F023

2023

Disney

Ursula is a fictional character and the main antagonist in Disney's 1989 animated film, The Little Mermaid. She is a powerful sea witch who resides in a murky grotto, far removed from the idyllic Atlantica.

Driven by a deep-seated desire for power and revenge, Ursula plots to usurp King Triton's throne. Her motivations stem from a past expulsion from Atlantica, hinted at as sibling rivalry with King Triton, though the exact details are left ambiguous within the film. She resents Triton's rule and seeks to overthrow him, becoming ruler of Atlantica herself.

Ursula is a master manipulator, using her magic and cunning to exploit the vulnerabilities of others, particularly Ariel. She offers desperate merfolk deals, often at a high price, taking their voices or memories in exchange for granting their desires. In Ariel's case, she trades Ariel's voice for human legs, all as part of her grand scheme.

She is physically imposing, depicted as a large, obese cecaelia (a creature with the upper body of an overweight, purple-skinned woman and the lower body of an octopus). Her design is inspired by the drag queen Divine, adding to her memorable and theatrical villainy. Ultimately, Ursula is defeated by Ariel and Prince Eric, bringing an end to her reign of terror and restoring peace to Atlantica.