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

By: 10 Blessings I’m Thankful for on Thanksgiving | Dreaming Beneath the Spires

10 Blessings I’m Thankful for on Thanksgiving | Dreaming Beneath the Spires — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:21:38 +0000

[…] it this year. Ffald-y-Brenin in Wales, the New Forest, magical Istanbul in April, Ireland in June, Denmark in August, and equally magical Luxembourg and Germany in October. (And I’ve worked hard between trips, I […]

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:55:41 +0000

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?

By: Ursula

Ursula — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:04:39 +0000

"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?

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:34:57 +0000

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!

By: Les Norman

Les Norman — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:02:23 +0000

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

By: Miss Mollie

Miss Mollie — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:49:48 +0000

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.

By: vickywalker

vickywalker — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:24:36 +0000

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!

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:17:02 +0000

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.

By: vickywalker

vickywalker — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 21:28:20 +0000

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.