The Curious Eating Habits of The Little Mermaid

In Disney's The Little Mermaid, Ariel the mermaid princess primarily eats food from the human world, although her diet is not explicitly detailed in the film. When she visits the surface, she is fascinated by human food like a certain utensil she calls a fork. However, in her underwater world, her diet consists primarily of fish and other sea creatures. The film, however, focuses more on her desire to explore the human world rather than her eating habits.

Are Mermaids Carnivores?

Some might think mermaids are carnivores or at least omnivores. This is because mermaids are often depicted in folklore and popular culture as elusive and sometimes dangerous creatures. One creatively dark story suggests that mermaids could potentially harm humans, with a sailor being nearly attacked and eaten after being deceived by a mermaid's friendly appearance. However, this is a rare and specific interpretation, not a common theme in literature or film.

Ariel's Dietary Choices

When Ariel is with her aquatic family, she mainly eats kelp and seaweed, which are common in her deep-sea habitat. These foods, while nutritious, are not very flavorful to the human palate, and it might seem odd for her to consume these plant-like foods. It is possible, however, that her friends might use her vegetarian diet as a form of teasing or play, much as humans might find humor in the dietary choices of their animal companions.

Yet, when Ariel sneaks away from her fishy friends and heads to the human world, her eating habits completely change. She is seen indulging in a variety of “all you can eat” seafood buffets, suggesting that she has a considerable fondness for human cuisine. This phenomenon might be attributable to her innate curiosity and exploration of the human world, as well as a genuine love for the tastes and textures of these foods.

Mermaids, being highly intelligent creatures, may also have their own versions of vegetarian and vegan diets alongside their carnivorous tendencies. These dietary practices could reflect the sophisticated social and cultural norms of their species. One hypothesis is that while most mermaids might consume fish, Ariel could be a vegetarian, a concept that would be foreign to her fishy friends who might not understand her dietary choices. However, this is purely speculative and not explicitly detailed in the story.

Conclusion

The eating habits of The Little Mermaid are a fascinating glimpse into the complex dietary behaviors of a fantastical species. Whether she is a vegetarian on one occasion and a carnivore on another, Ariel's varied diet adds depth and intrigue to her character. As with any myth or fairy tale character, her dietary habits can be interpreted in many ways, reflecting the values and attitudes of the culture that created her. So, whether you are a vegetarian now and then or a carnivore, there is always room for growth and discovery in the world of The Little Mermaid.