Beautiful Little Mermaid
Ever since I read Hans Christensen Anderson, I have been fascinated by his writings and imaginings. The greatest and the most popular of all Danes. He won that title over the Nobel Laureate Niels Bohr. So, a visit to Copenhagen would be incomplete without experiencing all things Andersen. I went to Copenhagen because there was a research retreat about two hours train ride away from Copenhagen. How could I miss the opportunity? The city is about 7 hrs train ride away from Karlstad. So, I was sensible --for the first time, and combined work with a short break.
The unimposing sculpture still attracts all tourists. Besides on a good spring day, which it was the day I walked on the promenade, the walk itself is a prize. April. 2013
The brewer Carl Jacobsen (The Carlsberg Breweries) presented the mermaid's statue to the city of Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid was unveiled at Langelinje in 1913, as part of a general trend in Copenhagen in those days, selecting classical and historical figures to be used as decorations in the city's parks and public areas.
The story goes that way back In 1909, brewer Carl Jacobsen was so enchanted by the solo dancer Ellen Price's performance in the "The Little Mermaid" at the Royal Theatre that he commissioned to present the city with the statue. In fact, he asked her if she would pose for the statue. She agreed in principle, but was not very interested in posing without any clothes on, when she found out just how public the statue would be. Instead sculptor Edvard Erichsen's wife stepped in and modeled for the body. Throughout the year, 75% of all tourists visiting Copenhagen go to see The Little Mermaid.
An exhibit at Hans Christensen Anderson Museum
Copenhagen as the backdrop for the Little Mermaid, April 2013
It was a beautiful walk. I walked nearly 11 hours that day, and fell in love with the city. I hope to return soon. But it is important to state that the statue in of itself is nothing spectacular. But as with tourist spots, they make for great pictures and conversation starters. So, is this one--a conversation starter!
For me, it was the experience of experiencing the city that H.C. Andersen called home.
I met a group of Filipino au pairs, who were enjoying their day off. Until I noticed that there was one girl from Nepal. To her delight I spoke to her in Hindi. She gave me a hug for that.
Hmm....language---just like stories--reaches parts of mind and body that have not been named yet!!
