Ariel
A brave mermaid princess who trades her voice for legs to chase a dream of love and adventure.
Ariel is a spirited and curious mermaid princess who serves as the protagonist of Disney's classic animated feature, The Little Mermaid. As the youngest daughter of King Triton and Queen Athena, she lives in the vibrant underwater kingdom of Atlantica but dreams of exploring the human world above the waves. Her defining characteristic is her insatiable curiosity about surface life, which leads her to collect human artifacts in a secret grotto.
- Character
- Princess Ariel
- Species
- Mermaid
- Affiliation
- Royal Family of Atlantica
- First Appearance
- The Little Mermaid (1989)
- Status
- Alive / Human Princess
- Key Trait
- Curiosity and Determination
Lore & Background
Her life changed forever when she saved Prince Eric from drowning during a storm. Captivated by him and his world, she made a dangerous bargain with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. After surviving the trials of land and proving her love through actions rather than words, she was restored as a human princess, uniting the two worlds and earning her father's blessing.
In Their Own Story
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, golden reflections across the ocean's surface. Ariel pressed herself against the glass-like water barrier, watching the silhouette of a ship sail toward the distant shore. Her tail shimmered with iridescent scales, but her heart raced for the world above where she had seen him. She reached out a hand, fingers grazing the ripples, feeling the pull of a destiny that lay just beyond the waves.
Reader's Guide
Ariel is defined by her boundless curiosity and fierce determination to follow her heart, even when it defies tradition or authority. As the lead protagonist, she drives the narrative through her desire to bridge the gap between the underwater kingdom and the human world. Her relationship with King Triton evolves from one of conflict over safety versus freedom to a deep mutual understanding and acceptance. Her bond with Prince Eric is central to her journey, built on non-verbal connection before she regains her voice. She also relies heavily on her loyal friends, including Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab, who provide comic relief and emotional support during her trials. The character's legacy continues through sequels and a live-action adaptation. In the original 1989 animated film, Ariel was voiced by Jodi Benson, whose performance became iconic for its warmth and strength. In the 2023 live-action remake, the role was portrayed by Halle Bailey, bringing a fresh yet faithful interpretation to the beloved character while maintaining the core spirit of the original.
Did You Know?
- Jodi Benson also provided Ariel's singing voice in the animated film and reprised her role for various sequels and theme park attractions.
- Ariel is the first Disney Princess to be based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, though the ending differs significantly from the original fairy tale.
- Her signature red hair was chosen by animators to stand out against the blue ocean background, making her instantly recognizable underwater.