The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, installed in 1913, has been repeatedly targeted by vandals, with incidents ranging from decapitations to graffiti and explosions over its 110-year history.

The statue was first decapitated in 1964, with the head stolen and never recovered, and again in 1998, though the latter head was restored by authorities.

In 1984, the statue's arm was severed, and in 2003, explosives dislodged it from its base, causing it to fall into the bay and requiring a complex recovery process.

More recent incidents include the 2017 red paint protest against whale hunting and the 2020 graffiti labeling the statue as 'racist fish' during global demonstrations following George Floyd's death.

In 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian flag, interpreted as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, though the perpetrators remain unidentified.

These acts of vandalism reflect diverse motives, including political statements, environmental activism, and critiques of societal issues, showcasing the statue's role as a platform for ideological expression.

Authorities have consistently restored the statue after such incidents, such as reattaching its head in 1998 and repairing its base after the 2003 explosion, demonstrating efforts to preserve its cultural significance.

The statue's location on a relatively secluded waterfront promenade has made it vulnerable to repeated attacks, prompting increased monitoring and investigations by local police.

Despite its history of vandalism, the Little Mermaid remains a cherished cultural icon and tourist attraction, symbolizing Denmark's literary heritage and sparking ongoing debates about the intersection of art, activism, and public spaces.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, installed in 1913, has been repeatedly targeted by vandals, with incidents ranging from decapitations to graffiti and explosions over its 110-year history.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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The statue was first decapitated in 1964, with the head stolen and never recovered, and again in 1998, though the latter head was restored by authorities.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

In 1984, the statue's arm was severed, and in 2003, explosives dislodged it from its base, causing it to fall into the bay and requiring a complex recovery process.

More recent incidents include the 2017 red paint protest against whale hunting and the 2020 graffiti labeling the statue as 'racist fish' during global demonstrations following George Floyd's death.

In 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian flag, interpreted as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, though the perpetrators remain unidentified.

Title:

Content: Danish police investigate who “spoiled ” the famous monument to the Little Mermaid with the colors of the Russian flag
03.03.2023, 7: 15, Misc
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On the pedestal of the famous statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, a Russian tricolor appeared, says The Guardian.
The Danish police have launched an investigation into such an “act of vandalism ”, which is perceived as a sign of support in the Ukrainian conflict.
AP
In Copenhagen, unknown people painted the foundation of the statue of the Mermaid in Copenhagen in the colors of the Russian flag, writes The Guardian.
According to the publication, the tricolor appeared on Thursday night on the stone, which serves as a pedestal for the famous Danish monument.
The police in Copenhagen said that law enforcement officers visited the crime scene and registered an “act of vandalism ”.
The police began an investigation and are trying to find “evidence ”.
The actions of unknown persons are perceived as a sign of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.
The article notes that the statue of the Little Mermaid weighing 175 kg was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen, who was inspired by the main character of the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
The monument suffered from vandals many times: in 1964 her head was stolen, in 1984 her hand was cut off, in 1998 her head was stolen again, but later returned, and in 2003 the statue was blown up.
In addition, the Little Mermaid has been painted or signed many times.
The last time it happened in 2020, when it appeared the mysterious inscription “Racist fish ”, writes The Guardian.
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These acts of vandalism reflect diverse motives, including political statements, environmental activism, and critiques of societal issues, showcasing the statue's role as a platform for ideological expression.

Authorities have consistently restored the statue after such incidents, such as reattaching its head in 1998 and repairing its base after the 2003 explosion, demonstrating efforts to preserve its cultural significance.

Title:

Content: Danish little mermaid like cornerstone painted Russian flag tricolor
A statue of the Little Mermaid, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the Danish capital Copenhagen, was deliberately vandalized last night, and the cornerstone below the statue was painted with the white, blue and red colors of the Russian flag.
Advertisement
The Little Mermaid comes from the famous fairy tale of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, where the stone beneath the bronze statue is painted in three colors of the Russian flag.
Copenhagen police told Agence France-Presse that since they arrived this morning, "a case of vandalism has been filed" and "local investigations have been launched to trace traces".
It is clear that this means supporting Moscow ’ s position in the Ukraine war.
Some tourists, puzzled by this, took pictures of the damaged statue this morning.
The 175-kilogram Little Mermaid is a work by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by the Danish poet and writer Hans Christian Andersen ’ s 1837 fairy tale of the same name.
The statue, which sits next to a relatively secluded waterfront walkway, has been vandalized several times over the years, including two burglaries of its head in 1964 and 1998, and a severed arm in 1984. In 2003, the statue was blown loose with explosives and fell into the bay.
It has also been graffitied and painted several times, most recently in 2020 with the words “racist fish. ”

The statue's location on a relatively secluded waterfront promenade has made it vulnerable to repeated attacks, prompting increased monitoring and investigations by local police.

