Episode 15: The Naughty Boy cover art

Episode 15: The Naughty Boy

Episode 15: The Naughty Boy

Air date: September 9, 2025
Runtime: 30:32

🎧 Listen Now

Follow us on your favorite podcast app for the best listening experience!

Hans Christian Andersen's The Naughty Boy (1835) isn't your typical fairy tale, it's Cupid gone mischievous. We unpack this strange little story published alongside Thumbelina, trace Cupid's origins from Greek Eros to Victorian matchmaker in a diaper, and explore how Andersen may have written his own struggles with love right into the tale. Along the way, we have some laughs, discuss Andersen's continuous self-inserts, and dig into why Cupid’s arrows might sting more than they charm.

More Fairy Tale Content

Explore more episodes or dive into our blog for folklore deep dives and behind-the-scenes insights.