The Little Mermaid: A Journey of Transformation and Differences from Fairy Tale to Cinema

The Little Mermaid is one of the most beloved and popular Disney movies. Her story, based on the fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, has captivated audiences of all ages since its release in 1989. However, there are some notable differences between the original story and the film version.

In Andersen’s account, the story is much darker and more tragic than the Disney film. The Little Mermaid is a sea creature who falls in love with a human prince and makes a deal with the wicked sea witch to become human in exchange for her beautiful voice. In the film, this part of the plot is softenedand although Ariel also makes a deal with Ursula the sea witch, the story focuses more on romance and adventure than sacrifice and tragedy.

Another important difference is the ending. In the original tale, the prince marries another woman. and the Little Mermaid turns into sea foam. It’s a sad, melancholy ending that doesn’t have the typical “happily ever after” of fairy tales. Instead, the film has a happy ending, in which Ariel and Prince Eric team up and defeat the evil Ursula.

There is also character differences. In the original story, the prince is a minor character without much development, while in the film, Prince Eric has a more prominent role and becomes Ariel’s love interest. Also, in the original tale, the Little Mermaid has sisters who play an important role, while in the Disney film, Ariel’s sisters are minor characters without much prominence.

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The real dark tone of The Little Mermaid

Another significant change is the tone of the story. Andersen’s original account has a darker, more reflective tone, exploring themes such as sacrifice, identity and mortality. Instead, it’s lighter and focuses on adventure, music, and fun. The story becomes more cheerful and colorful, following the characteristic style of Disney movies.

It’s important to note that differences between the original story and the film are common in film adaptations. Filmmakers often edit stories to suit audiences. and make them more appropriate for a younger audience. In the case of The Little Mermaid, it was decided to soften the plot and add more positive and familiar elements, thus creating a more accessible and entertaining film.

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The story of The Little Mermaid underwent significant changes in its Disney film adaptation. From the darker, more tragic tone of the original tale to the happy ending and catchy music of the Disney version, the differences are clear. Despite these differences, both the original story and the film have captured the public imagination and left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Both versions of The Little Mermaid are testaments to the enduring power of fairy tales and their ability to captivate audiences of all ages through their timeless charm and magic.