Most people know Ariel—the Little Mermaid—as the curious redhead with a voice like crystal and a longing to walk on land. But there’s far more to her than meets the eye—or fin. Whether in Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale or Disney’s dazzling animated classic, Ariel is often underestimated. Beneath the seafoam and tiaras lies a fiercely talented and resourceful heroine. She’s not just a dreamer—she’s a thinker, a collector, a linguist, a problem-solver, and, above all, someone deeply passionate about the world around her. Her talents go far beyond music and rebellion. These top 10 surprising skills showcase the full range of what makes the Little Mermaid so enchanting—and why she’s one of the most multidimensional characters in fairy tale history.
#10: She’s an Expert Collector of Human Artifacts
Before Ariel ever sets foot—or fin—on land, she has already amassed an entire treasure trove of human objects. And we’re not talking about hoarding—Ariel is a careful, passionate curator. From forks (“dinglehoppers”) to snuffboxes, Ariel collects not only the objects themselves but the ideas they represent. She doesn’t just grab shiny things—she tries to understand their purpose, usage, and cultural meaning. Her grotto is practically a museum, organized with care and deep fascination. What’s truly surprising is how accurate some of her assumptions are, considering she’s never seen the human world up close. Her observational and deductive skills are exceptional. Ariel may be mocked for calling a fork a hairbrush, but her curiosity and categorization instincts are the beginnings of a true anthropologist’s mind. It’s not just treasure—it’s research.
#9: She Has an Intuitive Gift for Languages
In the Disney version, Ariel gives up her voice to become human—but her communication skills go far beyond singing. One of her most underrated abilities is her intuitive grasp of language—both spoken and non-verbal. She mimics seagulls, speaks fluently with sea creatures, understands the meanings of songs, stories, and symbols, and even communicates effectively with Prince Eric without speaking a word. In the original Hans Christian Andersen story, the Little Mermaid doesn’t speak at all after her transformation, yet she expresses volumes through her eyes, gestures, and grace. In many adaptations, Ariel also learns to read human language quickly implying she had studied it before or had a natural aptitude for it. This unspoken skill shows her cognitive adaptability. Ariel doesn’t just dream of another world—she learns how to navigate it, even when stripped of her most powerful asset: her voice.
#8: She’s a Daring Negotiator
One of the most overlooked talents of Ariel is her boldness in negotiation. She strikes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, despite the enormous risks. Yes, the contract is unfair, and yes, Ursula manipulates her—but Ariel walks into that cavern with her eyes open. She asks questions, clarifies the terms, and makes a decision with purpose. That kind of courage and decisiveness is rare. What’s even more surprising is that she doesn’t ask anyone for permission—she makes the decision herself, based on what she believes is right for her future. This isn’t recklessness—it’s calculated risk. In the original fairy tale, she makes an even more dangerous pact, trading not only her voice but enduring physical pain for the chance to gain a soul and a place in the human world. Ariel may be young, but her ability to weigh options and make difficult choices is deeply underrated.
#7: She’s a Skilled Performer Beyond Singing
Everyone remembers Ariel for her iconic singing voice— “Part of Your World” is still one of the most beloved Disney ballads—but her talent for performance goes beyond her voice. Ariel is expressive, theatrical, and emotionally in tune with everyone around her. She can dance, act with her body and face, and perform underwater acrobatics with ease. Whether she’s flipping through the ocean, mimicking human behavior, or learning to walk on legs for the first time, she performs with natural flair. In a world without traditional schooling or formal lessons, Ariel teaches herself how to be graceful, engaging, and socially adaptable. She instinctively knows how to charm, entertain, and even distract when needed. These performance abilities allow her to build trust, gain allies, and express complex feelings when words are unavailable—especially vital during her time on land.
#6: She’s a Brave and Creative Problem-Solver
Ariel’s problem-solving skills are often eclipsed by her curiosity, but they’re just as important. When confronted with barriers—be they literal or emotional—she finds inventive ways around them. She figures out how to interact with humans without speaking, how to signal distress or interest, and how to connect with people across species. She’s quick to adapt, whether it’s navigating a dinner table with unknown utensils or defending her friends in a crisis. In both the Disney and Andersen versions, Ariel constantly adjusts her tactics based on her environment. She uses her surroundings creatively, whether swimming through obstacles, miming her ideas, or timing her actions perfectly. She’s not a passive dreamer—she’s a strategist. Her daring doesn’t come from recklessness—it comes from confidence in her ability to figure things out.
