Desire for a Human Soul: The Little Mermaid is tormented by her longing for a human soul and the ability to live on land. She is willing to give up her life in the sea and make significant sacrifices to achieve this desire, which ultimately leads her to seek out the sea witch for help.
Transformation and Pain: The Little Mermaid undergoes a painful transformation to gain human form, including losing her beautiful tail and enduring excruciating pain with every step she takes. This physical suffering symbolizes the sacrifices and challenges she must face to pursue her love for the prince.
Unrequited Love: The Little Mermaid's love for the prince remains unrequited. Despite her efforts to win his heart and integration into the human world, the prince eventually falls in love with another woman. This unreciprocated love brings intense emotional pain and disappointment to the Little Mermaid.
Choice Between Love and Family: The Little Mermaid faces a difficult choice when she learns that killing the prince is the only way to regain her mermaid form and return to her family. This dilemma tests her loyalty, love, and sense of identity, as she must weigh her own happiness against the well-being of those she cares about.
Mortality: The Little Mermaid ultimately confronts her own mortality. As she remains unable to win the prince's love, she faces the tragic consequences of her choices and the realization that her dream of a human life may never be fulfilled.
These crises collectively contribute to the Little Mermaid's emotional and psychological struggles, adding depth and complexity to her character. They explore themes of sacrifice, love, longing, and the consequences of pursuing one's desires at great personal cost.