Despite its history of vandalism, the Little Mermaid remains a cherished cultural icon and tourist attraction, symbolizing Denmark's literary heritage and sparking ongoing debates about the intersection of art, activism, and public spaces.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, created in 1913 as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, has become an iconic cultural landmark and a frequent target for acts of vandalism over its 110-year history.

The statue has been repeatedly vandalized, with incidents ranging from decapitations in 1964 and 1998 to being blown off its base with explosives in 2003, reflecting its vulnerability as a public art piece in a secluded waterfront location.

The first major act of vandalism occurred in 1964 when the statue's head was stolen and never recovered, marking the beginning of a series of attacks that would continue for decades.

In 1984, the statue's arm was severed, further demonstrating its susceptibility to physical damage and the challenges of preserving public art in open spaces.

Another significant incident took place in 1998 when the statue was decapitated for the second time, though authorities were able to restore the head, showcasing their commitment to maintaining the landmark's integrity.

In 2003, explosives were used to dislodge the statue from its base, causing it to fall into the bay and necessitating a complex recovery and reinstallation process.

The statue has also been repeatedly defaced with graffiti, including the phrase 'racist fish' painted on its base in 2020 during global protests following George Floyd's death, reflecting evolving sociopolitical motives behind the vandalism.

In 2017, the statue was covered in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting environmental activism as a motive behind the vandalism.

Most recently, in 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian flag, an act perceived as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The perpetrators of the 2023 incident remain unidentified, and Danish police have launched an investigation to determine the motives and individuals responsible for the act.

While the Russian flag painting is interpreted as a symbolic gesture supporting Russia's stance in the Ukraine conflict, no direct statements or claims have been made by the vandals, leaving the intent speculative.

The repeated targeting of the statue has led to broader debates about the intersection of art, public spaces, and activism, with some incidents reflecting societal tensions and others being perceived as acts of defiance or symbolic gestures tied to global issues.

Environmental activism has also been a recurring theme, as seen in the 2017 red paint protest against whale hunting, showcasing how the landmark is used to amplify diverse ideological causes.

Other acts of vandalism have reflected social protests, such as the 2020 incident where the words 'racist fish' were painted on the statue during global demonstrations following George Floyd's death, highlighting perceived racial issues in cultural narratives.

The statue's prominence as an iconic representation of Danish culture has made it a visible platform for expressing dissent or political messages, as evidenced by the recent painting of the Russian flag on its base amidst the Ukraine conflict.

Media coverage of vandalism incidents involving the Little Mermaid statue often highlights the symbolic or political motives behind the acts, such as the recent painting of the Russian flag on its base, which was interpreted as support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

Local Danish media, such as Jyllands-Posten, focused on the immediate police investigation and the cultural significance of the statue as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, portraying the vandalism as part of a long history of attacks on the monument.

International outlets like AFP framed the 2023 incident as a symbolic act of support for Russia, while Danish coverage emphasized the statue's role as a national cultural icon and the perplexity of tourists witnessing the damage.

Despite its status as a major tourist attraction, the statue's history of vandalism, such as being painted with the Russian flag in 2023 and labeled 'racist fish' in 2020, has occasionally overshadowed its cultural significance.

The secluded location of the statue, combined with its frequent targeting by vandals, has contributed to mixed reviews from tourists, some of whom feel the site does not meet expectations due to its modest size and recurring damage.

Authorities have historically responded to vandalism of the statue by restoring damages, such as reattaching its decapitated head in 1998 and repairing the base after an explosion in 2003, demonstrating efforts to preserve the cultural landmark despite repeated attacks.

Challenges in restoration have included addressing repeated graffiti and paint damage, such as the 2020 incident where the base was defaced with the words 'racist fish,' requiring careful cleaning methods to avoid further harm to the statue's surface.

