As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who has grown up with “The Little Mermaid” as one of my all-time favorite animated films, I have to say that the evolution of Ursula throughout various adaptations is nothing short of captivating. From her humble beginnings as a plot device in Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale to her transformation into a memorable villain in Disney’s 1989 adaptation, it’s fascinating to see how the character has evolved over time.
During his search for ideas to develop some of his initial animated masterpieces, Walt Disney found himself drawn to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Little Mermaid”. Initially, this project was set aside, but it was later brought back to life, playing a significant role in rejuvenating Disney’s animation department.
In the 1989 animated film, Ursula serves as the principal villain. Voice-acted by Pat Carroll, she plays a significant part in the narrative by deceiving Ariel and changing her into a humanessence. Initially appearing as a comforting confidante for the young mermaid, Ursula harbors hidden intentions and is covertly plotting to dethrone King Triton and seize control over the Kingdom of Atlantica for herself.
In a more whimsical take, this rendition of “The Little Mermaid” deviates less from the grim roots of the original folktale. Similarly, the character of Ursula underwent significant transformations in the movie adaptation. Over numerous TV series, stage musicals, and live-action adaptations, Ursula has been consistently refined, as have her connections with Ariel and King Triton.
Who was Ursula before she became The Little Mermaid’s evil villain?
In the original Hans Christian Andersen tale of “The Little Mermaid,” t the Sea Witch removes the mermaid’s tongue in exchange for her services.
In Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, the Sea Witch is not inherently malicious but rather performs her sea-bound magic as a duty. Interestingly, she cautions the mermaid about the hardships of human life and the intense pain that comes with living on the surface, which gives the story an unusual lack of a clear antagonist. This posed challenges when adapting it into a Disney animated film.
In a fresh take, Ron Clements and John Musker expanded upon the Sea Witch character, creating a richer backstory and motivations that transformed her into a more conventional adversary. This change allowed viewers to root against her, making it simpler for them to modify “The Little Mermaid” tale, ensuring it wasn’t as somber or tragic as the original fairy tale on which it is based.
Ariel and Ursula’s original relationship in The Little Mermaid was different
In the 1989 animated rendition of “The Little Mermaid” that I adore, there’s no explicit family bond between Ursula, Ariel, and King Triton hinted at. It’s evident that the Sea Witch dwells in exile, distant from mermaids, yet her banishment’s cause remains unspoken. What adds to the mystery is that Ursula seems to be often visited by fellow sea creatures for magical aid, suggesting she holds a notable position within Ariel’s kingdom. Her focus on Ariel appears to be a strategy to reach King Triton, with the ultimate goal of dethroning him and claiming rule over the ocean.
Originally, the script for the 1989 release of “The Little Mermaid” connected Ursula and King Triton as siblings, but this was changed due to time constraints during production. In a behind-the-scenes video, co-director Roy Clemens revealed that an extended version of the opening song “Fathoms Below” had explained Ursula’s sibling relationship with King Triton, but it was removed from the final cut. The movie subtly hints at this connection as well; when viewers first meet Ursula, she mentions having lavish feasts in the palace, implying some kind of bond with the royal family.
How the Live-Action Little Mermaid changed Ariel and Ursula
In the 1989 animated film, there was no direct mention of Ursula being related to Ariel or King Triton. However, subsequent adaptations such as a novel by Serena Valentino titled “Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch,” and the Broadway musical have confirmed that Ursula is King Triton’s long-lost sister. The musical also includes a song called “I Want the Good Times Back” which suggests they once ruled together, but Ursula was exiled due to her thirst for power and use of dark magic.
In the 2023 live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” Ariel and Ursula’s bond is redefined to establish them as relatives. As Ariel goes to meet the person she calls the Sea Witch, Ursula discloses that they are actually King Triton’s estranged sisters, making Ursula Ariel’s aunt. Earlier in the story, Ursula had referred to King Triton as ‘Big Brother.’ She had been expelled from Atlantica 15 years prior by her brother. This backstory adds a more personal dimension to Ursula’s intentions and makes her actions even more malevolent.
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2024-12-20 22:30