The beloved Disney princess, Ariel, has captivated audiences for generations with her adventurous spirit and yearning for the human world. Her journey from the depths of the ocean to the bustling streets of the surface remains etched in our hearts, leaving us with a lingering question: where did Ariel go after the events of “The Little Mermaid”? While the film ends with Ariel achieving her happily ever after, the story doesn’t quite conclude there.
Beyond the “Happily Ever After”
The ending of “The Little Mermaid” sees Ariel finally achieving her dream of becoming human and marrying Prince Eric. The film concludes with Ariel and Eric sailing off into the sunset, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and contentment. However, this ending raises a plethora of questions about Ariel’s life beyond the film, questions that have sparked endless speculation and fan theories.
The Absence of a Sequel
Despite the immense popularity of “The Little Mermaid,” Disney has yet to release a direct sequel that picks up where the original film left off. This absence has fueled the mystery surrounding Ariel’s whereabouts and the challenges she might face in her new life as a human.
What Happened to Ariel’s Mermaid Life?
Ariel’s transition from mermaid to human leaves a void in the underwater world. Did she ever return to her father, King Triton, and her sisters? Did her life in the ocean completely disappear, or did she retain some connection to her past? These unanswered questions add a layer of intrigue to Ariel’s story, prompting fans to explore the possibilities beyond the film’s conclusion.
Fan Theories and Speculation
The lack of a direct sequel has given rise to a plethora of fan theories and speculations surrounding Ariel’s life after “The Little Mermaid.” Some theories suggest that she may have struggled to adapt to human life, grappling with the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. Others envision a life where Ariel uses her unique perspective to bridge the gap between the human and mermaid worlds, acting as an ambassador for understanding and cooperation.
Examining the Possibilities
Although the film doesn’t provide definite answers, exploring the possibilities can shed light on Ariel’s potential future. It’s plausible that she experienced a period of adjustment, navigating the unfamiliar world of human customs and social norms. It’s also likely that she faced challenges in her marriage, as the transition from mermaid to human could have tested the boundaries of their relationship.
The Importance of Family and Tradition
Ariel’s decision to leave her underwater home and become human might have caused tension with her family. King Triton, initially opposed to his daughter’s desires, may have required time to accept her choices. The film’s ending doesn’t explicitly address Ariel’s relationship with her sisters, leaving open the possibility of strained or even severed connections.
The Challenges of a New World
Human life presented a new set of challenges for Ariel. She had to learn to walk, talk, and navigate human social structures. The world of humans, with its complexities and intricacies, might have been overwhelming at times.
Exploring the Potential for Growth
Ariel’s journey to becoming human signifies a process of personal growth and transformation. She learned to embrace change, overcome her fears, and ultimately find her true identity. Her experiences as a human could have further shaped her into a wise and compassionate individual, capable of leading and inspiring others.
The Legacy of Ariel
Despite the unanswered questions, Ariel’s story continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her courage, determination, and longing for something beyond her current circumstances inspire us to pursue our dreams and embrace the unknown.
Ariel as a Role Model
Ariel’s character resonates with individuals of all ages, serving as a powerful role model for anyone facing the challenges of change and growth. Her journey highlights the importance of following one’s heart, defying societal expectations, and embracing the unknown.
The Enduring Appeal of “The Little Mermaid”
The enduring appeal of “The Little Mermaid” lies not only in its captivating animation and catchy music but also in its timeless themes of love, adventure, and the pursuit of dreams. Ariel’s story continues to inspire and enchant audiences, reminding us of the power of imagination and the beauty of believing in the impossible.
Conclusion
While the question of where Ariel went after “The Little Mermaid” remains unanswered, the possibilities are endless. Her journey to becoming human marks a significant turning point in her life, opening doors to new experiences and challenges.
The unanswered questions serve as a reminder that the story continues, leaving it up to us to imagine Ariel’s future and the adventures that await her. Whether she faces challenges or triumphs, her story inspires us to embrace our dreams and the courage to pursue them, no matter the obstacles we may encounter.
