moulddni0.com – Ariel, the curious and adventurous mermaid from Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989), is one of the most beloved and iconic Disney princesses. With her fiery red hair, her beautiful voice, and her unyielding desire to explore the human world, Ariel captured the hearts of audiences and became a symbol of independence, curiosity, and following one’s dreams. As the youngest daughter of King Triton and the princess of Atlantica, Ariel’s story is one of transformation, sacrifice, and the pursuit of self-discovery.
The Little Mermaid was a groundbreaking film for Disney, marking the beginning of the “Disney Renaissance,” a period during which the studio produced some of its most popular and critically acclaimed animated films. Ariel’s character, voiced by Jodi Benson, is at the heart of the film’s success. Her rebellious spirit, her adventurous nature, and her desire for something more than the life she knows under the sea have made her one of the most iconic characters in Disney history.
The Origins of Ariel: From Fairytale to Disney Classic
Ariel’s character is based on the title character from Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale The Little Mermaid. In the original story, the mermaid princess dreams of becoming human to be with the prince she loves. However, the tale is much darker than Disney’s version. The original mermaid sacrifices her voice for legs, and while she does win the prince’s love, she faces tragic consequences, as she cannot speak and is ultimately faced with the choice of living or dying.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid made significant changes to Andersen’s original story, lightening the tone and giving Ariel a more optimistic and active role in shaping her own fate. The film’s vibrant animation, catchy songs, and lovable characters helped it become a cultural phenomenon, and Ariel became the perfect Disney princess for the 1980s and beyond—independent, spirited, and ready to challenge the status quo.
Ariel: A Free Spirit with a Passion for Adventure
Ariel’s most defining characteristic is her adventurous and free-spirited nature. Unlike the other mermaids in her underwater kingdom, Ariel is not content with simply following the rules. She has a deep fascination with the human world and often ventures to the surface to explore shipwrecks and collect human artifacts. Her curiosity drives her to learn more about the world above the sea, much to the dismay of her father, King Triton, who believes the human world is dangerous.
Ariel’s collection of human objects—referred to as her “treasures”—is a symbol of her longing to experience the world beyond her own. Her treasure trove includes things like a fork (which she calls a “dinglehopper”), a pipe, and a mirror, all of which she has gathered over the years. These items represent her dream of discovering more about human culture, and they serve as a reminder of her individuality and her desire to break free from the constraints of her underwater life.
Her curiosity and adventurous spirit are not limited to material objects; she is also curious about the lives of humans. Ariel’s fascination with human life is so strong that she is willing to make a great sacrifice to become human herself. Her desire for change is at the core of her character’s development, and it is this yearning that propels the plot of The Little Mermaid forward.
The Romance with Prince Eric: True Love Against All Odds
Ariel’s journey of self-discovery is inextricably linked to her love for Prince Eric, a human prince whom she rescues from a shipwreck. Ariel’s encounter with Eric is not just the catalyst for her transformation into a human, but it also represents the quintessential Disney romance—one that is fated and magical.
From the moment Ariel saves Eric, there is a sense of destiny between the two. Though Ariel cannot speak to him at first due to the spell cast by the sea witch Ursula, their connection is undeniable. Ariel’s actions, expressions, and gestures speak louder than words, and her love for Eric grows throughout the film. In return, Eric is enchanted by Ariel’s beauty and spirit, though he does not initially know who she truly is.
Ariel’s love for Eric leads her to make the ultimate sacrifice: trading her voice to Ursula in exchange for legs so that she can live on land and win the prince’s love. This bold decision reflects Ariel’s determination and willingness to take risks for the chance at happiness. Her decision also highlights her growth as a character—she is no longer just a passive dreamer; she is taking charge of her fate.
The romance between Ariel and Eric is one of Disney’s most enduring love stories. It is not just about physical attraction but also about emotional connection, as Ariel and Eric come to understand and support each other in their respective worlds. Their love is tested by Ursula’s machinations, but it is ultimately Ariel’s voice—both literally and figuratively—that helps break the spell and leads to the film’s triumphant conclusion.
