The True Color of Ariel's Eyes in The Little Mermaid

Introduction

The animated classic The Little Mermaid, released in 1989, has been a beloved piece of entertainment for generations. However, many viewers may not be aware of the original source material, and thus, the true description of Ariel's eyes as written by Hans Christian Andersen.

Original Description by Hans Christian Andersen

In The Little Mermaid, written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837, the character's visual appearance is richly detailed. Unlike the animated version, the original mermaid is described not only in terms of her ethereal beauty but also with a specific mention of her eyes. Andersen describes the youngest mermaid as having skin as clear and delicate as a rose leaf and eyes as blue as the deepest sea.

The Witch's Transformation

When the witch, known as the Sea Witch in the animation, offers the mermaid a potion that allows her to walk on land with human legs, she inquires, 'What will be left to me?' The witch responds, 'Your beautiful form, your graceful walk, and your expressive eyes. Surely with these, you can enchant a man's heart.' This indicates the significance of her eyes, particularly their expressive nature.

The Setting and Her Expression

When the prince first encounters Ariel on the beach, the description reads, 'But she had no clothes so she wrapped herself in her long thick hair. The prince asked her who she was and whence she came. She looked at him mildly and sorrowfully with her deep blue eyes but could not speak.' This further emphasizes the importance of her blue and expressive eyes.

The Dance and Her Beauty

The description continues, 'Then the little mermaid raised her lovely white arms, stood on the tips of her toes, glided over the floor, and danced as no one yet had been able to dance. At each moment, her beauty was more revealed and her expressive eyes appealed more directly to the heart than the songs of the slaves.' This vivid imagery underscores the enchanting quality of her eyes and how they complement her beauty.

The Prince's Choice

The prince speaks of her in awe, noting, 'If I were forced to choose a bride, I would choose you, my dumb foundling with those expressive eyes.' This is a clear indication that her eyes were the defining feature that set her apart, even in her mute state. The prince's choice highlights the multifaceted allure of her expressive eyes.

The Animated Adaptation

While the animated version somewhat deviates from these detailed descriptions, particularly in the case of her eyes, the original source material clearly indicates that her eyes were blue. The animated version, with its larger, more blue eyes, adds a charming and distinct feature to the character but may not fully capture the subtlety of the original text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, though the animated version of The Little Mermaid has been immensely successful, one should remember the original source material. The writer, Hans Christian Andersen, described the mermaid's eyes as blue, emphasizing their expressive nature. These deep blue eyes were a significant part of her character, contributing to her enchanting appeal and making her stand out in the story.