Andersen’s "The Great Sea Serpent" – A Modern Fairy Tale of the Deep
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Andersen’s "The Great Sea Serpent" – A Modern Fairy Tale of the Deep
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À propos de cet audio
In this episode, Mads Sohl Jessen and Ane Grum-Schwensen discuss Andersen’s 1871 tale "The Great Sea Serpent—a modern fairy tale" that explores the ecological and technological upheaval caused by the transatlantic telegraph cable. From Andersen’s vivid descriptions of marine life disrupted by human invention to his use of scientific literature, they discuss how Andersen blends myth, science, and empathy. Discover why this story, told from the perspective of a curious little fish, remains a poignant reflection on humanity’s impact on nature.
Key moments: Andersen’s ecological themes, the story’s mythological twist, and its modern characteristics.
Suggested reading:
Hans Christian Andersen: The Great Sea Serpent
For further reading on Hans Christian Andersen in ecocritical analyses – and for a closer look at the analysis that forms the basis of the podcast’s reading of The Great Sea Serpent – see Torsten Bøgh Thomsen, Skyggepunkter (Shadow Points), Forlaget Spring, 2019.
For further details on the making of this tale, see the Danish introduction in the ongoing manuscript edition: Ane Grum-Schwensen. ”Tilblivelsen af ’Den store Søslange’” (2025)
”This podcast is supported by the Danish Ministry of Culture”