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The Tragi-Comic and Glorious Fairy Tale of Hans Christian Andersen

By Anita Mathias

Hans Christian Andersen, Munich, 1860. Photograph by Franz Hanfstaengl.

  Last July, I spent a couple of days in Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen–which he left as soon as he could.

Hans Christian Andersen (all three are very common and popular Danish names) was a freak genius, born to a cobbler and a (mildly alcoholic) washerwoman.

Their simple one room cottage had few books–Shakespeare, Grimm and 1001 Nights– but these the pre-teen Andersen soon almost memorized. The inmates of the mental asylum where his grandmother worked told him Danish folk tales.  Even in primary school, he performed Shakespeare plays he’d memorized, with a little toy theatre with puppets, whose clothes he had designed himself. And wrote plays, poems, stories.

School was, nevertheless, full of humiliation because of his ugly, homely appearance, his large nose, and unmasculine pursuits.

His father died when he was eleven and he had to help support the family. He was sent to work in a factory, where he was humiliated by having his trousers pulled down (to check if he was a man) and then apprenticed to a tailor.

At 14, he ran away from home to Copenhagen “to become famous” as he told his mother. He approached the luminaries of the day until a composer, Weyse, who had risen from poverty himself, raised money to enable him to study at the Royal Theatre, though the only role he got was as a troll. He studied at the Ballet School but was told that his ugliness and ungainliness would prevent his getting roles.
He wrote a play, aged 17 (his last hope of having anything to do with the theatre he loved), which brought him to the attention of Jonas Collin, a powerful Court official, and financial director of the Royal Theatre, who realized that Andersen was hampered by his lack of formal education. He arranged an educational fund to be paid by the King of Denmark and sent him to a grammar school in Elsinsore with 11 year olds.

The headmaster was abusive, particularly vicious to Andersen whom he ridiculed and humiliated. Particularly crushingly, he forbade him to write, partly because he was dyslexic, (and so struggled with the long, boring days at school), and partly to crush his literary ambitions which he thought were at odds with his humble origins.  Andersen thought he was going mad because of the abuse, and had nightmares of this headmaster throughout his life.

Andersen persisted for four years, determined to prove worthy of Collins and the King’s interest, but finally wrote a poem “The Dying Child” which became one of the most famous poems of the century. His headmaster pronounced this rubbish, and abused Andersen so vehemently that an alarmed teacher alerted Collin.

Collin arranged for him to return to Copenhagen, where he was given an attic room, and studied with private tutors.

* * *

A year later, aged just 22, he wrote his first book, A Walking Tour from the Holmen Canal to the Eastern Point of Anger. This book, an early Ulysees,  follows a young poet through the streets of Copenhagen over the course of a single night.  Unable to find a publisher, he self-published it, and it was a very successful: every copy sold.

Andersen was a prolific and endlessly creative writer, writing travelogues, fairy tales, novels plays, and three memoirs. He is, of course, best remembered for his  fairy tales which he started writing in high excitement when he was 29.

* * *

Andersen’s Fairy Tales are rich and many-layered, full of humour, satire, wisdom, sharp observation and, above all, poetry. His stories are a literary melange of Danish folk tales, 1001 Nights, Grimm Fairy Tales, but are earthed and anchored in contemporary Copenhagen.  His varied experience in the school of high and low life and hard knocks provided the little intimate realistic detail which make these so charming.

* * *

His writing brought him the things he desired–wealth, the friendship of other writers, entree to high society, travel, and recognition.

There is a bitter-sweet romance and fairy tale about the life of this creator of fairy tales–creative dreams fulfilled, wealth earned, much travel–29 tours of Europe, and the social success and access to high society which Andersen appeared to have craved. He achieved his ambitions and dreams, which so few people do.

 

“A star of fortune hangs above me,” Andersen once wrote. “Thousands have deserved it more than I; often I cannot understand why this good should have been vouchsafed to me among so many thousands. But if the star should set, even while I am penning these lines, be it so; still I can say it has shone, and I have received a rich portion.” 

The star, of course, shone because of his determination and hard work, as well as his genius.

