Does Prince Eric Sing in The Little Mermaid?

The enchanting world of The Little Mermaid has captivated generations of fans, with its beloved characters and memorable songs. One character often raising curiosity is Prince Eric, the dashing hero of the story. But does Prince Eric sing in Disney's The Little Mermaid? Let's delve into this question, exploring the original tale by Hans Christian Andersen, Disney's animated adaptation, and the Broadway musical.

Before probing into Prince Eric's vocal skills, let's set the stage. The Little Mermaid, published in 1837, is a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the story of a mermaid princess who makes a deal with an evil sea witch to become human and win the heart of a human prince.

The Little Mermaid: Original Tale and Disney Adaptation

The original tale by Hans Christian Andersen is a spoiler alert for those who haven't experienced it yet, as the mermaid doesn't succeed in marrying the prince, and the story has a tragic ending. There's no mention of Prince Eric singing in Andersen's original story.

Fast forward to 1989, Disney breathed new life into the story with its animated film "The Little Mermaid." Here, Prince Eric is portrayed as a brave, kind, and charming hero. While he's no Ariel (the mermaid princess) when it comes to vocal prowess, Prince Eric does have his musical moments.

Prince Eric's Singing Roles in Disney's The Little Mermaid

Prince Eric's most notable singing parts in the movie are his duets with Ariel, "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl." Although Disney animators gave him a captivating voice, these songs are primarily carried by Ariel, with Eric contributing harmonies and backing vocals.

Fun fact: In the "Kiss the Girl" scene, Eric is suppose to sing the line "She's worth it, believe me," but the studio changed it to a speak-sung version, crediting the film's composer Alan Menken for the narrative change. So, while he has singing roles, Prince Eric's vocal abilities are not as prominent as other Disney princes.

Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Broadway Musical

The 2007 Broadway musical stage adaptation of The Little Mermaid expanded Prince Eric's role, giving him more solos and duets. Eric's singing skills are showcased in numbers like "Her Voice," "One Step Closer," and "I Want More."

The stage musical also delves more into Eric's character, portraying him as a hero with agency, rather than a passive love interest. His expanded musical presence reflects this growth, allowing audiences to see the depth of the character through his songs.

Prince Eric's Influence and Legacy

Despite not being as vocally prominent as other Disney princes, Prince Eric has left a lasting impact on fans. His kindness and bravery have made him a beloved character, with a dedicated fanbase. Eric's dedication to his kingdom and his genuine care for Ariel's well-being have made him a role model.

Moreover, Prince Eric's character has paved the way for more nuanced male characters in Disney films. His growth from a passive figure in the original film to a more active hero in the Broadway musical reflects this evolution.

The question "Does Prince Eric sing in The Little Mermaid?" doesn't have a simple yes or no answer. His vocal abilities are more subtly woven into the storytelling, with a noticeable presence in some adaptations but not in others. Nonetheless, Prince Eric's legacy as a character continues to inspire and enchant fans, proving that even without a show-stopping solo, he's a beloved voice in the world of The Little Mermaid.