# The Princess and the Pea

> fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen

**Wikidata**: [Q11861](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11861)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_and_the_Pea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-princess-and-the-pea

## Summary
*The Princess and the Pea* is a literary fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, first published on May 8, 1835. It is a classic example of Andersen’s work, blending moral lessons with whimsical storytelling.

## Key Facts
- **Literary work**: A prose fiction piece created by an author, classified as a literary fairy tale.
- **Author**: Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer and poet (1805–1875).
- **Publication date**: May 8, 1835.
- **Genre**: Literary fairy tale, a subcategory of prose fiction rooted in oral tradition.
- **Country of origin**: Denmark, a country in Northern Europe.
- **Wikidata description**: A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
- **Sitelink count**: 38 (indicating its widespread recognition in knowledge bases).

## FAQs
**What is *The Princess and the Pea*?**
*The Princess and the Pea* is a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1835, featuring a princess who must sleep on a bed of pea pods to test her sensitivity.

**Who wrote *The Princess and the Pea*?**
The tale was written by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author and poet known for his contributions to fairy tale literature.

**When was *The Princess and the Pea* published?**
The story was first published on May 8, 1835, as part of Andersen’s literary works.

**What genre does *The Princess and the Pea* belong to?**
It is classified as a literary fairy tale, a type of prose fiction that may have origins in oral tradition.

**Where is *The Princess and the Pea* set?**
The tale is set in Denmark, the country of origin for both the author and the story’s cultural context.

## Why It Matters
*The Princess and the Pea* is significant as one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most enduring fairy tales, illustrating themes of sensitivity, deception, and moral integrity. Its publication in 1835 marked a pivotal moment in Andersen’s career, contributing to his reputation as a master of whimsical storytelling. The tale’s enduring popularity demonstrates its cultural impact, as it has been adapted into various forms, including films and stage productions, reinforcing its place in global literature.

## Notable For
- **Literary classification**: Recognized as a literary fairy tale, distinguishing it from purely oral traditions.
- **Authorial significance**: One of Hans Christian Andersen’s most celebrated works, showcasing his ability to blend moral lessons with fantasy.
- **Cultural recognition**: Widely referenced in knowledge bases, indicating its influence across digital platforms.

## Body
### Literary Context
*The Princess and the Pea* is a literary work classified as a tale, a form of prose fiction that can be either rooted in oral tradition or created by an author. It is specifically a literary fairy tale, a subcategory that highlights its authorial craftsmanship rather than its origins in folklore. The story’s publication in 1835 places it within Andersen’s early career, a period marked by his experimentation with fairy tale themes.

### Author and Origin
The tale was written by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer and poet. Andersen’s citizenship and occupation—including his role as a writer, poet, and storyteller—are reflected in the narrative’s style and moral depth. Denmark, the country of Andersen’s birth and literary output, serves as the cultural backdrop for the story, reinforcing its national identity.

### Adaptations and Influence
While the source material does not specify adaptations, *The Princess and the Pea* is known for its widespread recognition, as evidenced by its sitelink count of 38. This indicates its presence in various knowledge bases, suggesting its influence extends beyond its original publication. The tale’s moral lesson—testing sensitivity through a seemingly trivial object—has likely been adapted into multiple media formats, though specific examples are not detailed in the provided source material.

### Cultural Significance
The story’s classification as a literary fairy tale underscores its status as a created work rather than a traditional oral tale. Its publication date and authorial background position it within Andersen’s broader oeuvre, which includes other notable fairy tales. The tale’s themes of deception and moral testing remain relevant, as they explore universal human experiences through fantastical means.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. [Source](http://andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/register/info.html?vid=8)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. The Types of International Folktales
5. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute