The Little Mermaid and its Forgotten Meanings of the Original Tale

Written by Hans Christian Andersen, "The Little Mermaid," was first brought to the world in the year of 1837. Although "The Little Mermaid" is now popularized as a children's movie, the original story is actually quite a packed narrative—a far cry from the animated versions we know today (particularly Disney’s adaptation).

Andersen’s tale contains themes of sacrifice and the existential quest for an immortal soul. The lost elements of this original story actually can change our modern comprehension by placing a shadow over the newer versions that we now understand.

The Original Version

Andersen’s "The Little Mermaid" creates the world of a young mermaid who yearns for the experience of the human world and, most of all, an immortal soul. Unlike her sisters (who prefer the waters), the little mermaid is enchanted by the world above – and a prince. She strikes an agreement with the Sea Witch by surrendering her voice for human legs. This part is fairly well known to the public, as it's depicted in all adaptations of the story.

It’s important to understand that the little mermaid's ultimate desire is not simply the love of earth - it is the attainment of an immortal soul. In Andersen’s reality, mermaids enjoy a 300-year span, but which they dissolve into sea foam, ceasing to exist. Humans, with their immortal souls (according to Anderson's perspective), don’t have to experience ceasing to exist, but can exist after their deaths. The mermaid believes that winning the prince’s heart and hand in marriage would intertwine her fate with his, and therefore granting her immortality.

Yet, despite the little mermaid’s sacrifice and risks, the prince weds another woman. The Sea Witch offers her a dagger: if she kills the prince, his blood will restore her mermaid form, sparing her. But she cannot bring herself to the act and throws herself into the sea, transforming into foam. Her spirit, however, is granted a more-redemptive arc as a "daughter of the air," tasked with 300 years of good deeds to earn an immortal soul.

Lost Elements From the Original Tale

Modern retellings often neglect the physical and emotional agony the Little Mermaid endures. For example, the original tale contains themes of perseverance and the cruel cost of unrequited love – themes that are softened for the sake of contemporary adaptations that favor a more digestible narrative. Additionally, Andersen’s tale is imbued with many spiritual elements, reflecting his Christian beliefs and other types of existential musings, since the mermaid tries to attain a "new" or "transformed" soul, not just a new love. This aspect of the story is largely absent in modern renditions, which sadly often reframe the story as a simplistic romance or adventure.

Additionally, the original story’s bittersweet conclusion (where the mermaid’s selflessness leads to her transformation into a daughter of the air) offers a more admirable, nuanced perspective of her character, speaking of redemption. Modern interpretations, with their preferring for happier endings, often take away this redemptive arc since they tend to favor resolution and closure.

The Modern Perception

Our contemporary understanding of "The Little Mermaid" is generally sculpted by adaptations that prioritize entertainment over the tale’s originality. Disney’s rendition transforms the narrative into a musical play-like movie with a light and happy ending. Yes, this version has its charm (especially in making the story approachable for children), but it strips away the important details of Anderson’s original work.

Overall, Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Little Mermaid" is not just a children's story of grand love - it is an emphasis on sacrifice, existential meaning, and much more. Its lost elements of suffering, spiritual aspiration, tragic resolution, and moral choice could also lose the story's overall message. But, through rediscovering these aspects, we can fully appreciate Andersen's story of "The Little Mermaid."