Ariel
The Mermaid Princess Who Yearns for Humans
The protagonist of The Little Mermaid, the youngest daughter of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. She has a rebellious and free-spirited personality and harbors a strong longing for the human world.
Quotes
- Part of Your World
- I want to know more about the human world!
- Is my voice yours?
- What is freedom?
- The power of love is amazing!
Trivia
- The green color of Ariel's tail is a special color named 'Ariel'.
- Ariel's red hair was adopted after much debate in the studio.
- Ariel's appearance is inspired by numerous real women.
- Jodi Benson voices both the singing and speaking roles.
- In the musical version, she wears Heely's shoes to depict underwater swimming.
- The hipster Ariel meme online was popular, and related merchandise was released.
Alternate names
Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid
Ariel Triton
Girl of the Sea
Profile
- Species
- Mermaid
- Gender
- Female
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- A beautiful mermaid with long red hair and a green fish tail, possessing the typical appearance of a Disney Princess.
- Eye color
- Green
- Hair color
- Red
- Distinguishing features
-
- Long vibrant red hair
- Green mermaid tail
- Bright, curiosity-filled eyes
- Shell bra
- Iconic items
-
- Human world items (dolls, combs, etc.)
- Magical trident (father Triton's weapon)
- Singing voice
- Ariel's music box (gift from her mother)
- Flounder (fish friend)
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Highly Curious
- Detailed personality
- Loves freedom and has a rebellious side, but is kind and compassionate. Strongly interested in and curious about new worlds, which sometimes leads to dangerous actions. Strong-willed, with a maternal side that seeks to protect loved ones and family.
- Keywords
-
- Free-spirited
- Inquisitive
- Rebellious
- Kind
- Brave
- Curious
- Passionate
- Devoted
- Motto
- “My longing for the human world guides me”
- Talents
-
- Beautiful singing voice
- Swimming and diving abilities underwater
- Keen powers of observation driven by curiosity
- Skills
-
- Understanding of human world culture
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Musical performance (band activities in Broadway version)
- Motivation
- To live freely in the human world, and to live a happy life with her beloved Prince Eric.
- Habits
- Obsession with collecting human gadgets, often ignoring parents' orders to go on adventures.
- Favorite foods
- Seafood, Unknown
- Hobbies
- Collecting human objects, Singing, Exploration
- Favorite places
- Atlantica's underwater kingdom, The land of the human world
- Favorite colors
- Green, Red
- Music
- Part of Your World
- Disliked situations
- Prohibitions and restrictions from family, The schemes of the sea witch Ursula
History
- Backstory
- Born as the youngest daughter of King Triton and Queen Athena of Atlantica. With a free spirit and strong yearning for humans, she often rebels against her father's strict rule and the laws of the sea, adventuring with her best friend Flounder to face underwater crises and interactions with the human world.
- Debut date
- November 17, 1989
- Work title
- The Little Mermaid
- Media type
- Movie
Meeting Prince Eric
- Significant event
- Meeting Prince Eric
- Description
- Since rescuing the prince from a shipwreck, she is strongly attracted to him.
Contract with Ursula
- Significant event
- Contract with Ursula
- Description
- Makes a dangerous contract, trading her voice to become human.
Becoming human and marrying the prince
- Significant event
- Becoming human and marrying the prince
- Description
- Becomes human through her father's magic and unites with Eric.
Mother's death
- Significant event
- Mother's death
- Description
- Lost her mother Queen Athena in childhood, leading to her father's ban on music (detailed in III).
Relationships
King Triton
Father
Strict but loving father. Worried about Ariel's desire for freedom, yet a guiding protector.
Queen Athena
Mother
Deceased. Ariel's mother and a pillar of family memories.
Prince Eric
Spouse
Beloved in the human world. Marriage to him realizes Ariel's dream.
Melody
Child
Princess and Ariel's daughter. Protects and raises her as a mother.
Flounder
Best friend
Always accompanies Ariel on adventures, a protective best friend fish.
Sebastian
Mentor
King Triton's advisor, monitors Ariel's actions while serving as an advisor.
Disney Princesses
Disney Princesses: member
Media appearances
The Little Mermaid
Movie / Protagonist
1989 film
The Little Mermaid (TV series)
Anime / Protagonist
1992-1994
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
Movie / Protagonist
2000
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Movie / Protagonist
2008
The Little Mermaid (Broadway Musical)
Musical / Protagonist
2007-2009
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Anime / Supporting
2018
The Little Mermaid (2023 film)
Movie / Protagonist
2023
Kingdom Hearts series
Game / Supporting
2002 onwards
LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Adventure
Anime / Protagonist
2023
Voice cast and creators
Mayumi Suzuki
- Voice actor
- Mayumi Suzuki
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Theatrical version and early TV series
Mari Kogaki
- Voice actor
- Mari Kogaki
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Ralph Breaks the Internet, Mermaid Lagoon Theater
Jodi Benson
- Voice actor
- Jodi Benson
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- Original film, TV series, musical
- Notes
- firstGen
Halle Bailey
- Voice actor
- Halle Bailey
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- 2023 live-action film version
Hans Christian Andersen
- Creator name
- Hans Christian Andersen
- Role
- Original author
Ron Clements
- Creator name
- Ron Clements
- Role
- Writer
John Musker
- Creator name
- John Musker
- Role
- Writer
Glen Keane
- Creator name
- Glen Keane
- Role
- Character designer
Jodi Benson
- Creator name
- Jodi Benson
- Role
- voiceActor
Related goods
Funko Pop Figure Ariel Hipster Version
- Item name
- Funko Pop Figure Ariel Hipster Version
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Regular
Ariel Plush Toy
- Item name
- Ariel Plush Toy
- Category
- Plush or doll
- Availability
- Regular
Ariel Stationery Set
- Item name
- Ariel Stationery Set
- Category
- Stationery
- Availability
- Regular