The Snow Queen is an original fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It is first published on December 21, 1844 in New Fairy Tales. First Volume. Second Collection. 1845. The story centres on the struggle between good and evil as experienced by Gerda and her friend, Kai. The story is one of Andersen's longest and most highly acclaimed stories. It is regularly included in selected tales and collections of his work and is frequently reprinted in illustrated storybook editions for children.