The Little Mermaid

Overview

Perched gracefully on a rock by the waterside at Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid statue, or 'Den Lille Havfrue' in Danish, is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen, Denmark. This bronze sculpture, though modest in size at just 1.25 meters (4.1 ft) tall and weighing 175 kilograms (385 lb), has captured the hearts of millions and become one of Denmark's most famous landmarks since its unveiling in 1913. It represents a profound connection to Danish literary heritage and the city's maritime identity, drawing visitors from across the globe who come to witness its tranquil, yet poignant, presence.

History & Cultural Background

The genesis of The Little Mermaid statue dates back to 1909 when Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, became deeply enchanted by a ballet performance of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale at Copenhagen's Royal Theatre. Captivated by the story, Jacobsen commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a statue inspired by the tale's protagonist. The statue was unveiled on August 23, 1913. While the ballerina Ellen Price, who danced the lead role, inspired the face of the mermaid, she declined to model in the nude. Therefore, Eriksen's wife, Eline Eriksen, posed for the body of the sculpture, becoming the complete model for the finished work. The statue was crafted from bronze, forever cementing its place along Copenhagen's harbor.

What Makes It Special

What makes The Little Mermaid truly special is not her grandeur, but her deep emotional resonance and cultural significance. She embodies the bittersweet themes of longing, transformation, and unrequited love found in Andersen's original 1837 fairy tale, which differs significantly from more modern, cheerful adaptations. Her contemplative posture and wistful expression evoke the mermaid's sacrifice and yearning, inviting contemplation from visitors. The statue has become an enduring symbol of Copenhagen's 'human scale' and its rich storytelling tradition, offering a connection to Denmark's literary soul. Despite numerous acts of vandalism over the decades, including decapitations and paint attacks, the city's unwavering commitment to her restoration highlights her irreplaceable status as a cultural treasure and a testament to Danish resilience.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Little Mermaid has led a surprisingly eventful life for a stationary bronze figure. She has been the target of vandalism many times since the mid-1960s. Her head was sawn off and stolen in 1964 and again in 1998, with the first head never recovered. Her arm was sawn off in 1984, and in 2003, she was even blasted off her base by explosives. She has also endured multiple paint attacks, often linked to political statements. Each time, however, she has been meticulously restored to her original state, often with the help of molds from her replicas. Interestingly, the statue features a twin-tailed mermaid, a detail that stands out from many other mermaid depictions. While the statue on display is the original, other authorized copies exist worldwide, and smaller versions can even be purchased. In 2010, the original statue made its only journey away from Copenhagen, traveling to Shanghai for Expo 2010, with a temporary copy placed in Tivoli Gardens during her absence.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting The Little Mermaid offers a unique perspective on Copenhagen's charm. Many visitors are often surprised by her relatively small size, but this only adds to her endearing quality and the intimate connection one feels with the artwork and its setting. She sits freely accessible on the Langelinie promenade, making a visit possible 24 hours a day, year-round, without any entrance fee. To experience her tranquility without the bustling crowds, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. The statue's location along the waterfront also provides a scenic opportunity for a pleasant stroll, and it's conveniently close to other attractions like the star-shaped Kastellet fortress and the Gefion Fountain, allowing for an enriching combined visit. Whether seen from the shore or from a passing canal tour boat, The Little Mermaid remains a contemplative and meaningful stop on any journey through Copenhagen.