In The Little Mermaid, Ursula is the sea witch who bargains with Ariel.
Ursula offers Ariel a chance to become human in exchange for her voice. The bargain is central to the film’s plot: Ariel wants to explore the human world and pursue a relationship with Prince Eric, while Ursula seeks to exploit that desire and gain power over Ariel’s father, King Triton.
Ursula was voiced by Pat Carroll in the original English-language version. The character was inspired in part by the flamboyant appearance and manner of performer Divine, although Ursula is an original Disney villain rather than a direct adaptation of a real person.
The 1989 animated film was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Ursula is sometimes confused with other Disney witches, but her defining role is the contract-making sea witch in this film.