A Disney Theory Proves Hercules and Ariel Are Related (& It Makes Perfect Sense)

A Disney Theory Proves Hercules and Ariel Are Related (& It Makes Perfect Sense)

Due to their shared mythological origins, Hercules and Ariel from The Little Mermaid are actually connected in more than one way.

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A Disney Theory Proves Hercules and Ariel Are Related (& It Makes Perfect Sense)

Although the Disney animated films are almost all technically stand-alone, there are some fan theories that find ways to connect the animated canon closer together. Some are bright and optimistic, while others bring a new layer of darkness to the films. One of the more interesting possible connections between Disney films can cite precedent from the mythological origins of some notable characters — Hercules and Ariel. This is thanks to the Olympian family tree that appears in Hercules. This — on top of their surprising character similarities — could also be the perfect way to tie together their upcoming live-action remakes.

In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus is the father of Hercules; although, Hera isn’t his mother, as she’s shown in the Disney film. Despite the liberties taken with mythology, Zeus’ other kids — including Athena, Ares, Apollo, Artemis and Aphrodite — can be seen in crowd shots, but Zeus is not the only to have had kids in ancient myth.

A Disney Theory Proves Hercules and Ariel Are Related (& It Makes Perfect Sense)

The brother of Zeus and Hades, Poseidon had multiple children over the years. One of the most prominent was Triton, son of Poseidon and the Goddess Amphitrite. Often portrayed as a merman, Triton became a powerful herald for his father. In some myths, he eventually married the daughter of a Titan, Libya, and had children of his own.

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Triton’s typical portrayal as a merman might have influenced why the character was chosen to be featured in The Little Mermaid. In that film, Triton is regarded as the King of the Seas by the era of the film. He’s eventually revealed to have had seven daughters, including Ariel. Although that film takes many cues from Hans Christian Andersen’s original version of the Little Mermaid, the inclusion of Triton quietly (and likely coincidentally) set up a connection to other figures from Greek mythology. As the son of Zeus and Poseidon respectively, Hercules and Triton should technically be cousins.

This means that Ariel and Hercules have a direct familial relationship — albeit a slightly removed one. It’s a fitting connection on top of the mythological origins, even if it wasn’t likely intended. It technically finds a way to connect the two Disney films, despite both happening in very different settings and periods of human history.

It’s also a clever way to tie the two surprisingly similar characters together. Both Hercules and Ariel are defined by their desires to learn more about the greater world and themselves in the process. Both are also innocent and easily love-struck but effective in battle. While Ariel isn’t nearly as openly destructive or powerful as Hercules, she’s still quick enough to divert Ursula’s attack with Triton’s trident — forcing her to kill her own minions during the conclusion of The Little Mermaid.

Notably, both characters also ultimately turn away from their technically divine origins, as Ariel and Hercules embrace humanity and leave behind their mythological aspects. Hercules gives up his place in Olympus to remain with Meg, while Ariel is transformed into a human to be with Prince Eric.

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It’s also the kind of connection that could be highlighted in the upcoming live-action adaptations of the animated films. With Hercules planned to spawn an entire series of films, it might be the perfect time to openly connect to the upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid. These two films being set in the same world could set the stage for a live-action shared Disney canon, similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Link Source : https://www.cbr.com/disney-theory-hercules-ariel-related/

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