Walt Disney, 1997, The Fabulous Sea Witch. Ursula , N. B. R. F. B
Ursula, the Sea Witch from Disney's 1989 animated classic. Is a memorable and iconic villain brought to life by the voice talent of Pat Carroll and the animation team at Walt Disney. Although Ursula first appeared in the film in 1989, she has been a character of interest for fans and scholars alike due to her complex design and characterization. Ursula's design is a striking example of Disney's ability to create memorable villains.
She is depicted as a large, octopus-like sea witch with a notably exaggerated and fantastical appearance. Body Structure: Ursula has a rotund, voluptuous figure that deviates from the more streamlined forms of other characters in the film.Her body combines elements of both human and octopus anatomy. She has the upper body of a human woman with an ample, imposing build, including a broad, expressive face and exaggerated facial features. Her lower body consists of the eight flowing, black tentacles of an octopus, which extend from her waist and taper to points. These tentacles are highly flexible and are used with great agility, often in a manner that enhances her menacing presence. Color Palette: Her color scheme is a striking combination of purples and blacks.
Her skin is a deep, rich purple, which contrasts sharply with the black of her tentacles. Her eyes are a bright, eerie white with heavy, dramatic black eyeliner, giving her a constantly sinister look.Her lips are a dark, dramatic red, often shown in a wide, mischievous grin that underscores her villainous nature. Hair and Accessories: Ursula's white hair is styled into an extravagant, voluminous bouffant that adds to her larger-than-life persona. She wears a large, ornate shell necklace that serves as a focus of her magical powers. This necklace, often glowing with a sinister light, is central to her ability to control and manipulate others.
Her jewelry and overall fashion are reminiscent of a diva-like persona, enhancing her portrayal as a powerful and self-assured character. Ursula's personality is as complex as her appearance. She is cunning, ambitious, and delightfully wicked, with a flair for dramatic gestures and memorable dialogue. Character Traits: Ursula embodies the archetype of the cunning sorceress.
She is manipulative, using her wits and knowledge of dark magic to deceive and exploit others. Her charm is deceptive; while she initially appears charismatic and engaging, her true nature is revealed to be malicious and self-serving. She revels in the suffering and desperation of those she ensnares in her schemes. Magical Powers: Ursula's primary abilities revolve around her mastery of dark magic. She can cast powerful spells and curses, often using her magic to alter the fates of those who seek her help.
Ursula's magic is also visually represented through the use of glowing, pulsating energy, which adds to the overall atmosphere of her dark and threatening persona. Motivations: Ursula's motivations are driven by a desire for power and revenge. She seeks to overthrow King Triton, the ruler of the underwater kingdom, and take control of the ocean. Her plans are driven by personal vendettas and a desire to increase her own influence and control. Her schemes involve manipulating Ariel and exploiting her desperation to achieve her own ends. Ursula serves as the primary antagonist. She plots to use Ariel's voice to gain control over the seas, and her actions drive the central conflict of the film. Climactic Confrontation: Ursula's role culminates in a dramatic final confrontation. After Ariel's transformation, Ursula seizes the opportunity to take over the underwater kingdom, growing to a gigantic size in a final battle against Ariel and her allies. This final showdown showcases her true power and the extent of her malevolence. Her defeat comes when her plans are thwarted by Ariel and Prince Eric, ultimately leading to her downfall.Ursula has remained a beloved villain in Disney's pantheon of characters, known for her distinctive design and memorable presence. She has been featured in various adaptations and media beyond the original film, including stage adaptations, spin-off works, and merchandise. Her character has become a symbol of formidable villainy and remains a popular subject for fan art, cosplay, and scholarly analysis.
Overall, Ursula is a prime example of Disney's ability to craft villains who are both visually striking and narratively compelling, solidifying her place as one of the most iconic characters in animated film history.