But it wouldn't be a fairy tale without a happy ending (although Andersen's Little Match Girl was less fortunate), and in the lowest depths of his despair, he sees his reflection and realises he has grown into a gorgeous swan.

So, too, has grown the duckling's strength of character. He does not gloat in the praise and respect he now receives for his transformation. He is humble and honoured, for 'a good heart is never puffed up'.

The duckling's reflection is not the only one in this story. When asked after the story's publication if Andersen would write an autobiography, he said he already had. As a child, Andersen was apparently quite ugly himself and was teased by other children, so he viewed the duckling's story as a reflection of his own life.

Of course, he achieved success by other means.

But if we dive deeper, we see a larger social commentary hatching out of this work. While 'success' to some barnyard birds is measured in looks, our narrator tells us it doesn't matter if you are born in a duck-yard if you have come from a swan's egg. In other words, your character is what counts, and what you have the potential to become - not the social circumstances you are born into.

In the face of adversity, the stoic duckling is to be admired, but there is also an uglier side to the story. He is not cast out just because he is different, but because he is unattractive. And ultimately, only his good looks (as a swan) seem to save him: this change does not come from within him.

Those around him merely follow their belief at the beginning - if something is beautiful, it can be loved and accepted. Not such an inspiring message.

But for a tale about ugliness, it is a thing of beauty. The avuncular narrator weaves a story that is quaintly charming. It was a great success at the time of publication in Andersen's New Fairy Tales.

Whether in its original Danish simplified for children, or in any one of its English translations or adaptations (be it a Disney film or the West End musical Honk!), the message of tolerance and strength found in The Ugly Duckling continues to be carried across generations, making it perhaps Andersen's most famous story. It's a timeless and beautiful tale.