The true story of “The Little Mermaid”: a dark story that Disney has turned into magic

If there is one Disney film that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, it is undoubtedly “The Little Mermaid”. This animated classic released in 1989 was a turning point in the studio’s history and reinvigorated the fairy tale genre. But, Did you know that the original story of “The Little Mermaid” is much darker and more complex than what Disney presents to us?

The story of “The Little Mermaid” has its origins in a fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and first published in 1837. The original story is quite far from the version we all know. Instead of a happy ending, Andersen’s tale has a darker, sadder tone.

In the original story, the little mermaid is not called ariel, but she is a young mermaid who lives in a fascinating underwater world. Her desire to know the human world and live among terrestrial beings is so strong that she is willing to do anything to make it happen. Instead of having a fish tail, Andersen describes the siren’s voice as her greatest attribute, and it is her voice that she sacrifices to become human.

The human prince, on the other hand, is not as charming a character as Prince Eric from the Disney movie. In Andersen’s story, the prince falls in love with another woman and the Little Mermaid is forced to attend her wedding to someone else. Devastated and unable to return to her underwater home, the Little Mermaid faces a tragic fate: she is transformed into meerschaum.

Disney’s adaptation softened the plot and gave it a happy ending. In the film, Ariel is a determined and curious mermaid who, with the help of her friends and her magic, manages to transform into a human and find true love with Prince Eric. Catchy music, colorful animation, and memorable characters made “The Little Mermaid” a huge hit.

• It may interest you to read: The Little Mermaid: Halle Bailey has always dreamed of being a princess
• How much is ‘The Little Mermaid’ popcorn at Cinépolis Mexico

The adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” changed the trajectory of Disney

But regardless of the differences between the original tale and the Disney version, “The Little Mermaid” marked an important milestone in the studio’s trajectory. It was the first Disney film to use computer animation. to create special effects, such as Ariel’s shining dress in the ball scene.

In addition, the score composed by Alan Menken and the lyrics by Howard Ashman elevated the musical quality of animated films and laid the foundation for future musical successes of Disney.

The success of ‘The Little Mermaid’ also paved the way for Disney’s so-called ‘Renaissance Era’, which included such iconic films as ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Aladdin’ and ‘The Lion King’. These films saved the fairy tale genre and established Disney as a leader in the field of animation.

In conclusion, the true story of “The Little Mermaid” is much darker and more tragic than the version we know thanks to Disney. Hans Christian Andersen’s original short story presents a story of sacrifice, heartbreak and a tragic fate for the lead mermaid. However, Disney’s adaptation turned the story into a story of love and overcoming, full of magic and hope.

Despite the differences, it’s fascinating to see how a story can evolve and adapt depending on the context and audience for which it is intended. Disney’s version of “The Little Mermaid” has managed to captivate young and old, thanks to its innovative animation, captivating music and charismatic characters.

However, it’s important to remember that the original story of “The Little Mermaid” has a place in literature and teaches us valuable lessons about the search for identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of our decisions. Andersen’s story invites us to reflect on the true meaning of love and the value of accepting ourselves as we are.

Ultimately, both both the original version and the Disney adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’ are testaments to the powerful influence fairy tales in our culture. These stories transport us to magical worlds, teach us important lessons, and inspire us to dream and believe in magic.

So the next time you see Ariel swimming in the sea or listen to the notes of “Under the Sea”, remember that behind this story there is a rich literary tradition and a tale that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and entertainment . The true story of “The Little Mermaid” is a reminder of how fairy tales can change and adapt, while remaining an endless source of inspiration and enchantment for generations of viewers.