“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 
Classic fairy tales I recall from my youth. Each one with a lesson to share. I recall my mother reading these too me at bedtime. Have a great day Joanna. Allan
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Thank you, Allan, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Fairy tales I grew up with and then revisited with my kids! Lovely, Joanna.
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Thank you, Punam, for the beautiful comments, which I very much appreciate!
Joanna
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Thank you, Punam, for the wonderful comments, which I very much appreciate!
Joanna
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Oh yes, so familiar stories…lovable ones for kids and adults alike!
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Thank you, Indira, for the beautiful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Another wonderful collection of images and music Joanna. I especially like the little duck/swan! Maybe fairy tales are the product of minds that are unable to find happiness or solace in the real world but many of those stories offer lessons for young children to think about. Are you familiar with Jackie Morris? She is a modern teller of such tales and a quite extraordinary artist. Thank you for another enjoyable piece!
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Thank you, Carolyn, for the beautiful comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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It begins with Andersen’s own life—an outsider’s journey from impoverished obscurity to acclaimed artistry, a path marked by loneliness that became the wellspring for his empathy towards outcasts.
This theme is then mirrored in his tales. “The Princess and the Pea” presents a seemingly simple test of innate, unshakeable identity—a true sensitivity that cannot be disguised by rags or rain. “The Little Mermaid,” however, delves far deeper, presenting the brutal cost of transformation. Her story is the ultimate arc of yearning: a soul willingly embracing immense, perpetual pain and the risk of utter annihilation for a chance at love and an immortal spirit. Her eventual transcendence, not through the prince’s love but through her own accumulated “good deeds,” completes the message: true worth and an eternal soul are not merely found through birthright (like the princess) or won through another’s affection, but are ultimately forged through personal sacrifice, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to goodness.
The selected music pieces perfectly underscore this emotional journey—from the lyrical yearning of “For the Love of a Princess” to the aching, cyclical, and transcendent beauty of Glass’s concerto, which sounds like the very embodiment of a soul striving, suffering, and finally soaring. I love the short videos too 🤝
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He didn’t fit in with others. But his books certainly did!
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Thank you, Neil, for your perceptive comment, which is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Joanna, one of my most precious and lasting Christmas gifts was a book of fairy tales. I received it from my aunt and uncle when I was eight years old. My younger sister, brother, and I read and reread those stories until the book fell apart. We also acted out some of the stories and were inspired to create stories of our own.❤️
Imagine my surprise when I found your delightful post today. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the tales that stirred our imaginations when we were children. I was interested to learn more about Hans Christian Anderson, but I was sad for him. Though his personal life was somewhat of a disappointment, he was a successful author who brought joy to many generations. Thank you, Joanna, for posting this.💐
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Lovely examples, Joanna. Left me wishing for more. I didn’t know this much about The Anderson. Another excellent addition to the series. Easy to sense your attachment to these authors.
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What a beautiful post, Joanna. I love all of the stories, your quotes and chosen songs and readings. You brought to life all of Hans Christian Anderson’s gifts. Love all of the wonderful images as well! 💗
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I fondly remember reading some of his tales, The Princess and the Pea and the very sad The Little Match Girl. I always like reading about the authors behind the books. Thank you for another wonderful post.
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Thank you so much, Cheryl, for the wonderful comments, which I love! Your kind words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Diana, for the wonderful comments, which are very much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Cindy, for the wonderful comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna
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Thank you, Pat, for the wonderful comments, which I love! Yes, I only feature the writers whose talent endures.
Joanna
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It’s truly my pleasure, Joanna!!!
🩷
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Thank you, Cindy!
Joanna x
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Dear Joanna, 🙏🌹
Your article has been a truly soul-touching experience. The way you have intertwined Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales with the essence of life and spirituality is profoundly beautiful almost meditative.
In your words, one can feel not only the fragrance of literature but also the serene resonance of compassion and inner silence.
Through “The Little Mermaid”, you have revealed the sacredness of love and sacrifice,
and through “The Princess and the Pea”, the subtle depth of sensitivity together they whisper the timeless truth that love’s essence lies not in possession but in surrender,
and that every pain, when accepted with faith, becomes a bridge toward the soul’s higher awakening.
Your writing shines like a divine light it does not merely dispel darkness,
it gives meaning to the silence within.
Gratitude for this luminous spiritual contribution;
it feels less like an article and more like a moment of silent meditation.