But the wounds of penury, of rejection, humiliation, abuse and exclusion never fully healed. His love, both heterosexual and homoerotic, was always unreciprocated. He was the little mermaid, (Den Lille Havfrau as signs all over Copenhagen tell us) who achieved his dreams at a high price, and then not completely.

* * *

When I was younger, I might have read his life and resolved to work relentlessly to fulfil my own literary dreams. But I now know that while creative and writing dreams fulfilled have their own sweetness, they cannot fill the heart with joy or peace or contentment. For that, I need more than literary dreams fulfilled. For that, I need the Holy Spirit. For that, I need Jesus. For that, I need God himself.

How do I know this? Because I have realized some of my dreams–I’ve studied in the University I wanted to: Oxford; my writing has won prizes and been published; like Andersen, I’ve visited over 29 countries; my little business has been successful; my little blog is growing; I live in the country outside a city I love, Oxford. I am happily married, and have two sweet, gifted children.  And all these things have been satisfying.

But their satisfactions do not compare to the times of soaking in the presence of God, of revelling in Scripture, of hearing the voice of God, of prayer.

And while these times spent playing in the fields of the Lord–because of the goodness of God–might help one’s life resemble a fairy tale with a happy ending, they are, in fact, a true fairy tale in themselves.

Little Anita hangs out with God; Little Anita reads the words of God; Little Anita talks to God, and God talks back. What greater fairy tale?


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  1. Anita Mathias says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    Indeed. Thanks, Ursula, and welcome to my blog. And Oxford. Have you found a good church? Drop me a line if you'd like recommendations. I go to St. Andrew's (which has a lovely 20ies and 30ies group, most singles) and is lovely, though a tad old-fashioned. What are you doing in Oxford?

  2. Ursula says

    July 31, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    “Little Anita hangs out with God; Little Anita reads the words of God; Little Anita talks to God, and God talks back. What greater fairy tale?”

    Well, there isn't a greater fairytale really…is there? Little Anita gets to be the most beloved daughter of the Most High God…you're a walking, talking princess!

    Thanks for the beautiful blog, choosing to live in Oxford this year I can totally appreciate your love of this place, it's a bit like living in a fairytale isn't it?

    How lucky are WE that God chose US to live HERE?

  3. Anita Mathias says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Thanks much MOLLIE and LES.

    I was thinking about how Tolkein's observation that Christianity was a true myth, working on us like all the other myths, but with this difference that it was true was the final pivot in Lewis's conversion.

    And I think learning to pray, learning to hear God's voice and obey his word can work an almost “fairy tale” change in our lives and characters!

  4. Les Norman says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    I really like post, it is beautifully written but you saved the best until last, and that is no fairy tale.

  5. Miss Mollie says

    July 29, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    What a lovely, wonderful post! How often we need reminded, if we have not Jesus, we have nothing.
    I always wonder at gifted, talented and hard working people and how much some of them need Jesus. I see it everywhere and think, oh, if only they had Jesus.
    I still admire the talent and hard work. But I think even Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. He was the wisest man, bedsides Jesus. Yes, let none of it be wasted.

  6. vickywalker says

    July 29, 2012 at 10:24 pm

    If you fancy watching the contemporary dance version it's on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27jyGvHjz7Q&feature=related
    A little bit crazy but fun!

  7. Anita Mathias says

    July 29, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Yes, indeed. I think Jesus words after the multiplication of the loaves, “Let Nothing be Wasted” are a great comfort to writers.

    I think Andersen's experience of the depths and heights of society and of the emotions gave much richness to his writing. And of course his experience of theatre, ballet, the court and high society as well as the working class must have provided a wealth of detail and satirical observation.

    Thanks for your comment. I am planning to reread all Andersen's Fairy Tales.

  8. vickywalker says

    July 29, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    Last year a new ballet was produced telling the story of HCA's The Most Incredible Thing. It was incredible! Inside the clock that became the Most Incredible Thing were many things including Adam and Eve, the 4 seasons, the 10 Commandments etc. After reading how he wanted to be part of the arts and ballet in particular it's amazing how these desires live on, and such a redemptive story is still being appreciated. Thanks for sharing. Bless Hans.

