Hans Christian Andersen

INTRODUCTION

I´m going to talk about the life and works of one man who is considered The worlds
greatest fairytales writer: Hans Christian Andersen.

I explain to you some aspects of his Life ( Childhood – Times in Copenhagen – Love –
Trips and Death ) Works and Legacy

1 - LIFE

1.1 - CHILDHOOD

Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805,( the second of april) in Odense,
Denmark. His father was a shoemaker and his mother a washerwoman, and he was the
first Danish author to emerge from the lowest class.
Andersen's own life had some of the aspects of a fairy tale: he was born in poor family
and he died as a rich and famous man.

In his book “The Tale of my life” he said that the life was the most beautiful tale you
could write”

In another book, “The true story of my life”, he related that when he was a child, he
really had enjoyed listening danish folk tales that his grandmother told him.

If Andersen had chosen a profession, he would have been an actor.

He memorized scenes from plays and poems and loved to declaim them to anyone
who'd listen; he also loved dancing and singing, in fact he was known as the
Nightingale of Odense), (and this talent in particular began to open doors for him.)

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1.2 – COPENHAGEN

When Andersen was 11, his father died, leaving the family more destitute than ever.
At the age of 14, he left home, travelling alone to Copenhagen to make his fame and
fortune.

After years of difficulties, finally he was helped by John Collins who was one of the
directors of the Royal Theatre of Copenhagen. Collin raised money to send him to
school and afterwards(// later) Andersen could be admitted in the university.

1.3 – LOVE

Andersen courted two women during his lifetime: the sister of a student friend, who
soon became engaged to another, and the Swedish singer Jenny Lind, who could offer
him only friendship. One of his stories, "The Nightingale", was written to express his
passion for Lind.
( If she had accepted, Andersen have been married)

1. 4 - TRIPS

H.C. Andersen was in 29 different trips abroad all over the world, (and some of them
lasted for several months.)

In one of his book, he wrote that travellling was not only for fun or love, but also to
learn.

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1.5 - END

In 1867, when he was 62 years old, Hans Christian Andersen returned to Odense. He

was welcome as a celebrity person, like a king.

(He once wrote that stars of fortune hung above him.)

Andersen died in 1875, and his stories live on.

2 – WORKS

Although today Andersen is primarily known as a writer of stories for children, during
his lifetime not only he wrote fairytales, but also novels, travel journals,
autobiographies, poems and plays.

Some of the best-loved fairy tales of all times have been written by Hans Christian
Andersen: The Little Mermaid, The Wild Swans, The Princess and the Pea, The
Emperor's New Clothes, The Nightingale, The Ugly Duckling, The Steadfast Tin
Soldier, The Red Shoes, The Snow Queen (his masterpiece), and many others.

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3 - LEGACY

The most prestigious award in children's books is called the Hans Christian Andersen
Medal,

In the Copenhagen harbor there is a statue of The Little Mermaid, placed in honour of
Hans Christian Andersen.

April 2, Andersen's birthday, is celebrated as International Children's Book Day.

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 4 - ACTIVIDAD

READ EXTRACT FOR TALES AND THE CHILDREN MUST TO IDENTIFY IT

1 - The Princess and the pea

There was a prince, and he wanted a princess, but then she must be a real Princess ...

2 - The Emperor's New Clothes

Many years ago there was an Emperor, who was so loved of new clothes…

3 - The Little Mermaid

Far out at sea the water is as blue as the bluest cornflower, and as clear as the clearest
crystal ...

4 - The Nightingale

In China, as you know, the Emperor is a Chinaman, and all the people around him are
Chinamen too ...

5 - The Red Shoes

There was a little girl who was very pretty and delicate, but in summer she was forced
to run about with bare feet,