Could Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’ Have Been a Hoarder?

In the beloved animated film, The Little Mermaid, Queen Ariel fascinates us with her adventurous spirit and her innocent desire to explore the world above the sea. However, could there be another side to her that has gone unnoticed? Could Ariel’s fascination with human-made objects potentially indicate she is a hoarder? Let's explore this intriguing question and discuss the possible reasons behind her unusual collection habits.

The Nature of Ariel’s Collection

The term hoarding typically refers to the excessive accumulation and retention of items, often leading to clutter and disorder. Hoarding disorder is recognized as a psychological condition characterized by the difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions due to perceived need and value.

When we observe Ariel in the story, she doesn't seem to hoard items for no reason. Instead, she collects human objects, much like a numismatist might collect coins or a philatelist might collect stamps. Ariel is not simply amassing items; she is acquiring objects that symbolize her exploration of the human world and her deep fascination with it. These objects are more than mere trinkets; they are souvenirs that reflect her growth and personal journey.

Development of Ariel’s Collection Habit

So, could Ariel have developed a hoarding habit as a child mer-child? It’s entirely possible. The very nature of the underwater world and the scarcity of human items could have fostered a sense of rarity and importance, leading to a fascination with acquiring and preserving these items. Additionally, the trauma of losing her mother could have contributed to a need to hold onto tangible symbols of the human world, which might have stoked her fascination with collecting.

Understanding Human-made Objects

While Ariel’s collection certainly includes human-made objects, it is clear that her fascination with these objects is not driven by any mental illness. Instead, it is rooted in her deep curiosity and desire to understand and connect with the world above the sea. Ariel's collection serves as a tangible link to the human world, much like how individuals collect stamps or statues of cows as a form of personal fandom.

Ariel's collection is even more understandable when we consider the psychological connection shared between Ariel and humans like myself. A fascination with mermaids is not uncommon, and Ariel's interest in human objects is well-aligned with this shared interest. Unlike King Triton, who represents Ariel's overprotective father, we understand Ariel's interest in a way that he cannot fully comprehend or accept.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ariel's collection of human-made objects should not be labeled as a hoarding behavior in the traditional sense. Rather, it is an expression of her exploration and fascination with the human world. Ariel’s collection is a reflection of her personal journey and her desire for connection. While it is understandable for King Triton to feel protective, it is also important to recognize Ariel's unique perspective and the reasons behind her collection habits.

Keywords: hoarding, The Little Mermaid, Ariel’s collection