime, not only in Europe but in America too, and, after his death, in Asia. He nevertheless remained self-conscious about his background, and cared about what people thought of him-themes which can be found in some of his stories, such as "The Ugly Duckling:' From the poignant beauty of "The Little Mermaid" to the wry humor of "The Emperor's New Clothes;' Andersen's classic tales have enchanted and beguiled both children and adults alike across the globe. Filled with magic and wonder, Andersen's stories also offer strong moral messages about flaws such as pride, judging by appearances, and selfishness, and introduce inspirational characters who show resilience, virtue, and courage in the face of adversity. Many of his stories are dark and sinister, and deal with issues such as grief and death, yet others are filled with humor-and every so often you will even find a happy ending!