The Ugly Duckling

<p>Tonight, we’ll read “The Ugly Duckling” from “Favorite Fairy Tales” compiled by Logan Marshall. It is a Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, originally published in 1843.</p><p><br></p><p>Unlike most fairy tales, this one is completely Andersen's invention and owes no debt to humanity’s vast cultural catalog of fairy tales or folklore.</p><p>Apparently Andersen grew up awkward and tall, with a big nose and feet.</p><p><br></p><p>Furthermore, speculation suggests that Andersen may have been the illegitimate son of Prince Christian Frederik who later became king of Denmark. Being a swan in the story was a metaphor not just for inner beauty and talent in that case, but also for secret royal lineage.</p><p><br></p><p>— read by 'N' —</p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>