Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen — cover

Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales is a collection of short stories written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1835.

This is one of the jewels of children's literature, a series of stories that have transcended generations and endure to this day; stories that perfectly blend profound lessons with magic and fantasy, and have entertained and taught valuable lessons to readers around the world for many decades.

Discover dreamlike landscapes, enchanted castles, or mysterious forests inhabited by lovable characters who overcome challenges while learning life lessons.

These are not just adventures, but small reflections on humanity, kindness, and the value of being yourself.

The book contains 152 stories. Some of Hans Christian Andersen's most important or famous stories included in the collection are

  • The Emperor's New Suit (often known as "The Emperor's New Clothes")
  • The Little Mermaid
  • The Ugly Duckling
  • The Snow Queen
  • The Princess and the Pea (often just "The Princess on the Pea")

"In the garden all the apple-trees were in blossom. They had hastened to bring forth flowers before they got green leaves, and in the yard all the ducklings walked up and down, and the cat too: it basked in the sun and licked the sunshine from its own paws."

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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans

Pages
944
Reading time
31 hours 11 minutes
Pace
Varies
First published
1835
Language
Danish
Downloads
4,573

191 years later, still timely

Why Read Fairy Tales in 2026?

Tender, strange, and often bittersweet. Andersen wrote stories that respect a child’s seriousness—and an adult’s capacity to feel.

Today's connection

These are not all happy endings; they are honest ones. Ideal for read-alouds and for discussing empathy, sacrifice, and wonder without sugarcoating.

Wonder with weight

Magic serves meaning, not the reverse.

Compassion learned

Suffering is seen, not exploited.

Voice for the ear

Rhythms made to be told.

Perfect for Children Folklore Enthusiasts Readers of Classic Literature

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About the author

Portrait of Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen · 1805–1875

Fairy tales with clean emotion, irony, and the courage to be tender.

1 books by Hans Christian Andersen in the library →

If this one stays with you…

From Fairy Tales

If you looked down to the bottom of my soul, you would understand fully the source of my longing and – pity me. Even the open, transparent lake has its unknown depths, which no divers know.

555

To be of use to the world is the only way to be happy.

549

There was a proud Teapot, proud of being made of porcelain, proud of its long spout and its broad handle. It had something in front of it and behind it; the spout was in front, and the handle behind, and that was what it talked about. But it didn't mention its lid, for it was cracked and it was riveted and full of defects, and we don't talk about our defects - other people do that. The cups, the cream pitcher, the sugar bowl - in fact, the whole tea service - thought much more about the defects in the lid and talked more about it than about the sound handle and the distinguished spout. The Teapot knew this.

536

Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

533

Does all the beauty of the world stop when you die?" "No," said the Old Oak; "it will last much longer - longer than I can even think of." "Well, then," said the little May-fly, "we have the same time to live; only we reckon differently.

532

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