Ursula, the captivating and cunning sea witch, holds court in Disney’s 1989 animated classic, The Little Mermaid. Her memorable performance, marked by her booming voice and devilishly charming schemes, solidifies her position as one of Disney’s most iconic villains.
Delving Deeper into The Little Mermaid and Ursula’s Role
Ursula isn’t just in The Little Mermaid; she’s practically the beating, black heart of the entire conflict. Ariel’s yearning for a life beyond the sea is masterfully manipulated by Ursula, who preys on the young mermaid’s desires to achieve her own nefarious goals. Let’s explore some key aspects of Ursula’s presence in this film.
Ursula’s Motivations and Backstory
Understanding Ursula requires a look at her motives. She wasn’t always an outcast lurking in a kelp forest. She claims she was once a powerful member of the royal court in Atlantica, but was banished by King Triton. While the exact details of her banishment are not explicitly revealed in the original film, supplementary materials suggest it was due to her manipulative and power-hungry nature. Her deep-seated resentment towards Triton fuels her desire to usurp his throne and rule Atlantica.
Ursula’s Powers and Abilities
Ursula possesses potent magical abilities. She can brew powerful potions, cast spells, and shapeshift. Her signature move involves creating contracts, legally binding agreements that she, of course, twists to her advantage. She can also summon her loyal eel minions, Flotsam and Jetsam, to do her bidding. Her physical strength is also considerable; she can easily overpower merfolk and manipulate large objects.
Ursula’s Design and Inspiration
Ursula’s design is brilliantly inspired by the drag queen Divine. Her curvaceous figure, dramatic makeup, and flamboyant personality contribute to her unforgettable presence. This design choice was a significant departure from traditional Disney villainesses, adding a layer of camp and humor to her evil intentions. The purple skin, white hair, and exaggerated expressions perfectly capture her theatrical and menacing nature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ursula and The Little Mermaid
Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about Ursula, further enriching your knowledge of this captivating villain.
FAQ 1: Is Ursula Really Related to King Triton?
The theatrical adaptation of The Little Mermaid clarifies the relationship between Ursula and Triton. In this version, they are siblings. While the original animated film leaves the nature of their relationship ambiguous, subtle hints suggest a familial connection. This sibling dynamic adds a layer of personal animosity to Ursula’s desire for revenge, making her motivations even more compelling.
FAQ 2: What is Ursula’s Weakness?
Ursula’s main weakness is her overconfidence and arrogance. She becomes so engrossed in her plan and her perceived invincibility that she overlooks potential flaws. Ariel, with the help of Eric, ultimately exploits this weakness by attacking Ursula when she is enlarged and wielding Triton’s trident. Lightening and powerful electric surge can also affect her negatively.
FAQ 3: Why Does Ursula Want Ariel’s Voice?
Ursula doesn’t just want Ariel’s voice for a whimsical collection. She uses it as collateral in her deal with Ariel to become human. The voice acts as a magical key. Ursula plans to use Ariel’s voicelessness to prevent her from winning Eric’s heart. If Ariel fails to receive true love’s kiss within three days, she reverts back to a mermaid and belongs to Ursula. Moreover, capturing Ariel’s voice gives Ursula a piece of Triton’s power and influence.
FAQ 4: What Happens to Flotsam and Jetsam?
Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s eel minions, meet a tragic end. They are accidentally electrocuted and dissolved when Triton, desperate to save Ariel, confronts Ursula and she attempts to use the trident against him. Their demise highlights Ursula’s ruthless nature and the devastating consequences of her actions.
FAQ 5: Does Ursula Appear in Any Other Disney Films?
Beyond The Little Mermaid and its direct sequels/prequels, Ursula appears in various Disney television series, video games, and theme park attractions. She often plays the antagonist role or makes cameo appearances, solidifying her status as a recurring Disney villain. Her iconic design and menacing personality make her a popular choice for Disney’s extended universe.
FAQ 6: Who Voices Ursula?
The iconic voice of Ursula in the original 1989 film is provided by Pat Carroll. Carroll’s performance is widely celebrated and considered one of the best vocal performances in Disney animation history. Her portrayal perfectly captures Ursula’s cunning, humor, and theatrical flair.
FAQ 7: Is Ursula a Good Villain? Why or Why Not?
Ursula is undeniably a well-crafted and effective villain. Her compelling motivations, memorable design, and powerful abilities make her a formidable opponent. She is manipulative, ruthless, and genuinely threatening, posing a significant obstacle to Ariel’s happiness. Her complex personality and theatrical presence also make her incredibly entertaining to watch, further contributing to her villainous appeal.
FAQ 8: What is Ursula’s True Form?
Ursula’s true form is that of a Cecaelia, a mythical creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of an octopus. While she sometimes alters her appearance to appear more conventionally attractive, her octopus tentacles are a constant reminder of her monstrous nature.
FAQ 9: What are the Magic Words Ursula Uses?
Ursula’s magic words aren’t explicitly stated as a specific incantation. Instead, she uses dramatic pronouncements and manipulations of contracts to achieve her goals. Her “magic” lies more in her persuasive words and legally binding agreements than in spells with set phrases.
FAQ 10: How Does Ursula Die?
Ursula dies when Prince Eric impales her with the broken bowsprit of a sunken ship. This occurs after she has grown to a gigantic size, wielding Triton’s trident. The force of the impact breaks her concentration, causing her to lose control of the trident’s power and ultimately leading to her demise.
FAQ 11: Is Ursula Scarier in the Live-Action Remake?
The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid offers a different interpretation of Ursula. Whether she is “scarier” is subjective. Some viewers may find her more menacing due to the more realistic visuals and darker tone. Others may prefer the campy and theatrical nature of the animated version. Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal brings a different nuance to the character, blending humor with a more grounded sense of menace.
FAQ 12: What Lessons Can We Learn from Ursula?
While Ursula is a villain, her character offers some cautionary tales. She teaches the importance of reading the fine print and understanding the consequences of your choices. She also highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of resentment. Ultimately, Ursula serves as a reminder to be wary of those who offer seemingly easy solutions to complex problems.