Princess Ariel /

Ariel is the protagonist of Walt Disney Pictures' twenty-eighth animated film The Little Mermaid (1989). She later appears in the film's prequel television series, direct-to-video sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and direct-to-video prequel The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Ariel is voiced by Jodi Benson in all the above animated material and merchandise. She is the fourth official Disney Princess and the only Disney Princess to be a mother, her daughter is Melody. The character is based on the protagonist of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" story, but was developed into a different personality for the 1989 animated film adaptation. Her distinct appearance consists of long, flowing red hair, blue eyes, a green tail and a purple seashell bikini top with various hairstyles. Ariel is considered the most beautiful of King Triton's daughters, with an equally stunning singing voice to match. She is the only Disney heroine to have flowing red hair (though Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Giselle from Enchanted have auburn and gingery hair in their respective films).