How Old Is Eric In The Little Mermaid

Ever found yourself humming "Under the Sea" while doing the dishes, and wondered, "Hey, how old is Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid anyway?" Well, grab a cup of tea, let's dive in.

Meet Prince Eric, the Grown-Up Kid

First things first, let's establish that Eric, our beloved prince, is indeed an adult. Unlike Ariel, who's just 16, Eric is all grown up. But how old, you ask? The original story by Hans Christian Andersen doesn't specify, so Disney took creative liberty.

In the 1989 animated classic, Eric is portrayed as a young man, but not a teenager. He's got a job (prince-ing), a house (castle), and a pet (Max, the dog). Sounds like an adult to us!

Age in the Original Story

Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" was first published in 1837. In this version, the mermaid (Ariel, in Disney's adaptation) makes a deal with the sea witch to become human for three days to meet the prince. No age is mentioned for the prince, but he's described as "young and handsome," implying he's an adult.

Emo Eric From The Little Mermaid

Age in Other Adaptations

In the 2007 Broadway musical, Eric is played by an adult actor, further cementing the idea that Eric is indeed grown-up. And in the 2023 live-action film, Halle Bailey's Ariel falls for a Prince Eric portrayed by Jonah Hauer-King, who was 21 during filming.

Why Does Eric's Age Matter?

Well, it doesn't really. But it's fun to think about! It's all about perspective. To Ariel, Eric might seem like an older, wiser figure. But to us grown-ups watching, he's just a young man trying to find his way, much like we all are.

How Old The Little Mermaid's Ariel Is In Disney's Animated Movie

Practical Tip: Age Like Fine Wine

So, next time you're singing along to "Part of Your World," remember, age is just a number. Grow old like fine wine, enjoy the journey, and embrace the little mermaid (or prince) inside you. After all, as the great Ariel once said, "I want to be where the people are."

And where are the people? Right here, right now, enjoying a good story. So, keep swimming, keep growing, and keep wondering about the age of Prince Eric. It's all part of the magic.