Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author whose literary fairy tales have been translated into more than 125 languages. Unlike the Brothers Grimm who collected existing folktales, Andersen created original stories including 'The Little Mermaid,' 'The Ugly Duckling,' and 'The Emperor's New Clothes.' His works often feature protagonists who undergo transformation and struggle with identity, reflecting Andersen's own experiences as a lonely, ambitious outsider. Though famous for children's stories, Andersen wrote novels, plays, poetry, and travelogues throughout his prolific career.