King Triton's profound hatred for humans primarily stems from the devastating loss of his beloved wife, Queen Athena. This tragic event deeply scarred him, leading to a pervasive prejudice against all human interaction and everything associated with the human world.
His animosity is a direct consequence of this personal heartbreak, shaping his view of humanity as inherently dangerous and destructive to merfolk.
The Tragic Loss of Queen Athena
The main reason for King Triton's intense prejudice against humans was the untimely death of his wife, Queen Athena. Her demise, though an accident, occurred during an incident involving humans. This personal tragedy instilled in him a powerful and lasting resentment, leading him to believe that all humans pose a threat to his family and his kingdom.
This profound grief and anger manifested in several ways:
- Strict Prohibitions: Triton implemented severe laws, strictly forbidding any merperson from venturing to the surface or interacting with human artifacts. These rules were a direct response to his fear of losing anyone else he loved to human-related dangers.
- Deep-Seated Bias: His prejudice is so ingrained that he overlooks the inherent connection between merpeople and humans, despite evidence that merfolk, including himself, are part human. This bias prevents him from seeing humans as anything but a source of danger.
- Overprotective Nature: His fear for his daughters' safety, particularly Ariel's, stems directly from his conviction that humans are a source of danger and sorrow. He believes that by keeping them away from the human world, he is protecting them from inevitable harm.
Triton's aversion to humans is not based on a logical assessment of humanity but rather on an emotional response to a personal tragedy, which profoundly influences his reign and his relationships, particularly with his youngest daughter, Ariel.
