Hans Christian Andersen (1952) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Hans entertains Odense children with fairy tales

   In the 1830s, Hans Christian Andersen spends his days spinning fairy tales for the village children in Odense. His stories enchant the youngsters but draw the ire of the stern schoolmaster. The town's leaders worry the tales are distracting the students.

   When

   1830s

   Where

   Odense

2. 2

   Town officials order Hans out of Odense

   The schoolmaster pleads with the Burgomaster and councilmen to curb Hans's storytelling. Faced with the dispute, the council decides that Hans must leave Odense. Hans's bright future in the town is abruptly halted.

   When

   1830s

   Where

   Odense

3. 3

   Hans and Peter head to Copenhagen to seek a new start

   Hans and his teenage assistant Peter decide to travel to Copenhagen to escape the town's ban. They prepare for a sea voyage, seeking a new start in the capital. The decision marks the first step toward a life in the wider world of theater.

   When

   1830s

   Where

   Odense

4. 4

   Arrival in Copenhagen and the arrest at the Great Square

   Upon arriving in Copenhagen, they make for the Great Square and Hans stands atop a king statue to address the crowd. His bold act leads to an arrest for defaming the image of their leader. Peter hides near the Royal Theatre and overhears choreographer Niels arranging to free Hans.

   When

   arrival

   Where

   Copenhagen – Great Square

5. 5

   Peter overhears the plan to free Hans

   Peter seeks refuge by the back entrance of the Royal Theatre and overhears Niels demanding that a company producer fetch a cobbler to free Hans. The plan hinges on quick, secret maneuvering to rescue him from custody. The tension escalates as Hans's fate hangs in the balance.

   When

   that day

   Where

   Royal Theatre vicinity, Copenhagen

6. 6

   Hans is bailed out and introduced to the theatre

   Hans is bailed out by the theatre company and brought to the theatre, where he becomes entranced by a Royal Danish Ballet rehearsal. He is drawn to the beauty and talent of the company, especially Doro, the lead ballerina. The encounter foreshadows a complicated romance.

   When

   the night of bail

   Where

   Royal Theatre, Copenhagen

7. 7

   Doro lends slippers and Hans falls for her

   Doro gives Hans the slippers she uses, and his infatuation deepens as he watches the dancers. Peter discovers that Niels and Doro are happily married, despite their quarrels, complicating Hans's feelings. The moment cements the unrequited nature of his love.

   When

   evening

   Where

   Royal Theatre, Copenhagen

8. 8

   Hans writes The Little Mermaid as a love letter

   Hans writes a love letter to Doro in the form of a fable called The Little Mermaid, telling her that she has chosen the wrong man. That night, while Peter secretly reads the letter, a gust of wind carries it into the theatre and a doorman delivers it to Doro. The gesture intertwines his art with his longing.

   When

   that night

   Where

   Theatre, Copenhagen

9. 9

   The ballet tour begins; Hans returns to storytelling

   The ballet company sets off on its annual tour, leaving Hans bereft. He finds solace by entertaining a new group of children with his stories as he counts the days by making bright satin slippers for his absent ballerina. The writer's art remains his refuge.

   When

   during the tour

   Where

   Various venues on the tour

10. 10

    Hans meets Lars and tells the Ugly Duckling

    One day, Lars, a sad boy, remains behind after the others tease him. Hans tells him the tale of the Ugly Duckling, illustrating how ostracism can turn to beauty. He also keeps busy by crafting pairs of satin slippers for his absent ballerina.

    When

    during the tour

    Where

    With the children on tour

11. 11

    The Gazette invites publication of Ugly Duckling

    Lars's father, the publisher of the Gazette, invites Hans to publish The Ugly Duckling in the newspaper. Hans rejoices and asks that his credit be changed to 'Hans Christian Andersen'. The moment marks a turning point toward wider recognition.

    When

    during the tour

    Where

    Gazette office

12. 12

    Doro reveals the ballet based on The Little Mermaid

    Doro tells Hans that the company has created a ballet based on his story The Little Mermaid, which he believes is a sign of her love. The next day, Peter warns that Doro might humiliate him, and Hans suggests they part ways to avoid further heartbreak. He heads to the opening of the new ballet.

    When

    the evening after the invitation

    Where

    Copenhagen – theatre

13. 13

    Opening night: Hans is locked in a closet

    During the opening night, Hans tries to deliver Doro's slippers backstage, but Niels locks him in a closet to stop him from disrupting the performance. Hans listens to the music and dreams of his own tale as the ballet unfolds on stage. The tension between art, love, and pride comes to a head.

    When

    opening night

    Where

    Theatre, Copenhagen

14. 14

    Morning after: revelations and departure

    The morning after, Doro confronts the romance and learns that Hans's feelings may be unreciprocated. Niels continues to belittle him by offering money for The Little Mermaid, which Hans refuses. He leaves in sorrow, heading back toward Odense with his friend Peter by his side.

    When

    the day after opening night

    Where

    Theatre / on the road to Odense

15. 15

    Return to Odense as a celebrity storyteller

    Back in Odense, Hans is greeted as a celebrity and regales the townspeople, including the schoolmaster, with his now-famous moral tales. He returns to his craft richer for his experiences and ready to share his fairy tales with a wider audience.

    When

    post-tour

    Where

    Odense