# The Little Mermaid

> fairy tale by H. C. Andersen

**Wikidata**: [Q11859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-little-mermaid-q11859

## Summary
*The Little Mermaid* is a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837, first published in *Fairy Tales Told for Children*. It tells the story of a young mermaid who sacrifices her voice to walk on land and pursue love with a human prince. The tale is renowned for its themes of sacrifice, longing, and transformation, making it one of Andersen’s most celebrated works.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875)
- **Publication Date**: April 7, 1837
- **First Collection**: *Fairy Tales Told for Children* (1837)
- **Genre**: Fairy tale, children's literature
- **Language**: Danish (original), later translated into over 125 languages
- **Adaptations**: Featured in films, ballets, operas, and theatrical productions worldwide
- **Awards**: Inspired the Hans Christian Andersen Award for children's literature
- **Country of Origin**: Denmark
- **Wikidata ID**: Q7725634
- **Open Library ID**: OL33244044W
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11m_gyc49_
- **Instance of**: Literary work, fairy tale
- **Publisher**: University of Copenhagen (original edition)
- **Aliases**: *Den lille Havfrue* (Danish), *La Petite Sirène* (French), *人魚姫* (Japanese)
- **Page Count**: 304 (original edition)
- **ISBN**: 4224470-5
- **LCCN**: 2008101751
- **OCLC**: 15785907t
- **MUPPET ID**: muppet:The_Little_Mermaid
- **Wikimedia Commons**: Vilhelm Pedersen-Little mermaid.jpg

## FAQs
**What is *The Little Mermaid* about?**
*The Little Mermaid* is a fairy tale about a young mermaid who gives up her voice to walk on land and fall in love with a human prince. Her sacrifice leads to a tragic but poignant resolution, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation.

**Where was *The Little Mermaid* first published?**
The story was first published in *Fairy Tales Told for Children* by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837. It was later included in his 1845 collection *Fairy Tales*.

**How many languages has *The Little Mermaid* been translated into?**
Andersen’s works, including *The Little Mermaid*, have been translated into over 125 languages, making them accessible to a global audience.

**What awards are associated with *The Little Mermaid*?**
The Hans Christian Andersen Award, established in 1956, honors authors and illustrators for their contributions to children’s literature, inspired by Andersen’s legacy.

**What are some notable adaptations of *The Little Mermaid*?**
The tale has been adapted into numerous films, ballets, operas, and theatrical productions, including Disney’s 1989 animated film and the 2008 ballet *The Little Mermaid* by the Royal Danish Ballet.

**What is the significance of *The Little Mermaid* in literature?**
*The Little Mermaid* is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous works, shaping the genre of children’s literature with its themes of sacrifice, longing, and transformation. It remains a timeless classic.

## Why It Matters
*The Little Mermaid* is a foundational work in children’s literature, celebrated for its emotional depth and universal themes. Its exploration of sacrifice, love, and transformation has resonated across generations, inspiring countless adaptations and adaptations. As part of Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy, the tale has been translated into over 125 languages and adapted into films, ballets, and operas, ensuring its enduring relevance in global culture. The story’s themes of longing and sacrifice continue to captivate audiences, making it a cornerstone of children’s literature.

## Notable For
- Being one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous fairy tales, published in 1837.
- Inspiring the Hans Christian Andersen Award for children’s literature.
- Being adapted into numerous films, ballets, and operas, including Disney’s 1989 animated version.
- Having been translated into over 125 languages, making it accessible worldwide.
- Exploring themes of sacrifice, love, and transformation, which remain timeless.
- Being part of Andersen’s 1845 collection *Fairy Tales*, which includes other iconic stories like *The Ugly Duckling* and *The Snow Queen*.

## Body

### Literary Background
*The Little Mermaid* was written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in *Fairy Tales Told for Children* on April 7, 1837. It was later included in his 1845 collection *Fairy Tales*, which also features other renowned stories such as *The Ugly Duckling* and *The Snow Queen*. The tale is renowned for its themes of sacrifice, longing, and transformation, making it one of Andersen’s most celebrated works.

### Plot and Themes
The story follows a young mermaid who gives up her voice to walk on land and pursue love with a human prince. Her sacrifice leads to a tragic but poignant resolution, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation. The tale’s emotional depth and universal themes have resonated across generations, inspiring countless adaptations.

### Adaptations and Influence
*The Little Mermaid* has been adapted into numerous films, ballets, and operas, including Disney’s 1989 animated version and the 2008 ballet *The Little Mermaid* by the Royal Danish Ballet. These adaptations have brought the story to a global audience, ensuring its enduring relevance in popular culture.

### Awards and Recognition
The Hans Christian Andersen Award, established in 1956, honors authors and illustrators for their contributions to children’s literature, inspired by Andersen’s legacy. The tale’s themes of sacrifice, love, and transformation continue to captivate audiences, making it a cornerstone of children’s literature.

### Translations and Global Impact
Andersen’s works, including *The Little Mermaid*, have been translated into over 125 languages, making them accessible to a global audience. The story’s themes of longing and sacrifice have resonated across cultures, ensuring its enduring relevance in children’s literature.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
*The Little Mermaid* is widely available in digital formats, and its legacy is preserved through various online resources and databases. Its influence extends beyond literature, with its themes and characters adapted into various media, ensuring its enduring relevance in global culture.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://wolnelektury.pl/katalog/lektura/andersen-mala-syrenka/)
4. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute