
Have you ever wondered what Ariel, the beloved Disney mermaid, calls a fork? As a mermaid living under the sea, Ariel is not familiar with all the human objects that we use every day. In particular, the fork, a common dining utensil, poses a mystery to her.
Ariel, being inquisitive and adventurous, often explores the human world, and on one such adventure, she stumbled upon a fork. She was intrigued by its shape and purpose, but being a mermaid, she had no idea what it was called.
With her vibrant red hair flowing in the ocean currents, Ariel sought answers from her friends, both human and under the sea. She asked Sebastian, her crab companion, if he knew what the fork was called. “Under the sea, we don’t have anything like that,” he replied. Flounder, her loyal fish friend, was equally clueless.
Ariel’s curiosity led her on a quest to discover the name of this mysterious object. She approached a group of humans dining at a seaside restaurant and politely inquired, “Excuse me, what do you call this pointy eating utensil?” The humans smiled and replied, “That’s a fork!” Ariel was delighted to finally have a name for this intriguing object.
From that day forward, Ariel affectionately called the fork “a fork” and marveled at its ability to scoop up food. She learned to use it during her visits to the human world, cherishing every moment of her discovery and treasuring her interactions with humans.
The Origin of Ariel’s Name
Ariel, the beloved mermaid princess from Disney’s classic 1989 animated film “The Little Mermaid,” has a name that holds significant meaning and symbolism. The name Ariel has its origins in Hebrew and is a unisex name, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls.
In Hebrew, the name Ariel (אריאל) is derived from the word “ari” (אֲרִי), which means “lion,” and “-el,” which means “God” or “of God.” The combination of these two elements gives the name Ariel the meaning “lion of God” or “lioness of God.”
The name Ariel carries a powerful and majestic connotation, as lions are often seen as powerful creatures symbolizing strength and courage. In the Disney film, Ariel possesses similar qualities, displaying bravery, determination, and a strong-willed personality.
It is no coincidence that the name Ariel embodies these characteristics, as Disney often selects names that reflect the personalities and traits of its beloved characters. Furthermore, the meaning behind the name Ariel aligns with the character’s fierce and independent spirit.
Other Cultural References
Aside from its Hebrew origins, the name Ariel has also made appearances in various other cultures and mythologies. In Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest,” Ariel is a spirit associated with the air and nature, representing freedom and magic.
Additionally, Ariel is the name of one of the moons of Uranus, discovered in 1851 by English astronomer William Lassell. The moon was named Ariel after a spirit in Shakespeare’s play, further emphasizing the connection between the name and enchantment.
Ariel and the Fork
As for the fork that Ariel finds on land and mistakenly calls a “dinglehopper,” it doesn’t have a specific or significant name. In the film, Ariel encounters various human objects for the first time and gives them unique names based on her limited understanding and imagination.
The fork, which she uses to comb her hair, symbolizes Ariel’s curiosity and adaptability, as she quickly adapts to the human world and its conventions.
In conclusion, the name Ariel is rich in meaning and symbolism, representing strength, courage, and a connection to the divine. It is a name that has captured the hearts of many Disney fans and continues to be a beloved character in the world of animation.
The Inspiration Behind Ariel’s Name
When it comes to the beloved Disney princess Ariel, many wonder where her name actually came from. It turns out that the creators of The Little Mermaid drew their inspiration from various sources.
The name Ariel is ultimately derived from the Hebrew language and can be translated to mean “lion of God” or “lioness of God.” This name carries a symbolic meaning of strength and power, which is fitting for a character like Ariel who displays incredible bravery and determination throughout the film.
In addition to its Hebrew roots, the name Ariel has also been associated with the spirit of the air in William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. In the play, Ariel is a magical and mischievous character who serves as the loyal spirit to the sorcerer Prospero. This connection to a magical being adds another layer of enchantment to Ariel’s character.
By combining the Hebrew meaning of strength and power with the magical and ethereal qualities of Shakespeare’s character, the creators of The Little Mermaid crafted a name that perfectly captures the essence of Ariel. The name symbolizes her inner strength and determination to pursue her dreams, even if it means defying the expectations of her underwater world.
