Stories do have a way of following us around our entire lives, correct? Well, some of these stories deserve a special mention.
Hans Christian Andersen’s stories have an inevitable place in the history of the most famous fairy tales.
This astounding creator started writing in the 1820s, and like many notable writers, Andersen also went through bitter occurrences in life, which helped him produce quality writing. Read on to learn more about him!
1. Hans Christian Andersen’s Stories
Those who might not be familiar with Andersen’s name must have gone through his classics in some other forms, like bedtime stories, animated films, or movies.
Disney-adapted works like Frozen, Thumbelina, or The Ugly Duckling have become more popular than the real Andersen stories.
Here Are Some Films Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s Stories:
- Thumbelina
- Frozen
- The Little Mermaid
- The Little Fir Tree
- Through the Picture Frame
- The Emperor’s Nightingale
- Fantasia 2000
- The Ugly Duckling
- The Little Matchgirl
- The Emperor’s New Groove
- The Red Shoes
- The Princess and the Pea
Most of ‘Hans Christian Andersen’s stories’ are meant for little ones, but one cannot blow off his roles as a playwright, novelist, poet, or travelogue writer.
Talent is a God-given gift, and it is believed that the unfurling of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories was predestined. They have been translated into more than 125 languages. All in all, Andersen wrote 156 stories besides his other works.
2. Criticism of Hans Christian Andersen’s Stories
History has witnessed man’s failure to appreciate talents at the right moment many times, and the same happened with Hans Christian Andersen’s stories when he started writing fairy stories.
As per investigators in literature, he had to lead a complicated life with turns and twists like some dramas.
Andersen was born in Denmark in 1805 and had to suffer hardships throughout his life. On August 4, 1875, he died in Copenhagen due to an injury that had made him bedridden for two years.
Like other talented writers, Hans Christian Andersen also was sensitive to matters, especially to criticism.
Unfortunately, he was misunderstood in his native place – Denmark. He was mercilessly and heartlessly criticized by the Dane critics.
3. Hans Christian Andersen Stories Inspired Classics
1. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
2. Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
3. The Snow Queen
In many contexts, one can watch dejection, misery, or desolation in his works, just like Thumbelina’s torturous experiences throughout her life or The Ugly Ducklings’ unpretentious childhood.
Some of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories were even turned into songs as well, like:
* “There once was an Ugly Duckling…”
* “Thumbelina, Thumbelina, tiny little thing….”
* “ The King is in the altogether…….”
Besides movies, Hans Christian Andersen’s stories have become sources of inspiration for plays, ballets, and video games.
Some of his immortal Christmas tales are:
- The Little Match Girl
- The Snow Man
- The Fir Tree
- The Snow Queen
Hans Christian Andersen is an inherent writer, and according to critics, Hans Christian Andersen’s stories might have been given some personal touch, especially in the downcast stories.
Andersen was a natural writer who broke orthodox concepts about writing. His travelogues were received with wide acclaim as he was a penetrating traveler and a man with distinguished style.
4. Here Are Some Stories Of Hans Christian Andersen
1. Emperor’s New Clothes
This simple story, published in 1837, discusses narcissism and societal rebuff; the title itself has become an idiom. The tale inspired people all over the world and was adapted into multilingual films and other media.
2. The Nightingale
“The most beautiful things in the world are free.” But one should open his inner eyes to cherish them; one should appreciate nature and natural things.
The story of The Nightingale is all about man’s greed and selfishness.
3. The Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling is all about self-transformation, and some critics consider it a selfhood story. But it is one of his most popular stories and was republished all over the world.
4. The Snow Queen
It is the victory of good over evil and love and redemption. This fairy tale was a source of inspiration for many operas, theatrical films, television series, and many video games.
5. The Little Mermaid
Disney’s adaption made this story more popular; it has many other adaptations, such as the opera ‘Rusalka’ and the animated film ‘Ponyo.’
Disney ended the story with a happy ending, though Andersen’s climax was different. Watch today and get mesmerized by its beauty!
6. The Wicked Prince
This story can be categorized under science fiction; he introduced some technical inventions in this story.
This is also one of the darkest Andersen fairy tales. The wicked prince was able to capture all the kings and countries, but his desire to conquer Heaven taught him a lesson.
7. The Steadfast Tin Soldier
This is one of his heart-touching stories about bravery and selflessness. Disney’s animated film Fantasia 2000 is an adaptation of The Tin Soldier.
Disney changed the real storyline in the animated film.
8. The Tinderbox
The Tinderbox is a story quite similar to Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp from the ‘Arabian Nights written by this Danish author.
Though Danish critics did not favor this story for not following traditional ways, this story has a positive ending. It was the subject of the first Danish animated feature film in 1946.
9. The Princess and the Pea
This story was also rejected by the Danes for its unorthodox style, but it has all those qualities to capture the readers. Children can find this fairy tale interesting.
This is one of the short stories of a prince who wants to marry a princess.
10. The Flying Trunk
It is another example of Andersen’s love for Arabian Nights. In 1993, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen organized an amusement ride based on this story.
The musical adaptation of this tale won the National Youth Arts Award in 2014.
11. Thumbelina
Thumbelina got her name because of her thumb-sized figure. Once Thumbelina met a charming prince with wings, she had to go through many hardships to live with the charming prince.
This is an evergreen Andersen fairy tale. Like most of Andersen’s fairy tales, loneliness is the theme of this story.
12. The Red Shoes
The Red Shoes is a little bit different from the typical bedtime stories for children. Although, it may not be a pleasant story for little ones as it is one of the darkest Andersen fairy tales.
Conclusion
Hans Christian Andersen’s tales are worth it for both adults and kids as they break age barriers. His bedtime stories are the combination of his innate abilities and insightful approach.
