Nestled along the shores of Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade stands the Little Mermaid statue. For over a century, this petite, bronze sculpture has quietly captured the imaginations of millions of visitors from around the world, earning her place as a beloved cultural icon.
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The Little Mermaid statue was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous 1837 fairy tale of the same name, "Den Lille Havfrue." Unlike the more modern, Disney-fied version many people are familiar with, Andersen’s original tale is far darker and more complex. It tells the story of a young mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and makes a tremendous sacrifice, giving up her voice and enduring immense pain in exchange for legs, all for the slim hope of winning his heart. In the end, the story doesn’t have a typical happy ending, which gives the mermaid’s story a certain depth and sadness.
Commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg beer, and created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913, the statue is a delicate, thoughtful representation of Andersen’s tragic heroine. Unlike grand monuments, this statue is modest in size, standing just 1.25 meters (about 4 feet) tall. The Little Mermaid sits atop a rock, gazing wistfully out towards the sea, as if longing for the life and love she can never truly have.
The simplicity of the statue is, in fact, one of its most powerful qualities. It reflects the melancholy and introspection of Andersen’s story, conveying both fragility and resilience. The mermaid’s pose - seated, with her legs tucked beneath her, her head turned slightly towards the sea - evokes a sense of longing and contemplation. Her small size is also a reminder that not all significant symbols need to be grand or imposing to leave an indelible mark.
Today, the Little Mermaid remains one of Copenhagen’s must-see landmarks. Visitors can find her along the waterfront in Langelinie, just a short walk from the city center. Her setting, against the backdrop of the harbor with views of ships passing by, adds to the serene atmosphere surrounding the statue. Though she is often surrounded by crowds, the statue itself exudes a calmness that invites reflection.
For a deeper appreciation, it’s worth visiting the statue at sunrise or sunset, when the crowds are thinner, and the soft light casts a magical glow over the harbor. It's during these quieter moments that visitors can truly feel the deep emotion she conveys, understanding why she has remained a beloved figure for over a hundred years.