Name: The Little Mermaid
Address: Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
Rating: 4.1

Iconic bronze mermaid sculpture, by Edvard Eriksen, of a character from H.C. Andersen's fairytale.

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Langelinie

The Little Mermaid statue is only four feet tall, making it one of the smallest attractions in Copenhagen.

Tiny Statue

The Little Mermaid statue has been a beloved attraction for over 100 years, first sculpted in the early 20th century.

Years of Fame

The Little Mermaid statue was modeled after two women: the head was based on prima ballerina Ellen Price, while the body was modeled after the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen.

Model Inspiration

Visiting the Little Mermaid statue is free. You can walk along the Langelinie road by the sea to see her.

Access

The Little Mermaid statue is based on a character from an 1830 fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish author.

Story Origin

The original story by Hans Christian Andersen has a tragic ending, unlike the happier ending of the Disney film adaptation.

Original Ending

The Little Mermaid, a bronze statue perched on a granite rock in Copenhagen's Langelinie promenade, has captivated hearts for over a century. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, the statue immortalizes the tragic heroine of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale.

Standing at a mere 1.25 meters tall, the Little Mermaid gazes wistfully towards the open sea, her melancholic expression reflecting the unrequited love that consumes her. Tourists flock to witness her poignant beauty, drawn to the raw emotion etched in her bronze form.

The statue's history is as captivating as the tale it depicts. Commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the son of Carlsberg brewery founder, the sculpture was inspired by his fascination with the ballet adaptation of the fairy tale. Eriksen's wife, Eline, served as the model for the Little Mermaid, lending a touch of human vulnerability to the mythical creature.

Today, the Little Mermaid stands as a symbol of Copenhagen's rich literary heritage and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Despite facing vandalism and weathering the elements, she remains a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, love and longing can transcend the boundaries of reality.

Introduction

The Little Mermaid of Copenhagen: A Twin-Tailed Icon

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a beloved landmark and a symbol of the city. However, what many may not realize is that this iconic sculpture depicts a twin-tailed mermaid, a unique detail that sets it apart from most other mermaid representations.

While the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen describes the Little Mermaid as having a single, fish-like tail, sculptor Edvard Eriksen chose to portray her with two distinct tails. This artistic decision adds a touch of whimsy and fantasy to the sculpture, emphasizing the mermaid's otherworldly nature.

The twin-tailed design has sparked debate and curiosity over the years. Some speculate that Eriksen was inspired by the ballet performance of "The Little Mermaid" he had witnessed, where the ballerina wore a costume with two tails. Others believe he drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, where sirens and other aquatic creatures were often depicted with double tails.

Regardless of the inspiration, the twin-tailed Little Mermaid has become a beloved symbol of Copenhagen. It stands as a reminder of the city's rich cultural heritage and its connection to the sea. The statue's unique design continues to captivate visitors and inspire artists, solidifying its place as a truly iconic work of art.

Twin-Tailed Mermaid

The Little Mermaid, a bronze statue perched on a rock in Copenhagen's Langelinie, has become an iconic symbol of the city and Denmark. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale, the statue was unveiled in 1913 and has since captivated millions of visitors.

More than just a tourist attraction, the Little Mermaid embodies the spirit of Copenhagen. Her unwavering gaze towards the horizon reflects the city's openness to the world and its embrace of new ideas. Her resilience, having endured numerous acts of vandalism, mirrors the city's ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.

The statue's popularity is undeniable. It has inspired countless adaptations, including Disney's animated film, and remains a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its connection to the fairy tale but also in its representation of Copenhagen's values: resilience, openness, and a touch of magic.

Visiting the Little Mermaid is a unique experience. The statue's small size, just 1.25 meters, invites a sense of intimacy and contemplation. Standing beside her, one can imagine the mermaid's longing for a different life, a yearning that resonates with the human desire for adventure and transformation.

The Little Mermaid is more than just a bronze figure; she is a symbol of Copenhagen's spirit, a testament to the city's rich history and its enduring allure. Her presence reminds us of the power of storytelling, the importance of resilience, and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Symbol of Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid, a bronze statue immortalizing Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale, stands as an iconic landmark in Copenhagen, Denmark. Unveiled in 1913, this 1.25-meter-tall sculpture sits atop a rock by the Langelinie promenade, captivating visitors with its poignant portrayal of the mermaid's longing for the human world.

Inspired by a ballet performance of the fairy tale, Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create this enduring symbol of Copenhagen. The statue's head was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, while Eriksen's wife, Eline, posed for the body.

Despite its delicate appearance, The Little Mermaid has faced numerous acts of vandalism throughout its history. In 1964, its head was stolen, and in 1990, an attempt to sever its head left a deep gash in its neck. Thankfully, the statue has been restored each time, ensuring its continued presence as a cherished landmark.

