The more popular versions focus on the love story and the mermaid's beauty. But the dark story shows the real sacrifices and risks she took. For example, in the dark story, her deal with the sea witch is more menacing.
In the sanitized versions, it's all about the mermaid's journey to find love and live happily ever after. However, the dark story reveals the darker side of her transformation. She loses her voice and has to endure physical pain while walking. Also, the idea of her possible death if the prince doesn't choose her is more emphasized in the dark story compared to the popular ones.
The popular, sanitized versions of the Little Mermaid often downplay the harsher elements. They might show the mermaid's adventure as a romantic and somewhat easy - going one. But in the dark story, it's different. The mermaid is in a very precarious situation from the start. Her deal with the sea witch is not just a plot device but a sign of her desperation. And the consequences she faces, like the pain of walking on land and the threat of losing her soul, are much more prominent in the dark story than in the more common, watered - down versions.
In the traditional version, it's more about a pure and somewhat idealized love story. But in the dark story, the prince is more of a jerk. He doesn't appreciate the mermaid's love and sacrifices. Also, the mermaid's suffering seems more intense in the dark version.
The popular adaptation, like Disney's, gives the little mermaid a happy ending. But in the true story, she doesn't get the prince and turns into sea foam. The true story is more tragic and focuses on the mermaid's great sacrifices for love.
The main difference is obviously the gender of the characters. In the original, Ariel is a female mermaid, but in the genderbend version, it could be a male mermaid. This changes the entire dynamic of the story, especially in terms of relationships. For example, the way the mermaid pursues a relationship with a human (if that's still part of the story) would be different based on gender norms and expectations.
The real story of the Little Mermaid is darker. The mermaid's sacrifice in the original is not fully rewarded. Her sisters' attempt to save her also shows the desperation in the original. In the Disney version, Ariel is more of a strong - willed and adventurous character who gets what she wants. In the real story, the mermaid is more of a tragic figure who is at the mercy of fate. The endings are also very different, with the Disney version having a happy ending and the real story having a rather sad and thought - provoking ending.
In the real story, the mermaid doesn't get a happy ending with the prince like in the Disney version. She turns into sea foam.
The original dark story is different from modern versions in that it has a more disturbing take on the prince's actions. Modern versions are all about true love's kiss and a happy ending, while the original has some non - consensual undertones.
Well, in the original dark story, Peter Pan is more complex. In popular adaptations, he's often just a fun - loving boy who never grows up. But originally, he has a darker side. The Lost Boys in the original are more like lost souls, while in adaptations they are just Peter's mates having adventures. Also, Captain Hook in the original has more depth to his villainy. In the popular versions, he's more of a typical bad guy for kids to boo at.
In the Disney version, Ariel gets a happy ending with the prince. But in the real story, she doesn't. In the real one, she turns into sea foam.
In the Disney version, Ariel gets her happy ending with the prince. But in the real story, she doesn't. In the real one, she suffers a lot more, like walking on knives with her new legs. Also, in the real story, the prince marries another girl and the mermaid turns into sea foam.
The Disney version of the Little Mermaid is more of a fairy - tale romance. Ariel is a spunky and adventurous mermaid who gets her prince in the end. However, in the real story, the mermaid's journey is much more tragic. She suffers a great deal. For example, she experiences extreme pain while walking on land with her new legs. Also, the prince doesn't fall in love with her as she hoped, and she ends up sacrificing herself instead of getting married to the prince like in the Disney story.