I can give her no greater power than she has already, said the woman; don't you see how strong that is? How men and animals are obliged to serve her, and how well she has got through the world, barefooted as she is. She cannot receive any power from me greater than she now has, which consists in her own purity and innocence of heart. If she cannot herself obtain access to the Snow Queen, and remove the glass fragments from little Kay, we can do nothing to help her.

— Hans Christian Andersen

It doesn't matter if you're born in a duck yard, so long as you are hatched from a swan's egg!

— Hans Christian Andersen

Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

— Hans Christian Andersen

Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

— Hans Christian Andersen

Life is like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up.

— Hans Christian Andersen

Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.

— Hans Christian Andersen

My life will be the best illustration of all my work.

— Hans Christian Andersen

Never had she danced so beautifully; the sharp knives cut her feet, but she did not feel it, for the pain in her heart was far greater.

— Hans Christian Andersen

Then little Gerda said the Lord's Prayer; the cold was so intense that she could see her own breath; it came out of her mouth like smoke. Her breath became thicker and thicker, and took the form of little angels who grew larger and larger as soon as they touched the ground. All had helmets on their heads, and lances and shields in their hands; their numbers increased, and when Gerda had finished her prayer a whole legion stood around her. They trust their lances against the horrible snowflakes, so that the latter flew into a hundred pieces; and little Gerda went forward safely and cheerfully. The angels stroked her hands and feet, so that she felt the cold less, and she hastened on to the Snow Queen's castle.

— Hans Christian Andersen

Then your tail will divide and shrink until it becomes what the people on earth call a pair of shapely legs. But it will hurt; it will feel as if a sharp sword slashed through you. Everyone who sees you will say that you are the most graceful human being they have ever laid eyes on, for you will keep your gliding movement and no dancer will be able to tread as lightly as you. But every step you take will feel as if you were treading upon knife blades so sharp that blood must flow. I am willing to help you, but are you willing to suffer all this?"" Yes," the little mermaid said in a trembling voice, as she thought of the Prince and of gaining a human soul.

— Hans Christian Andersen