15 Film Adaptations Completely Different From The Book

2. The Little Mermaid

Wanted poster
via stmed.net

The Little Mermaid is one of the most beloved children's films of all time. However, Hans Christian Anderson's original novel reads like a horror story. In the book, the unnamed mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch that will allow her to walk on land. As payment, the witch slices off her tongue, making her unable to speak.

After that, the witch turns the mermaid's tail into two legs. Unfortunately, she fails to mention that every step will feel like she is walking on knives. On top of that, the mermaid will transform into foam if the one she loves marries someone else. Despite the fact a prince falls for her, he decides to marry another. When the mermaid's sister alerts her she can break the spell by murdering the prince, she refuses, and bursts into the foam.

Air spirits are so won over by the mermaid's love, they allow her to journey to the afterlife, but only if she commits good deeds for 300 years.

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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows