Ursula Basic Information

Ursula in her iconic pose from The Little Mermaid

Ursula as depicted in Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Also known as:
Sea WitchThe Queen of the Deep

Creation Info

First Appearance

November 17, 1989 (The Little Mermaid film)

Creator

Ron Clements and John Musker (directors), Howard Ashman (producer/songs), Pat Carroll (voice inspiration)

Series

The Little Mermaid

Copyright

The Walt Disney Company

Identity

Species

Cecaelia (half-human, half-octopus)

Gender

Female

Age

Unknown (appears middle-aged)

Birthday

Unknown

Occupation

Sea Witch, Sorceress, Would-be Ruler of the Seas

Ursula's Appearance

Physical Features

Height

Tall and imposing

Body Type

Plump and curvaceous

Color Scheme

Purple skin, black tentacles, white hair

Signature Style

Outfit

None (natural cecaelia form)

Catchphrase

Poor unfortunate souls!

Accessories

Magical seashell necklace

Ursula Character Background

Origin Story

Once a member of King Triton’s court, Ursula was banished for her dark practices and ambitions. She now resides in a skeletal lair in the ocean depths, plotting her revenge.

Character Timeline

1989

The Little Mermaid Film

Ursula tricks Ariel into giving up her voice, nearly usurps Triton’s throne, and is defeated by Prince Eric.

2008

Broadway Musical

Featured in The Little Mermaid Broadway adaptation with expanded backstory.

Ursula's Personality

Personality Traits

  • Cunning / Scheming
  • Manipulative / Deceptive
  • Dramatic / Theatrical
  • Charismatic / Persuasive
  • Power-hungry / Ambitious
  • Vengeful / Spiteful

Strengths

  • Mastery of dark magic
  • Persuasion and manipulation
  • Strategic thinking
  • Command over sea creatures (eels)

Weaknesses

  • Overconfidence
  • Dependence on her magical shell
  • Vulnerability to physical attacks (e.g., impalement)

Goals

  • To rule the seas
  • To overthrow King Triton
  • To collect souls for power

Fears

  • Losing her power
  • King Triton’s trident

Ursula's Gallery

Ursula's Abilities

Special Powers

  • Dark magic (transformation, curses, energy blasts)
  • Size manipulation (grows giant in climax/enchanting when powered up
  • Hypnotic influence via voice and presence

Skills

  • Contract negotiation (soul-binding deals)
  • Potion brewing
  • Deception and disguise

Ursula's Relationships

Friends

Flotsam and Jetsam
Minions (Loyal eel henchmen)

Ursula Awards & Recognition

  • No direct awards, but The Little Mermaid won Oscars for Best Original Score and Song (1989)

Ursula Cultural Influence

Pop Culture Impact

Ursula is an iconic Disney villain, known for her dramatic flair and the song 'Poor Unfortunate Souls.' She’s a symbol of manipulative power and has inspired countless parodies and tributes.

Social Impact

Represents female villainy with unapologetic ambition, influencing portrayals of strong, complex antagonists in animation.

Ursula's Theme Colors

Primary Colorpurple
Secondary Colorblack
Accent Colorwhite
Background ColordeepBlue

More About Ursula

Signature Song

Ursula’s song 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' is a standout moment in The Little Mermaid, showcasing her manipulative charm and theatricality. Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, it’s a fan favorite and a staple in Disney villainy.

Ursula In Their Own Words

Character Introduction

Meet Ursula, the formidable sea witch from Disney's The Little Mermaid. With her commanding presence, purple skin, and octopus tentacles, she’s a villain who revels in power and deception, offering "poor unfortunate souls" their dreams at a steep price.

Personality Traits

Ursula is cunning, manipulative, and dripping with charisma. Her theatrical flair and vengeful streak make her a standout antagonist, always scheming to seize control of the seas with a wicked grin.

Classic Stories

In The Little Mermaid (1989), Ursula tricks Ariel into trading her voice for legs, nearly toppling King Triton’s reign. Her dramatic showdown—growing to monstrous size—ends with Prince Eric impaling her with a ship’s bow.

Cultural Impact

Ursula is a Disney legend, celebrated for her bold ambition and the iconic 'Poor Unfortunate Souls.' Her influence spans parodies, cosplay, and even Broadway, cementing her as a timeless symbol of villainous flair.

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