The Little Mermaid

1837 Denmark

Story

Note: This is the story based on Andersen's original fairy tale, not the 1989 Disney adaption.

In the depths of the vast ocean, where the sunlight struggled to pierce the darkness, lived a mermaid princess named Ariel. She was unlike any other mermaid in her realm, for her heart yearned for something more profound than the beauty of the underwater world. Ariel dreamt of possessing an immortal soul, a desire that burned brighter than any oceanic luminescence.

One fateful day, as Ariel surfaced to glimpse the world above, she witnessed a grand ship adorned with celebration. Onboard stood a handsome prince, the epitome of the human world's allure. The enchantment of the surface world intensified within Ariel, and her longing deepened into an unquenchable thirst.

Determined to transcend her oceanic existence, Ariel sought the counsel of the elusive sea witch. The sea witch, sensing Ariel's desperation, offered a Faustian bargain – legs to walk the land and the prospect of an immortal soul. However, the price was steep: Ariel's enchanting voice, the very essence of her identity.

Transformed into a creature that moved with each step as if walking on sharp knives, Ariel emerged on land. Her mute presence caught the attention of the prince, but her silent suffering went unnoticed. Though she saved him from a shipwreck, the prince's heart found solace in another's arms, oblivious to Ariel's sacrifice.

Time passed, bringing forth heartache as the prince announced his impending marriage. Desperate, Ariel sought the sea witch once more. Presented with a dagger, she was told to take the life of the prince to regain her mermaid form. Yet, love held sway over vengeance, and Ariel chose to sacrifice herself instead.

As the first light of dawn painted the horizon, Ariel cast herself into the sea. Instead of becoming foam on the waves, a celestial transformation occurred. She became a daughter of the air, tasked with performing acts of kindness for humanity. Through these selfless deeds, Ariel would gradually earn the elusive prize – an immortal soul.

History and Meaning

"The Little Mermaid" is a fairy tale penned by Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author, and first published in 1837. Andersen's tale is a departure from traditional fairy tales, introducing darker themes and a more melancholic tone.

Andersen drew inspiration from various sources, infusing the narrative with his own experiences of unrequited love and a fascination with the sea. The story reflects the Romantic movement's emphasis on individual expression and emotion, creating a deeply personal and contemplative work.

In Andersen's version, the Little Mermaid's primary motivation for becoming human is to gain an immortal soul, representing Andersen's profound interest in exploring the human condition. The sea witch plays a crucial role, offering a transformative spell at a great cost, introducing a cautionary element about the consequences of making deals with powerful entities.

Unlike the Disney adaptation, Andersen's Little Mermaid experiences significant physical and emotional pain after her transformation into a human. Each step is excruciating, and she endures this agony in silence, highlighting the sacrifices made in the pursuit of her desires.

The theme of unrequited love remains central, with the mermaid's heroic act of saving the prince's life going unnoticed. The prince, oblivious to her sacrifice, ultimately marries another woman, adding a layer of tragic poignancy to the narrative.

Andersen's tale concludes with a departure from the expected tragic ending. Instead of perishing, the Little Mermaid becomes a "daughter of the air" and is given the chance to earn an immortal soul by performing good deeds for humanity. This ending introduces a redemptive and hopeful element, providing a nuanced and complex resolution to the story.

Disney Adaption

Disney's animated adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," released in 1989, brought Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale to a modern family audience. In this version, Ariel, the protagonist, is a spirited and curious mermaid princess whose fascination with the human world drives the narrative. Unlike Andersen's Little Mermaid, Ariel's motivations are rooted in a desire for freedom and exploration rather than the pursuit of an immortal soul.

The film introduces Ursula, the sea witch, and Prince Eric, a charming human prince. One of the standout features of Disney's adaptation is its musical score, composed by Alan Menken and featuring lyrics by Howard Ashman. The film includes songs such as "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."

Disney's "The Little Mermaid" marked a pivotal moment in animation history, heralding the beginning of the "Disney Renaissance" era. Its success revitalized Disney's animated feature films, setting the stage for a series of beloved classics. The film's impact extends beyond the screen, influencing theme park attractions and merchandise.

While maintaining the essence of Andersen's themes of love and sacrifice, Disney's adaptation takes a more optimistic and family-friendly approach, diverging from the darker undertones of the original fairy tale. The ending is transformed into a joyous celebration of love, with Ariel and Eric living happily ever after.