I'm always weirded out when people complain about the mermaid not killing the prince at the end and how often it happens. Sure, the prince treated her like a pet and I don't think she should *sacrifice* herself for him, but I don't really think that's what she does. Thorough most of the story, the mermaid ignores the consequences of her actions. She also repeatedly betrays herself, in a way. She gives up her voice, a voice she's proud of, and she later regrets not being able to sing to the prince. She dances for the prince even though it causes her terrible pain. The prince clearly does not see her as an equal. He's fond of her the way someone is fond of a dog. He takes her on walks, dresses her in a page's outfit, let's her sleep ON A CUSHION. That goes on for a year and she's just... content. She doesn't do anything to change it. He has not married her, but it does not seem like he's marrying anybody else. If she waits and he doesn't find the bride he wants, he might just... resign himself to marry her instead. She kind of has no respect for herself. And I'm not trying to blame her for everything or whatever. I actually understand how she feels, but it's just not healthy. Then the prince marries the princess, and all that hope of maybe being his second choice goes to waste. The day after he marries someone else she's bound to die because of the pact she made. But she has an out. If she decides to kill him, she can just go back to the sea as a mermaid and act like nothing ever happened. But that would be going against everything she feels and everything she stands for. That would undo her first rescue of him. This time she's not *saving* him by sacrificing herself, as I've seen some people say before, but rather... She's just not killing him to avoid responsability. For the first time, she accepts the consequences of her actions. And I think that's why she's rewarded at the end with the possibility of gaining a soul. I feel like that's the best reading of the story, or at least the most satisfying. Not a story about how love is sacrificing yourself for someone else, but a story about not putting other people before yourself and your own well-being. About how you should not accept being disrespected. About agency, conscience and responsability. The little mermaid is not a role model; you're not supposed to act like her, at least not for most of the story. At the same time you're not supposed to judge her and laugh at her (I sometimes feel like that's how we're supposed to react to Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood ). She has some noble traits and she's sympathetic. You feel with her and learn with her. Oh and I'm not implying you've said anything about how the mermaid should've killed him or anything in the video. I've just seen a lot of comments of that kind in the past.
Oh and also I think it's an interesting story about dealing with rejection and not feeling entitled to someone's elses attention. That's not talked about enough and I think it's important for understanding consent and similar topics.
To me, killing him means leaving the "normal" society and living between the alternative society of the time, since she had to do it to live fully as a mermaid, and Hans Christian Anderson, to live freely (or as close to free as he could at the time) as himself. Sacrificing that chance to stay close to him until the end is like what the author did: keep pretending to be something he isn't to at least be close to the one he loves, and that of course harms someone profusely and deeply. In the end, she turns into sea foam and floats forever, just existing and nothing more, something that reminds me of the feeling of clinic depression crisis. Something that could have been triggered in him by living like that. So killing the prince represents more killing the connection between them. Of course, that's my interpretation.
@@thesimplifestyle2022 I could see that. It certainly fits with the feeling of martyrdom that permeates the whole story. However, regardless of what it might mean metaphorically, she would be literally killing him. So it's not just a matter of what killing him means for her, it's also a matter of robbing someone of their life. Someone who might be shallow and thoughtless, but doesn't really deserve it. I think that ultimately has more weight.
@@sabedile1866 I understand, it shows altruism, it could also mean to take him to the "alternative" world, as I've talked with some gay people that felt guilty when younger to confess "because it would corrupt the other if they accepted it", maybe that's what it means. Regardless, I do agree with your point of view.
Love this series. I'd recently learned how Hans Christian Anderson felt about another man, my friend told me that he couldn't tell the man he loved that he loved him, that's why the little mermaid had to cut off her tongue to represent that Silence. 😁 Jen your fabulous, love your videos. 😁
Yes, that's very moving. I was thinking about the message I might have heard as a five year old not knowing the reason. Most likely that you have to give up your voice and part of your being in order to get your man. I'm part of the generation that grappled with that.
I was also horrified by this fairy tale as a child, but I never knew that the mermaid actually got a soul in the original Hans Christian Anderson version. It adds a sort of beauty to the story I think, she gives up a part of herself but gains something more meaningful. Parts of it are still really creepy but it is a lot less dark than some other fairy tales in my opinion.
The Little Mermaid has always been one of my favourites - and now that I've learned more about its history and meaning I feel I love it even more. Thank you for this wonderful series.
Thank you so much for this episode. I remember watching an anime with real Little mermaid story back in the day and being heartbroken. This story still brings tears to my eyes. Disney version is fine, makes me laugh, is filled with nostalgia. But original story is so powerful and gives a food for thoughts. I've had no idea about Anderson love story. Now this makes the fairy tale even more touching and sad. Thanks again.
