The Little Mermaid

"The Little Mermaid" is a fairy tale originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1837. It tells the story of a young mermaid who dreams of becoming human after falling in love with a human prince. She trades her voice to a sea witch for legs, but faces challenges in her new life. Ultimately, the tale explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and the quest for love. It has been adapted into various forms, including Disney's popular animated film, which softens the darker elements of the original story while emphasizing love and perseverance.