#5: She Shows Emotional Intelligence Beyond Her Years
Ariel may be sixteen in the Disney film, but her emotional intelligence rivals that of adults. From the beginning, she demonstrates a profound ability to empathize with others—whether it’s the seahorses nervously delivering royal messages, Flounder’s anxieties, or even Sebastian’s conflicting loyalties. Ariel rarely dismisses others’ emotions. She listens, even when she disagrees, and she often comforts or encourages those around her with maturity that feels well beyond her age. Her empathy is particularly evident in how she approaches Prince Eric. Even without her voice, she’s attuned to his emotions. She reads his expressions, responds to his energy, and supports his healing after his shipwreck. Ariel’s bond with him isn’t based solely on infatuation—it’s built on mutual recognition. What makes this talent even more surprising is that she maintains this emotional balance while navigating massive personal transformation—literally changing species and losing her voice. Her compassion remains intact, even when her world turns upside down.
#4: She Masters Walking and Human Culture in Days
Think about it: Ariel goes from sea to land overnight and manages to learn how to walk, balance, and function among humans in record time. While this is often played for laughs—cue the fork scene or her wide-eyed wonder at dancing—it’s actually a remarkable demonstration of adaptability and physical intelligence. She doesn’t just learn how to walk—she learns how to move, to dance, to wear shoes, to dine, and to engage in rituals she’s never seen before. Her ability to pick up on social cues without any prior exposure is also astonishing. In just a few days, she earns the respect and affection of the castle staff, keeps her composure at formal dinners, and charms an entire kingdom. That kind of social and physical adaptation is nothing short of genius. Ariel isn’t just curious—she’s incredibly observant and a fast learner under pressure, even when everything is unfamiliar.
#3: She Challenges Authority with Confidence and Clarity
Another underrated talent of Ariel is her ability to confront power structures head-on. Whether it’s King Triton’s fury, Sebastian’s lectures, or Ursula’s manipulations, Ariel doesn’t cower. She has a deep internal compass and isn’t afraid to question those in control. When Triton destroys her grotto, it’s one of the most heartbreaking moments in the film—but she doesn’t retreat into silence. She expresses her frustration and makes a choice to act on her own values. That act—going to Ursula—may be dangerous, but it’s not done in defiance for defiance’s sake. It’s Ariel staking a claim to her future. She doesn’t blindly obey because someone is older or more powerful. Instead, she listens, weighs her own desires, and makes choices that align with her heart. Her bravery isn’t rebelliousness—it’s rooted in conviction. The ability to stand up to authority while maintaining self-respect and purpose is a rare skill, and Ariel does it with striking poise.
#2: She Forms Deep Friendships Across Boundaries
From the underwater creatures of Atlantica to the castle staff on land, Ariel has a unique ability to bond with others. What’s most surprising is that her friendships cross boundaries of species, class, and background. Her closest friends include a neurotic crab, a bashful fish, and a know-it-all seagull. On land, she earns the trust of humans despite being unable to speak. Ariel leads with vulnerability, humor, and sincerity—qualities that draw people in. These relationships aren’t just convenient sidekick dynamics—they’re central to her journey. Sebastian may start off as her reluctant guardian, but by the end, he risks everything to help her. Flounder remains loyal despite danger. And even Scuttle, in his clumsy way, comes through when it counts. Ariel’s kindness is contagious. Her ability to connect, across all kinds of lines, shows a deep interpersonal brilliance that no spell or magic could ever conjure.
#1: She Transforms Without Losing Herself
The most surprising and powerful talent Ariel possesses is her ability to undergo massive transformation without compromising her core identity. Whether she’s a mermaid in the ocean or a human on land, she stays true to who she is. Many characters in fairy tales lose themselves in pursuit of love or freedom, but not Ariel. She never forgets her passion for discovery, her love for music, or her compassion for others. Even when her voice is taken, her spirit is not. That’s her true magic. She adapts but never conforms. She evolves but never erases. Her journey isn’t about changing to fit someone else’s world—it’s about becoming more of who she already is. In every iteration—from Disney’s animated version to Hans Christian Andersen’s bittersweet original—Ariel’s emotional strength, her sense of self, and her unwavering dreams are what carry her through. Her greatest talent is being unshakably Ariel in a world that constantly tries to reshape her.
Ariel’s story has always been one of enchantment, transformation, and love—but hidden beneath the waves is a character brimming with untold brilliance. From her linguistic intuition to her emotional courage, from her daring independence to her ability to build bridges between worlds, the Little Mermaid proves that bravery and brains go hand in hand. Her talents don’t just make her memorable—they make her legendary. She’s more than a voice, more than a dreamer, and more than a girl who wanted legs. Ariel is a symbol of curiosity, courage, and unapologetic individuality. And that, more than anything, is why she continues to inspire generation after generation.
