Ursula

The movie "The Little Mermaid," released by Disney in 1989, was inspired by the novels of Hans Christian Andersen, a famous writer of the 19th century. The story is about Ariel, a young and beautiful mermaid who falls in love with a human prince. To be with him, she makes a pact with Ursula, the most powerful and evil witch of the abyss.

It’s easy to see where Ariel’s character was inspired. Indeed, the siren myth is present in almost all cultures of the world, although with some small differences. It is probably the most famous sea myth. In this article, however, we will analyze the legends that may have inspired another character who is as interesting as she is malevolent.

Ursula is depicted in both the movie and the book as a very mighty sea witch. Then what is a sea witch, what are its main characteristics, and most importantly, who invented this myth?

In Scottish and English folklore, sea witches are often described as part fish monsters or ghosts of dead witches that control the sea and cause violent storms for fun. An example can be seen in the legend of the Witch of Fraddam, who delighted in tormenting sailors who dared to stray too far from the coast.

Furthermore, in Celtic mythology, there is the character of Muireartach, also known as the Hag of the Sea. It is said that she was the reincarnation of the stormy sea. She is often described with white hair (or bald according to other sources), blue skin, only one eye and very ruined teeth.

In Slavic mythology, there exists the Vodyanoy, a shape-shifting aquatic spirit which sometimes has the appearance of an old man and other times of a fish. This creature is used to living in the darkest meanders of the seabed.

Additionally, the Oyá in Yoruba mythology in Nigeria is a demigoddess capable of governing winds, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, and storms.

Ursula in Andersen's book isn’t described much from a physical point of view, which gave Disney more freedom in her depiction and representation. However, the character presents many aspects of these mythological creatures, which have inspired both the writer and the movie designers.

The myth of Ursula the Sea Witch represents a fascinating fusion of ancient legends and modern fiction. Her figure reminds us how stories from the past can evolve and find new life in contemporary culture. Ursula isn’t just an antagonist; she is a testament to the power of stories that span the centuries, transforming and adapting but always maintaining their timeless charm. As we continue to explore and reinterpret these legends, Ursula remains a symbol of that thin line between the human world and the unknown depths of the sea, fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Thus, the myth of Ursula lives on, capturing the imagination of new generations and reminding us of the dark magic that lies beneath the ocean.