The famous phrase ‘And they lived happily ever after’, found at the end of most fairy tales Disneyusually heralds an ending of happiness and peace for the princesses and their princes.
However, there are few princesses whose stories extend beyond marriage.
In the franchise’Disney Princess‘, which features 13 protagonists, only one has the experience of motherhood in her film sequence.
The character to reach this milestone is Arielfrom ‘The Little Mermaid’, thus becoming the first and only mother in the Disney Princess franchise.
Ariel and Melody: the portrait of life after ‘happily ever after’
Ariel, the only Disney Princess to become a mother – Image: Reproduction
The Disney Princess character line includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana and Raya.
Each of these princesses meets certain requirements established by the studio, such as being the protagonist of history, being human or half human, being born a princess or marrying royalty, performing a heroic act and bringing financial benefits to the studio.
However, only Ariel’s story continues to the point of revealing a new life after her ‘happily ever after’.
In the second ‘The Little Mermaid’ film, titled ‘The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea’, viewers are introduced to Melody, Ariel’s daughter with Prince Eric.
Emerging from the waters
In the film’s sequel, released in 2000, Melody, like her mother Ariel, is also attracted by the charm of the sea.
Facing an adventure contrary to that of her mother, Melody is prohibited from exploring the ocean due to the threat posed by Morgana, Ursula’s younger sister, who seeks revenge for the events of the first film.
Defying the prohibitions and hidden dangers that the sea holds, melody ends up venturing into its waters, bringing together terrestrial and aquatic creatures.
Together, they seek to ensure that their distinct realities can coexist harmoniously.
