Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid is an iconic statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid statue, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the country's most famous tourist attractions. Unveiled in 1913, it was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, founder of Carlsberg, after he was captivated by a ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. The bronze and granite sculpture, created by Edvard Eriksen, depicts a mermaid sitting on a rock by the waterfront at the Langelinie promenade.

Andersen's original tale, published in 1837, tells the story of a young mermaid who sacrifices her voice and tail to become human in pursuit of a prince's love. The statue, however, does not portray the tragic ending but rather a melancholic figure symbolizing hope and sacrifice. Standing only 1.25 meters tall, the Little Mermaid is small in size but immense in cultural significance.

Over the years, the statue has been subject to multiple acts of vandalism, including being decapitated twice and losing an arm. Despite this, it has always been restored and remains a symbol of Copenhagen. In 2010, it was exhibited outside Denmark for the first time at the Shanghai Expo in China. The statue has also inspired replicas in several countries, such as the United States and Japan.

Today, the Little Mermaid is a popular meeting point and an icon of Danish tourism. Thousands of visitors take photos daily, and the surrounding area offers a privileged view of Copenhagen's harbor. Despite criticism for being a crowded tourist spot, the statue retains its charm and historical relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the Little Mermaid statue?

The statue was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who modeled the body after his wife, Eline Eriksen, and the face after ballerina Ellen Price.

Why is the Little Mermaid so small?

The statue is only 1.25 meters tall because it was designed to blend harmoniously with the Copenhagen harbor landscape, contrasting with the grandeur of ships.

Has the Little Mermaid been damaged?

Yes, the statue has suffered several acts of vandalism, including two decapitations (in 1964 and 1998) and the loss of an arm in 1984. All parts were recovered and restored.