The Little Mermaid, a not-so-fairy story In Andersen's story, the young mermaid learns that the souls of humans are eternal and decides to go to the witch to get legs so that she too can acquire this “ability” by marrying a human.

Why does Ariel want human legs?

Ursula offers Ariel a pair of human legs in exchange for her voice—perhaps the most beautiful, most remarkable thing that Ariel possesses. That voice not only is the key to communication, but it's a reflection of Ariel herself—her thoughts and feelings and who she, in fact, is.

What do the legs symbolize in The Little Mermaid?

In the story, tails are considered “ugly” to human and the little mermaid won't be considered beautiful until she has her “legs” – a metaphor that a woman's physical beauty is developed during her transition into womanhood, and that the little mermaid won't become beautiful until she's gone from girl to woman.

Why did Ursula give Ariel legs?

Advertisement. In looking back on the movie, we remember that Ursula makes Ariel give up her voice in exchange for a pair of legs so the lusty teenager can pursue Prince Eric. But we forget that, in fact, Ariel's father is the first person to silence her.

What did Ursula want from Ariel for legs?

The price for the transformation is Ariel's voice. Ariel agrees and signs a magical contract, so her voice is magically pulled into Ursula's Nautilus shell necklace; causing Ursula to laugh gleefully as her plans begin to unfold as Ariel's tail is split into legs.

Jodi Benson - Part of Your World (Official Video From "The Little Mermaid")

Why did Ursula become evil?

Triton received the trident while Ursula received the magic Nautilus shell. Though the two were meant to rule the seas together, Ursula's greed and use of dark magic to usurp Triton led to her being banished. The desire for revenge and power is her motivation for the show.

Why is Ursula a squid and not a mermaid?

A squid has six arms, which is probably why Pat Carroll, the late voice actress who portrayed Ursula in the original film, claimed she was a squid. But Carroll didn't mention that most squid also have two tentacles and two legs—used for moving and swimming—while their arms are for grabbing and feeding.

Why did they change Ariel's bra?

A noticeable absence from this film: Ariel's shell bra.

I just think we wanted to have a more fishlike quality to the girls. Having them all plonk seashells on their breasts seemed like a weird way to go. And when you start putting shells on real bodies, it's hard to make them look good, believe me.

Was Ariel's Transformation Painful?

Was Ariel's transformation from mermaid to human painful in Disney's The Little Mermaid? It was never mentioned either way, but as it's a family film, it's a far cry from the anguish faced by Andersen's protagonist. In the original story, the Sea Witch not only takes the Little Mermaid's voice—she cuts out her tongue.

Who killed Ursula in The Little Mermaid original?

Did Ursula Die in The Little Mermaid? Yes, Ursula dies in The Little Mermaid. Like in the 1989's Disney classic, Ursula meets her end at the hands of Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Eric (Jonah Hauer-King).

What is the mental illness in The Little Mermaid?

In the movie The Little Mermaid (Clements & Musker, 1989), Ariel displays symptoms of disposophobia, which is defined as the fear of getting rid of things.

What is the moral behind The Little Mermaid?

Disney's version portrays a more censored moral: one is able to achieve true happiness and acceptance by undergoing extreme change for the one they love. Through minor sacrifice and patience during said change, eventually they will gain the love and respect of those they changed for.

What is the message behind The Little Mermaid?

Overall, The Little Mermaid's emphasis on sacrificial love speaks to a larger psychological theme about the importance of putting the needs of others before our own. By doing so, we not only enhance our own well-being, but we also build stronger and more fulfilling relationships with the people around us.

Why can't Ariel talk?

In the 1989 animation, Ariel gives up her voice to Ursula the sea witch in exchange for legs. While Ariel is hesitant, Ursula reminds her that she will have no need for her voice above water.

What race is Ariel supposed to be?

In the 1989 movie, Ariel was born in the fictional underwater kingdom of Atlantica, which technically makes her Atlantican, not Danish. As Ariel is half fish, she cannot be categorized by our ethnicities and races.

Why do all Ariel's sisters look different?

One theory is that each of Ariel's sisters represents different oceans that are home to various cultures and ethnicities. It's pretty problematic to have mermaids who all look the same representing such an expansive underwater world.

What happens when Ariel turns human?

At the end of the film, after King Triton uses his magical trident to transform Ariel into a human, she leaves the sea to live in the human world. She and Eric marry and live happily ever after.

Was Ariel's mom crushed?

Unfortunately, while she was doing this, she got crushed by the ship, which hit the rocks after losing control. This situation utterly transformed King Triton, particularly in his perception of humans, the way he raised his daughters and how he ruled Atlantica from then on.

Why did Disney make Ariel black?

On the significance of casting a Black actress as Ariel

Sherri Hope Culver: To have a Disney character who is not just a princess but a live-action, real flesh and blood person that children can be inspired by is important. This is because people of color are less likely to see themselves reflected in the media.

Why didn't they do the sparkly dress in The Little Mermaid?

A Dramatic Dress Is Needed For a Dramatic Scene

Ariel wears the same pale blue dress throughout the new film whenever she is on land (except while getting married), so audiences do not get to see the shimmery blue gown on display.

Why did Disney ban Little mermaid cover?

It wasn't 'banned' per se, it was recalled. The original artwork contained a phallic-looking spire on a castle in the background. By all accounts, the resemblance was unintentional and NOT a joke slipped in by the artist. In any case, the cover was recalled by Disney and a new one was issued.

Is Ursula a drag queen?

Ursula's drag roots

Specifically, Divine, the drag alter ego of Harris Glenn Milstead. Rob Minkoff, the original movie's animator, told Vogue that it seemed like a “funny and quirky idea” to “take (Ursula) and treat her more like a drag queen.”

Were Triton and Ursula siblings?

Although The Little Mermaid live-action confirms Ursula is Triton's sister, the Sea Witch does not have a mermaid's tale like Ariel. Rather, Ursula's appearance is radically different from her family, and she sports tentacles that look like a permanent black dress.