Andersen visited Florence in 1833-1834 and was inspired by the boar legend. He wrote a fairy tale called “The Bronze Hog” (Den bronzene Schwein) in 1842, included in his collection A Poet’s Bazaar.

In the story:

• A poor boy falls asleep on the bronze boar at night.
• The boar magically comes to life and takes him on a dreamlike journey through Florence’s artistic wonders.
• The boy experiences the city’s beauty but ultimately wakes up, realizing it was a dream—yet feeling transformed by the experience.

Why It Matters

Andersen’s tale romanticized Florence’s charm and immortalized Il Porcellino in literature. Today, the statue remains a beloved tourist attraction, with visitors following the tradition of rubbing its snout for luck—wearing it shiny over time.