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anita.mathias

https://anitamathias.com/.../on-using-anger-as-a-t https://anitamathias.com/.../on-using-anger-as-a-trigger.../ link in bio
Hi friends, Here's my latest podcast meditation. I'm meditating through the Gospel of Matthew.
Do not judge, Jesus says, and you too will escape harsh judgement. So once again, he reiterates a law of human life and of the natural world—sowing and reaping. 
Being an immensely practical human, Jesus realises that we are often most “triggered” when we observe our own faults in other people. And the more we dwell on the horrid traits of people we know in real life, politicians, or the media or internet-famous, the more we risk mirroring their unattractive traits. 
So, Jesus suggests that, whenever we are intensely annoyed by other people to immediately check if we have the very same fault. And to resolve to change that irritating trait in ourselves. 
Then, instead of wasting time in fruitless judging, we will experience personal change.
And as for us who have been judgey, we still live “under the mercy” in Charles Williams’ phrase. We must place the seeds we have sown into the garden of our lives so far into God’s hands and ask him to let the thistles and thorns wither and the figs and grapes bloom. May it be so!
Spring in England= Joy=Bluebells=Singing birds. I Spring in England= Joy=Bluebells=Singing birds. I love it.
Here are some images of Shotover Park, close to C. S. Lewis's house, and which inspired bits of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. Today, however, it's covered in bluebells, and loud with singing birds.
And, friends, I've been recording weekly podcast meditations on the Gospel of Matthew. It's been fun, and challenging to settle down and think deeply, and I hope you'll enjoy them.
I'm now in the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus details all the things we are not to worry about at all, one of which is food--too little, or too much, too low in calories, or too high. We are, instead, to do everything we do in his way (seek first the Kingdom and its righteousness, and all this will fall into place!).
Have a listen: https://anitamathias.com/2023/05/03/do-not-worry-about-what-to-eat-jesus/ and link in bio
“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. Or a king on his coronation day.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 
Of course, today, we are more likely to worry that sugary ultra-processed foods everywhere will lead to weight gain and compromise our health. But Jesus says, “Don’t worry,” and in the same sermon (on the mount), suggests other strategies…like fasting, which brings a blessing from God, for instance, while burning stored fat. And seeking God’s kingdom, as Jesus recommends, could involve getting fit on long solitary prayer walks, or while walking with friends, as well as while keeping up with a spare essentialist house, and a gloriously over-crowded garden. Wild birds eat intuitively and never gain weight; perhaps, the Spirit, on request, will guide us to the right foods for our metabolisms. 
I’ve recorded a meditation on these themes (with a transcript!). https://anitamathias.com/2023/05/03/do-not-worry-about-what-to-eat-jesus/
https://anitamathias.com/2023/05/03/do-not-worry-a https://anitamathias.com/2023/05/03/do-not-worry-about-what-to-eat-jesus/
Jesus advised his listeners--struggling fishermen, people living on the edge, without enough food for guests, not to worry about what they were going to eat. Which, of course, is still shiningly relevant today for many. 
However, today, with immense societal pressure to be slender, along with an obesogenic food environment, sugary and carby food everywhere, at every social occasion, Jesus’s counsel about not worrying about what we will eat takes on an additional relevance. Eat what is set about you, he advised his disciples, as they went out to preach the Gospel. In this age of diet culture and weight obsession, Jesus still shows us how to live lightly, offering strategies like fasting (which he promises brings us a reward from God). 
What would Jesus’s way of getting fitter and healthier be? Fasting? Intuitive spirit-guided eating? Obeying the great commandment to love God by praying as we walk? Listening to Scripture or excellent Christian literature as we walk, thanks to nifty headphones. And what about the second commandment, like the first—to love our neighbour as ourselves? Could we get fitter running an essentialist household? Keeping up with the garden? Walking with friends? Exercising to be fit enough to do what God has called us to do?
This meditation explores these concerns. #dietculture #jesus #sermononthemount #meditation #excercise #thegreatcommandment #dontworry 