I just wanted to comment and say how much I love the way you conduct yourself. Your channel serves as a reminder to me that goodness exists in this world. It has transcended being just a place of bookish reference for me. I'm just grateful. Thank you :)
I remember reading the non-disney version of the little mermaid when I was little and feeling so betrayed! haha. Wonderful video as always. This fairytale series is one of my favorite things on this whole website!
i love the research you do and I'm obsessed with your channel. I made a video called '''tribute to The Little mermaid|'' using clips of the animated film you were referring to. :)
My favourite fairytale has always been "The Wils Swans" also by Hans Christian Andersen, so I would love to watch a video on that one, especially since I meet very few people who know it and read it as a child.
I have enjoyed fairy tales written by him as a child and i still watch animation based in his books; that's how i end up here. Thank you for sharing here!
As a kid I always felt different from others, and I think thats why I loved the the littler mermaid story so much. Thats why its so obvious that this story has gone over the heads of so many, with the reaction to the live action version. In the trailer shes literally saying she wants to be part of their world... then the world (angry people online) starts screaming about how shes not good enough.
Oh I loooove The Little Mermaid!!! My 9 year old niece was just in a local play and it was adorable! She was a "sea creature"...such a beautiful story!
Just wanted to say I am really enjoying this series 'Fairy Tales with Jen'. You have sparked an interest in me to read more original fairy tales and I am truly enjoying them. Thank you.
Thanks for this video Jen. Fascinating! My initial exposure to this fairytale was of course the Disney version and I was so drawn to it. It was probably my favourite Disney movie, but I remember being uncomfortable even with the Disney 'happy' ending and actually crying in the cinema because she had to leave her dad. I grew up to think that it was a comment on marriage and women leaving their childhoods and families behind. Having read it just before watching this video however, I'm surprised by the brutality and sadness of the original but fascinated by the autobiographical connection to Andersen and the idea of being 'other'. I also thought the brutality of acquiring legs with the pain and blood also symbolises the female experience of coming of age. A fascinating fairy tale. Apologies for the length of this comment, but I just have lots of thoughts on this!You've inspired me to explore other original fairy tales now and to watch your other videos on the subject.
I got really emotional watching this video and it caught me off guard. That was such a beautiful vid, ive never been a huge fan of fairy tales but I defo want to start learning about where they came from and perhaps different versions. Really beautiful vid Jen, thanks.
I too have always felt a kinship with the Little Mermaid, and having grown up next to the ocean often dreamt of walking out into the waves and finding a sisterhood waiting for me. Thanks for your dedication to this series and the histories you shed light on!
Aww love the video! I love book analysis videos, those are my favorites. Would you consider doing one on the life of Hans Christian Andersen? I've always been interested in his story but never looked into it? Have you read lots about him? Would you recommend a book about his life or his writing? Thank you! Keep up the great videos xx
This was so interesting! I love the little mermaid and knew about the original story but had no idea about all this background! Thanks so much for this video, please keep this series going! ☺️
Jen, i love watching your videos. I wish I could have a cup of coffee with you or sit in your living room for a day. You are just wonderful and delightful to listen to and thank you for sharing your gifts with us
Love this series and all the research and in depth analysis you put to it. I found the little mermaid both deppresing and fascinating .Can you please do one "Fairy tales with Jen" of Snow White please :).
I’m kind of hoping the new live action adaption will take more inspiration from the source material bc I believe they could do something really neat with it. But I’m keeping my expectations low and will enjoy the separate adaptions as they are.
Loved this & Andersen's history! My 10 yr old self who secretly & loudly sang 'Part of Your World' when left home alone would be shocked SHOCKED to know Little Mermaid's real story. So dark! And that edition illustrated by Kusama is GORGEOUS! I had no idea this existed. Need! Looking forward the the behind-the-scenes at the ballet video.
I’m crying at 3:00 am realizing why I (as a gay man) grew up loving & obsessing over disney’s take on the tale. Hearing the origins made my heart evaporate into sea foam tonight (i also realize the use of tonight contradicts my timing mentioned lol). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on the tale with such grace. 💚
I didn't know that Hans Christian Andersen was queer! All you said about what he went through and the story is so incredible. I'd never make that link. This makes Little Mermaid much more special for sure.
This one is my favourite. I did a comic retelling of The Little Mermaid a couple years ago and finally read the original aaaand was shocked haha. I actually didn't know it was a metaphor for his unrequited love! That is so heartbreaking but makes me glad I picked it for my retelling.
I enjoyed your podcast. We are so inundated with the Disney little mermaid, that I had forgot about this one. I read the story when I was little and enjoyed it because it wasn't the happily ever after story. Thank you for reminding me of it. Have a great day. Cheers
I clicked this video immediately when I saw you in my description box. Mermaids are awesome and I love love love your fairytale history videos so much! Thank you for all the work you do to research the histories of these fairy tales. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I wasn't expecting to like this one so much. I think it's both my favourite fairy tale and my favourite video of the series, so far. It made me wanna dive into a biography of Hans Christian Andersen and to get that book about Mermaids you mentioned...
