AndersensThe Little Mermaidwas first published in 1837.
The story was a part of a collection calledFairy Tales Told for Children.
Hans Christian Andersens story was a lot darker than the Disney version of the tale.
She rescues the prince, but he doesnt know that its her, even after she becomes a human.
Its here whereThe Little Mermaidsstory takes a major detour from Disneys iteration.
This aligns with the studios image and reputation for offering more family-friendly fare.
Does The Little Mermaid Die In The Original Story?
In Hans Christian AndersensThe Little Mermaid, the title characters story ends much differently.
So the Little Mermaid does essentially die in Andersens version of the story.
However, despite becoming sea foam, she doesnt stop existing as she once believed she would.
The Little Mermaidsuffers the consequences of the deal she made with Ursula.
And though Ariel dies, Andersens ending isnt wholly tragic, withthe Little Mermaidworking towards getting an eternal soul.
