Hans Christian Andersen was an author and prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems. Andersen gained immortality though for his fairy tales. While considered a children’s author, Andersen’s stories express themes that transcend age and nationality. They claw into the dark heart of humanity and shine a light and lesson on malevolent deeds.

Andersen’s fairy tales include more than 3381 works. They have been translated into more than 125 languages. Andersen’s tales are seared into the moral consciousness of society, are readily accessible to children, but present lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well.

Andersen’s most famous fairy tales include “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Nightingale,” “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”, “The Red Shoes”, “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Snow Queen,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelina,” and tonight’s haunting tale “The Little Match Girl”.

While Hans Christian Andersen is not known for horror, we challenge anyone to not have some haunted feelings after reading this tragic tale.

On a freezing night, with no shoes on her feet, the little match girl has a ghostly story to tell. Hopefully she won’t judge us all too monstrous…from the grave.