I'm a huge fan of Laura Marling's music and she has a song called Undine on her Once I Was an Eagle album. I didn't realize it was based upon an actual story. Super glad I clicked on this playlist. :-)
I first got to know the original christian andersen story (read to me from when I was 2 years , before I got to know the disney version (came out when I was 4, but I first got to see it when I was 7). The story was always a favourite of mine despite it being so sad. Still... when in the disney version the mermaid got her prince, it didn't feel right (but it wouldn't have been disney if she didn't offcourse). I like both versions, but the original is still my favourite, because it is more complex and emotional and less superficial.
This was SO interesting! I usually have Booktube videos on in the background while I get ready for work, but this one had me transfixed. I had no idea the real story was so dark and heartbreaking - I definitely prefer Anderson's version. I love these videos so much Jen!!
Where have I been so far? I've just discovered your channel and fallen in love with this series of fairy tale videos! Thank you so much for the research and passion you put into these, this is truly amazing content, so happy I've found you! Love from Italy:)
Love this series! I’m currently trying (and perhaps failing) to write a dissertation about mermaids and related creatures in film. I also teach a class on fairy tales and film, so I‘ ll likely share this video with students. Have you read Lucy Fraser’s book the Pleasures of Metamorphosis? It’s about the connection between English and Japanese mermaids. Very interesting. Also, there’s an interesting article about the trans/queer dimensions within the HCA tale and the Disney film by a critic, Spencer Leland (might be misspelling the name). My favorite mermaid movie is Ponyo by Miyazaki. Also, The Lure was a deliciously dark and camp rendition for adults. Thanks!
Fantastic, great video Jen :) I was at the bookstore today and saw The Little Mermaid on the shelf. Now I wish I had picked it up! I hate to admit that I was unaware of the original story having grown up exclusively on the Disney version. As much as I love SOME of the Disney films (not all)... I don't know... fairy tales in their original form are as fascinating to hear about as are the alterations to them that people produce over time, including what is omitted versus what aspects of the original story stays, but also the shifts in target audience. Love this series of yours Jen. I regret that I haven't heard fairy tales spoken about so passionately from anyone until I stumbled across your channel. You have definitely whetted my appetite to discover more about them, can't wait for more! :)
well, thanks for the early morning tears :'). I think I'd avoided the Anderson's personal history because it's a little too close to home, but I'm glad I know more now. Now I'm going to go search the internet for a perfect copy of this beautiful, sad story. thanks as always for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us! I hope you're having a lovely day
I loved this video... this is a favourite fairytale of mine and I really enjoyed listening to the history behind it and the parallels between the story and HCA’s life.
This is absolutely interessting!!! I always loved The little mermaid, but i never thought about the topics you touched on... i will reread it soon!!! You are doing an amazing job with this series!!! Thanks so much for putting so much time and effort in these videos!!!
I think this is my favourite fairy tale video yet! Your affection for the story really shows. I'm thinking I would love to read a collection of Hans Christian Andersen's tales. (And I very much look forward to seeing your behind the scenes video of the ballet - I'm sure a ballet could do wonderful things with this story).
From the Disney two disc version of The Little Mermaid, they claimed that a reason why Anderson had felt alienated was due to puberty and being looked-down upon as an educated author. In addition to this the Danny Kaye film titled Hans Christian Anderson is about him falling for a female companion and writing the The Little Mermaid for her. Interestingly a former title for The Little Mermaid is The Little Sea Maid.
Disney is not known for including queer history on their DVDs, and the Danny Kaye film is not based on Andersen's life at all; it's a fabrication, not based on his biography, or his letters.
This is one of my favorite series to watch. Lovely video, as always. This one in particular was enlightening for me as I always thought Hans Christian Anderson was coming from a more Bram Stoker-like point of view regarding women. I had no idea that he was in love with another man. It makes me feel so tender-hearted toward this tale, now that I understand that the little mermaid exemplifies how Anderson felt. Would you consider doing one on The Girl With No Hands/The Handless Maiden? That one is so haunting and dear to my heart. And I love how it bleeds into the tragic character of Lavinia in Titus Andronicus.
I just reread the original. My Swedish grandmother read it to me probably for the religious aspect. But as part of the bargain to get the potion which will let the her live in human form, the mermaid lets the witch cut off her tongue. She gives her voice away. I can't remember what the young me thought, but old me was really pissed off! (But thanks for inspiring me to delve more into fairy tales😊)
Victoria Frances did a retelling of this story with extremely beautiful illustrations. I can only give the German title (Klagelied des meeres) but I bet if you search for her name and the little mermaid it will pop up somewhere. I adore it.....
