Recollections of 'The Little Mermaid': A Child's Perspective

From the pages of a collection of Hans Christian Andersen tales, 'The Little Mermaid' has left an indelible imprint on many a child's imagination. My earliest memory of it, however, does not align with the enchantment of Andersen's storytelling.

Reading it during the so-called 'Dark Ages' of children's literature might explain why I found the story mostly enchanting yet unsettling at the same time. The tales in that collection were often quite scary, and 'The Little Mermaid' was no exception. Nearly five when I read this story, I remember being riveted and very upset about the mermaid's enchanted legs. The description of every step as being like walking on knives was particularly disturbing.

Inner conflict was eminent. Recalling the new church shoes that rubbed and hurt all up and down my legs, I couldn't help but feel that the mermaid's suffering would be unbearable. 'I didn’t give a damn if it was for a Prince', I thought. The thought of sitting down or crawling back into the ocean to get her tail back was more appealing than enduring such pain.

Young as I was, the unhappy ending haunted me, adding to the emotional tumult. The story's graphic depiction of the mermaid's anguish was a stark reminder that childhood isn’t always a carefree period.

As I grew older, my experiences with 'The Little Mermaid' grew. I vividly remember seeing the older animated version of the story. The raw emotions and intensity of the tale were evident, but the Soviet version was a stark contrast. It featured more deceased characters and less singing, making it feel even more melancholic and disturbing.

I can even trace back my memories to the whimsical Mermaid in Peter Pan in the early 1960s. Despite its charm, the burden that most of the characters in 'The Little Mermaid' carry was a significant source of discomfort for me. The recurring themes of sacrifice and the inevitable loss were too profound for a child's comfort.

In conclusion, 'The Little Mermaid' remains a chapter in my childhood that I tarnish with complex feelings. While the story evokes nostalgia, it also serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of childhood imagination. The enigmatic essence of Andersen's tale, and its various adaptations, continue to hold an enduring place in the hearts of those who read it.

Keywords: The Little Mermaid, Hans Christian Andersen, Disney Version, Soviet Version