Prince Eric | Clothing, Accessories & Figures

Prince Eric is the main human protagonist of Disney's classic animated film, "The Little Mermaid." He is a charming, brave, and adventurous prince who loves the sea and sailing. His primary role in the film is to serve as Ariel's love interest and the catalyst for her desire to become human. Eric is initially presented as a skilled sailor and explorer, who is saved from drowning by Ariel. His search for the girl with the beautiful voice who rescued him leads him to meet Ariel in her human form. His role is to represent the world Ariel longs for and to prove that true love can overcome obstacles, leading to the ultimate victory against Ursula and the union of the two worlds.

Prince Eric possesses a kind and heroic personality that makes him a beloved Disney prince:

• Brave and Active: He is daring and adventurous, especially when it comes to the sea or saving those he loves. He does not hesitate to face dangers, such as battling Ursula.
• Kind-hearted and Gentle: He treats everyone with respect and kindness, including the voiceless Ariel, showing patience and empathy.
• Adventurous: Like Ariel, he has a strong desire for exploration and loves the freedom the sea offers him. He doesn't want to marry merely out of duty, but for love.
• Loyal and Devoted: Once he finds the girl with the voice who saved him, he is devoted to his search for her, and when he meets Ariel, he defends and protects her.
• Romantic: He is a classic romantic hero, who believes in true love and the idea of a soulmate, as evidenced by his persistent search for Ariel.

Prince Eric plays a pivotal role in Ariel's development, as his existence is the primary driving force behind her decisions and transformations:

• Catalyst for Transformation: Eric's rescue by Ariel and her love for him are the primary reasons Ariel longs to become human and makes the deal with Ursula. Without him, Ariel's story would not unfold in this way.
• Bridge to the Human World: Eric becomes Ariel's gateway to the human world. Through their interaction, Ariel experiences human life, learns human customs and ways, and better understands this world.
• Emotional Support: Despite Ariel's inability to speak, Eric offers her emotional support and acceptance, which is crucial for her as she tries to adapt to her new form and win the kiss.
• Source of Strength: Eric's love and devotion become a source of strength for Ariel, giving her the motivation to fight against the obstacles Ursula sets and prove her love.
• Symbolic Union: Ultimately, their union represents the reconciliation of the two worlds (sea and land) and the possibility for love to overcome differences and limitations.

Prince Eric stands out from many previous classic Disney Princes for several significant reasons, marking a transition in the design of male protagonists:

• More Active Role: Unlike princes such as Prince Charming (Cinderella) or Prince Philip (Sleeping Beauty), who often appeared only to "save" the princess at the end, Eric has a more active role in the plot. He participates in saving Ariel from Ursula and is central to the relationship's development.
• Personal Desires: Eric is not just a "prize" for the princess. He has his own desires (love for the sea, the search for the girl who saved him) that make him a more complete character with his own personality and motivations.
• Display of Vulnerability: Although brave, Eric is not invulnerable and shows moments of uncertainty and vulnerability, especially when trying to find the girl of his dreams. This makes him more human and relatable.
• True Love vs. Duty: Eric is willing to wait for true love and not marry out of duty, which sets him apart from the "standard" prince who merely needs to find a wife for the kingdom.
• Participation in Battle: He is one of the first princes to actively and decisively participate in the final battle with the villain (Ursula), playing a crucial role in her defeat and the salvation of the kingdom.

Prince Eric had a significant impact on subsequent Disney male protagonists, setting a new standard for what a "prince" could be:

• Active and Complex: His role as an active, brave, and more well-rounded character paved the way for other princes to be more than just romantic interests. Examples include Aladdin, who is the central hero himself, and Li Shang from Mulan, who has his own personal growth.
• Emotional Depth: His ability to show vulnerability and insecurity (as in his search for the girl with the voice) allowed future male protagonists to be more emotionally complex, moving away from the stereotype of the "perfect" prince.
• Co-Protagonists: Instead of merely being a prize, Eric acts as an equal co-protagonist with Ariel in her own story. This influenced films where male characters are a more integral part of the heroine's journey, such as the Beast (Belle) or Kristoff (Elsa/Anna).
• Real Flaws and Challenges: While Eric is good, he is not superhuman. He faces real challenges and makes choices that make him more human, allowing future male characters to have their own imperfections.
• Moving Beyond "Just Handsome": Although handsome, Eric wins Ariel and the audience through his actions, personality, and bravery, setting a standard for subsequent princes to have more character beyond their external appearance.