Have you heard of the musical once on this island? I did it when I was young and it's set in the caribbean, I was told that it is loosely based on the little mermaid. I can definitely see the similarities and how unlike the disney version, the female lead also dies but I'm curious to know how the two tie together if at all.
The little Mermaid was always one of my favourite fairytales. Recently read Undine and thought there were some similarities and wondered if Hans Christian Andersen might have been influenced by it. Wow this fairytale just got a lot darker. The history is heartbreaking. And I wonder why my professor didn't mention Hans Christian Andersen's love for his friend in my seminar about his tales last semester 🤔
There is a gorgeous graphic book based on the original mermaid story that my 6yo daughter bought this summer. It's a dark story but she adores it because of all the imperfections of the characters. She thinks they're just like regular people, but in a fairy tale setting.
I thank you for your more...brief & to the point explaination of the story. there are SO MANY more layers to this yarn than I thought, although perhaps too many layers in some ways, can you tell me how many pages to the novel? can you make someone love you? the answer is...no! ha ha ha as true in the modern world as it was 200 yrs ago or more.
As a child, this was the only version of The Little Mermaid that I knew, so I remember my 8 or 9 year old self being slightly indignant at the Disney version (I do love it now though)!
This is also one of my favorite fairy tales!!! I plan the explore the LGBT parallels in my Gay retelling of The Little Mermaid, combining the Dark somber nature of Hans Christian Anderson's version with just a dash of the more happy Disney ending.
Fascinating as always!! Have you ever read oscar wilde's "fairy tales"? Would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on some of those, quite a few tackle similar themes in terms of bodily difference!
My favourite was always The Flying Dutchman, was that even a thing in the UK before the popularity of pirates rose? I'd love to know more about that one :)
often it seems "fairy tales" are much darker, even gothic than the adapted versions, were so used to, & don't even have the same moralistic points to make. I watched SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN and saw a version of that story I never knew of, it was a gothic tale, very medieval, in style, probably too dark, BUT interesting and clever. they tried it again with HANSEL & GRETAL but that didnt land as well.
Just a little off topic: I always loved Ingeborg Bachmann's rendering of the Undine Myth. Found this English translation on the internet. But maybe there is a better one somewhere. www.ingeborg-bachmann-forum.de/pdf/undine.pdf
Dare I ask your opinion on the Disney and other adaptations of this classic story(I prefure to think of it as a - fantasy adventure story) I'd say the cartoon & live action versions, should be judged in their own right & NOT be compared to the novel have you seen the 2023 Disney offering yet, it oozes charm & charisma, I especially liked the added Caribbean aspect, which connects well with the music soundtrack can it be YOU are a Mermaid going by your auburn hair? this whole story isnt your autobiography is it?
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm always weirded out when people complain about the mermaid not killing the prince at the end and how often it happens. Sure, the prince treated her like a pet and I don't think she should *sacrifice* herself for him, but I don't really think that's what she does.
Thorough most of the story, the mermaid ignores the consequences of her actions. She also repeatedly betrays herself, in a way. She gives up her voice, a voice she's proud of, and she later regrets not being able to sing to the prince. She dances for the prince even though it causes her terrible pain. The prince clearly does not see her as an equal. He's fond of her the way someone is fond of a dog. He takes her on walks, dresses her in a page's outfit, let's her sleep ON A CUSHION. That goes on for a year and she's just... content. She doesn't do anything to change it. He has not married her, but it does not seem like he's marrying anybody else. If she waits and he doesn't find the bride he wants, he might just... resign himself to marry her instead. She kind of has no respect for herself. And I'm not trying to blame her for everything or whatever. I actually understand how she feels, but it's just not healthy.
Then the prince marries the princess, and all that hope of maybe being his second choice goes to waste. The day after he marries someone else she's bound to die because of the pact she made. But she has an out. If she decides to kill him, she can just go back to the sea as a mermaid and act like nothing ever happened. But that would be going against everything she feels and everything she stands for. That would undo her first rescue of him. This time she's not *saving* him by sacrificing herself, as I've seen some people say before, but rather... She's just not killing him to avoid responsability. For the first time, she accepts the consequences of her actions. And I think that's why she's rewarded at the end with the possibility of gaining a soul.
I feel like that's the best reading of the story, or at least the most satisfying. Not a story about how love is sacrificing yourself for someone else, but a story about not putting other people before yourself and your own well-being. About how you should not accept being disrespected. About agency, conscience and responsability. The little mermaid is not a role model; you're not supposed to act like her, at least not for most of the story. At the same time you're not supposed to judge her and laugh at her (I sometimes feel like that's how we're supposed to react to Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood ). She has some noble traits and she's sympathetic. You feel with her and learn with her.
Oh and I'm not implying you've said anything about how the mermaid should've killed him or anything in the video. I've just seen a lot of comments of that kind in the past.
Oh and also I think it's an interesting story about dealing with rejection and not feeling entitled to someone's elses attention. That's not talked about enough and I think it's important for understanding consent and similar topics.
