The Little Mermaid mermaid (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ARIEL
ARIEL is the answer to "The Little Mermaid mermaid (5)" crossword clue. Ariel is the beloved protagonist of Disney's 1989 animated classic "The Little Mermaid," a curious and adventurous young mermaid who dreams of living in the human world above the ocean surface.
Understanding the Clue Structure and Context
- The crossword clue "The Little Mermaid mermaid (5)" uses a straightforward definition format.
- The number in parentheses indicates the answer contains exactly five letters, which matches ARIEL perfectly.
- This clue type is common in both American and British-style crosswords, where the title references the Disney film while asking for the specific character's name.
- Ariel made her debut in Disney's Renaissance era and became the first Disney Princess of that revival period.
- Her story, loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, resonates with themes of curiosity, sacrifice, and following your dreams.
- The character has since appeared in numerous sequels, television series, merchandise, and most recently, a 2023 live-action adaptation.
Tips for Solving Character-Based Crossword Clues
- Consider the source material first - When you see a movie or book title in the clue, focus on main characters before supporting roles.
- Check the letter count carefully - The number in parentheses is your biggest constraint and eliminates many possibilities immediately.
- Use crossing letters strategically - Even if unsure, fill in intersecting answers to reveal letters that confirm or deny your guess.
- Think about pop culture frequency - Characters that appear often in media and merchandising are more likely crossword answers than obscure references.
- Remember Disney Princess lineup - Familiarizing yourself with all official Disney Princesses helps with recurring character clues across puzzles.
- Note the clue's specificity - "The Little Mermaid mermaid" versus just "Disney mermaid" provides different confidence levels for the same answer.
The Little Mermaid mermaid (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other mermaids in The Little Mermaid besides Ariel?
Yes, Ariel has six older sisters who appear in the film: Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, and Alana. However, none are as prominent as Ariel, and their names wouldn't fit a five-letter crossword answer.
Q: Could this clue ever refer to the live-action version?
While Disney released a live-action adaptation in 2023 starring Halle Bailey, the character's name remains ARIEL regardless of which version the clue references. The five-letter constraint confirms this answer works for both versions.
Q: What if I see "Little Mermaid" without "The" in front?
The clue works identically whether it includes the article "The" or not. Both refer to Disney's property and point to ARIEL as the answer. Crossword constructors sometimes omit articles for space considerations.
Q: Why is Ariel such a popular crossword answer?
ARIEL works well in crosswords because it contains vowels in strategic positions, uses common consonants, and represents widely-known pop culture. These factors make it valuable for puzzle construction while remaining accessible to solvers of all skill levels.
Q: Are there any trick versions of this clue?
Occasionally, trickier puzzles might reference "The Little Mermaid" sequel where the answer could be MELODY (Ariel's daughter). However, these clues would specifically mention "daughter" or provide a different letter count to distinguish between the characters.
