The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue) is Copenhagen's most famous landmark and one of the most iconic statues in the world. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale, this bronze statue has sat on a harbor rock in Copenhagen's harbor since 1913, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe.

About the Statue

History

Creation:

• Commissioned: 1909 by Carlsberg founder Carl Jacobsen
• Sculpted by: Edvard Eriksen
• Unveiled: August 23, 1913
• Original model: Based on ballet performance

The Story:

• Based on Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale
• One of the most translated works in the world
• Universal themes of love and sacrifice

Carl Jacobsen's Motivation:

• Saw ballet performance "The Little Mermaid"
• Impressed by the ballerina
• Wanted to create memorial to Andersen
• Commissioned the statue

The Sculptor

Edvard Eriksen:

• Danish sculptor (1876-1959)
• Created original design
• Used his wife as model (face)
• Also created the statue of the Mermaid's sister

The Statue

Appearance

Dimensions:

• Height: 1.25 meters (4 feet)
• Weight: approximately 175 kg (385 lbs)
• Material: Bronze

Position:

• Sitting on a rock
• Facing the shore
• Looking toward Copenhagen
• Waves at her feet

Details:

• Classic pose
• Simple design
• Emotional expression
• Flowing tail

Symbolism

Themes:

• Love and sacrifice
• Longing and loneliness
• Human transformation
• Danish culture

Interpretations:

• Environmental concerns
• Danish identity
• Fairy tale heritage
• Tourism symbol

Visiting

Location

Where to Find:

• Langelinie promenade
• Copenhagen harbor
• Near the cruise terminal

Getting There:

• From city center: 20-minute walk
• Bus: Line 30
• Harbor bus: Several routes

Best Time to Visit

Time of Day:

• Early morning: Few crowds
• Sunset: Romantic atmosphere
• Evening: Lit up

Seasonal:

• Any season
• Summer: Most crowded
• Winter: Quieter, cold

Photography Tips

Best Shots:

• From the shore
• With the fortress in background
• At sunset
• Close-ups

Considerations:

• Crowds can be large
• Good angles require patience
• Morning best for light

The Statue's History

Vandalism

The statue has faced numerous incidents:

• 1964: Head cut off
• 1966: Arm removed
• 1984: Doused in paint
• 1990: Bomb attack
• 1998: Top of head removed
• 2003: Leg cut off

Restoration

• Each time restored
• Original sculptor made repairs
• Now protected by security
• CCTV monitoring

Nearby Attractions

Langelinie

Promenade:

• Scenic waterfront walk
• Beautiful views
• Historic ships
• Parks along way

Other Statues:

• The Giant Sea Serpent
• The Hans Christian Andersen statue

Copenhagen

Nearby:

• Nyhavn (historic harbor)
• Amalienborg (Royal Palace)
• Rosenborg Castle
• Tivoli Gardens

The Fairy Tale

Hans Christian Andersen

About the Author:

• Born 1805 in Odense
• Wrote 156 fairy tales
• International fame
• Denmark's most famous writer

Famous Tales:

• The Little Mermaid
• The Ugly Duckling
• The Emperor's New Clothes
• The Snow Queen
• Thumbelina

The Story

Plot Summary:

• Youngest princess wants to be human
• Gives voice to sea witch
• Prince falls for another
• Transforms to sea foam

Themes:

• Sacrifice
• Love
• Longing
• Identity

Practical Information

Location

Langelinie, Copenhagen, Denmark In the harbor, accessible from city center

Hours

• Always accessible
• Outdoor location
• 24/7

Cost

• Free to view
• No admission

Impact

Cultural Significance

For Denmark:

• National symbol
• Tourism driver
• Cultural icon
• Royal connection

Globally:

• Most photographed statue
• Fairy tale ambassador
• Copied worldwide

---

The Little Mermaid statue represents Copenhagen's fairy tale heritage and remains one of the world's most beloved and visited statues, despite its small size.