To me, killing him means leaving the "normal" society and living between the alternative society of the time, since she had to do it to live fully as a mermaid, and Hans Christian Anderson, to live freely (or as close to free as he could at the time) as himself. Sacrificing that chance to stay close to him until the end is like what the author did: keep pretending to be something he isn't to at least be close to the one he loves, and that of course harms someone profusely and deeply. In the end, she turns into sea foam and floats forever, just existing and nothing more, something that reminds me of the feeling of clinic depression crisis. Something that could have been triggered in him by living like that. So killing the prince represents more killing the connection between them. Of course, that's my interpretation.
@@thesimplifestyle2022 I could see that. It certainly fits with the feeling of martyrdom that permeates the whole story.
However, regardless of what it might mean metaphorically, she would be literally killing him. So it's not just a matter of what killing him means for her, it's also a matter of robbing someone of their life. Someone who might be shallow and thoughtless, but doesn't really deserve it. I think that ultimately has more weight.
@@sabedile1866 I understand, it shows altruism, it could also mean to take him to the "alternative" world, as I've talked with some gay people that felt guilty when younger to confess "because it would corrupt the other if they accepted it", maybe that's what it means. Regardless, I do agree with your point of view.
Love this series. I'd recently learned how Hans Christian Anderson felt about another man, my friend told me that he couldn't tell the man he loved that he loved him, that's why the little mermaid had to cut off her tongue to represent that Silence. 😁 Jen your fabulous, love your videos. 😁
Yes, that's very moving. I was thinking about the message I might have heard as a five year old not knowing the reason. Most likely that you have to give up your voice and part of your being in order to get your man. I'm part of the generation that grappled with that.
I was also horrified by this fairy tale as a child, but I never knew that the mermaid actually got a soul in the original Hans Christian Anderson version. It adds a sort of beauty to the story I think, she gives up a part of herself but gains something more meaningful. Parts of it are still really creepy but it is a lot less dark than some other fairy tales in my opinion.
The Little Mermaid has always been one of my favourites - and now that I've learned more about its history and meaning I feel I love it even more. Thank you for this wonderful series.
Thanks for watching x
Never knew the LGBTQ parallels to this and it makes my heart swell with relatability. Thank you so much for this video.
The Little Mermaid was always a favorite of mine growing up. I love learning about the origins of Fairy Tales. Thanks so much for these videos!
Dito :) My all time favorite as wel.
Kendra Winchester I agree
Miyazaki has said that Ponyo was partially inspired by the little Mermaid.
Thank you so much for this episode.
I remember watching an anime with real Little mermaid story back in the day and being heartbroken. This story still brings tears to my eyes.
Disney version is fine, makes me laugh, is filled with nostalgia. But original story is so powerful and gives a food for thoughts.
I've had no idea about Anderson love story. Now this makes the fairy tale even more touching and sad.
Thanks again.
I just wanted to comment and say how much I love the way you conduct yourself. Your channel serves as a reminder to me that goodness exists in this world. It has transcended being just a place of bookish reference for me. I'm just grateful. Thank you :)
I remember reading the non-disney version of the little mermaid when I was little and feeling so betrayed! haha. Wonderful video as always. This fairytale series is one of my favorite things on this whole website!
i am writing a research paper involving andersen's little mermaid and this video was quite helpful, thank you sooo much! x
i love the research you do and I'm obsessed with your channel. I made a video called '''tribute to The Little mermaid|'' using clips of the animated film you were referring to. :)
My favourite fairytale has always been "The Wils Swans" also by Hans Christian Andersen, so I would love to watch a video on that one, especially since I meet very few people who know it and read it as a child.
Oh I love the Wild Swans!!
Beatrizmallow yes please!! I love that fairytale!
I remember first seeing a TV adaptation of The Wild Swans. (In this version,there were only three swan-princes.)
I have enjoyed fairy tales written by him as a child and i still watch animation based in his books; that's how i end up here. Thank you for sharing here!
As a kid I always felt different from others, and I think thats why I loved the the littler mermaid story so much. Thats why its so obvious that this story has gone over the heads of so many, with the reaction to the live action version. In the trailer shes literally saying she wants to be part of their world... then the world (angry people online) starts screaming about how shes not good enough.
Oh I loooove The Little Mermaid!!! My 9 year old niece was just in a local play and it was adorable! She was a "sea creature"...such a beautiful story!
I first found out about The Little Mermaid from the movie Hans Christian Anderson. The particular movie included a Little Mermaid ballet.
Just wanted to say I am really enjoying this series 'Fairy Tales with Jen'. You have sparked an interest in me to read more original fairy tales and I am truly enjoying them. Thank you.
