The fairy tale

Den lille havfrue Hans Christian Andersen first published the beloved fairy tale of The Little Mermaid in 1837.

It is the story of the Little Mermaid who saves the life of a shipwrecked prince and sets off on a perilous quest to win his love. The price she pays is dear. To become human she must give up her lovely voice as well as her mermaid's tail, and if the prince should wed another, she will turn into foam on the waves and disappear forever...

You can buy this beautiful story in most bookstores in Copenhagen. It is available in many languages, and some versions also include the historical background.



Basic facts Practical information City maps History The Little Mermaid The fairy tale Who made her? Her turbulent life The Little Mermaid's 94th birthday Tourist > About Copenhagen > The Little Mermaid > The fairy tale The fairy tale Hans Christian Andersen first published the beloved fairy tale of The Little Mermaid in 1837. It is the story of the Little Mermaid who saves the life of a shipwrecked prince and sets off on a perilous quest to win his love. The price she pays is dear. To become human she must give up her lovely voice as well as her mermaid's tail, and if the prince should wed another, she will turn into foam on the waves and disappear forever... You can buy this beautiful story in most bookstores in Copenhagen. It is available in many languages, and some versions also include the historical background.