Hans Christian Andersen, creator of "The Little Mermaid," was inspired by his love for a series of women but died a virgin, according to his latest biographer.

"I believe he never had a sexual relationship," said Bente Kjoel-bye, whose book "H.C. Andersen and His Lady Friends" was published Monday."If he had had, we would know about it from his fairy stories which all reflect his personality," she told Reuters.

Kjoelbye explores in detail the private life of the Danish writer, whose stories such as "The Ugly Duckling," "The Little Matchgirl" and "The Elves and the Shoemaker" are still read by millions of children.

Andersen always had a circle of adoring women who shielded him from public indifference and ridicule, the book says.

As well as his passion for actress Jenny Lind, the "Swedish songbird" who later became the mistress of an English crown prince, Andersen's four other unrequited loves are recorded.

Seven other women, from childhood friends to substitutes for the mother he lost at the age of 14, were his confidantes, including Dorothea Melchior, who was present when he died in 1875 at the age of 70.

"The women he loved were his inspiration as a poet. The others were his substitutes for a family," Kjoelbye said.

"He didn't want to lose his personality by sinning. He may have been frightened off the physical side of love when his mother remarried," she added.