little mermaid actual ending

The Little Mermaid's Actual Ending: A Fascinating Tale

By Rachel TaylorMarch 25, 2026

The classic tale of The Little Mermaid, penned by Hans Christian Andersen, has enraptured generations with its magical underwater world and poignant story of love and sacrifice. However, the original ending of this beloved fairy tale is often less known and quite different from Disney's popular adaptation. Let's delve into the actual ending of The Little Mermaid and discover the depth of Andersen's original narrative.

Before exploring the actual ending, it's crucial to understand the mermaid's bargain with the Sea Witch. In Andersen's tale, the Little Mermaid trades her voice for a potion that grants her human legs, but walking causes her immense pain with each step felt like treading on sharp swords. Additionally, if she fails to make the Prince kiss her within three days, she'll transform into sea foam and cease to exist.

The Mermaid's failed bargain

The Little Mermaid's first attempt to win the Prince's affection is disastrous. At a grand ball, she enchants the Prince with her graceful dance, albeit in great physical agony. However, the Prince, who is captivated by another guest, remains unaware of her pain and doesn't reciprocate her affections.

an animated image of a man and woman kissing in front of the ocean with blue sky

the little mermaid is trying to get out of the water with her long red hair

The Sea Witch's conditional offer

On the third night, when the Little Mermaid believes her time is running out, the Sea Witch approaches her with a new, harrowing proposition. She offers the mermaid a dagger, telling her she can kill the Prince and regain her immortal mermaid form. But this requires her to stab him while he sleeps, then throw his body into the sea.

Furthermore, the Sea Witch reveals that if the Little Mermaid spares his life, she can still save herself. She must retrieve ancup времени, agregar knife, and obtain the approval of the other sisters willing to trade their voices for his. Only then can she rise above mortals to live among the blessed angels in the heavens.

an animated character with a large piece of paper in his hand and some writing on it

the little mermaid is sitting in the water next to her father, who looks like he has

an image of a castle in the sky with fish around it and people flying around

Preserving love and life

The Little Mermaid, filled with love and selflessness, cannot bear the thought of taking the Prince's life. She rejects the Sea Witch's offer and leaps into the sea just as the sun begins to rise, preventing her transformation into sea foam.

Merciful redemption

As the Little Mermaid descends into the water, she encounters her six elder sisters. They transform their long hair into a luminous, shimmering foam and use it to relieve her of her pain. Their selfless act allows her to die a natural, eternal mermaid death.

Andersen's original ending brings a mix of sadness and warmth, with the Little Mermaid redeemed through her mercy and love, finally resting peacefully among her sisters. Unlike Disney's more optimistic conclusion, this version reminds us that even in the most tragic tales, there's room for compassion and forgiveness.