The mermaid Ariel, one of the daughters of the sea king Triton, is terribly curious about humanity. Despite her father's disapproval, she rises to the surface to rescue Prince Eric, who has been shipwrecked. Upon learning this, Triton grows furious and forbids his daughter to ever leave the sea floor. In response, the sea witch Ursula decides to take advantage of the situation. In exchange for her voice, Ursula grants Ariel legs, but the girl has only three days: if by the end of the third day she does not share a kiss of true love with Eric, she will forever fall into the witch's possession.