The Little Mermaid was my favorite movie growing up. When I was 10 I found a copy of Hans Christensen Anderson’s fairy tale published in 1837, which the Disney movie was based on, in my school library. I was so excited to read it only to realize the original tale was much darker, with a completely different ending. When the mermaid walks with her new legs she feels the stabs of a hundred knives with every step. She dances beautifully for the prince and despite her best efforts he fails to profess his love for her and she turns into sea foam. The gods take pity on her and she floats up into the air to become a wind spirit. Some historians believe The Little Mermaid is a queer allegory, the author sent the story to his “Friend” upon learning of his engagement.