Ten Things You May Not Know About Ariel

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The enchanting world of Disney has brought us many beloved characters, and among them, Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” stands out as an iconic figure. While most of us are familiar with her underwater adventures and captivating voice, there’s more to Ariel than meets the eye. In this blog post, we’ll delve into ten fascinating facts about everyone’s favorite mermaid that you may not know.
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  1. Ariel Almost Had a Different Name:

Did you know that Ariel was originally intended to be named “Athena”? The change came about during the development of the movie, and the name “Ariel” was chosen for its melodic sound and association with air – a fitting choice for a character who dreams of living on land.

  1. She’s the Seventh Daughter:

In Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale, the Little Mermaid is the youngest of six sisters. However, Disney’s version decided to give Ariel an even more magical touch by making her the seventh daughter of King Triton.

  1. Alyssa Milano Inspired Ariel’s Look:

The animators of “The Little Mermaid” drew inspiration from the teenage actress Alyssa Milano when creating Ariel’s appearance. Milano’s youthful and expressive features helped shape the iconic look of the adventurous red-haired mermaid.

  1. No Motherly Figure:

Unlike many Disney protagonists who have supportive parents, Ariel’s mother is noticeably absent from the storyline. While her father, King Triton, plays a central role, the absence of Ariel’s mother adds a layer of complexity to her character and the overall narrative.

  1. A Broadway Debut:

Ariel made a splash on Broadway in 2007 when Disney adapted “The Little Mermaid” into a stage musical. Sierra Boggess originated the role, bringing the beloved character to life for audiences in a whole new way.

  1. Jodi Benson’s Voice:

Jodi Benson is the talented voice behind Ariel, bringing the character to life with her beautiful singing and expressive performance. Interestingly, Benson also provided the voice for another iconic animated character – Barbie in “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3.”

  1. A Real Diver Modeled for Ariel:

The animators wanted to capture the realistic movements of a swimmer underwater, so they had a professional free diver, Sherri Stoner, model for Ariel’s movements. This attention to detail added a lifelike quality to the animation.

  1. Ariel’s Age:

While Ariel’s age is never explicitly stated in the movie, some clues suggest that she might be around 16 years old. This aligns with the traditional age of Disney princesses at the start of their journeys.

  1. Hidden Mickey:

Disney is known for hiding Mickey Mouse symbols throughout its films and theme parks. In “The Little Mermaid,” a Mickey Mouse silhouette can be spotted among the towering spires of King Triton’s castle during the concert scene.

  1. Impact on Disney Renaissance:

“The Little Mermaid” marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period of renewed success and creativity for the animation studio. Ariel’s popularity played a significant role in revitalizing Disney’s animated feature films, setting the stage for classics like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.”
Ariel - Fidget Pad

Ariel’s journey from under the sea to the hearts of audiences worldwide is filled with interesting details and trivia. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to her world, these ten facts offer a deeper appreciation for the magic that is Ariel and “The Little Mermaid.” So, the next time you watch the film, keep these tidbits in mind and let the wonder of Disney’s enchanting storytelling wash over you once again.

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