Andersen, Hans Christian: - Hans Christian Andersen, born on April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark, came from a humble background but went on to become a celebrated author worldwide. His father, a poor shoemaker, encouraged his creativity, while his mother, a washerwoman, shared stories that inspired Andersen's imagination. At 14, he moved to Copenhagen to pursue a career in the arts, initially aspiring to act, sing, and dance, though his real passion soon shifted to writing.Andersen gained early recognition for his novels and poetry, but it was his fairy tales that truly solidified his legacy. In 1835, he published Fairy Tales Told for Children, featuring enduring stories like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling." These tales reflected his unique ability to convey complex emotions through simple language, touching on themes of resilience, acceptance, and compassion, which resonated with both children and adults.Throughout his life, Andersen traveled extensively, and his experiences influenced his writing. Although he became famous and widely admired, he often felt like an outsider, which echoed in many of his stories. Andersen passed away on August 4, 1875, in Copenhagen, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire readers and artists worldwide.