Princess Ariel is a fictional character from Disney's animated film, "The Little Mermaid," released in 1989. She is a young mermaid who dreams of living on land and experiencing life as a human. Ariel is known for her vibrant red hair, adventurous spirit, and curiosity about the human world. In the story, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for legs, allowing her to explore the surface. Throughout her journey, she learns about love, sacrifice, and the importance of being true to oneself, ultimately finding happiness with Prince Eric.