Great video,I'm loving this series! Seeing how this tale reflects Hans Christian Anderson's life is heart breaking but interesting all the same xx
Thanks for this video Jen. Fascinating! My initial exposure to this fairytale was of course the Disney version and I was so drawn to it. It was probably my favourite Disney movie, but I remember being uncomfortable even with the Disney 'happy' ending and actually crying in the cinema because she had to leave her dad. I grew up to think that it was a comment on marriage and women leaving their childhoods and families behind. Having read it just before watching this video however, I'm surprised by the brutality and sadness of the original but fascinated by the autobiographical connection to Andersen and the idea of being 'other'. I also thought the brutality of acquiring legs with the pain and blood also symbolises the female experience of coming of age. A fascinating fairy tale. Apologies for the length of this comment, but I just have lots of thoughts on this!You've inspired me to explore other original fairy tales now and to watch your other videos on the subject.
Thank you so much for this video. This is so important and I wish everyone could see this. You're such a lovely person. Thank you!
Oh my god the story is so sad. I was literally crying 😢
I got really emotional watching this video and it caught me off guard. That was such a beautiful vid, ive never been a huge fan of fairy tales but I defo want to start learning about where they came from and perhaps different versions. Really beautiful vid Jen, thanks.
I too have always felt a kinship with the Little Mermaid, and having grown up next to the ocean often dreamt of walking out into the waves and finding a sisterhood waiting for me. Thanks for your dedication to this series and the histories you shed light on!
Aww love the video! I love book analysis videos, those are my favorites. Would you consider doing one on the life of Hans Christian Andersen? I've always been interested in his story but never looked into it? Have you read lots about him? Would you recommend a book about his life or his writing? Thank you! Keep up the great videos xx
This was so interesting! I love the little mermaid and knew about the original story but had no idea about all this background! Thanks so much for this video, please keep this series going! ☺️
"He was in love with his friend Edward Collins."
me thinking of the vampire from twilight
My favorite fairy tales were always Rumpelstiltskin, Snow-White & Rose-Red, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I would love a video on any of those!
Jen, i love watching your videos. I wish I could have a cup of coffee with you or sit in your living room for a day. You are just wonderful and delightful to listen to and thank you for sharing your gifts with us
Love this series and all the research and in depth analysis you put to it. I found the little mermaid both deppresing and fascinating .Can you please do one "Fairy tales with Jen" of Snow White please :).
I'll add it to the list! x
I’m kind of hoping the new live action adaption will take more inspiration from the source material bc I believe they could do something really neat with it. But I’m keeping my expectations low and will enjoy the separate adaptions as they are.
Loved this & Andersen's history! My 10 yr old self who secretly & loudly sang 'Part of Your World' when left home alone would be shocked SHOCKED to know Little Mermaid's real story. So dark!
And that edition illustrated by Kusama is GORGEOUS! I had no idea this existed. Need!
Looking forward the the behind-the-scenes at the ballet video.
I’m crying at 3:00 am realizing why I (as a gay man) grew up loving & obsessing over disney’s take on the tale. Hearing the origins made my heart evaporate into sea foam tonight (i also realize the use of tonight contradicts my timing mentioned lol). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on the tale with such grace. 💚
lots of love xx
That was wonderful, now I love this fairy tale even more
thank you Jen !
I didn't know that Hans Christian Andersen was queer! All you said about what he went through and the story is so incredible. I'd never make that link. This makes Little Mermaid much more special for sure.
This one is my favourite. I did a comic retelling of The Little Mermaid a couple years ago and finally read the original aaaand was shocked haha. I actually didn't know it was a metaphor for his unrequited love! That is so heartbreaking but makes me glad I picked it for my retelling.
I enjoyed your podcast. We are so inundated with the Disney little mermaid, that I had forgot about this one. I read the story when I was little and enjoyed it because it wasn't the happily ever after story. Thank you for reminding me of it. Have a great day. Cheers
I read a full collection of Grimms Fairytales years ago, now I want to read HCA's too. I love these fairy tale backstory videos. Thanks for sharing!
I clicked this video immediately when I saw you in my description box. Mermaids are awesome and I love love love your fairytale history videos so much! Thank you for all the work you do to research the histories of these fairy tales. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I just found this channel yesterday but already loving these fairy tales videos ❤
I wasn't expecting to like this one so much. I think it's both my favourite fairy tale and my favourite video of the series, so far. It made me wanna dive into a biography of Hans Christian Andersen and to get that book about Mermaids you mentioned...
I'm a huge fan of Laura Marling's music and she has a song called Undine on her Once I Was an Eagle album. I didn't realize it was based upon an actual story. Super glad I clicked on this playlist. :-)
This series is fascinating, thank you so much. Specially this one, I had no idea of the themes present in The Little Mermaid.
Glad you're enjoying the series, thank you :) x
Jen Campbell 💙
Hey, I absolutely LOVE your fairytale videos! It would be awesome to see a Thumbelina video ☺️
Thank you for the background on this fairy tale, Jen.
