Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's iconic statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, attracts millions of visitors each year.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid is one of the world's most famous statues, perched on a rock in Copenhagen harbor, Denmark. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, it was unveiled on August 23, 1913. The monument pays homage to Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale of the same name, about a mermaid who sacrifices her life in the sea for love of a human prince. The statue stands only 1.25 meters tall and weighs about 175 kg, made of bronze and granite.

Despite its modest size, the Little Mermaid has become a national symbol of Denmark and one of Copenhagen's top tourist attractions, drawing over a million visitors annually. The statue has suffered multiple acts of vandalism: it was beheaded twice (in 1964 and 1998), had its arm sawn off, and was splashed with paint on several occasions. In 2010, it was temporarily moved to the World Expo in Shanghai, representing Denmark. The relocation sparked local controversy but reinforced its status as a cultural icon.

Interestingly, the sculptor's model was ballerina Ellen Price, but since she refused to pose nude, Eriksen used his wife Eline Eriksen's body for the legs and tail. The original statue is now under tight security, and replicas exist worldwide, including one at Copenhagen Airport. The story also inspired Disney's 1989 animated film, though Andersen's original tale ends tragically, with the mermaid turning into sea foam rather than finding love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the Little Mermaid statue?

The statue was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and used his wife Eline as the model for the body.

Why is the Little Mermaid so famous?

It is a national symbol of Denmark, linked to Andersen's beloved fairy tale, and attracts millions of tourists despite its small size. Its history of vandalism has also added to its fame.

Where exactly is the Little Mermaid located?

It sits on a rock in Copenhagen's harbor at the Langelinie promenade, near the city center. Access is free and the spot is easy to reach on foot or by public transport.