Overall, the name Ariel is a powerful choice that reflects the character’s bravery, magical qualities, and unwavering spirit. It serves as a reminder that no matter the obstacles we may face, we have the strength within ourselves to overcome them and find our own happiness.
How Ariel Named the Fork
When Ariel, the beloved mermaid princess, first encountered the fork in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” she was fascinated by its strange shape and intrigued by its purpose. As a mermaid who lived under the sea, she had never seen such a curious object before.

For a long time, Ariel simply referred to the fork as “the thingamabob,” unsure of what else to call it. However, as she explored the human world and learned more about their customs and language, Ariel discovered that the object had a specific name – a fork.
A fork, she learned, was a utensil used by humans to eat their meals. It had several prongs at the end, designed to help humans pick up and eat their food. Unlike mermaids, who used their hands or tails to consume their meals, humans had developed this utensil for a more convenient eating experience.
Amazed by this discovery, Ariel started using the word “fork” to describe the utensil. She found it fascinating how humans had developed various tools and inventions to perform everyday tasks that mermaids and other sea creatures had never even considered.
The fork soon became a symbol of Ariel’s curiosity and desire to explore the unknown. It represented her longing to understand the human world and its customs. She would often collect forks she found washed up on the shore or traded with her friends from the surface, cherishing each one as a special treasure.
Through her adventures and interactions with humans, Ariel learned that every object had a name and a purpose. The fork, in particular, became a significant object in her life, representing the bridge between her two worlds – the world under the sea and the world above the waves.
The Meaning of Ariel’s Fork
When Ariel discovers a fork for the first time in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” she is instantly fascinated by this human utensil. She calls it a “dinglehopper” and believes it to be an essential item for styling hair. While this may seem comical to us, there is actually a deeper meaning behind Ariel’s unconventional use of the fork.
Throughout the movie, Ariel is depicted as an outsider, longing to be a part of the human world. The fork symbolizes her curiosity and desire to understand human culture and customs. By using the fork as a hairbrush, Ariel is trying to mimic human behavior and adapt to their way of life.
The dinglehopper becomes a metaphor for Ariel’s fantasies and aspirations of becoming human. It represents her willingness to go to great lengths and make sacrifices to achieve her dreams. Despite its intended purpose as a utensil, Ariel sees the fork as a tool for transformation and personal growth.
The Power of Imagination
Furthermore, the dinglehopper represents the power of imagination. Ariel’s imaginative interpretation of the fork showcases her ability to think outside the box and find unconventional solutions. It highlights her creativity and resourcefulness, traits that ultimately help her overcome obstacles and find happiness.
Embracing Individuality
Another aspect of the fork’s meaning lies in embracing one’s individuality. Ariel’s unique perspective and unconventional use of the fork reflect her refusal to conform to societal norms and expectations. She challenges the notion that objects can only serve their original purpose and instead encourages others to think critically and embrace their own uniqueness.
In conclusion, Ariel’s calling the fork a “dinglehopper” may initially seem trivial, but it actually holds deeper meaning within the context of the story. The fork symbolizes curiosity, adaptation, imagination, and the celebration of individuality. It reminds us to embrace our dreams, think creatively, and never be afraid to be different.
Impact of Ariel’s Fork
When Ariel discovered the fork in the human world, it had a significant impact on her. As a mermaid who had limited exposure to human objects, the fork represented something new and intriguing.
1. Curiosity and Wonder
The fork sparked Ariel’s curiosity and wonder about the human world. She had never seen an object like this before, and its shiny appearance and unique design captivated her attention. This newfound curiosity drove her desire to learn more about human culture and the objects they use.
2. Symbol of Transformation
For Ariel, the fork became a symbol of transformation and change. It represented her longing to be part of the human world and her willingness to give up her life under the sea. The fork served as a reminder of her goals and aspirations, motivating her to take risks and pursue her dreams.
As Ariel’s story unfolded, the impact of the fork extended beyond her personal journey. It showcased the power of curiosity, the willingness to embrace change, and the importance of following one’s dreams.