The Little Mermaid

In "The Little Mermaid," Ursula, the villainous sea witch, serves as a clear contrast to the nurturing and protective qualities typically associated with maternal figures like Ariel's father, King Triton. Ursula embodies the negative traits often characterizing figures of the mother, including manipulation, deceit, and a lack of empathy. Her actions, such as her agreement with Ariel to trade her voice for legs, highlight the dangers of trusting figures who prey on vulnerabilities for their own benefit. The character of Ursula adds depth to the portrayal of motherhood in the movie by providing a foil to the positive aspects of maternal love and guidance represented by characters like King Triton and Ariel's absent mother, Queen Athena.