Challenges and Potentials of the Authorized Heritage Discourse on Hans Christian Andersen

Abstract

In this essay, I explore how an Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD) is mirrored in versions of Andersen as a Danish icon, and how this discourse sustains hegemonic ideas about Denmark’s past and present. My focus is on examples from politics, education, and children’s biographies. Finally, I suggest alternative strategies that might open new ways of connecting Andersen to contemporary contexts inside and outside Denmark.