Introduction
*The Little Mermaid* is a timeless Disney classic, beloved for its vibrant animation, catchy songs, and heartwarming story. The image of Prince Eric slaying Ursula and saving Ariel from a life of servitude is ingrained in popular culture. But did he truly act alone? Examining the narrative closely reveals a much more complex picture of heroism and rescue. While Prince Eric undoubtedly plays a part, attributing Ariel’s salvation solely to him overlooks the crucial roles played by Ariel herself, her loyal friends, and even her initially reluctant father, King Triton. The question of *who saves Ariel* becomes a journey into the depths of self-determination, unwavering loyalty, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
The narrative of *The Little Mermaid* revolves around Ariel, a curious and adventurous mermaid princess who dreams of experiencing the human world. Forbidden by her father to venture near the surface after her mother’s tragic death at the hands of humans, Ariel finds herself increasingly drawn to the artifacts she discovers in sunken ships. When she falls in love with Prince Eric after saving him from a shipwreck, she is driven to desperate measures to pursue her dreams. She makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for legs to become human for three days, with the condition that she receives true love’s kiss from Eric or becoming Ursula’s slave forever.
The Obvious Answer: Prince Eric
The Traditional View
While the story often frames Eric as the ultimate savior, this perspective warrants closer scrutiny. The climax of the film sees him bravely confronting and defeating Ursula, saving not only Ariel but also the entire kingdom of Atlantica. The traditional fairytale trope dictates that the prince rescues the damsel in distress, and Eric certainly fulfills this role in the final showdown. His act of plunging a broken ship’s bowsprit into Ursula is a dramatic and decisive moment, solidifying his image as a hero.
What Eric’s Role Actually Entails
However, reducing Eric’s role to simply “saving” Ariel does a disservice to the complexity of the situation. Was Eric really saving Ariel, or was he merely an instrument in her larger journey of self-discovery? He is, after all, largely unaware of the full extent of Ariel’s sacrifice until the very end. He doesn’t know that she gave up her voice for him, nor does he understand the dire consequences she faces if she fails to receive true love’s kiss. He is captivated by her beauty and mystified by her silence, but he doesn’t truly know her.
Why Eric Falls Short as a Sole Savior
Eric’s initial obliviousness highlights his limitations as a sole savior. He is smitten with a *version* of Ariel, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who cannot speak. The “kiss of true love,” so crucial to breaking Ursula’s spell, relies on Eric recognizing and loving the true Ariel, something he struggles to do until the very last moment. Furthermore, it can be argued that Eric’s actions are reactive rather than proactive. He responds to the threat posed by Ursula, but he doesn’t initiate Ariel’s rescue in the same way that she initiates her own journey. He does help free her and plays a vital role in ridding the ocean of the evil that plagued her, but calling it a rescue minimizes Ariel’s role in making it all come to pass.
Ariel Herself: Her Agency and Determination
Her Initiative
In reality, Ariel is the architect of her own destiny, the driving force behind the events that unfold. It is her desire, her curiosity, and her willingness to take risks that set the entire story in motion. She isn’t a passive victim waiting to be saved; she is an active agent, pursuing her dreams with unwavering determination. Ariel’s deal with Ursula, though reckless, is a testament to her agency. She takes control of her own life, even if it means making a dangerous bargain. This decision, driven by her yearning for the human world and her love for Eric, demonstrates a remarkable strength of will.
Her Intelligence and Adaptability
Even without her voice, Ariel exhibits remarkable intelligence and adaptability. She navigates the human world with resourcefulness, learning to communicate through gestures and expressions. She actively tries to win Eric’s affection, demonstrating her personality and charm despite her limitations. It’s her unique and playful spirit that eventually begins to melt Eric’s heart. Her efforts show that she is not a helpless damsel; she is a clever and resourceful young woman determined to achieve her goals.
Why Ariel is Crucial to Her Own Rescue
Ariel’s courage and her own initiative are the most crucial components in her rescue. Without her initial decision to seek out Ursula, none of the subsequent events would have transpired. Without her efforts to win Eric’s love, the curse would have remained unbroken. She is the catalyst, the spark that ignites the entire narrative. It is her unwavering belief in herself and her dreams that ultimately pave the way for her transformation and happiness. She saves herself by her decisions and the fact that she never gave up.
