Hans Christian Andersen, often referred to as H. C. Andersen, was a Danish author born on April 2, 1805. He is best known for his fairy tales, which have been translated into numerous languages and remain popular worldwide. Some of his most famous stories include The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Princess and the Pea. Andersen's writing style combines fantasy with moral lessons, appealing to both children and adults. He faced many challenges in his early life, including poverty and social isolation, but his creativity and imagination led him to become one of the most celebrated storytellers in literary history.