https://anitamathias.com/2023/05/03/do-not-worry-about-what-to-eat-jesus/
Kefalonia—it was a magical island. Goats and she Kefalonia—it was a magical island. Goats and sheep with their musical bells; a general ambience of relaxation; perfect, pristine, beaches; deserted mountains to hike; miles of aimless wandering in landscapes of spring flowers. I loved it!
And, while I work on a new meditation, perhaps have a listen to this one… which I am meditating on because I need to learn it better… Jesus’s tips on how to be blessed by God, and become happy!! https://anitamathias.com/2023/04/25/happy-are-the-merciful-for-they-shall-be-shown-mercy/ #kefalonia #family #meditation #goats
So… just back from eight wonderful days in Kefal So… just back from eight wonderful days in Kefalonia. All four of us were free at the same time, so why not? Sun, goats, coves, bays, caves, baklava, olive bread, magic, deep relaxation.
I hadn’t realised that I needed a break, but having got there, I sighed deeply… and relaxed. A beautiful island.
And now… we’re back, rested. It’s always good to sink into the words of Jesus, and I just have. Here’s a meditation on Jesus’s famous Beatitudes, his statements on who is really happy or blessed, which turns our value judgements on their heads. I’d love it if you listened or read it. Thanks, friends.
https://anitamathias.com/2023/04/25/happy-are-the-merciful-for-they-shall-be-shown-mercy/
#kefalonia #beatitudes #meditation #family #sun #fun
https://anitamathias.com/2023/04/25/happy-are-the- https://anitamathias.com/2023/04/25/happy-are-the-merciful-for-they-shall-be-shown-mercy/
Meditating on a “beatitude.”… Happy, makarios, or blessed are the merciful, Jesus says, articulating the laws of sowing and reaping which underlie the universe, and human life.
Those who dish out mercy, and go through life gently and kindly, have a happier, less stressful experience of life, though they are not immune from the perils of our broken planet, human greed polluting our environment and our very cells, deceiving and swindling us. The merciless and unkind, however, sooner or later, find the darkness and trouble they dish out, haunting them in turn.
Sowing and reaping, is, of course, a terrifying message for us who have not always been kind and merciful!
But the Gospel!... the tender Fatherhood of God, the fact that the Lord Christ offered to bear the sentence, the punishment for the sins of the world-proportionate because of his sinlessness.  And in that divine exchange, streams of mercy now flow to us, slowly changing the deep structure of our hearts, minds, and characters.
And so, we can go through life gently and mercifully, relying on Jesus and his Holy Spirit to begin and complete the work of transformation in us, as we increasingly become gentle, radiant children of God.
Beautiful England. And a quick trip with Irene. A Beautiful England. And a quick trip with Irene.
And, here’s a link to a meditation I’ve recorded on the power of Christ’s resurrection, for us, today… and, as always, there’s a transcript, for those who’d rather read it.
https://anitamathias.com/2023/04/13/the-power-in-christs-resurrection-for-us-today/
#england #beautifulengland #meditation
Hi Friends, I've recorded a new meditation for Ea Hi Friends,
I've recorded a new meditation for Easter. Here's a link to the recording, and as always, there's a transcript if you'd rather read it. And I have an attempt at a summary below!!
https://anitamathias.com/2023/04/13/the-power-in-christs-resurrection-for-us-today/
“Do not be afraid,” is the first sentence the risen Christ says. Because his resurrection frees him from the boundaries of space and time, in each room we enter, Christ is with us--and his Spirit, who helps us change our hearts, our characters, and our lives. 
The seismic power which raised Christ from the dead is now available to us, for the issues of our lives, helping us conquer addictions, bad habits, and distressing character traits.
We access this dynamite power by practising prayer. We need, first of all, to slow down, and bathe and saturate our lives in prayer, praying for wisdom and blessing for, before, and during everything we do. 
And as God answers, our faith progressively increases, our characters change, and we begin to experience God’s miracles in our lives.
And a prayer:
Oh God of resurrection, 
Come with your dynamite power into our lives.
We put our old dreams and our new ones into your hands.
Bring them to life. Make them glow. 
Come like a mighty burst of spring into our lives
Bringing apparently dead relationships, dreams, 
The things we once loved, 
And all our dormant potential to radiant life.
We put our lives into your hands.
Make them beautiful.
Come Lord Jesus.
Amen
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