matechcorp.com – Ursula, the villain of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989), is one of the most iconic and memorable antagonists in the Disney pantheon. With her dramatic appearance, malicious personality, and cunning use of magic, Ursula has captivated audiences for decades. She is the sea witch who bargains with Ariel, the film’s protagonist, offering to grant her human form in exchange for her voice. This deal sets the stage for the central conflict of the film. Ursula’s complex character, ruthless ambitions, and lasting influence have cemented her status as one of Disney’s greatest villains.
The Creation and Design of Ursula
Ursula’s design is one of the most striking and memorable of any Disney villain. She was inspired by the character of the “diva” archetype, drawing influence from the flamboyant and larger-than-life persona of actress Divine, who was known for her roles in John Waters’ films. Ursula’s exaggerated features, including her long tentacles, bulbous body, and sharp features, make her an imposing figure both physically and symbolically.
Her vibrant purple skin and bold red lips contrast sharply with the underwater environment, making her stand out against the sea’s more muted colors. Ursula’s character design emphasizes her power, her larger-than-life presence, and her dominance over the ocean’s inhabitants.
Ursula’s First Appearance in The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ursula made her first appearance in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989), where she immediately establishes herself as a villainous force. She is introduced as the antagonist who schemes to undermine King Triton’s rule over the sea and usurp his power. Ursula manipulates Ariel into making a dangerous deal, which involves trading her voice for a pair of human legs. This deal sets in motion the central conflict of the film.
In The Little Mermaid, Ursula is voiced by the legendary Pat Carroll, whose performance brought the character to life with a combination of sharp wit, malevolence, and campy charm. Carroll’s delivery of Ursula’s lines, particularly in her song “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” remains one of the most memorable aspects of the character.
Ursula’s Role in the Plot of The Little Mermaid
Ursula’s main goal in The Little Mermaid is to seize control of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, which is ruled by King Triton, Ariel’s father. She plots to overthrow Triton by exploiting his daughter’s desire for a human life. By offering Ariel the chance to live as a human in exchange for her voice, Ursula is able to manipulate Ariel into giving up what is most important to her—her ability to sing and communicate.
Ursula’s plan is complex and devious. She doesn’t just want Ariel’s voice; she wants to gain control over the entire sea. By trapping Ariel, Ursula knows she can weaken Triton’s authority and claim the throne for herself. Her willingness to deceive, manipulate, and even sabotage Ariel’s happiness underscores her status as one of Disney’s most formidable and dangerous villains.
Ursula’s Manipulative and Cunning Personality
Ursula’s personality is defined by her cunning, manipulative nature, and unyielding desire for power. She uses her intelligence, her knowledge of magic, and her persuasive abilities to trick others into doing her bidding. Despite her larger-than-life persona, Ursula is highly calculating, always several steps ahead of her enemies.
Ursula’s Deceptive Deal with Ariel
One of Ursula’s most infamous acts in The Little Mermaid is her deceptive deal with Ariel. She convinces Ariel that giving up her voice for a pair of human legs will be the key to winning Prince Eric’s heart, even though she knows full well that Ariel cannot communicate without her voice. Ursula plays on Ariel’s desperation and naiveté, promising her that she will be able to live her dream of becoming human, all while secretly planning to use Ariel as a pawn in her scheme to take over the kingdom.
Ursula’s ability to manipulate Ariel and twist her desires to her advantage is a testament to her skill as a deceiver. She understands Ariel’s vulnerability and exploits it to further her own goals, making her a dangerous and calculating villain.
Ursula’s Role as a Power-Hungry Villain
Ursula’s desire for power is one of the driving forces behind her villainy. She does not merely want to harm Ariel; she wants to overthrow King Triton and take control of the sea. Ursula’s pursuit of power is rooted in her bitterness and jealousy, as she feels she was wronged by King Triton in the past. According to the film’s lore, Ursula was once a respected sea witch who was banished from the palace, and she now seeks revenge by stealing Triton’s power.
Her manipulative and ruthless nature makes her a formidable opponent for Ariel, Prince Eric, and King Triton. Her willingness to go to any lengths to gain control of the kingdom, including using Ariel as a pawn in her scheme, reveals just how far Ursula is willing to go to achieve her goals.
Ursula’s Iconic Songs and Performances
Ursula’s musical numbers are among the most iconic moments in The Little Mermaid. Her song “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is a highlight of the film and perfectly encapsulates her manipulative nature. In this song, Ursula lures Ariel into making the deal by promising her that everything will be fine, all the while revealing her true, sinister intentions. The song is filled with sly humor, charm, and menace, making it one of the most memorable villain songs in Disney history.
In addition to “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” Ursula also performs a few other notable songs throughout the film, including a short reprise of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” during her final confrontation with Ariel. These songs, along with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, cement Ursula’s status as a truly unforgettable Disney villain.
The Significance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls”
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” is not just a catchy song—it’s a masterclass in manipulation. In the song, Ursula paints herself as a sympathetic figure who is simply trying to help Ariel, when in reality, she is taking advantage of the young mermaid’s naivety. Through this performance, Ursula reveals her true nature as a deceptive and cunning villain who uses charm and wit to deceive those around her.
The song’s playful yet sinister tone makes it a perfect representation of Ursula’s character. It is both entertaining and unsettling, leaving audiences both charmed and disturbed by her actions. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” has become a fan favorite, often performed in theme parks and live shows, further cementing Ursula’s place as one of Disney’s most iconic villains.
Ursula’s Downfall: Her Final Confrontation with Ariel
Ursula’s downfall occurs during the climactic battle in The Little Mermaid. As Ariel and Prince Eric work together to thwart Ursula’s plans, Ursula becomes more desperate and vengeful. In her final moments, Ursula uses a magical trident to transform herself into a massive, terrifying sea creature in an attempt to crush her enemies and claim the throne. However, her arrogance and desire for power ultimately lead to her demise.
In a dramatic final sequence, Prince Eric sails a ship into Ursula, driving the vessel into her and causing her to be defeated. Ursula’s death marks the end of her reign of terror, and with her passing, the sea is restored to peace.
Ursula’s Legacy in The Little Mermaid
Ursula’s death is the conclusion of her villainous arc in The Little Mermaid, but her legacy lives on. Her character has remained one of Disney’s most recognizable and beloved villains, with her influence continuing to be felt in various adaptations, spin-offs, and theme park attractions. Ursula’s dramatic design, her iconic songs, and her larger-than-life personality have ensured that she remains a fixture in the world of Disney villains.
Ursula in Popular Culture
Ursula’s influence extends far beyond The Little Mermaid. She has become a pop culture icon, inspiring numerous references, performances, and adaptations. From Halloween costumes to cosplay, Ursula is a popular figure for fans to emulate, thanks to her memorable look and bold personality.
In addition, Ursula has made appearances in various Disney media beyond The Little Mermaid, including TV shows, video games, and theme park attractions. She has become a symbol of empowerment for those who embrace their individuality and unapologetically take control of their own destinies, even if it means being a villain.
Ursula in Stage Adaptations and Other Media
Ursula’s role in The Little Mermaid has been expanded in various adaptations, including the Broadway musical. In the stage version, Ursula’s character is given even more depth, with additional songs and backstory that explore her motivations and relationship with King Triton. These adaptations allow audiences to further explore Ursula’s personality and see her as a more complex figure than just a typical villain.
Ursula has also appeared in various Disney spin-offs, such as The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and the animated series The Little Mermaid: The Animated Series. In these adaptations, Ursula’s influence is still felt, even though she is no longer the primary antagonist.
