Coucou everyone!
You’ve heard the Disney versions — but the original tales? Not quite the same. In this episode of Europhile, we dive into the haunting, bizarre, and surprisingly spiritual world of Hans Christian Andersen. From a mermaid who gives everything up and turns into sea foam, to a thumb-sized girl nearly forced to marry a mole, to a mysterious Snow Queen who’s more misunderstood than evil - these are not the stories you thought you knew. No happy endings. Just heartbreak, symbolism, and some of the darkest plots in European fairy tale history. Catherine then tells us about the Scandiavian concept of Logam. Listen now for a fairytale reframe you won’t forget!
Main topic sources:
Hans Christan Andersen's Fairy Tales
Mini topic sources:
Lagom: The Swedish Work-Life Balance Philosophy
Kate's recommendation: Italian orzata/Latte di Mandorla syrup
Catherine's recommendation: Pimm's cup
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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker
Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre
Theme song by Lumehill
Thank you all - ciao!