“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.”
Hans Christian Andersen
Courtesy of Kis Kis:
“To be of use to the world is the only way to be happy.”
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen
2 April 1805 – 4 August 1875
Courtesy of NLB Singapore:
Hans Christian Andersen wrote some of the most treasured stories of the past two centuries, but his life was more like a Dickens novel than a fairy tale. Born poor in Denmark, the son of a cobbler and a washerwoman, he was an awkward, dreamy youth who imagined a theatrical career for himself and left home for Copenhagen when he was fourteen. He suffered a period of privation before being rescued by patrons who sponsored his education and allowed him to immerse himself in two transformative activities: travel and writing.
The writing brought him acclaim, first as a novelist and later, resoundingly and lastingly, as an author of tales for children, the first volume of which he published in 1835. Despite his success as a writer, Andersen remained something of a social misfit with a gift for alienating even his friends (even Dickens himself with whom he overstayed his welcome on an 1857 visit to England.) No doubt, Andersen’s loneliness inspired the affection for outcasts and sorry souls that distinguishes many of his most beloved tales, such as “The Ugly Duckling”, “The Little Match Girl” and “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Courtesy of FutureLearn:
“The Ugly Duckling”
“Fairytale” by Enya (courtesy of Best Relaxing Music & Nature):
An extract from “The Princess and the Pea:”
“Once upon a time there was a prince and he wanted to marry a princess, only she had to be a real princess. So he went all over the world looking for one. But every time there was something the matter: princesses there were in plenty, but whether they were real princesses or not, he could never really make out, there was always something not quite real about them. So he came home again and was very sad because he did so want a real princess.
Now, one night there was a terrible storm. It thundered and lightened and rain poured down – it was frightful! All at once, there was a knock at the city gate, and the old king went out to open it. There, standing outside, was a princess. But dear me, what a sight she looked, in the wind and rain. The water was running down her hair and her clothes, and it was running in at the toes of her shoes and out again at the heels. And then she said she was a real princess.”
“For the Love of a Princess” by James Horner, performed by Hauser:
“The Little Mermaid”
“Watermark” by Enya, performed by the Taliesin Orchestra (courtesy of Mara379):
An extract from “The Little Mermaid”:
“I will make you a drink, and before the sun rises you must swim ashore with it and sit on the shore and drink it. Your tail will then split in two and shrivel into what human beings call nice little legs. But it’ll hurt: like having a sharp sword go through you. All who see you will say you are the loveliest little human being they have ever seen! You’ll keep your graceful movements, and no dancer will be as graceful. But every step you take will be like treading on a sharp knife that draws blood. If you are ready to suffer all this, I am willing to help you.”
‘Yes! said the little mermaid in a trembling voice, thinking of the prince and of winning an immortal soul.
‘But remember this,’ said the which: ‘when once you have gained the human form, you can never more become a mermaid! You will never be able to come down into the sea to and your father’s palace: and unless you win the prince’s love, so that for your sake he forgets his father and mother, and clings to your with all his heart and allows the clergymen to place your hands together so that you become husband and wife, you will never win an immortal soul! The morning after he marries another, your heart will break and you will become foam on the water.’
‘I am willing!’ said the little mermaid, turning as pale as death.’
_________________
“The sun now rose from the sea, its beams falling gently and warmly on the deadly cold foam. The little mermaid had no feeling of death, but saw the bright sun and, soaring above her, hundreds of lovely transparent creatures; through them she could see the ship’s white sails and the red clouds in the sky; their voice was music, but so spiritual that no human ear could hear it, just as no earthly eye could see them. They glided through the air without wings by their own lightness. The little mermaid saw that she had a body like theirs, which rose higher and higher out of the foam.
‘To whom am I coming?’ she said, and her voice sounded like that of the other beings, so spiritual that no earthly music can reproduce it.
‘To the daughters of the air!’ they replied.
