Introduction
Is it truly Prince Eric who saves Ariel? The classic Disney film, *The Little Mermaid*, often gets distilled into a simple prince-rescues-princess narrative. However, a closer look reveals a much more complex story about self-discovery, determination, and the power of collective support. While Prince Eric undeniably plays a significant role, to attribute Ariel’s ultimate happiness and freedom solely to him is to overlook the many other forces at play. This article seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of Ariel’s so-called “rescue,” delving into the vital contributions of Ariel herself, her loyal friends, and even the surprisingly impactful machinations of the sea witch, Ursula. It’s time to move beyond the simplistic fairytale trope and examine who *really* saves Ariel in *The Little Mermaid*. Ultimately, Ariel’s journey highlights how her own agency, the unwavering support of her companions, and even Ursula’s actions are all fundamental components in her eventual liberation and finding true happiness.
Ariel’s Self-Rescue: A Mermaid’s Agency
Before we even consider the actions of Prince Eric, we must acknowledge the fundamental truth: Ariel is the architect of her own destiny. Her initial desire to explore the human world is not merely a whimsical fancy; it’s a deep-seated yearning for knowledge, experience, and a life beyond the confines of Atlantica. This inherent curiosity and drive sets the entire plot in motion. It’s not a passive waiting for rescue; it’s an active pursuit of a dream. Ariel’s fascination with human artifacts and her collection in her secret grotto are evidence of her proactive interest in a world beyond her own.
The most pivotal example of Ariel’s self-determination is her decision to seek out Ursula. This is not the action of a helpless damsel; it’s a calculated risk taken to pursue her ambition. She is aware of Ursula’s reputation, the potential dangers involved, and the high price she might have to pay. Yet, she chooses to proceed, driven by her unwavering desire to experience life as a human. This decision demonstrates an incredible amount of courage, even if fueled by naivete. It’s important to emphasize that Ariel is not simply manipulated into the bargain; she actively chooses to enter into it, weighing the risks and benefits as she perceives them.
Moreover, consider Ariel’s actions within the confines of Ursula’s deal. Deprived of her voice, her primary means of communication and self-expression, she faces an immense challenge: to win Prince Eric’s love within a mere three days. This requires ingenuity, charm, and a considerable amount of physical effort. She adapts to her new limitations, using her expressive eyes and body language to capture Eric’s attention. Her interactions with Eric during this period are not passive; she actively tries to connect with him, to communicate her feelings, and to show him who she truly is, even without the benefit of her voice. She braves the unfamiliar human world, navigating its customs and challenges with remarkable resilience. These actions highlight her proactive engagement with the situation, constantly striving to achieve her goal despite the immense obstacles she faces.
Finally, Ariel’s participation in the final confrontation with Ursula, often overlooked, is crucial. While Eric delivers the final blow, Ariel plays a significant role in disrupting Ursula’s plans. Her defiance, her resistance, and her sheer force of will weaken Ursula, creating the opportunity for Eric to strike the decisive blow. Her refusal to submit to Ursula’s power, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is a testament to her inner strength and her determination to fight for her own future. This pivotal moment isn’t just about her being saved; it’s about her actively contributing to her own salvation.
The Power of Friendship: Support from Under the Sea
Beyond Ariel’s individual efforts, the unwavering support of her friends, Flounder and Sebastian, is integral to her eventual success. These companions are not mere sidekicks; they are active participants in her journey, providing crucial assistance and emotional support every step of the way.
Flounder, despite his inherent timidity, demonstrates incredible loyalty to Ariel. He constantly puts himself in danger to help her, whether it’s protecting her from sharks in her grotto or bravely venturing onto land to assist her in her pursuit of Eric. His unwavering belief in Ariel and his willingness to stand by her side, even when he doesn’t fully understand her choices, are vital to her emotional well-being. His fear is palpable, but his dedication to Ariel overrides it, proving the depth of their friendship.
Sebastian, the court composer, initially tasked with keeping Ariel out of trouble, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the film. While he initially disapproves of Ariel’s fascination with the human world and attempts to dissuade her from pursuing Eric, he ultimately becomes her most ardent supporter. He risks his own position and safety to help Ariel, orchestrating the “Kiss the Girl” scene and informing Eric of Ursula’s deceitful plan. Sebastian’s transformation from reluctant chaperone to enthusiastic advocate highlights the power of friendship and the importance of believing in the dreams of those we care about. He sees Ariel’s genuine happiness and understands the depth of her feelings, ultimately choosing to support her journey, even if it means defying Triton’s orders.