I first got to know the original christian andersen story (read to me from when I was 2 years , before I got to know the disney version (came out when I was 4, but I first got to see it when I was 7). The story was always a favourite of mine despite it being so sad. Still... when in the disney version the mermaid got her prince, it didn't feel right (but it wouldn't have been disney if she didn't offcourse). I like both versions, but the original is still my favourite, because it is more complex and emotional and less superficial.
This was SO interesting! I usually have Booktube videos on in the background while I get ready for work, but this one had me transfixed. I had no idea the real story was so dark and heartbreaking - I definitely prefer Anderson's version. I love these videos so much Jen!!
Where have I been so far? I've just discovered your channel and fallen in love with this series of fairy tale videos! Thank you so much for the research and passion you put into these, this is truly amazing content, so happy I've found you! Love from Italy:)
Love this series! I’m currently trying (and perhaps failing) to write a dissertation about mermaids and related creatures in film. I also teach a class on fairy tales and film, so I‘ ll likely share this video with students. Have you read Lucy Fraser’s book the Pleasures of Metamorphosis? It’s about the connection between English and Japanese mermaids. Very interesting. Also, there’s an interesting article about the trans/queer dimensions within the HCA tale and the Disney film by a critic, Spencer Leland (might be misspelling the name). My favorite mermaid movie is Ponyo by Miyazaki. Also, The Lure was a deliciously dark and camp rendition for adults. Thanks!
Cant wait for the behind the scences and performance of the ballet
Great video! My sisters and I had a vhs of the Andersen Little Mermaid we watched over and over as kids--definitely a favorite with us.
Fantastic, great video Jen :)
I was at the bookstore today and saw The Little Mermaid on the shelf. Now I wish I had picked it up! I hate to admit that I was unaware of the original story having grown up exclusively on the Disney version. As much as I love SOME of the Disney films (not all)... I don't know... fairy tales in their original form are as fascinating to hear about as are the alterations to them that people produce over time, including what is omitted versus what aspects of the original story stays, but also the shifts in target audience.
Love this series of yours Jen. I regret that I haven't heard fairy tales spoken about so passionately from anyone until I stumbled across your channel. You have definitely whetted my appetite to discover more about them, can't wait for more! :)
Thanks, Claire! x
well, thanks for the early morning tears :'). I think I'd avoided the Anderson's personal history because it's a little too close to home, but I'm glad I know more now. Now I'm going to go search the internet for a perfect copy of this beautiful, sad story.
thanks as always for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us! I hope you're having a lovely day
I loved this video... this is a favourite fairytale of mine and I really enjoyed listening to the history behind it and the parallels between the story and HCA’s life.
This is absolutely interessting!!! I always loved The little mermaid, but i never thought about the topics you touched on... i will reread it soon!!! You are doing an amazing job with this series!!! Thanks so much for putting so much time and effort in these videos!!!
I think this is my favourite fairy tale video yet! Your affection for the story really shows. I'm thinking I would love to read a collection of Hans Christian Andersen's tales. (And I very much look forward to seeing your behind the scenes video of the ballet - I'm sure a ballet could do wonderful things with this story).
As always, fantastic video Jen. Can't wait for the Northern Ballet behind the scenes. Should be good :)
From the Disney two disc version of The Little Mermaid, they claimed that a reason why Anderson had felt alienated was due to puberty and being looked-down upon as an educated author. In addition to this the Danny Kaye film titled Hans Christian Anderson is about him falling for a female companion and writing the The Little Mermaid for her. Interestingly a former title for The Little Mermaid is The Little Sea Maid.
Disney is not known for including queer history on their DVDs, and the Danny Kaye film is not based on Andersen's life at all; it's a fabrication, not based on his biography, or his letters.
@@jenvcampbell ok. I didn’t know that about the film.
I didn't know that information of Andersen. How sad.
thank you for doing this video, its a story thats close to my heart
Oh good another Jen's Fairy Tale videos I love these
Yay my favorite episodes on your channel!!
Far more edifying than the disney one to which i've always been used to.
This is one of my favorite series to watch. Lovely video, as always. This one in particular was enlightening for me as I always thought Hans Christian Anderson was coming from a more Bram Stoker-like point of view regarding women. I had no idea that he was in love with another man. It makes me feel so tender-hearted toward this tale, now that I understand that the little mermaid exemplifies how Anderson felt. Would you consider doing one on The Girl With No Hands/The Handless Maiden? That one is so haunting and dear to my heart. And I love how it bleeds into the tragic character of Lavinia in Titus Andronicus.
That all stems back to Procne and Philomela, actually, if you want to look up that myth :) I may make a video about it at some point. x
I will, thanks!
You do incredible research thank you for widening my education.