-Vijay
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Thank you so much, dear Vijay, for leaving me speechless in admiration of your ability to see beyond the words and into the mind of the writer and the humble reviewer! Your brilliant comments are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Dear Narasimhan, thank you for the extraordinary wonderful and analytical comments, which I love! You made my day! Thank you!
Joanna
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Nice winning steak your on, Joanna.
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Thank you, Pat!
Joanna
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Joanna, wonderful. I so like Hans Christian Anderson’s stories. Thanks for making me smile and remember a good author.
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Thank you, Monica, for the wonderful comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Joanna, for sharing this interesting and engaging post. These are classic fairy tales that I remember not only from my childhood, but also because I used to read them to my sons, when they were children.
I was fascinated by the wealth of information, the fabulous images, and the beautiful videos.
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Thank you so much, Joanna, for beginning this wonderful post with quotes from such an inspiring author. I completely agree with your observation that his life resembled a Dickensian novel more than a fairy tale. Indeed, an entire inspirational book could be written on his journey, especially his childhood, for the deprived and downtrodden, as you so beautifully noted: “his loneliness inspired the affection for outcasts and sorry souls.”
His resilience in rising above rejection and hardship, transforming a difficult childhood into a source of creative power and ultimately achieving global renown, is truly remarkable.
Hans Christian Andersen, one of my favourite authors, continues to enchant generations with his timeless fairy tales. His portrayal of The Little Mermaid remains unforgettable, showing how one can find joy through transformation for the sake of love. Likewise, The Ugly Duckling holds a special place in my heart; its happy ending celebrates the beauty of self-realisation and inner growth.
Interestingly, the author’s first name, Hans, means “swan” in Hindi, a delightful coincidence, considering he wrote so movingly about swans in The Ugly Duckling!
Thank you once again, Joanna, for sharing yet another post that feels like a fairy tale in itself, enriched with music, videos, and beautiful images. Coming just days after Diwali, it feels especially bright and illuminating.
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for the wonderful comments, which I love! Your kind words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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Thank you so much, Kaushal, for the wonderful and analytical comments, which I love! As always, your kind words lift my spirits! Thank you! I am very impressed with your knowledge, and my lucky chance to learn something new, like Hans meaning in Hindi, a swan! There is not one occasion, Kaushal, that I don’t learn something fascinating from you! Thank you for your vast knowledge, the man who knows everything!
Joanna
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You are so very welcome, dear Joanna!
It was my pleasure
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Thank you!
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I’m truly delighted that you liked my comments, Joanna, and deeply touched by your kind and generous words. But I’m certainly not someone who knows everything; no one can! In fact, each day teaches us something new. Your weekly posts are rich with knowledge and insight, full of treasures that your followers, myself included, eagerly await and appreciate every week. Thank you, Joanna! You’re always most welcome.
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your generous reply! Your kind words are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Cindy, for your wonderful comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna x
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You’re so very welcome, Joanna. You are a gift to us! ❤️
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Thank you, Cindy, for being so kind!
Joanna x
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❤️🤗❤️
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XXX!
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Hans Christian Andersen has always been one of those writers whose stories stay with you long after you’ve read them. Your picks got me thinking about how books can surprise us long after they were first published. I loved it, Joanna.
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Thank you, Ritish, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Joanna, for your wonderful post on such an inspiring author ;Han Christian Andersen. He was one of my favourite authors who continues to inspire generations with his timeless fairy tales. His portrayal of The Little Mermaid remains in our heart for ever. Also “The Ugly Duckling’ is unforgettable because of its happy ending.The musical videos alongwith the beautiful photos have a magical effect .Thanks again for your inspiring & creative post full of compassion & sentimental expressions,Joanna
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Thank you so much, Dhirendra, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which I love!
Joanna
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In fact, our feedback or response to your amazing creations are ,by no means , in any proportion to your gigantic & painstaking efforts which you put in into your insightful posts mesmerising your readers with the depth of knowledge of the subject you undertake, dear friend! We deeply feel indebted to you for your magical & very well researched topics! Keep in up & God bless you 🙏🏻
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I loved his stories, I still love fairy tales and myths from all over the world. Thank you for sharing a bit about his life. ❤️🙏
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Thank you so much, dear Dhirendra, for being kindness personified!
Namaste!
Joanna
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Thank you, Morag, for your kind comments, which are much appreciated.
Joanna x
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