Supporting Characters: The Unsung Heroes
Flounder’s Loyalty
Beyond Ariel’s own actions, the supporting characters in *The Little Mermaid* play a vital role in her journey. These unsung heroes often go unnoticed but their contributions are essential to Ariel’s success. Flounder, Ariel’s loyal and timid best friend, is a constant source of support. Despite his fears, he bravely accompanies Ariel on her adventures, offering unwavering encouragement. He knows her best, and his love is a constant reminder of what matters most. He rescues her from many of Ursula’s goons, and would always do anything for her.
Sebastian’s Efforts
Sebastian, the court composer and King Triton’s reluctant caretaker of Ariel, provides a contrasting perspective. Initially tasked with keeping Ariel out of trouble, Sebastian eventually becomes her advocate and ally. He witnesses Ariel’s genuine feelings for Eric and begins to understand her desire for a different life. Although he may complain and worry, Sebastian actively works to create romantic opportunities for Ariel and Eric, even orchestrating the iconic “Kiss the Girl” scene.
Scuttle’s Misinformation
Even Scuttle, the eccentric seagull who provides Ariel with often-inaccurate information about human objects, contributes to the story’s charm and humor. While his misinterpretations often lead to comical misunderstandings, his enthusiasm and genuine desire to help Ariel are undeniable. Though some of his information gets Ariel into trouble, it is all in good fun, and he always comes to her rescue to help.
Why These Characters Matter
These supporting characters form a crucial support system for Ariel. Their loyalty, encouragement, and assistance empower her to pursue her dreams and overcome obstacles. They represent the importance of friendship and the power of community in achieving personal goals. Through their various actions, they all contributed to helping and ultimately saving Ariel.
King Triton’s Transformation: A Father’s Sacrifice
Triton’s Initial Opposition
However, perhaps the most profound act of sacrifice comes from King Triton himself. Initially portrayed as a strict and overprotective father, Triton harbors a deep-seated prejudice against humans, fueled by the loss of his wife. He vehemently forbids Ariel from interacting with the human world and destroys her collection of human artifacts in a fit of anger and disappointment. He is so blinded by his preconceived notions about humanity that he can’t see his daughter struggling to find her own path.
Triton’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Triton’s transformation is a pivotal moment in the film. When he realizes the depth of Ariel’s love for Eric and the danger she faces at the hands of Ursula, he makes the ultimate sacrifice: he trades his own freedom and power for Ariel’s life. This selfless act demonstrates the depth of his love for his daughter and marks a significant shift in his perspective. By giving up his own power, he ultimately empowers Ariel to make her own choices and pursue her own happiness.
Triton’s Role in Ariel’s Freedom
By relinquishing his power, Triton breaks the curse binding Ariel and makes possible the ultimate happy ending. Triton’s transformation highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the willingness to challenge one’s own prejudices. His actions contribute immensely to Ariel’s ultimate freedom and happiness, not to mention his willingness to accept his daughter’s choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of *who saves Ariel* in *The Little Mermaid* is far more nuanced than it initially appears. While Prince Eric undoubtedly plays a heroic role in defeating Ursula, attributing Ariel’s rescue solely to him overlooks the significant contributions of other characters and, most importantly, Ariel herself. Her own agency, determination, and willingness to take risks are the driving forces behind her journey. Flounder, Sebastian, and even Scuttle, provide crucial support and encouragement, empowering her to pursue her dreams. And King Triton’s ultimate sacrifice paves the way for Ariel’s transformation and happiness. The story ultimately shows that Ariel’s rescue is truly a collaborative effort. The story underscores that true heroism often involves self-determination, unwavering loyalty, and a willingness to challenge societal norms and preconceived notions. *The Little Mermaid* invites us to look beyond the traditional fairytale narrative and recognize the complex interplay of factors that contribute to true salvation. Ariel saved herself with the help of her community and by remaining true to herself. That is why the question of *who saves Ariel* does not have a simple answer.
