The dark story behind the Little Mermaid is a tale filled with tragedy and sacrifice. In the original fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, the story takes a much darker turn compared to the beloved Disney adaptation.

The Little Mermaid, named Ariel in the Disney version, is a young and curious mermaid who longs to explore the human world above. However, in the original story, there are no cheerful musical numbers or talking animal sidekicks. Instead, the Little Mermaid's desire to become human stems from a deeper yearning for an eternal soul.

In her quest to gain a soul, the Little Mermaid strikes a deal with a sea witch. The witch grants her a pair of legs in exchange for her voice. The transformation is painful, as every step feels like walking on sharp knives. Yet, the Little Mermaid is determined to win the heart of the prince she saved from drowning.

However, the prince is oblivious to the Little Mermaid's sacrifice and falls in love with another woman. Heartbroken and unable to return to her former life, the Little Mermaid contemplates taking her own life. But before she can do so, her sisters offer her a lifeline. They have made a deal with the sea witch, sacrificing their own beautiful hair in exchange for a dagger that can turn the Little Mermaid back into a mermaid if she kills the prince.

The Little Mermaid faces a moral dilemma. She loves the prince, but she also longs for an eternal soul. In the end, she chooses not to kill the prince and instead throws herself into the sea, dissolving into foam. However, because of her selfless actions, she is granted the chance to earn an immortal soul by doing good deeds for humanity.

Andersen's Little Mermaid explores themes of sacrifice, unrequited love, and the search for one's true identity. It is a far cry from the cheerful and romanticized version most people are familiar with. The dark story behind the Little Mermaid reminds us that sometimes the pursuit of our deepest desires can lead to unforeseen consequences and personal tragedies.