Hans Christian Andersen (Danish: [ˈhanˀs ˈkʁæsdjan ˈɑnɐsn̩]; often referred to in Scandinavia as H. C. Andersen; April 2, 1805 – August 4, 1875) was a Danish author and poet. Although a writer of many plays, travel journals, books, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen’s popularity is not limited to children; his stories—called eventyr, or “fairy-tales”—express themes that appeal to people of any age and from any country.

Andersen’s fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become very well known around the world, appeal to children, but also teach lessons of doing good and being strong when things are bad for adults also. Some of his most famous fairy tales include “The Little Mermaid”, “The Ugly Duckling”, “The Nightingale”, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and many more. His stories have been made into plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.