The character Prince Eric, from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, represents a traditional fairytale archetype: the handsome prince who needs rescuing, albeit unintentionally, by the heroine. He is characterized by his benevolent nature and his desire for adventure. A key example is his commitment to finding and marrying the girl whose voice saved him from a shipwreck.
The significance of this character resides in his role as the catalyst for Ariel’s journey and her ultimate pursuit of love and self-discovery. His perceived vulnerability, compared to traditional male leads, offers a subtle shift in narrative expectations, adding depth to the storyline. Historically, this portrayal challenged some conventional tropes within the Disney princess narrative, paving the way for more nuanced characterizations.