Little Mermaid theory: Holy Mother- (Part Three)
A thousand greetings, my sea-soned explorers!
Ready to plunge into the end of our oceanic adventure?
I've had quite the splash examining Disney's Greek mythology mishap – and no, we're not talking about Hercules' family drama. (Zeus and Hera need couples therapy, seriously.) We're talking about the failure that is Disney's attempt at claiming seven very different sisters are all born to this beautiful mer-lady.
First, let’s have a recap!
In Part One, we discovered that King Triton, the charismatic ruler of the ocean, seems to have inherited more than just his trident from the Greek gods. Much like his uncle Zeus, Triton embodies the fluidity of Greek sexuality – a soap opera with scales, if you will. (Please, no discussions on Zeus and his questionable affections). Now, Queen Athena may be credited by Disney as the mother of Triton's daughters, but let's face it, biology isn't exactly a mermaid-friendly subject. So, I floated the daring idea that not all of Triton's fin-tastic daughters may share the same fishy mama. As we pondered the depths, the idea surfaced that the Nereids, fifty sea-nymph daughters of the old man of the sea, might have generously shared their aquatic bounty, leading to the creation of Triton's diverse daughters.
Part Two, we rode the waves of Disney's grand transformation from the original cartoon to the new live-action spectacle, unveiling the sea-change in Triton's daughters. Each mermaid sister, from Attina to Ariel, underwent a sea of changes in their appearance, thanks to Disney's grand attempts at cultural makeovers and supposed upgrades. As we waded through Triton's underwater drama, it became evident that his daughters are a mixed bag of jelly beans. Tail colors, eye colors, and hair game – it's a kaleidoscope of diversity that defies the notion of a shared watery womb. Your Researcher meticulously narrowed down the extensive list of approximately fifty sea-nymph daughters to eighteen, each representing major waterways, islands, and oceanic phenomena.
Hold onto your tridents, my daring readers...
Brace yourselves, because I had to be saltier than the dead sea and float with some creative ideas since details on the Nereids and their representations within the seas are scarcer than a mermaid's tears. Even Wikipedia leaves us with gems like "Halimede: known as the Nereid lady of the brine." Well, thanks for that nugget of wisdom, Wikipedia. Fear not, for I've taken the plunge into the depths of creativity to bring you the sea-crets of these Nereid Mothers.
It's time to answer the big question: What if the Seven Seas themselves were an extension of the Nereids' influence, each sister a manifestation of the sea's varied elements? Could these Nereids be the real mamas of Triton's daughters, turning the term "keep it in the family" into a whole new underwater saga?
We're about to embark on the grand reveal, the moment where the underwater curtain of intrigue rises to unveil the Nereid Mothers, the matriar-chitects of Triton's daughters!
Mala (Chaine Sea)
The Chaine Sea, adorned with islands, shallows, and islets, sets the perfect stage for Nesaea, the Mistress of the Islands. This Nereid, akin to the ultimate goddess of archipelagos, symbolizes a connection to the diverse and often isolated landforms within the sea. Nesaea, the guardian of watery oases scattered across the ocean, finds her living embodiment in Mala. Navigating the waves with grace and independence, Mala mirrors the islands, shallows, and islets that come alive in Nesaea's realm.
Indira (Brinedive Sea)
Brinedive Sea is paradise, with gentle waves caressing sun-kissed shores, creating a haven of shallowness where sunlight dances on the water's surface. In this maritime paradise, we encounter Halimede, the salty sorceress epitomizing the essence of saltwater. Halimede, the embodiment of the brine, finds her living manifestation in Indira, born of the Brinedive Sea. Indira becomes the echo of Halimede's warm embrace, embodying the shallowness, sun-kissed glow, and gentle warmth of her underwater realm.
Caspia (Apneic Sea)
Dive into the waters of the Apneic Sea, where brackish murkiness conceals secrets as deep as the ocean. In this submerged saga, we encounter Galene, the proposed mother of Caspia, reigning over the "calm" seas. Galene, the serene goddess of tranquility, presides over a domain characterized by a unique blend of stillness and quietude amid the brackish and murky depths. Caspia, born of the Apneic Sea, becomes the living testament to Galene's serene calmness and brackish allure. Her brackish charm and regal demeanor reflect the contrasting facets of the sea – the calm and the murky, the stillness and the occasional icy touch.
Tamika (Fracus Sea)
Now, direct your attention to the dazzling depths of the Fracus Sea, where waters form a vibrant canvas teeming with life. In this aquatic symphony, we encounter Amphinome, embodying the abundance and nourishment found in the ocean's embrace. Amphinome, like the sea's generous benefactor, ensures a cornucopia of life thrives in the sunlit waters. Tamika, born of the Fracus Sea, becomes the living testament to Amphinome's abundance and vibrancy. With her regal presence and the lively vibrancy of the Fracus Sea, Tamika embodies the generous spirit of her Nereid counterpart.
Karina (Saithe Sea)
Venture into the icy embrace of the Saithe Sea, where waters are adorned in frosty allure. Galateia, known as the enchanting deity of "the milky white" sea-foam, adds a dash of allure and complexity to her character. Karina, the sovereign of the Saithe Sea, mirrors the frosty elegance and mystique of her Nereid Mother. Galateia imparts to Karina the essence of frozen beauty that envelops the Saithe Sea, creating a captivating visual spectacle.
Perla (Piton Sea)
In the temperate depths of the Piton Sea, where waters unfold in their deep and temperate embrace, is Neso, known for her association with "islands." Neso brings forth the significance and diversity of maritime features, adding layers of intrigue to Greek mythology. Perla, sovereign of the Piton Sea, mirrors the temperate and deep nature of her Nereid Mother. The very depths of the Piton Sea find their reflection in Perla's aquatic domain, capturing the essence of her Nereid lineage.
Ariel (Carinae Sea)
The warm waters of the Carinae Sea find their match in Ariel's spirited and fiery personality. Ariel's true mother is none other than Thetis, a significant figure in Greek mythology. Thetis, known for her role in the "generation" or spawning of fish, adds a whole new layer of depth to the aquatic drama of Triton's daughters. Thetis, her Nereid Mother, brings forth the generational prowess and leadership associated with the spawning of fish, infusing Ariel's character with a mythic undertone that transcends the realms of Disney.
But here's the jaw-dropper…
Thetis isn't just any sea nymph; she's the mother of none other than the hero Achilles. Ariel's lineage carries the heroic legacy of Achilles himself!
Now, imagine the possibility that Achilles could have been born in Ariel's own watery domain. The very seas of Ariel's home may have been witness to the birth of one of Greek mythology's greatest heroes. Thetis, the nurturing Nereid, extends her influence over both her children: Ariel, the spirited mermaid, and Achilles, the valiant hero of ancient lore.
And yet... In the realm of speculation, let's entertain another intriguing notion.
Could it be that the grief-stricken Nereid, mourning the loss of her heroic son, chose to shed her identity and retreat from the surface world; transforming into Queen Athena? Imagine Thetis, escaping the surface to reign over the seas; the change in identity, a cloak of mourning and resilience, allowing her to navigate the underwater realms without the burden of her tragic past.
Comments
Post a Comment