FAIRYLAND FANCIES

Evening Star, Issue 22805, 13 November 1937, Page 10

FAIRYLAND FANCIES

TALES OF HANS ANDERSEN A REMARKABLE LIFE A few days ago I caught a well-known business executive with his nose buried in an exciting fairy tale! (writes Stanley Powell in the ‘Australasian’). Laughingly, he told me he gets a lot of fun from them. What, then, must children receive from the fascinating tales of the laj-J of “ make-believe ” P •Most famous of fairyland writers was Hans Andersen. His private life was a remarkable one. In 1843 Hans Andersen , found himself being feted like a king. He was entertained at the exclusive salons of Paris. People fought like timers to get into the halls to hear him speak about bis whimsical lands inhabited by princesses, princes, good and bad fairies, goblins, and so on. Even Dumas, the celebrated author, took the opportunity of personally introducing Andersen to this Parisian life. Back in 1805 Andersen was born in the little Danish village of Odense. His grandfather had died insane, his father was a poor cobbler, and his mother was an illiterate woman. From this queer mixture arose Hans to thrill children the world over with his wondrous tales. The village folk thought Hans rather “ peculiar.” But, while the local people vented their spite upon poor Hans, an old fortune-teller said it was written that “Hans would have the village illuminated in his honour, and he would rise high in the world.” Strange words, indeed. And they came true! Moreover, the one who uttered that curious prophesy lived to see its wonderful sequel. In his childhood days Hans was given a copy of Shaksepeare by a friend of his family. The book and its characters held him in rapt attention. Then he acquired some dolls. He made others and built up a collection. Then he started to imagine things happening to his dolls. The more that died, the better he was pleased. His first writings concerned his dolls, but met with stony reception from the family. Neighbours, however, took pity oh him, and gave him more books. The great moment of his young life was when the Royal players from Copenhagen appeared in Odense. Making acquaintance with the actors, Hans told of his ambitions. As a result the boy fought against the objection of the parents, and was off to the city so far away. He met failure. The director pointed out the defects of the lad’s thin figure, his poor speech, and his untidy appearance. Lack or proper education was his stumbling block. After trying various singing offices, Hans at last called on Dahlen, head of the Royal Dancing School.

He dealt more kindly with the boy and rend one of his plays. The boy acted the part, but it was all wrong. Then, like a flash, it occurred to Hans that he was destined to write. Miserable failures were followed by a minor success with a published play. He next wrote a mlay called ‘ Alfsol.’ Night after night he lay awake reading it over to better it. With this play tucked in a pocket he made contact with a King’s Counsellor, who later “ fathered ” him. It was a weary struggle. Then Hans discovered that ho had some gift for personification, and could make birds, cate, and animals talk and act their parts in his writings! That was the fateful step which led to success. One was produced in a vaudeville show in 1829. It won approval. His new hook also won over the bitter critics. They praised his quaint ideas, such as machines flying the air within a hundred years, and bo on! Royalty lent its ears to the queer writings of Hans. He obtained a Royal stipend, and commenced to travel. Leaving Switzerland in 1833, Hans toured several countries. He returned to Odense two years later clad almost in rags, and’ down to his last few pence. In these circumstances he did a wonderful thing. He wrote four fairy tales for children. They struck a new note in journalism, telling of things for tiny ears in a way people had never heard before. His tales immediately caught on. Stories of magic flowed from his facile pen. Still hampered by lack of money, Hans found himself, in 1838, getting a Royal reward in the shape of a pension worth 880 kroner a year. Surely that in itself was magic? This set the seal of fame upon Hans. The highest people clamoured for his presence. Hans moved to a decent •hotel. He enjoyed good food and a proper bed. His delightful tales wove a spell over all those he came in contact with. Business people started to quote the latest “ Andersen ” story. At the age of 33 years he again went to Paris. He was a social lion. At the best dinners held by exclusive folk he recited tales. Nobility kept him for weeks in their stately piles. One day Hans was resting beside a moat. Suddenly be seized his pen and wrote ‘ The Ugly Duckling.’ This story is as popular to-day as when it first appeared to astonish people! . Hans lived amid the salons of Pans for years. He was received as one of Royal blood. At one salon Hans met the famous Jenny Lind, a girl who later startled. London with her ability. She was then 23 years old, and on the threshold of her career. Hans attended the State dinners in costume to recite his magic tales. Success filled his cup almost to overflowing. Honours fell upon him thick and fast. He moved among dukes and duchesses. King Frederick was so delighted with the tales of Hans that he. sent him a wonderful gold box set in diamonds. The Government gave him honorary titles, and he became a Privy Councillor. The tales of Andersen were published in America and England. They merged into a flowing success. People could not get enough of them. While thus enjoying success in other lands Hans regretted he was not wanted in his own land. But this was soon altered. The Danish folk determined to show their appreciation. He was invited to Odense, village of his birth. And what a welcome awaited him! It was a redletter day for the town. Schools closed, business stopped,' and gay decortaions veiled the place. Lanterns shed a bright light in’the streets after dark. Thus returned Hans on December 6, 1867, to Odense. City guilds proudly marched in his honour. In this atmosphere of loving welcome Hans found himself at the most dramatic moment of his life. Thousands gathered in the evening to hear him speak. But Hans, from whom speech flowed so readily, w'as quite speechless! Tears coursed down his face as he surveyed the happy people. And close by his side was the old fortune-teller whose words proved so true after all. What a moment! The spinner of magic tales for little cars lived long to weave a stronger spell over his hearers. It is good for us to dwell a moment or two in this land of make-believe. It refreshes our minds and uplifts our thoughts from the sordid side. Thus it brings its own rewards. “ Once upon ,a time are, indeed, wise wprda!