‘A mermaid never has an immortal soul, and can never get one unless she wins the love of a human being! Her everlasting life depends on a strange power. The daughters of the air have no everlasting soul either, but by good deeds, they can create one for themselves. We fly to the hot countries, where the warm, plague-filled air kills human beings, and there we waft cool breezes. We spread through the air the scents of flowers, bringing refreshment and healing. When for three hundred years we have striven to do all the good we can, we get an immortal soul and share in the eternal happiness of human beings.”
“Violin Concerto”, 2nd movement, by Philip Glass, performed by Mari Samuelsen and Konzerthausorchester Berlin:
naturetails 
Lovely excerpts that capture the pathos of these beloved characters
Lovely, Joanna. 🤩🌹🐦🦋
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I can’t really remember that far back but I’m prepared to say that The Ugly Duckling was the first story I fell in love with. Maybe that is where my love of swans came from, though I love ducks and geese too, of course. Andersen’s tales are sweet. I think he must have been a kind man. I enjoyed another cello piece by Hauser. He is so talented. Has something of the “naughty boy” about him too. I liked him with Luka Sulic also so talented. I love to see musicians play the instrument they are impassioned by! Thank you Joanna!
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Such an interesting and multi -media post Joanna. I learned so much about Hans Christian Andersen through your chosen excerpts, stories and music
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🍀🌹✨ like this post. Happy Sunday.
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Excellent article Joanna! My mother used to read us Hans Christian Andersen books then I did too to my children. My favourite was “the princess and the pea”. All these stories are still able to amaze us after so many years. Great work Joanna! ❤️👌🏻📚
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Thank you, Filipa, for such a kind comments! That is a power of genius, his work is immortal.
Joanna
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Yes, Joanna! His work is immortal. Happy Sunday!
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Thank you!
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With all these children’s books lately, I think you must still be a kid at heart Joanna, or do you just look back at your childhood days with fondness? I do hope so 😊
I may not have been an avid reader of Hans Christian Andersen, but we’ve all heard about the ugly duckling (you weren’t tempted to include the song by Danny Kaye I see) and the Little Mermaid, whose sculpture in Copenhagen is very underwhelming if you haven’t seen it.
Once again you’ve provided some lovely music, videos and pictures with your info about the books and author, and there’s nothing ugly about that duckling is there? While you keep writing about all these books Joanna, every week is like one big fairy tale 😊
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Stirring post and something to take away personally for me dear Jonna. It evoked some old memories with the brilliant story of the ugly duckling- a must for every child. Also how he went on travelling, writing novels and later children stories.
It is also to note and tell us about your ownself as you keep us on our edge, finding such music, imaged, graphics and videos. It is your sheer love of giving and informing us the best of humans on us like yourself.
A very happy birthday to you my dearest Joanna. World feels like flowers, bees, birds and grass, sea and sky because of you. Happy birthday.
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I would say that this post is an Excellent creation!
All the media pictures are awesome. I am yet to read it carefully.
Very interesting story. Awesome Joanna.
Have a blissful time.
Regards.
Arun
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I have one of his fairytales that belonged to my mom.
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Thank you, Narayan, for the most wonderful comments and your best wishes. You are right about the ugly duckling, so many people can relate to this phenomenon. If you remember, I once send you a quote of Andersen about traveling being the essence of life, and necessity to happiness.
As you are well verse in sciences, including maths, you will understand the double meaning of this famous quote, apt in Anderson’s case:
“You have to be odd to be number one.”
I thank you for all beautiful words you wrote about my writing, you made my birthday special!
Joanna
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Another cracking post, Joanna! Wishing you a happy healthy birthday! 😘🤗💓💌🌹🌹🙋♂️
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Thank you, Dear Ashley! Thank you for your lovely comments and good wishes!!
Joanna
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Thank you, Arun, for your kind comments, always greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Malc, for your generous comments! I am in a way child like in my wonder of the world and nature. Andersen is not reding just for children as the wisdom in his tales can teach many a thing or two. He wrote that traveling is the essence of life and a source of happiness, and traveling is your passion, is it not? Perhaps, I could tempt you to read one of his tales?!
Joanna
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My pleasure Johanna.
There is a lot to learn from you.
Take care always 🙏
Arun
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Thank you!!