FAQ
Where did Ariel go after she became human?
Ariel’s transformation into a human allows her to be with Eric, fulfilling her lifelong dream. The movie ends with Ariel and Eric sailing away on their ship, embarking on their new life together as a married couple. Their journey marks the beginning of their happily ever after, where Ariel will explore the world she’s always longed to experience as a human.
However, the film doesn’t explicitly detail their destination or daily life after the wedding. This leaves room for fans to imagine where Ariel and Eric may have settled and the adventures they embark on together, adding to the enduring appeal of their story.
Why didn’t Ariel stay with her father, King Triton, after becoming human?
While King Triton loves Ariel dearly and initially opposed her human aspirations, he ultimately accepts her choice to be with Eric. He understands the powerful force of love and its ability to drive people to make difficult decisions. King Triton’s acceptance signifies a shift in his perspective and highlights the importance of family support, even in the face of opposing desires.
The ending suggests that Ariel cherishes her life as a human with Eric, prioritizing her newfound love and the opportunity to live a life she truly desires. However, it doesn’t rule out potential visits or connections with her family in the future, leaving room for future narratives to explore the ongoing relationship between Ariel and her father.
Did Ariel ever return to her life as a mermaid?
The movie doesn’t explicitly address whether Ariel ever returned to her life as a mermaid after becoming human. This leaves room for speculation and adds a layer of mystery to her story. Some fans theorize that Ariel might occasionally visit her family in Atlantica, revisiting her mermaid life and fulfilling her dual identity as a human and a mermaid princess.
However, the story primarily focuses on Ariel’s transition to human life and her relationship with Eric. The focus on her human identity suggests that she embraces her new life fully, leaving her mermaid past behind. This reinforces the theme of transformation and the pursuit of one’s true desires.
What happens to Ariel’s voice after she becomes human?
Ariel’s voice, a central element of her identity as a mermaid, is permanently given to Ursula in exchange for the opportunity to become human. While the movie doesn’t explicitly state what happens to Ariel’s voice after becoming human, it implies that she regains her voice.
The final scene depicts Ariel and Eric sailing away, suggesting that Ariel can communicate with her husband. This suggests that she recovers her voice, allowing her to live a fulfilling human life with Eric without any limitations.
Did Ariel ever have any children?
The movie doesn’t explicitly address whether Ariel and Eric had any children. However, the ending implies the potential for a family in the future, with Ariel and Eric sailing away together on a new journey. This leaves room for speculation and further storytelling opportunities, allowing fans to imagine what Ariel and Eric’s life might be like as a family.
The possibility of Ariel having children adds another layer to her story, highlighting the themes of love, family, and new beginnings. It also suggests a continuation of Ariel’s journey beyond the movie’s ending, leaving a space for future narratives to explore the next chapter in her life.
Does Ariel ever visit her mermaid family after becoming human?
The movie doesn’t explicitly address whether Ariel ever visits her mermaid family after becoming human. However, the ending leaves room for speculation and suggests that Ariel might occasionally visit her family in Atlantica, perhaps during special occasions or for brief visits.
While Ariel prioritizes her life as a human with Eric, it’s possible that she retains a connection to her mermaid roots and her family. This allows for the potential for future narratives to explore Ariel’s dual identity as a human and a mermaid, highlighting the enduring bond between family members despite their different worlds.
Was Ariel happy with her choice to become human?
Ariel’s transformation into a human is driven by her love for Eric and her desire to live a life beyond the ocean. Throughout the movie, she actively pursues this dream, demonstrating her determination and willingness to make sacrifices to achieve it.
The ending depicts Ariel and Eric sailing away, signifying the beginning of their happily ever after. This suggests that Ariel is content with her choice to become human and embraces her new life with Eric. Her transformation marks a significant turning point in her life, signifying personal growth and the fulfillment of her long-held aspirations.