A young girl discovers a mermaid who has been left on the beach after being separated from her mother. The girl takes pity on the creature and decides to keep it as her own. However, she soon realizes that the mermaid's presence is causing problems for those around her, including her family and friends. As time passes, the girl becomes increasingly isolated and lonely due to the mermaid's influence. She begins to neglect her relationships with others and focuses solely on caring for the creature. The story takes a tragic turn when the girl's father discovers the mermaid and decides to kill it in order to protect his family. The girl is devastated by this decision and ultimately dies of grief, surrounded by the remains of the mermaid. The story explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1837 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Romance