The Sea Witch's Potion
After this brief encounter with the prince, the little mermaid starts to yearn to become human and win his love. She goes to a sea witch to ask for help. The sea witch gives her a potion to rid herself of her tail and grow legs, which the witch warns her will cause her great pain to walk on. In return, the little mermaid gives up her voice to the sea witch. If the little mermaid can get the prince to return her love and marry her, she will gain a human soul. Otherwise, the little mermaid will die and not live the normal mermaid lifespan of 300 years.
Finale
The little mermaid swims to the surface and goes to the prince's castle. The prince sees her as a foundling and befriends her. She charms the whole court with her dancing, but cannot communicate except with her eyes and gestures. Ultimately, the prince finds himself a human bride and the little mermaid loses her life. She becomes a spirit daughter of the air who will gain an immortal soul after 300 years by performing good deeds for humans.