An illustrated reflection on The Little Mermaid (1837) by Hans Christian Andersen
Stories can be viewed from countless angles, each revealing unique insights. A perfect example is The Little Mermaid, a tale that has captivated audiences for nearly 200 years. Near the end of the story, there’s a dramatic twist that encapsulates the complexities of human existence. I sought to convey this rich emotional landscape through my painting, Five Sisters. In this artwork, I aim to reflect the multiple layers of meaning found in the original narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the story in a new light.
Imagine this scene:
The Little Mermaid stands on the deck of a royal ship, gently rocking in the calm sea just before dawn. The party—a grand celebration of her prince's wedding to another woman—has come to an end, and everyone else is fast asleep.
In this poignant moment, she is utterly and completely alone.
To understand her despair, we need to look back. The Little Mermaid sacrificed everything for her ideal of love: her home, her identity, and her family and with it her royal status. Who among us can't relate to that kind of loss? She traded her beautiful tail, flowing mane, and enchanting voice to the Sea Witch, all for a chance at love. Now, she endures the excruciating pain of her legs, a constant reminder of what she has given up. This is a powerful moment that captures the essence of longing, sacrifice, and the complexities of love.
The Little Mermaid's Heartbreaking Truth
And yet, despite everything, she failed to make the prince fall in love with her. What a bummer! Even though he adores her above all others and takes her everywhere, the harsh reality remains: as soon as the sun rises, she will dissolve into sea foam and cease to exist.
Returning to that poignant moment in the story, we find the ship dark and silent after the lavish nuptial celebrations. Everyone is fast asleep, leaving the Little Mermaid alone with her thoughts. She leans against the railing, scanning the horizon for the first light of dawn—the signal of her impending demise.
The Moment of Decision: The Little Mermaid's Desperate Choice
She is doomed, as I mentioned. Alone, hopeless, and profoundly misunderstood, the Little Mermaid embodies the heart-wrenching complexities of love and sacrifice. This moment captures the depths of her sorrow, a sentiment that resonates with many of us.
But just then, her five sisters emerge from the waters, breaking the silence of that eternal moment. They, too, have sacrificed their hair to the Sea Witch—in exchange for a magic that could save her life. In a fleeting act of desperation, they hand her a magic knife before disappearing back into the depths of the sea.
Now the question looms: Will the Little Mermaid be able to take the drastic step of murdering the prince in his sleep, plunging the knife into his heart while he lies beside his new bride? Will she wash her legs in his blood and transform back into the mermaid she once was—all before the sun rises?
Conclusion: A Tale of Fantasy-Horror
If you had the pleasure of reading Andersen's tale, you know that this literary work falls more into the realm of fantasy-horror than a traditional fairy tale. It challenges our perceptions of love and sacrifice, delving into the darker aspects of human emotion and the consequences of unfulfilled desires. The Little Mermaid’s journey is not just a quest for love; it’s a haunting exploration of what it means to give everything for an ideal, only to find oneself in a world of despair.
And fortunately, for those who appreciate the original, you are not stuck with the overly sweetened imagery of the Walt Disney adaptations. Andersen's narrative offers a more profound, complex, and unsettling perspective, reminding us that not all endings are happy and that the pursuit of love can lead us to tragic choices. As we reflect on the Little Mermaid’s fate, we uncover the layers of
complexity that make Andersen's story compelling and thought-provoking, inviting us to confront our own fears and desires. This tale serves as a poignant reminder that love can be both beautiful and terrifying, revealing the profound depths of the human experience.
Comments