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Who Kills Ursula?

Published in Disney Villains 3 mins read

Depending on the version of The Little Mermaid you are watching, Ursula is ultimately killed by either Prince Eric or Ariel herself. This significant plot point varies between the classic animated film and the more recent live-action adaptation, reflecting different narrative approaches to the story.

Ursula's Demise in Different Adaptations

The defeat of Ursula, the notorious sea witch, is a pivotal moment in The Little Mermaid story, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. However, the exact hero responsible for her downfall has evolved across the different film versions.

The 1989 Animated Film: Prince Eric's Heroic Act

In the original 1989 animated film, it is Prince Eric who delivers the fatal blow to Ursula. As Ursula transforms into a colossal titan after obtaining King Triton's trident, she becomes a formidable threat to both the sea and land. In a climactic moment, Eric commandeers a sunken ship and impales Ursula with its sharpened bow, saving Ariel and the entire kingdom. His heroic action solidifies his role as the traditional prince who saves the day, rescuing the "damsel in distress" and restoring order.

The New Live-Action Movie: Ariel's Empowered Role

Conversely, the new live-action movie redefines this crucial event by empowering Ariel to defeat Ursula herself. In this modern interpretation, Ariel is no longer portrayed as a passive character awaiting rescue. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands, actively confronting and ultimately killing Ursula. This change highlights Ariel's agency and strength, shifting her from a traditional damsel in distress to a more self-reliant heroine. This version emphasizes her ability to overcome challenges and protect her world without needing external intervention.

The different approaches to Ursula's defeat are summarized in the table below:

Version Who Kills Ursula Key Details
1989 Animated Film Prince Eric Eric saves the day by steering a ship's splintered bow through Ursula's enlarged body, directly challenging the sea witch and neutralizing the threat she posed to both land and sea.
New Live-Action Movie Ariel Ariel takes initiative and directly confronts Ursula, demonstrating her own strength and determination. This portrays her as an empowered protagonist who is fully capable of resolving major conflicts on her own.

Both film versions ultimately lead to a happy ending for Ariel and Eric, where their union helps to bridge the gap between the merfolk of the sea kingdom and the people on land, fostering harmony and understanding. For more insights into the differences between the film adaptations of The Little Mermaid, you can explore resources like this article comparing the book and movie versions.