Denmark has a rich fairy tale tradition, largely thanks to one of the most famous storytellers in history: Hans Christian Andersen. His stories have enchanted readers worldwide for generations, filled with deep emotions, magical settings, and powerful life lessons. Below are five of the most iconic Danish fairy tales, each leaving a lasting mark on global folklore.

1. The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)

One of Andersen’s most beloved tales, The Little Mermaid tells the story of a young mermaid who longs to live on land and win the love of a human prince. She makes a painful bargain with a sea witch, trading her voice for legs, but her sacrifice goes unrewarded. Unlike the happy Disney adaptation, Andersen’s original tale ends tragically, as the mermaid ultimately dissolves into sea foam. This story explores themes of unrequited love, sacrifice, and the consequences of longing for something beyond one’s reach.

2. The Ugly Duckling (Den Grimme Ælling)

A story about transformation and self-acceptance, The Ugly Duckling follows a bird who is rejected and bullied for looking different. Through perseverance, he eventually discovers that he is not an ugly duckling, but a beautiful swan. This fairy tale has become a universal metaphor for personal growth and resilience, showing that true beauty comes with time and self-discovery.

3. The Nightingale (Nattergalen)

This touching story follows a Chinese emperor who becomes captivated by the song of a real nightingale. However, when he is gifted a mechanical bird, he discards the real one, only to later realize that no imitation can replace the natural beauty of the real thing. The tale serves as a powerful allegory for appreciating authenticity over artificiality and recognizing the true value of things before it’s too late.

4. The Snow Queen (Snedronningen)

A long and adventurous tale, The Snow Queen tells the story of a young girl, Gerda, who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her friend Kai from the clutches of the icy-hearted Snow Queen. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges but remains steadfast in her love and determination. The story is filled with themes of good versus evil, the power of love, and the endurance of friendship. It also served as inspiration for Disney’s Frozen.

5. The Wild Swans (De Vilde Svaner)

This fairy tale follows a young princess, Elisa, whose eleven brothers are cursed by their wicked stepmother and transformed into swans. In order to break the spell, Elisa must endure tremendous suffering, including weaving magical shirts from stinging nettles and remaining silent for years. Despite her hardships, she succeeds in saving her brothers through her selflessness and resilience. The story highlights the power of sacrifice, love, and perseverance.