Ursula | Clothing, Accessories & Figures

Ursula is the main antagonist of Disney's classic animated film, "The Little Mermaid." She is a powerful and wicked sea witch, a half-human, half-octopus creature (a Cecaelia), living in the dark depths of the ocean. Her primary role in the film is to serve as the main obstacle to Ariel's quest to find love and become human. Ursula is King Triton's exiled sister (in later narratives) and has a deep desire for revenge and power, seeking to overthrow Triton and dominate the ocean. She exploits the desperate desires of merfolk, offering them "help" in exchange for something valuable, such as Ariel's voice, with the ultimate goal of enslaving them and acquiring Triton's trident.

Ursula possesses an imposing and wicked personality that makes her one of Disney's most unforgettable villains:

• Manipulative and Cunning: She is highly intelligent and extremely skilled at manipulating others. She uses psychology and the weaknesses of her victims to trap them in her deals.
• Vain and Power-Hungry: Her primary driving force is the acquisition of power and control of the ocean. Her jealousy of Triton and her desire for revenge lead her to her malevolent actions.
• Theatrical and Charismatic: Despite her wickedness, Ursula is impressive and charismatic, with a particularly dramatic presence and an ability to persuade with her "charm," as seen in the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls."
• Vengeful: Her motivation largely stems from revenge for her exile from the palace and the loss of her position, aiming to take Triton's throne.
• Ruthless: She does not hesitate to use devious means and inflict pain to achieve her goals, disregarding the consequences of her deals on others.

Ursula plays a crucial role in escalating the conflict between Ariel and King Triton, acting as a catalyst and enhancer of their problems:

• Exploitation of Ariel's Disobedience: Ursula exploits Ariel's disobedience towards her father and her desperate desire to become human. She offers her a "solution" that seems easy, but it's a trap, widening Ariel's rift with Triton.
• Undermining Triton's Authority: Ursula seeks to undermine King Triton's authority and seize his trident. Her plan to use Ariel as her pawn is part of this larger strategy to overthrow her brother.
• Triton's Personal Sacrifice: When Triton discovers Ariel's deal with Ursula and sees his daughter suffering, he sacrifices himself to save her, taking her place in Ursula's subjugation. This act leads Triton to lose his power and gives Ursula the opportunity to reign.
• Clash of Values: Ursula represents the dark side of "magic" and manipulation, in contrast to the love and trust Triton tries to cultivate, leading to a final showdown that concerns not only Ariel but also the fate of the kingdom.

Ursula's design is iconic and contributed to her recognition as one of Disney's most popular villains:

• Half Human, Half Octopus: Her most distinctive appearance is the upper human torso (with a large bust, makeup, and white hair) and the lower part of eight octopus tentacles, which give her a unique, unsettling yet impressive form.
• Dark and Dramatic Aesthetic: Her dark purple skin, long white hair, and heavy makeup give her a gothic and theatrical appearance, which underscores her role as a witch.
• Inspired by Drag Queens: Ursula's design is said to have been largely inspired by the famous drag queen Divine, giving her an exaggerated, eccentric, and dynamic persona that made her stand out.
• The Shell-Necklace: The magical golden shell-necklace she wears around her neck is a pivotal element of her design, as she traps Ariel's voice there and uses it to manipulate others.
• Size and Presence: Her large physique and the fluid movement of her tentacles give her an imposing presence that fills the screen and radiates power and menace.

Ursula remains one of the most beloved and unforgettable villains in Disney history for many reasons:

• Dynamic Personality: Her entertaining, theatrical, and manipulative personality makes her fascinating to watch. She is intelligent, funny (in a dark way), and always has a plan.
• Iconic Song ("Poor Unfortunate Souls"): Her song is one of the best and most recognizable villain songs in Disney history, showcasing her personality and powers in a way that remains timeless.
• Unique Design: Her appearance as an octopus-witch was and remains unique and striking, making her instantly recognizable and setting her apart from other villains.
• Relatable Motivation: Despite her wickedness, her motivations are understandable (revenge, hunger for power), which makes her more complex than a simple "evil for evil's sake" villain.
• Pop Culture Influence: Ursula has become a cultural icon, frequently referenced in drag shows, TV shows, and serves as a source of inspiration for various artists and costume designers. She has set the bar for "modern" Disney villains.