The Little Mermaid (World Literature Library)

Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-08-01
Features: Hans Christian Andersen is timeless and ever-relevant. For over 150 years, his fairy tales have been translated into more than 80 languages and read repeatedly by people around the world, becoming an immortal treasure of world literature. On the occasion of the bicentenary of Andersen's birth, commemorative events are quietly unfolding around the globe. In China, commemorative activities began to heat up in the second half of 2004, with a variety of highlights including exhibitions of illustrations from Andersen's fairy tales and performances of the animated play "The Ugly Duckling." Publishers are competing fiercely, releasing new editions of the complete works of Andersen's fairy tales and selected collections. The China Children's Publishing House published "The Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen," while Beijing Yan Shan Publishing House released the "Commemorative Edition of Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales for the Bicentenary of His Birth," translated by Mr. Ye Junjian and published in a large 16-page illustrated format. The bicentenary of Andersen's birth is celebrated with great honor in China, and his books are repeatedly reprinted, demonstrating the deep affection the Chinese people have for him. Since childhood, Andersen's fairy tales have been our spiritual nourishment, illuminating our lonely childhood. Whenever we think of Andersen, we immediately recall such famous works as "The Little Match Girl," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and "The Road to Glory." These fairy tales possess strong artistic appeal and charm, and we often become lost in their beautiful fantasies and profound meanings. From childhood to adulthood, even into our golden years, this allure never fades and continues to endure. As Chinese people, almost all of us encounter the name of translator Mr. Ye Junjian when reading Andersen's fairy tales. Mr. Ye Junjian stands as an undeniable peak in the translation of Andersen's works, a figure worthy of admiration—"one looks up to him as a towering mountain, and follows his footsteps as a shining path." First, Andersen himself is great; his vivid, witty, and philosophically rich fairy tales possess extraordinary artistic power. However, as a translator, Mr. Ye Junjian is equally indispensable. Mr. Ye emphasized the process of "reinterpreting" the original works, striving to convey the essence and accuracy of the source material while preserving the poetic effect of the translation. In the treasure trove of world literature, their collaboration is a perfect example. Mr. Ye's Chinese translations were made directly from the Danish original, treating Andersen as a philosopher, poet, and great writer, maintaining the author's poetic sensibility, humor, and lively figurative language. They are widely recognized by the world literary community as one of the two best translations (the other being by American translator Jean Hirsch). Mr. Ye Junjian is also the only translator in the world to have been awarded the "Danish Flag Medal" by the Danish Queen for his contributions. Ye Junjian and Andersen shared similar life experiences—both grew up in poverty and faced numerous hardships before embarking on their literary paths. Yet, both shared a deep passion for literature and a childlike heart. Talent combined with hard work ultimately led them to become esteemed figures in the literary world, just as Andersen described (translated by Ye Junjian): "The Road to Glory appears as a brilliant ribbon encircling the Earth. Only the fortunate are chosen to walk upon it, to serve as the unpaid chief engineer in building the bridge that connects God and humanity." Without a doubt, this is a glory for humanity. Chinese readers are truly fortunate, for they have encountered "China's Andersen." Chinese readers should be grateful to both Andersen and Ye Junjian—it is the collision of their souls that allowed the Chinese people to read such beautiful and fairy tales. On the thorny path of humanity, both remain shining points on that radiant ribbon.