Joanna
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Wish you, Joanna, all the best on your special day!
May God bless you with love, joy, smiles and sunshines this day and all days to come!
May you grow younger and happier with every birthday!
Happy birthday 🎂🎉🎊💐🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
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Another delightful and informative post Joanna. Thank you so much. I particularly liked the Father and Daughter film – very poignant!
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Now coming to the post on your birthday, it is really special one. I had not read about the life, especially childhood of Hans Christian Andersen, but after reading your post, I find his childhood so inspiring for deprived and downtrodden sections. “His loneliness inspired the affection for outcasts and sorry souls” is really inspiring for others.
Hans was best known and read for his literary fairy tales. His description of The Little Mermaid was so awesome that I still remember a few words. It shows how one can achieve happiness by undergoing changes for the loved one. Similarly the end of The Ugly Duckling is so happy that I cannot forget the importance of self-realisation.
Incidentally the first name of this prolific writer is Hans that means “Swan” in Hindi. Is it not a coincidence that he wrote about swans in The Ugly Duckling?
Thank you, Joanna, for one more interesting post. Be happy and enjoy the day, and all the days to come 🌹
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I see from other comments that it’s your birthday today. Have a phantasmagorical rest of the day 🎂 🍾
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Such a wonderful post, dear Joanna
Happy Birthday 💙🎉🌷💞🌺💞
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Thank you, Luisa, for your wonderful comments and good wishes! Greatly appreciated!!
Joanna
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I am having, thank you!
Joanna
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I love your posts, and this one is no exception. The music selection is excellent, so I thought, why not listen to them simultaneously. Mesmerizing!
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My pleasure ❣️ Cheers
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your wonderful comments, and as always illuminating additions; I can see now the incredible coincidence in his name meaning swan in Hindi and his tale about the ugly duckling. Thank you for your best wishes, and the rose, greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Loving this spotlight on Hans Christian Anderson, who truly contributed so much to the literary world as we know it! ❤
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Thank you, Peter, for your generous comments! Yes, the film is interesting! Thank you. It is a pleasure to write about great authors everyone seem to like.
Greatly appreciated your views.
Joanna
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Goodness, dear Kaushal, this is dream come true; all the roses, getting younger, living for ay years to come, and being happy! Thank you more than I can express!
Joanna
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Thank you, Kennet, for your very kind comments! It is a great pleasure to read such words, and I appreciate them greatly.
Joanna
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Good, but have you read it?
Joannna
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your kind comments! I was interested to learn from Kaushal thar Hans means in Hindi “swan”, it seems an amazing coincidence for him to write “Ugly Duckling”!
Thank you, Carolyn, again, greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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I have read them all several times but not lately. I tried to read the original ones to my first grandson but they were a bit dark. Not the Disney version.
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You’re always welcome, Joanna!
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It’s always a pleasure to read your posts, Joanna!
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You are so kind, thank you!
Joanna
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Thank you so much for sharing Hans Christian Anderson’s work. His writings were beautiful and such a wonderful writer with stories so incredible. I love his perseverance through hard knocks and his amazing success. You brought this to life and gave such justice to his work through your amazing visuals, stories, and gorgeous music and pictures. Little Mermaid was a weekly movie and halloween costume in my house. Superb Joanna! 💗
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Thank you, Cindy, for your wonderful comments! I am glad you like the music, all you words are greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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You’re most welcome Joanna! 💞
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Thank you for sharing Joanna, the magical stories of Hans Christian Andersen and the lovely music too.
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Thank you, Henrietta, for your kind comments! Greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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What a wonderful writer. I remember these stories being red to me as a child. He had such a wonderful way with words!
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Thank you, Dwight, for your comment. Greatly appreciated.
Joanna
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You are most welcome, Joanna!
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You deserve it all my dearest Joanna. I completely understand and would really dive in with that quote and try applying it better.
You deserve all the love and prasie my dearest. Again, flowers to you. Happy birthday.
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Thank you, dear Narayan, your words are like balsam to my soul!
Joanna
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The Enya and Horner interludes make you want to stay here, right now. 🙂
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