Hans Christian Andersen | |
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![]() Photograph taken by Thora Hallager, 1869
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Born |
Odense, Funen, Kingdom of Denmark-Norway |
2 April 1805
Died | 4 August 1875 Østerbro, Copenhagen, Kingdom of Denmark |
(aged 70)
Resting place | Assistens Cemetery, Copenhagen |
Occupation | Writer |
Language | Danish |
Period | Danish Golden Age |
Genres | Children's literature, travelogue |
Notable works |
The Little Mermaid The Ugly Duckling The Emperor's New Clothes |
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Signature | ![]() |
Website | |
Hans Christian Andersen Centre |
Hans Christian Andersen (/ˈhɑːnz ˈkrɪstʃən ˈændərsən/; Danish: [hanˀs ˈkʁæsdjan ˈɑnɐsn̩], often referred to in Scandinavia as H. C. Andersen, (2 April 1805 – 4 August 1875) was a Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories, called eventyr in Danish, express themes that transcend age and nationality.
Andersen's fairy tales, of which no less than 3381 works have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", "The Nightingale", "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Duckling", "Thumbelina", and many others. His stories have inspired ballets, plays, and animated and live-action films. One of Copenhagen's widest and most busy boulevards is labeled "H.C. Andersens Boulevard".