Mermaid copenhagen

The Little Mermaid of Copenhagen is an iconic bronze statue by the water, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

About this subject

The Little Mermaid statue (Den Lille Havfrue) is one of Copenhagen's most famous landmarks, located on a rock in the Langelinie promenade. Commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the son of Carlsberg's founder, after he was captivated by a ballet performance based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, the statue was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and unveiled on August 23, 1913. Made of bronze, it stands 1.25 meters tall and weighs approximately 175 kilograms. The body was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, but the face was sculpted from Eline Eriksen, the artist's wife, as Price did not model for the face.

Sitting gracefully on a rock by the waterfront, the statue has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Despite its relatively small size, it is one of the most photographed statues worldwide. Andersen's original tale, published in 1837, tells the story of a mermaid who sacrifices her voice for human legs to win a prince's love, ultimately turning into sea foam. The statue captures the mermaid's pensive and melancholic pose, gazing out over the water.

Over the years, the statue has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism, including being decapitated twice and losing an arm. In 2020, it was graffitied with the phrase "racist fish" during anti-racism protests. Despite these incidents, it remains a beloved symbol of Copenhagen. Replicas exist around the world, including one in São Paulo, Brazil. In 2023, the statue celebrated its 110th anniversary, cementing its status as an enduring cultural icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the Little Mermaid statue?

The statue represents the character from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and symbolizes unrequited love and sacrifice. It is a cultural icon of Copenhagen and Denmark.

Has the Little Mermaid been vandalized?

Yes, multiple times. It was decapitated twice (in 1964 and 1998), lost an arm in 1984, and has been painted and graffitied. It has always been restored by the city.

Is there a replica of the Little Mermaid in Brazil?

Yes, a bronze replica exists in São Paulo's Ibirapuera neighborhood, donated by the Danish community in 1955. Another replica is in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.