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DENMARK | Funen, Denmark Travel Guide
Monday, December 23, 2024
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Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen, Odense, Denmark
Hans Christian Andersen
Storyteller Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense in 1805 and, although he lived most of his life in Copenhagen, there is no mistaking his real hometown when you visit Odense. When the now world-famous writer was born, the city was the second-biggest in Denmark with 6,000 people. Odense was also a poor city and often referred to as “the city of beggars.” Andersen himself grew up under poor circumstances and spent much of his childhood by himself, reading fairytales and other stories.
Odense was at the time the only city in Denmark besides Copenhagen with a theater and Andersen spent a great deal of time there, which triggered his interest. At age 14 he left home and went to Copenhagen where he wanted to pursue a career in acting.
Despite some setbacks in the beginning, he would eventually become successful, although not as an actor. Instead, he discovered his true calling in writing. Many of his stories had biographical elements and perhaps his most famous work today is the story of the ugly duckling.
Andersen was seen as ugly by many, including himself; he was a tall, lanky fellow, measuring 1.85 m (6 feet 1 inch) at a time when the average height was about 1.60 m (5 feet 3 inches).
Andersen spent a total of nine years abroad, traveling to find inspiration for his books and to meet interesting people. He became popular in England and was often invited to parties and balls when he visited. An Englishman who wasn’t impressed with Andersen, however, was Charles Dickens. He invited him to stay at his house but became frustrated with the Dane’s poor knowledge of English and found him quite boring.
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