<Tr> <Th> Nationality </Th> <Td> Danish </Td> </Tr> <P> Eric is based on the "prince" character of Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Little Mermaid" but adapted by the writer - directors Ron Clements and John Musker for the film adaptation . According to the film's official novelization, Eric had just turned 18 in the film, which would make him two years older than Ariel . Eric is voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes in the original film and Kingdom Hearts II, by Jeff Bennett in the prequel television series, and by Rob Paulsen in the direct - to - video sequel . For the original film, Joshua Finkel acted opposite Sherri Stoner as Ariel in providing live - action references for the animators . Prince Eric is the only prince in the "Disney Princess" franchise that does not sing in the original movie . </P> <P> Eric is a human prince who is rescued by Ariel when he almost drowns in a storm at sea . Ariel drags him to shore and sings to him, but before he can fully regain consciousness, Max and his servant Grimsby arrive, forcing Ariel to dive underwater . Eric is haunted by Ariel's voice, and searches the kingdom for her to no avail . When he crosses paths with Ariel again, she has traded her voice for legs, and though he initially finds her familiar, her lack of a voice makes him think that she cannot be the girl who rescued him . However, he brings her back to his palace and they spend time together . Eric develops feelings for Ariel, but before he can approach her about them, Ursula, disguised as a human girl named Vanessa, arrives and magically hypnotizes Eric into forgetting about Ariel and believing that she Vanessa is the one who saved his life . Eric almost marries Vanessa, but Ariel and her friends intervene, breaking Ursula's spell and restoring Ariel's voice to her . Eric realizes that Ariel is the girl he has been looking for, but before they can kiss, the sun sets and Ursula claims Ariel . Eric goes after them, diving into the sea to help Ariel . In the battle that follows, Eric climbs on to a ship and charges it towards Ursula, plunging the splintered prow into her belly . Eric manages to reach the shore, and when he wakes, he sees Ariel, transformed back into a human, and the two embrace . The film ends with their wedding . </P> <P> Eric makes cameo appearances in three episodes of the prequel television series: Thingamajigger (a non-speaking appearance) Scuttle and Ariel's Treasures . </P>

Who is the villain in the little mermaid