Hans Christian Andersen (Danish: [ˈhanˀs ˈkʁæsdjan ˈɑnɐsn̩]; oftenreferred to in Scandinavia as H. C. Andersen; April 2, 1805 – August 4,1875) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays,travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for hisfairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories—called eventyr, or "fairy-tales"—express themes that transcend age andnationality.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125languages,[1] have become culturally embedded in the West's collectiveconsciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons ofvirtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well.[2]They have inspired motion pictures, plays, ballets, and animated films.[3]
Early life
"It doesn't matter about being born in a duckyard, aslong as you are hatched from a swan's egg"
Hans Christian Andersen was born in the town of Odense, Denmark, onTuesday, April 2, 1805. He was an only child. Andersen's father, alsoHans, considered himself related to nobility. His paternal grandmotherhad told his father that their family had in the past belonged to a highersocial class,[4] but investigations prove these stories unfounded.[4][5]Theories that Andersen may have been an illegitimate son of King Christian VII persist.[4] Nevertheless, King Frederick VI took a personalinterest in him as a youth and paid for a part of his education.[6]
Andersen's father, who had received an elementary education, introducedAndersen to literature, reading him Arabian Nights.[7] Andersen's mother,Anne Marie Andersdatter, was educated and worked as a lawyer followinghis father's death in 1816, remarrying in 1818.[7] Andersen was sent to aboarding school for rich children where he received an advancededucation and was forced to support himself, working as a banker and,later, for a doctor. At 14, he moved to Copenhagen to seek employmentas an actor. Having an excellent soprano voice, he was accepted into theRoyal Danish Theatre, but his voice soon changed. A colleague at thetheatre told him that he considered Andersen a poet. Taking thesuggestion seriously, Andersen began to focus on writing.
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