These acts of loyalty and support are not merely incidental; they are essential to Ariel’s emotional strength and her ability to persevere through the many challenges she faces. The constant reassurance and unwavering belief of her friends provide her with the courage and determination she needs to keep fighting for her dreams. Their combined efforts create a network of support that empowers Ariel to navigate the complexities of her situation and ultimately achieve her desired outcome.
While Scuttle’s information is often inaccurate, it is coming from a place of helpfulness. He is another ally, though perhaps less reliable than Sebastian and Flounder, he still aids Ariel in her journey.
King Triton is another important figure. Although he is initially opposed to Ariel’s dreams and destroys her grotto in a fit of anger, his eventual sacrifice of his own power for her happiness represents a profound act of love and a critical step in her liberation. By relinquishing his control and granting Ariel her wish to become human, Triton frees her from the constraints of her previous life and allows her to pursue her dreams without reservation. While he starts as an obstacle, he ultimately becomes a facilitator of her happiness, highlighting the transformative power of parental love and acceptance. His change of heart is not just a plot device; it’s a testament to his growth as a father and his willingness to prioritize his daughter’s happiness above all else.
Prince Eric: A Catalyst, Not the Sole Savior
Prince Eric undeniably plays a role in Ariel’s transformation. His kindness, compassion, and genuine interest in Ariel are significant factors in her desire to be with him. He represents the human world she longs to experience, and his affection for her fuels her determination to overcome the obstacles in her path. He serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring her to take risks and pursue her dreams.
Furthermore, Eric’s actions during the final confrontation with Ursula are undeniably heroic. He is the one who ultimately defeats the sea witch, steering the ship through the storm and impaling her with the broken bowsprit. This act of bravery saves Ariel and restores order to the kingdom. However, it’s crucial to remember that Eric is largely unaware of the full extent of Ariel’s sacrifice and the complexities of the situation until the very end.
For much of the story, Eric is a passive participant, reacting to events rather than driving them. He is captivated by Ariel’s beauty and her mysterious presence, but he doesn’t truly understand her until after she has already undergone her transformation. He is a pawn in Ursula’s game, and his perception of Ariel is initially based on superficial impressions. He falls in love with a fantasy, not with the true Ariel. This is not to diminish his role, but rather to place it in proper perspective. He is a crucial element in the equation, but he is not the sole determinant of Ariel’s fate.
Ursula’s Unexpected Contribution
It might seem counterintuitive, but even Ursula’s actions, in a twisted way, contribute to Ariel’s ultimate “rescue.” Ursula sets the stage for Ariel’s transformation, forcing her to confront her desires and make a difficult choice. While her motivations are malicious, her actions ultimately propel Ariel towards her desired outcome. Without Ursula’s intervention, Ariel might never have had the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Ursula’s scheme, while villainous, creates the conflict that drives the narrative forward and ultimately allows Ariel to prove her strength and resilience.
Conclusion: Beyond the Fairytale Trope
In conclusion, the question of “Who Saves Ariel?” is not a simple one to answer. It’s a complex equation with multiple contributing factors. While Prince Eric plays a vital role in defeating Ursula and ultimately sharing a happy ending with Ariel, he is not the sole architect of her “rescue.” Ariel’s own agency, her unwavering determination to pursue her dreams, and her willingness to take risks are essential to her transformation. The unwavering support of her friends, Flounder and Sebastian, provides her with the emotional strength and practical assistance she needs to overcome the many challenges she faces. Even King Triton, after his initial opposition, ultimately plays a crucial role in granting Ariel her freedom and allowing her to pursue her happiness.
*The Little Mermaid*, while presented as a classic fairytale, offers a more nuanced and empowering message about self-determination and the power of collaboration. It demonstrates that “rescue” is not always about a passive damsel being saved by a heroic prince, but rather about individuals taking control of their own destinies and working together to achieve their goals. Ariel’s story reminds us that true happiness comes from within, from the courage to pursue our dreams, and from the support of those who believe in us. The film encourages us to look beyond the simplistic tropes of traditional fairytales and to recognize the complex and multifaceted nature of personal transformation. Ariel’s journey is not just about finding a prince; it’s about finding herself and creating a life that is authentically her own. In this light, Ariel doesn’t just *get* saved; she actively *saves* herself, with a little help from her friends (and even her enemies). This modern interpretation of the fairytale empowers audiences to define their own happiness and actively pursue their dreams, moving beyond outdated notions of passive rescue.
