"The Nightingale" is a fairytale with an unexpected ending. Even though we are used to hearing happy endings, this one is a bit different especially compared to other fairytales by Andersen. It begins by a China’s emperor … [Read more...] about The Nightingale
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was born April 2nd, 1805 in Odense. He was born into a poor family. His father was a shoemaker, and his mother did not have a job. Even though they did not have much Hans was happy for growing up next to a father who recognized his love for adventures and stories. Since he was a boy, his father told him many stories and helped him build a puppet theater.
His life got hard when his father died. His mother had to clean other people’s laundry to provide food, shelter and clothes for herself and her son. Even though she wanted to send him to a school to study something he wanted to go into a big city and make something out of himself.
He had only 14 years when he came to Copenhagen. He lived in an attic and worked a lot to make it. He even danced for a short time. When he was 17, he decided to go to school, so he sat in school with 12-years old. He even went to a university.
He wrote and studied at the same time. He wrote many fairy tales and "The Ugly Duckling" was considered to contain elements of his life. Some of his other famous fairy tales are: "The little Mermaid", "The Emperor’s New Clothes", "The Snow Queen"…
He died in Copenhagen August 4th, 1875.
The Brave Tin Soldier
This is one of the most unusual fairytales by Andersen. It doesn’t have a happy ending and the main characters suffer a tragic "death". It talks about the love between a one-legged soldier, who represents those who are different, … [Read more...] about The Brave Tin Soldier
The Swineherd
The fairytale about the princess and the swineherd is actually a story about unrequited love. The swineherd, who was actually a prince, fell in love with the young princess and he had sent her two gifts that she didn’t like. He … [Read more...] about The Swineherd
The Little Match Girl
"The Little Match Girl" is a sad story about a miserable young girl that touched the heart of many readers. The story begins in a cold winter night in which the snow never stopped. It was a real, rough and cold dinner. It … [Read more...] about The Little Match Girl
The Snow Queen
Fairytales are read by everyone because they introduce the reader to the world of magic in a simple way. They talk about human characteristics, love and friendship. This story is about love between friends. A little girl named … [Read more...] about The Snow Queen
The Little Mermaid
Somewhere far away on the sea surface the water was beautiful, clear, blue but very deep. However deep or far away may the surface be it does not mean there is only sand below. The sea hides over there magical trees, herbs, … [Read more...] about The Little Mermaid
The Ugly Duckling
"The Ugly Duckling" is a story about the troubles and sufferings of a young swan that got hatched from an egg in a duck’s nest. He was marked as different and there all of his troubles started. He was humiliated in many ways and … [Read more...] about The Ugly Duckling
The Emperor’s New Clothes
"The Emperor's new clothes" is a fun story about human vanity and the fear of truth, wisdom, stupidity, naivety and incompetence. It reminds us of the never-ending human desire for power, material things and good position in the … [Read more...] about The Emperor’s New Clothes
Thumbelina
"Thumbelina" is no ordinary girl. She is a cute little creature that came alive by coming out of a seed. She was special and her story starts with a woman that could not have any children. Once upon a time a woman couldn’t stay … [Read more...] about Thumbelina
The Princess and the Pea
"The Princess and the Pea" is a short but fascinating tale written by the famous Hans Christian Andersen. It talks about a prince who wanted to marry a real princess. Luck smiled upon him and sent the girl that claimed she is … [Read more...] about The Princess and the Pea