Hi Jen! I would love to see a video on Snow White if that's possible. It was my favourite fairytale as a child :)
I love this series so much! Thank you for blessing us once more 😍😜 I hope you're well Jen! You are looking particularly beautiful in this video xxx
I just reread the original. My Swedish grandmother read it to me probably for the religious aspect. But as part of the bargain to get the potion which will let the her live in human form, the mermaid lets the witch cut off her tongue. She gives her voice away. I can't remember what the young me thought, but old me was really pissed off! (But thanks for inspiring me to delve more into fairy tales😊)
And I very much appreciated your commentary on the story. A new perspective to ponder.
Victoria Frances did a retelling of this story with extremely beautiful illustrations. I can only give the German title (Klagelied des meeres) but I bet if you search for her name and the little mermaid it will pop up somewhere. I adore it.....
Have you heard of the musical once on this island? I did it when I was young and it's set in the caribbean, I was told that it is loosely based on the little mermaid. I can definitely see the similarities and how unlike the disney version, the female lead also dies but I'm curious to know how the two tie together if at all.
The little Mermaid was always one of my favourite fairytales. Recently read Undine and thought there were some similarities and wondered if Hans Christian Andersen might have been influenced by it.
Wow this fairytale just got a lot darker. The history is heartbreaking.
And I wonder why my professor didn't mention Hans Christian Andersen's love for his friend in my seminar about his tales last semester 🤔
My most favorite Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale is The Little Mermaid
There is a gorgeous graphic book based on the original mermaid story that my 6yo daughter bought this summer. It's a dark story but she adores it because of all the imperfections of the characters. She thinks they're just like regular people, but in a fairy tale setting.
Oeh, which one is that? I'd love to see/read :)
Paper Plane It is by Metaphrog and Papercutz :) They have a few other Hans Christian Andersen stories but we haven't found them in a shop yet.
Thanks! I'll look it up :)
Wonderful video Jen!
Oh my god Jen, I loved this one
:D x
I thank you for your more...brief & to the point explaination of the story.
there are SO MANY more layers to this yarn than I thought, although perhaps too many layers in some ways, can you tell me how many pages to the novel?
can you make someone love you? the answer is...no! ha ha ha
as true in the modern world as it was 200 yrs ago or more.
That was a beautiful video, thank you for making it :*
Very interesting. I love this series, keep it up!
As a child, this was the only version of The Little Mermaid that I knew, so I remember my 8 or 9 year old self being slightly indignant at the Disney version (I do love it now though)!
This is also one of my favorite fairy tales!!! I plan the explore the LGBT parallels in my Gay retelling of The Little Mermaid, combining the Dark somber nature of Hans Christian Anderson's version with just a dash of the more happy Disney ending.
Fascinating as always!! Have you ever read oscar wilde's "fairy tales"? Would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on some of those, quite a few tackle similar themes in terms of bodily difference!
Great video, thank you 😁
I have to get the book with Kusama's drawings!
Nice video !!
My favourite was always The Flying Dutchman, was that even a thing in the UK before the popularity of pirates rose? I'd love to know more about that one :)
Another wonderful video in this series. Jen I was wondering if you know of any books that have stories of mermen?
i read that book at the library yesterday lol i toook a pic of a particular page to show my gf
often it seems "fairy tales" are much darker, even gothic than the adapted versions, were so used to, & don't even have the same moralistic points to make.
I watched SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN and saw a version of that story I never knew of, it was a gothic tale, very medieval, in style, probably too dark, BUT interesting and clever. they tried it again with HANSEL & GRETAL but that didnt land as well.
Great video. Love this series. Off topic question: What lipstick are you wearing? It's beautiful!
+Kelsey Prentice Nars Bahama lip pencil ☺️
Hello Jen, thanks so much for your brilliant lectures. Could you please analyse ''kissing the witch'' by Emma Donoghue?
Xoxo
Just a little off topic: I always loved Ingeborg Bachmann's rendering of the Undine Myth. Found this English translation on the internet. But maybe there is a better one somewhere. www.ingeborg-bachmann-forum.de/pdf/undine.pdf
Before this all hinduism talks about mermaid in the worlds oldest epic reality book Ramayana, about 2000 BC.
HOLY SHIT!!! it all makes sense now!
Looooved this video!
great video!
Dare I ask your opinion on the Disney and other adaptations of this classic story(I prefure to think of it as a - fantasy adventure story)
I'd say the cartoon & live action versions, should be judged in their own right & NOT be compared to the novel
have you seen the 2023 Disney offering yet, it oozes charm & charisma, I especially liked the added Caribbean aspect, which connects well with the music soundtrack
can it be YOU are a Mermaid going by your auburn hair? this whole story isnt your autobiography is it?
I think Anderson wanted to give the LGBT people a voice.
well I'm just not so sure about that.
I really love these videos
If you haven't already, could you do a "Little Red Riding Hood" version please? Xx
I'm wondering if there is any history behind thumbalina