The Most Historically Inaccurate Disney Princess Movie: Analyzing 'The Little Mermaid'

When it comes to historical accuracy in Disney animated films, each movie presents its own unique blend of fact and fantasy. However, one title stands out particularly: The Little Mermaid. While many of Disney's films strive to capture the spirit and atmosphere of the historical periods they depict, The Little Mermaid has faced criticism for its significant deviations from historical and factual contexts. This article delves into why The Little Mermaid is often cited as the most historically inaccurate Disney princess movie of all time, focusing especially on the mythical character of Ariel and the concept of mermaids.

The Historical Context of 'The Little Mermaid'

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's original 1837 fairy tale, The Little Mermaid has been adapted for the silver screen numerous times. The version adapted by Disney, released in 1989, diverges significantly from the original story and historical realities. In Andersen's tale, the mermaid exists in a magical underwater kingdom without any reference to our reality. This contrasts sharply with the Disney interpretation, which attempts to place the story in a more concrete historical and geographical context, though it still retains fantastical elements.

The Mermaid Myth and Historical Inaccuracy

Mention the word 'mermaid' and most people think of The Little Mermaid, but there's a stark contrast between our cultural understanding of mermaids and their historical counterparts. In the story, Ariel is a magical, half-fish, half-human creature who resides in a fantastical underwater kingdom. The idea of mermaids themselves is largely a figment of human imagination and folklore. Historically, their existence is debated and considered more of a myth than a reality. No archaeological evidence has been found to support the actual existence of mermaids in any recorded history. They remain creatures of legend and fantasy, rendering The Little Mermaid significantly historically inaccurate in this aspect.

Other Historical Inaccuracies in the Film

But the inaccuracy of mermaids is not the only aspect where The Little Mermaid falls short of historical accuracy. The film's portrayal of the 15th century setting is also questionable. The story takes place in Denmark, as suggested by King Triton's pride in his country and the cultural context. Yet, Denmark (known as Denmark-Norway at that time) did not actually embark on explorations to the New World during the 15th century. The time period is more closely aligned with the Age of Exploration, centered around the late 15th and early 16th centuries, led by famous explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan.

The concept of a European kingdom needing guidance from an educated and diplomatic princess like Ariel to interact with foreign cultures is anachronistic. In reality, the majority of European exploration and colonization efforts were driven by male explorers who displayed confidence and expertise in navigating and understanding new lands. Princesses in actual historical contexts were more often seen as symbols of political alliances and not actively involved in the exploration and governance of far-off territories.

Conclusion and the Future of Historical Accuracy in Disney Films

While The Little Mermaid remains a beloved Disney classic, its historical inaccuracy cannot be ignored. The blend of fantasy and fact in this tale leaves audiences with a story that, while enchanting, does not reflect our historical understanding of the 15th century or the existence of mermaids. This film serves as a reminder to viewers and creators alike of the importance of balancing artistic creativity with historical accuracy.

As we continue to analyze and critique Disney's portrayal of historical periods and cultures, films like The Little Mermaid stand as a case study in the ways in which cultural storytelling and historical accuracy can sometimes be at odds. It is essential for filmmakers, whether in Disney or any other context, to strive for a thoughtful and informed balance between the fantastical and the factual.