Yes, there are indeed several non-Disney versions of The Little Mermaid, with the story originating from Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale published in 1837. Many adaptations exist that predate or differ significantly from Disney's widely known animated film.
The Original Tale
The foundation for all Little Mermaid adaptations is the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Unlike the Disney version, Andersen's original story is known for its melancholic and tragic ending, where the mermaid does not marry the prince but instead turns into sea foam after failing to win his love and kill him as instructed by her sisters. Her ultimate fate is to become a "daughter of the air," with a chance to earn an immortal soul through good deeds.
Notable Non-Disney Animated Adaptations
One prominent non-Disney animated version is the Japanese anime film, Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid (1975 film), titled "Andersen's Fairy Tales: Princess Mermaid" in Japan.
- Release and Studio: This film was released in 1975 by Toei Animation, predating Disney's adaptation by 14 years.
- Adherence to Original: It is particularly noteworthy for its faithfulness to Andersen's original narrative, including its preservation of the original and tragic ending where the mermaid sacrifices herself rather than harming the prince. This version captures the bittersweet nature and deeper philosophical themes of Andersen's work.
- Plot: The story follows Marina (the mermaid) as she falls in love with a human prince. She sacrifices her voice to the Sea Witch for legs, enduring immense pain with every step. Despite her devotion and suffering, the prince falls in love with and marries another woman, leading to Marina's heartbreaking choice and ultimate demise, becoming sea foam.
Other Non-Disney Animated Films
| Title | Year | Studio/Country | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rusalka (The Mermaid) | 1976 | Soviet Union (Soyuzmultfilm) | Animated short, based on Alexander Pushkin's poem, which also drew inspiration from Slavic folklore and Andersen's tale. |
| The Little Mermaid | 1992 | GoodTimes Entertainment (USA) | A direct-to-video animated film, often considered a "mockbuster" of the Disney film, but with different plot details. |
| The Little Mermaid | 1998 | Golden Films (USA) | Another direct-to-video animation, loosely based on the Andersen tale. |
Live-Action Adaptations and Other Interpretations
Beyond animation, The Little Mermaid has been re-imagined in various live-action films, television series, and stage productions, many of which diverge significantly from both Disney's version and even Andersen's original.
- Mermaid Forest (Manga/Anime): Rumiko Takahashi's dark fantasy series includes mermaid lore that is much more violent and unsettling, far removed from the Andersen or Disney tales.
- The Little Mermaid (2018 film): A live-action fantasy film that offers a modern retelling, though not a direct adaptation of Andersen's tale.
- The Lure (2015 film): A Polish horror musical film that puts a dark, adult spin on the mermaid legend, with two mermaid sisters entering a cabaret.
- Stage Productions and Ballets: Numerous ballets and theatrical productions have been created, many of which aim to capture the somber beauty of Andersen's original story.
These diverse adaptations highlight the enduring power and flexibility of Andersen's narrative, allowing for a wide range of interpretations that explore themes of love, sacrifice, and belonging from various cultural and artistic perspectives.
