A nice way to have a rendez vou with my favorite character of all the fairy tales. Was watching the story of Hens Christian Anderson. A biography of his life and also how the fairytales was inspired by the real people around him.
Since the young age, even before I could read, I was a big fan of books and fairytales. I rather stayed in my humble little dwelling than to accompany the tiresome adults to go to the cinema. I could immerse myself in the stories and escape from the harsh realities. I don't remember very much of what I read anymore. But the story and the pictures of the Little Mermaid stays etched in my mind, probably will be forever.
I must be about 7 or 8, finally learned how to read. My love for reading probably made up the education which I missed in the earlier part of my life. In my mind, I have never seen any picture illustrations prettier than the ones on this particular book, though it was only a plain little book.
I felt her love was so pure, unpossessive, sacrificial and noble. Though she was mistaken and misunderstood, she did not act aggresively to capture what she wanted. At the end, she gave up her long happy life in the sea in exchange for a soul which rose to eternity. The girl in Anderson's life was just like that. I remember pausing for long times at the end of the story wishing I can find out what happens to the little mermaid on eternity's side. But that was left to my own pursuit for many years after and I am so glad I found the answer. No fairytales ever come true to its readers. But this one does!
