In our Mermaid literature, we dive into the realm of human possession and greed, the belief that we must possess what we have not been given. In The Little Mermaid, the conceptualization of greed and consequence is brought in full circle. On the oldest sister’s birthday, upon her return, she expresses the wonderful sights she has seen in the wide land above. The young mermaid “longed after all these things (culture) just because she could not approach them.” Penguins pg. 110. Within Mermaid and Siren media, the goal is to give the audience a perspective on the dangers of flirting with the unknown. What becomes of us when we are exposed to what we most greatly seek. This moment becomes a foreshadowing of the future events that befall upon the youngest sister – The Little Mermaid. So desperate for her love and immortal soul, the mermaid forsakes her identity, her home, for the idea of what could await her on land. Her longing coming not from a sense of passion and maturity, yet rather wonder and amazement

In many forms of Mermaid media, the consequence of discovery is afflicted on the male, the husband. His wife’s betrayal – the beastly form – and loss of trust is a mark of sin and misfortune. Yet in this story – not only is the woman unnatural – she is also a failure. The price of a wandering eye costs her a life of happiness amongst her family, her realm, her identity – all for a love to not be reciprocated. Why is it in all of these stories the woman to be the cause of misfortune? Why is adventure and discovery equal to that of disaster? In the Victorian period, what events of the time shaped how mermaid media was received? Did the coming of industrialization spark feelings of insecurity, weariness of venturing into the unknown? 
The Little Mermaid correlates to many of its former Mermaid/Siren works, as a warning to curiosity and the new age. What will become of us when we reach what we have always been unable to have? The consequences on our soul and psyche will correspond to the rupture in humanity, the abandonment of the rationale to escape to a broader pasture, a pasture that very well will likely not exist.