Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75) is perhaps the most famous of Danish authors. Known primarily for his fairy tales, he produced volumes of other work, including plays, novels, and travel sketches. Andersen wished to be known especially for his work in the theater which was not always equally well received. His contemporary, H. C. Ørsted, who discovered electromagnetism, assured Andersen, however, that if his plays had made him famous, his fairy tales would make him immortal.

This Hans Christian Andersen sculpture by Henry Luckow Nielsen sits on Copenhagen's Town Hall Square across from the Tivoli, at the mouth of H. C. Andersen Boulevard. A copy of it was purchased to be used in connection with a Tivoli amusement park in Tokyo.