Character: Ariel
Franchise/Universe: The Little Mermaid / Disney Universe
First Appearance: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Creator(s): Ron Clements, John Musker (inspired by Hans Christian Andersen)
Character Type: Heroine / Disney Princess Iconic Quote: “I want to be where the people are.”
Ariel Overview
Ariel is the curious, strong-willed mermaid princess who dreams of a world beyond the sea. As the seventh daughter of King Triton in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, she is a symbol of youthful wonder, rebellion, and the courage to follow one’s heart. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, Ariel made her cinematic debut in 1989 and became one of the most beloved Disney Princesses, ushering in the Disney Renaissance.
Ariel is best known for her bright red hair, adventurous spirit, and unrelenting determination. Her fascination with the human world leads her to collect treasures from shipwrecks and long for a life on land. This passion drives her to make a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for legs. Despite the sacrifice, Ariel proves her resilience and selflessness in the face of danger and ultimately helps restore peace between the human and undersea worlds.
Her story explores themes of transformation, identity, and independence. Over the years, Ariel has remained an icon for generations of fans, not just as a classic princess but as a bold heroine who sings her dreams into reality.
Top 10 Ariel Fun Facts
- Ariel was the first Disney Princess to have siblings (six sisters).
- Her singing voice was performed by Jodi Benson, whose performance became iconic.
- She is the only Disney Princess to become a mother in a sequel.
- Ariel’s red hair was a deliberate change to differentiate her from Daryl Hannah’s mermaid in Splash.
- The character design was based on Alyssa Milano’s look and Sherri Stoner’s movements.
- Ariel’s original tail color was custom-created by Disney’s paint lab.
- Her wedding dress in the finale was the first Princess wedding gown animated in a Disney film.
- Ariel has a daughter named Melody in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.
- She is the only Disney Princess who is part human and part mythical creature.
- Ariel is left-handed, a rare trait among Disney characters.
Voice Actor for Ariel
- Jodi Benson (1989–present, animated features and spin-offs)
- Halle Bailey (2023, live-action adaptation)
Ariel’s Key Powers / Abilities / Skills
- Exceptional Singing Voice: Her voice is magical and central to the story
- Swimming Agility: Fast, graceful swimmer with superb underwater mobility
- Courage and Determination: Willing to risk everything for her dreams
- Cross-Cultural Curiosity: Deep interest in the human world and its customs
- Kindness and Empathy: Deeply cares for friends, family, and creatures alike
- Adaptability: Successfully navigates both land and sea worlds
Visual Evolution
- 1989: Debuted in The Little Mermaid with hand-drawn animation, red hair, purple seashell top, and green tail
- 1992–1994: Featured in “The Little Mermaid” animated TV series with a more casual, animated tone
- 2000: Appeared as an adult and mother in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
- 2006–2008: Included in Disney Princess merchandise and sing-along DVDs with a more stylized look
- 2023: Reimagined in live-action form by Halle Bailey with a contemporary design and realistic undersea visuals
Famous Story Arcs & Appearances
- The Little Mermaid (1989) – Ariel trades her voice for legs to follow her dream
- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) – Ariel becomes a mother trying to protect her daughter Melody
- The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008) – A prequel revealing her mother’s fate and Ariel’s passion for music
- Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) – Appears in a meta cameo with other Disney Princesses
- The Little Mermaid (2023) – Live-action retelling starring Halle Bailey with new songs and expanded backstory
Trivia on Ariel
- Ariel is the first Disney Princess to have an on-screen duet with her prince (“Kiss the Girl”).
- Her hair moves underwater in a way that was inspired by astronaut footage in zero gravity.
- Her name is inspired by the Shakespearean character from The Tempest, who is also associated with the sea.
- Ariel’s character helped revive Disney animation during a low point in the late 1980s.
- Ariel’s grotto in the Magic Kingdom is a permanent theme park attraction.
- She has starred in Broadway adaptations and live television specials.
- In Disney theme parks, Ariel is the only Princess to appear both in human and mermaid form.
- Ariel’s iconic song “Part of Your World” was almost cut from the film during early screenings.
- Her transformation scenes were among the most technically complex in Disney animation at the time.
- Ariel’s legacy continues through countless merchandise lines, books, toys, and global fandoms.
Related Characters
- King Triton (father)
- Ursula (villain and sea witch)
- Prince Eric (love interest)
- Sebastian (crab and musical advisor)
- Flounder (best fish friend)
- Melody (daughter in the sequel)
