Prince Eric is the love of Ariel life. They met by accident. Eric was celebrating his birthday on a ship. The ship ran into a Storm and the Prince fell overboard. Ariel saw Eric fall into the water and she rescued him. She fell in love at first sight. When Eric woke up, his rescuer had disappeared and he could only remember her song. They go through many struggles and adventures before Ariel's father finally gives her the gift of becoming human so that she and Eric can live happily ever after.