The Little Mermaid: A sea of lessons

            The Little Mermaid is filled with small morals that we may not have realized when we were kids but they are important lessons that we learn in life.

            As children we don’t realize but our parents will do so much for us.  The Little Mermaid demonstrates this when King Triton signs the contract to free his daughter.  Even though he didn't always agree with Ariel’s decisions, he still put her life ahead of his. 

            Another thing The Little Mermaid taught us is that our friends have our best interest at heart.  Listening to our friends is a good idea when it comes to big decisions because they are only looking out for you.  Whether it is your friend you have had your whole life or even a fury friend, they only want the best for you.

               One other lesson we learn is that we shouldn't judge people based on their culture.  Just because the majority of the culture is one way doesn't mean an individual is like the majority.  As an individual they are able to form opinions out of the status quo.   King Triton isn't accepting of the humans due to past experiences and doesn't like that is daughter is in love with a human.

            And for some interesting facts, that aren't life lessons, about The Little Mermaid.  Here you go.

Hercules: Mythology vs Disney

                Disney may decide to change things for the purpose of the movie but overall you can learn a lot about Greek mythology from Hercules.  Though the story line isn't accurate, it provides a basis for knowing the gods or goddesses and their domains of power.

                Hades the god of the underworld introduces us to a few characters that are in Greek mythology.  When Hades is entering the underworld we see Kharon rowing the boat.  This is a part of the movie that stuck to the mythology.  Kharon is the ferryman on the river, Styx, to the underworld.  Another portrayal of mythology in the movie is Hades three headed dog, Cerberus.  Even though we only saw these character in the movie, it introduced us to a few real aspects of Greek mythology.

               In the beginning of the movie it takes us through a gathering of the gods.  Each god has a symbol on them to give us an idea of their domains.  For instance, we see Dionysus carrying a wine glass around.  Athena with an owl.  Zeus with his bolts.  Hermes with his caduceus.

                Disney also introduces a lot of topics we could have missed.  Phil, the satyr, may not have been Hercules's coach in real Greek mythology, but he does go on a rant that includes a lot of actual mythology legends.

Another cool aspect the producers brought into the movie was that when Phil says, “I've got two words for you kid, ‘I am retired.’”  As a kid I always thought this was weird.  Its three words, not two.  Or is it?  In Greek, I am retired is only two words.

               But do you know the real story of Hercules?  Hercules is a demigod who is the son of Zeus.  He was known for his super strength.  In his adult life he married Princess Megara and had three children.  Hera, Zeus's jealous wife drove Hercules to insanity because she didn't like that Zeus was unfaithful to have Hercules. In the midst of his madness, Hercules kills his children.  Upset that he did this he visits an oracle and then visits Eurystheus.  Eurystheus sends him on 12 journeys.                                                                      *This video is the speech Phil gives in the                                                                                                   movie. Word for word.

What The Lion King Taught Us

         The Lion King is a phenomenal Disney movie.  The story follows Simba as he is raised by a meerkat and a warthog and his mission once he is grown.  This movie has been seen by many children from the 90s and 00s, but do they know the meaning behind some of the Swahili terms or even any knowledge on the basis of the movie. 

            Swahili is the native language of the Bantu on the East coast of Africa.  Places where this language is heard is Kenya and Tanzania.  

            You may not know but you already know a phrase in Swahili.  “Hakuna Matata” was a coined phrase in the movie.  When they say this phrase in the movie it is followed by them saying “it means no worries.”  This is the actual meaning in Swahili. 

            A few other words in Swahili that you have heard but not know the meaning to are the names of the characters.

Simba means lion

Nala means gift

Sarabi meaning mirage

Sarafina means bright star

Rafiki means friend

Timon means respect

Pumbaa means dull-witted

Zazu means movement

            Although we may not think of it.  Disney is actually expanded our vocabulary and teaching us the Swahili language in subtle ways.  Every Disney movie has a little something we can learn from it .