The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

Year: 1989

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker

FamilyAnimationFantasySong and danceFairy-tale fantasy and enchanted magic

Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination, an adventure follows impetuous mermaid princess Ariel, who falls in love with human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line to be with him. She confronts the villainous sea witch Ursula, while the film dazzles with colorful characters and memorable songs in this vibrant adventure for all ages.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Little Mermaid (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Little Mermaid (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Atlantica

Atlantica is the underwater kingdom beneath the Atlantic Ocean, ruled by King Triton. It is home to merfolk and a world of customs, including Ariel's grotto filled with human artifacts. The story centers on Ariel's curiosity about humans and the strict laws that govern contact with the surface world.

🌊 Ocean 🧜‍♀️ Fantasy 🏰 Underwater Kingdom

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:38

Main Characters – The Little Mermaid (1989)

Meet the key characters of The Little Mermaid (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson)

A curious mermaid who collects human artifacts and longs to understand the surface world. She falls for Prince Eric after saving him, despite King Triton's ban on contact with humans. To pursue love, she makes a dangerous bargain with Ursula, demonstrating courage and a willingness to risk everything.

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid 🎨 Collector 💖 Romantic

Prince Eric (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes)

A kind and brave human prince who is drawn to the mysterious girl who saves him. He remains unaware of Ariel's true identity until the central romance unfolds. His destiny intertwines with Ariel's as Ursula's plan threatens his future.

👑 Prince 🎭 Romantic

Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll)

The sea witch who plots to seize power by exploiting Ariel's longing for humanity. She steals Ariel's voice and uses magical tricks to control Eric, driving the wedding plot to a breaking point.

🪄 Villain 🐙 Manipulative

King Triton (voiced by Kenneth Mars)

Ruler of Atlantica and Ariel's father, he enforces the ban on human contact. He destroys Ariel's grotto in a misguided attempt to protect her, and later sacrifices power to free Ariel from Ursula's grip, even as the kingdom faces upheaval.

👑 Ruler 🧭 Protective

Flounder (voiced by Jason Marin)

Ariel's loyal best friend who often worries but supports her curiosity and adventures. He accompanies Ariel on surface journeys and provides comic relief amid the peril.

🐟 Friend 🐠 Loyal

Sebastian (voiced by Samuel E. Wright)

A crab adviser and court composer who counsels caution and helps manage Ariel's escapades. He plays a key role in guiding the plan to keep Ariel safe while balancing royal duties.

🦀 Advisor 🎶 Musical

Scuttle (voiced by Buddy Hackett)

A chatty seagull providing comic relief with frequently misguided information about humans. His antics add lightness to tense moments in Ariel's quest.

🕊️ Comic 🗺️ Misguided

Flotsam (voiced by Paddi Edwards)

One of Ursula's eel minions who assists in the witch's schemes with Jetsam. He helps execute the plan against Ariel and Eric.

🐍 Minion 🪄 Magic

Jetsam (voiced by Paddi Edwards)

Ursula's other eel ally who aids in the schemes against Ariel, also delivering threats and trouble for the couple.

🐍 Minion 🪄 Magic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:38

Major Themes – The Little Mermaid (1989)

Explore the central themes of The Little Mermaid (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Love and Longing

Ariel longs for the human world and falls for Prince Eric after saving him. Her feelings clash with King Triton's ban on contact with humans. The romance pushes her to make a dangerous bargain with Ursula, testing loyalty, identity, and what it means to belong.

✨ Transformation

Ariel trades her voice for three days as a human and must win Eric's love before time runs out. The deal strips her of her voice, making communication difficult as she navigates a new world. The transformation tests her courage and willingness to risk everything for love.

⚖️ Duty vs Freedom

Triton's protective rule clashes with Ariel's yearning for independence. He destroys her grotto in an attempt to shield her from harm, revealing both his care and his controlling side. The conflict raises questions about parental authority, sacrifice, and what it means to truly care.

🪄 Deception and Power

Ursula uses deception to manipulate Eric, disguising herself as Vanessa and stealing Ariel's voice. The plan culminates in a dangerous wedding and a climactic showdown when the truth is revealed. The victory restores Ariel's voice and breaks Ursula's hold, while Triton regains his place in Atlantica.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:38

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The Little Mermaid Summary

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The Little Mermaid Summary

The Little Mermaid Timeline

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The Little Mermaid Timeline

More About The Little Mermaid

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