HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN - FAMOUS BIPOLAR AUTHOR
Danish poet and author, Hans Christian Andersen is known for his famous children’s stories he published. H.C. Andersen, as he is referred to in Denmark published popular children stories such as “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”, “The Snow Queen”, “Thumbelina”, “The Little Mermaid” and many others. His stories were translated into 150 different languages, and fetched him a lot of royalty during his lifetime. His stories also inspired animated films, motion pictures, plays and ballets. Hans was born on 2nd April, 1805 in Odese, Denmark.
Hans started life by working as a weaver’s apprentice and then as a tailor’s apprentice. He moved to Copenhagen at the age of 14 to be employed as an actor. He was employed into the Royal Danish Theatre as he had a soprano voice at the time. However, his voice soon changed and then he decided to give writing a try.
Andersen’s Success came in 1829, when he published a short story “A journey on Foot from Holmen’s Canal to the East Point of Amager”. The same year, he published a collection of poems and a comedy. The then King gave him a grant which enabled him to begin his tour of Europe. He toured Italy, Switzerland, and Rome. He published his first novel “The Improvisatore” earned him instant fame. The same year, he published his first set of fairy tales, followed by two other volumes. Andersen took a trip to England where he enjoyed a lot of success. He was invited by the Countess of Blessington to her parties, where he met many famous people including Charles Dickens.
Andersen made references to an unattainable woman in many of his stories. It is believe that he fell in love with this character and is believed to have inspired many of his writings. He was said to have written many love letters to Riborg Voigt, the love of his youth, and he died holding a pouch of those letters to his chest. Andersen was disappointed by Sophie Orsted and Louise Collin. He was also believed to also be interested by some men as he wrote a love letter to Edward Collin.
Andersen is believed to have suffered bipolar disorder. It is believed that most of his writings were inspired by being depressed from disappointments by women he loved. Andersen himself stated that he was depressed during his days at school. He suffered dyslexia and was discouraged from writing. He added that whiles staying at the headmaster’s house, he was constantly abused, “to improve his character”. That caused him to snap in and out of depression.
Andersen fell from his bed and was hurt, but never recovered fully. He was however able to live for more than two years before he died.
Andersen was acclaimed internationally and considered a treasure. The Danish gave him a stipend during his lifetime. A large statue was erected in his memory in the town hall square of Copenhagen. Other monuments built in his honor include a statue of The Little Mermaid at the Copenhagen harbor, a statue in honor of his visit stands in Bratislava, Slovakia and many more. His birthday, April 2nd is celebrated as the International Children’s Day.