Ursula: The Wicked Sea Witch
No Disney film would be complete without a villain, and The Little Mermaid features one of Disney’s most memorable antagonists—Ursula, the sea witch. Ursula is manipulative, cunning, and ruthless, and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Her ultimate goal is to overthrow King Triton and take control of the ocean, and she sees Ariel’s desire to become human as an opportunity to achieve her ambitions.
Ursula’s power lies in her ability to deceive and manipulate. She uses Ariel’s longing for love and freedom to strike a deal with her—Ariel will give up her voice in exchange for human legs, but if she does not receive true love’s kiss within three days, she will belong to Ursula forever. Ursula’s manipulative nature makes her a formidable foe, but it is her iconic song, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” that truly highlights her evil nature. With her deep voice and dark magic, she tempts Ariel into making a life-changing decision.
Despite Ursula’s dark magic and trickery, it is Ariel’s bravery, love for Eric, and determination that ultimately defeat Ursula’s plans. In the end, it is Ariel’s inner strength, not her external appearance or magical transformations, that allows her to prevail.
The Role of Family: King Triton and Sebastian
While Ariel’s desire for freedom and exploration often leads her into conflict with her family, the importance of family is a central theme in The Little Mermaid. Ariel’s father, King Triton, is a powerful ruler who deeply loves his daughter but is overprotective and unwilling to understand her desire to explore the human world. He forbids her from going to the surface and is upset by her fascination with humans, fearing the dangers that may come with it.
Triton’s overbearing nature causes tension between him and Ariel, and it is only when he sees the depth of her love for Eric that he understands her need for independence. By the end of the film, Triton is willing to give Ariel the freedom she desires, even going so far as to grant her permission to live on land with Eric. His character arc represents the theme of understanding and letting go of control, recognizing that his daughter’s happiness lies in her own choices.
Sebastian, a red Jamaican crab who serves as King Triton’s advisor, plays a humorous yet wise role in the story. Although Sebastian often tries to warn Ariel about the dangers of the human world, he ultimately comes to understand her desire for love and freedom. His catchy song “Under the Sea” is one of the film’s most iconic moments, celebrating the joys of life under the sea. Sebastian is both a comedic character and a voice of reason, providing much-needed support and guidance for Ariel.
The Transformation: Ariel’s Growth and Sacrifice
At the heart of Ariel’s story is her transformation—from a rebellious and curious mermaid to a young woman who understands the importance of love, sacrifice, and family. Her journey is one of growth, as she learns the consequences of her actions and the true meaning of happiness.
Ariel’s sacrifice—trading her voice for the chance to become human—represents her willingness to follow her heart, even if it means giving up something precious. Her transformation is not just physical but emotional as well. Through her love for Eric, Ariel learns that her true self is not defined by her appearance or her voice but by her actions, desires, and ability to love.
Ultimately, Ariel’s transformation is one of self-discovery and empowerment. While she begins the film as someone who feels confined by her world, she ends it as a young woman who has embraced her destiny and found her place in the world. Her ability to balance her adventurous spirit with her newfound love and understanding of family is a key aspect of her character’s development.
Ariel’s Legacy: A Timeless Disney Princess
Since The Little Mermaid was released in 1989, Ariel has become one of Disney’s most beloved and enduring princesses. With her fiery red hair, her adventurous spirit, and her determination to follow her dreams, Ariel resonates with audiences of all ages. Her story is one of hope, transformation, and the power of love, and her character remains a symbol of independence and self-discovery.
Ariel has appeared in numerous sequels, merchandise, theme park attractions, and television shows. She is a central figure in the Disney Princess franchise and continues to inspire young fans with her bravery, kindness, and willingness to take risks. Ariel’s legacy is one of empowerment and the belief that following one’s heart can lead to happiness.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Ariel
Ariel’s story in The Little Mermaid is one of the most iconic and cherished in the Disney canon. Her adventurous nature, her romantic journey with Prince Eric, and her eventual transformation from mermaid to human have made her a timeless character. Ariel represents the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of one’s dreams, and her story continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
As one of Disney’s most beloved princesses, Ariel’s legacy lives on in the hearts of fans of all ages. Her voice may have been silenced by magic, but her strength, bravery, and love continue to resonate long after the final kiss is shared. Ariel’s journey is a celebration of self-discovery, love, and the freedom to follow one’s own path, making her a true Disney icon.