The Little Mermaid's popularity extends beyond Copenhagen, with replicas found in various locations worldwide, including Solvang, California; Kimballton, Iowa; and Seoul, South Korea. This global recognition underscores the statue's enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences across cultures.

Beyond its physical presence, The Little Mermaid holds symbolic significance. It represents Copenhagen's rich cultural heritage and its connection to the world of fairy tales. The statue's enduring popularity also reflects the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and longing that resonate with people of all ages.

As a must-visit destination for tourists, The Little Mermaid offers a unique opportunity to engage with a beloved fairy tale and experience the charm of Copenhagen. Its picturesque setting, poignant story, and resilience in the face of adversity make it an unforgettable landmark that continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.

Iconic Tourist Attraction

The Little Mermaid: A Legacy in Bronze

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a beloved icon, but its fame extends far beyond the original bronze figure. Over 13 replicas grace locations worldwide, each with its own story. 

One such replica resides in Solvang, California, a town steeped in Danish heritage. Installed in 1976, this half-sized bronze stands as a tribute to the original, reflecting the town's cultural roots. 

Another replica, in Greenville, Michigan, sparked controversy. Though smaller than the original and featuring distinct physical attributes, it faced a copyright claim from the Eriksen family, ultimately dropped. 

The Little Mermaid's influence extends beyond replicas. In Vancouver, Canada, a statue titled "Girl in a Wetsuit" was commissioned after permission to reproduce the Copenhagen statue was denied. 

The Asaa statue in Denmark, however, ignited a legal battle. Its resemblance to the original prompted a lawsuit from the Eriksen heirs, demanding its destruction. 

The Little Mermaid's legacy extends beyond physical copies. It has been featured in films, video games, and even inspired a ballet. Its enduring popularity underscores its cultural significance and the enduring appeal of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale. 

While the original statue remains a cherished landmark in Copenhagen, its replicas serve as testaments to its global impact, reminding us of the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and longing that resonate across cultures and time.

Copies and Replicas

The Little Mermaid: A Canvas for Controversy in Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, has become an unlikely magnet for controversy. While the bronze figure, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale, has captivated tourists for over a century, it has also endured a tumultuous history marked by vandalism and protest.

The first attack occurred in 1964, when the statue's head was severed, sparking a wave of copycat acts and leaving the true culprit shrouded in mystery. Subsequent years saw further acts of vandalism, including the sawing off of her arm and the use of explosives to dislodge her from her base. These acts were often politically motivated, with perpetrators using the statue as a platform to protest issues like Denmark's involvement in the Iraq War or the whaling industry.

The Little Mermaid's vulnerability to vandalism has raised questions about its security and preservation. Despite its iconic status, the statue remains unguarded and exposed to the elements, making it an easy target for those seeking to make a statement.

Beyond physical attacks, the Little Mermaid has also been subjected to various forms of symbolic vandalism. In 2004, she was draped in a burqa, a potential protest against Turkey's bid to join the European Union. On International Women's Day in 2006, she was adorned with a dildo, a bold statement on gender equality.

These acts highlight the statue's complex relationship with social and political issues. While intended as a tribute to a beloved fairytale, the Little Mermaid has become a canvas for expressing dissent and challenging societal norms.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the statue has sparked debates about its future. Some argue for increased security measures to protect it from further damage, while others believe its vulnerability is part of its allure, reflecting the ever-changing nature of society.

The Little Mermaid's story is a testament to the power of art to evoke strong emotions and inspire action. While the statue itself remains silent, it has become a powerful symbol, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the world around it.

Vandalism and Controversy

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, stands as a poignant reminder of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale. Unveiled in 1913, the bronze sculpture immortalizes the mermaid's yearning for a human life, mirroring the central theme of Andersen's story.

The statue's location at Langelinie, overlooking the sea, echoes the mermaid's longing for the surface world. It's a place where she could observe the prince and dream of a life beyond the waves. The statue's twin tail, a deviation from the usual single-tailed depiction of mermaids, further emphasizes her uniqueness and yearning for transformation.

The statue's creation was inspired by a ballet performance of Andersen's tale, highlighting the enduring impact of his work on various art forms. The sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, used his wife as the model for the mermaid's body, while the head was based on the ballerina Ellen Price. This blend of inspiration reflects the interplay between imagination and reality that characterizes Andersen's storytelling.

The Little Mermaid statue has become a symbol of Copenhagen, attracting visitors from around the world. It stands as a testament to the power of Andersen's fairy tale to capture hearts and imaginations, reminding us of the mermaid's sacrifice, her longing for love, and the enduring human desire to transcend boundaries.

The Little Mermaid

Did You Know?

Tiny Statue

Years of Fame

Model Inspiration

Access

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