Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, consisting of 156 stories across nine volumes, have been translated into more than 125 languages and have inspired ballets, plays, and animated and live-action films. Some of his most popular works include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", "The Nightingale", "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", "The Red Shoes", "The Princess and the Pea", "The Snow Queen", "The Little Match Girl", and "Thumbelina".
Born in Odense, Denmark, Andersen attended grammar school in Slagelse. He would later reflect that his years at this school were the darkest and most bitter years of his life. At one point, he lived at his schoolmaster's home. There he was abused and was told that it was done in order "to improve his character". He later said that the faculty had discouraged him from writing, which then resulted in depression for young Hans Christian.
The tale of The Ugly Duckling, published in November, 1843 is the story of a plain-looking little bird, born in a barnyard. He is ridiculed, teased and picked on for being ugly. Even his family wished that “the farm cat would get him” and that “he had never been born”. He finally decides to run away, and at the risk of being killed, approaches a flock of swans, where, to his amazement, he realizes his true identity.
One of the most important messages from the story reads: “It doesn't matter about being born in a duckyard, as long as you are hatched from a swan's egg”. The story of reflection and self-realization is timeless, and resonates with all who have, at some point, but especially in childhood, felt alone, misunderstood, unloved, unimportant, undesirable, too fat, too thin, too tall, too short, too ugly or unwanted in any number of ways, who learn and realize their true identity. It speaks to the inner greatness within each of us; to the Divine in every soul.
Filling System: Standard International Cartridge / Converter (Included) / Eye Dropper
Nib: 18kt Gold
Click Here To View A Video Explaining This Collection By David Oscarson Himself
