The Little Mermaid
Quick facts: The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Commissioned in 1913 by the Carlsberg founder, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen.
- At just 1.25 meters, her small size often surprises visitors.
- Frequently vandalized, she is always restored, cherished by locals.
The story behind...
Ah, welcome, welcome! So, you've come to see *Den Lille Havfrue* – The Little Mermaid. She's a fixture here in Copenhagen, perched right on the water's edge at Langelinie.
Now, she's not some ancient relic, you know. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen created her in 1913, and she was unveiled that same year. The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. He was captivated by the ballet *The Little Mermaid* at the Royal Theatre, which was based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.
Here's a neat detail: Eriksen's wife, Eline, served as the model for the body of the statue. He apparently asked the ballerina Ellen Price to model, but she refused to pose nude.
She's made of bronze and granite and measures only 1.25 metres, which surprises many first-time visitors – she is much smaller than most expect!
