H.C. Andersen - Fairy Tales

His stories span a wide range of themes and tones. I wonder what influenced his selection and how he decided what made the cut.

Many tales have a melancholic or reflective vibe that surprised me. Was that intentional to add depth or a reflection of Andersen's personal view?

The vivid imagery and imaginative settings are so memorable. I’d love to know if Andersen drew from personal experiences or folk traditions.