The repeated vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue, including acts such as decapitations, graffiti, and explosions, has sparked varied public reactions, with some viewing it as a symbol of resilience while others see it as a target for political and social statements.

The statue's history of being targeted has led to debates about its cultural significance, with some questioning its relevance in modern contexts while others defend its status as a cherished landmark inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

Despite the repeated vandalism, the Little Mermaid remains a prominent cultural icon and tourist attraction, with its enduring presence reflecting both the challenges of preserving public art and the evolving societal narratives attached to it over the past 110 years.

The motivations behind the vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue have varied, such as political statements, protests against societal issues, or acts of destruction, but there is no evidence in the retrieved documents of detailed psychological or sociological profiling of the perpetrators.

While vandalism of cultural heritage can lead to severe penalties in some countries, such as up to eight years in prison for damaging monuments in Poland, the legal handling of vandalism cases involving the Little Mermaid statue in Denmark has not been widely reported to include significant punitive measures.

In cases of vandalism involving cultural landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue, Danish authorities file cases and conduct investigations, as seen in the recent Russian flag incident, but specific legal consequences for perpetrators are not always disclosed publicly.

The repeated vandalism incidents targeting the Little Mermaid statue, including decapitations, graffiti, and even an explosion, have led to a complex relationship between the landmark and tourism, with some visitors expressing confusion or disappointment upon encountering the damaged statue.

The Little Mermaid statue has undergone multiple restoration efforts following acts of vandalism, including reattaching its head after it was stolen in 1964 and 1998, and repairing its arm after it was severed in 1984.

Rome's Colosseum has experienced similar patterns of vandalism, with tourists carving initials into its ancient walls, often citing ignorance or trivializing the act, which parallels the Little Mermaid's defacement incidents where vandals have used the statue to express political or social grievances.

Sweden's Gävle Goat, a large straw structure erected annually, has been repeatedly targeted by arsonists and vandals over its 56-year history, showcasing a comparable vulnerability to symbolic cultural landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, created in 1913 as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, has become an iconic cultural landmark and a frequent target for acts of vandalism over its 110-year history.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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The statue has been repeatedly vandalized, with incidents ranging from decapitations in 1964 and 1998 to being blown off its base with explosives in 2003, reflecting its vulnerability as a public art piece in a secluded waterfront location.

The first major act of vandalism occurred in 1964 when the statue's head was stolen and never recovered, marking the beginning of a series of attacks that would continue for decades.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

In 1984, the statue's arm was severed, further demonstrating its susceptibility to physical damage and the challenges of preserving public art in open spaces.

Title:

Content: Danish police investigate who “spoiled ” the famous monument to the Little Mermaid with the colors of the Russian flag
03.03.2023, 7: 15, Misc
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Support at Patreon
On the pedestal of the famous statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, a Russian tricolor appeared, says The Guardian.
The Danish police have launched an investigation into such an “act of vandalism ”, which is perceived as a sign of support in the Ukrainian conflict.
AP
In Copenhagen, unknown people painted the foundation of the statue of the Mermaid in Copenhagen in the colors of the Russian flag, writes The Guardian.
According to the publication, the tricolor appeared on Thursday night on the stone, which serves as a pedestal for the famous Danish monument.
The police in Copenhagen said that law enforcement officers visited the crime scene and registered an “act of vandalism ”.
The police began an investigation and are trying to find “evidence ”.
The actions of unknown persons are perceived as a sign of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.
The article notes that the statue of the Little Mermaid weighing 175 kg was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen, who was inspired by the main character of the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
The monument suffered from vandals many times: in 1964 her head was stolen, in 1984 her hand was cut off, in 1998 her head was stolen again, but later returned, and in 2003 the statue was blown up.
In addition, the Little Mermaid has been painted or signed many times.
The last time it happened in 2020, when it appeared the mysterious inscription “Racist fish ”, writes The Guardian.
View commentsNo comments
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Site map →
For information cooperation, advertising and publication of ads, write to the address: [email protected]
Support the project:
UMoney- 410011013132383
WebMoney – Z399334682366, E296477880853, X100503068090
18 + © 2002-2022 RYBINSKonLine: All you wanted to know...

Another significant incident took place in 1998 when the statue was decapitated for the second time, though authorities were able to restore the head, showcasing their commitment to maintaining the landmark's integrity.

In 2003, explosives were used to dislodge the statue from its base, causing it to fall into the bay and necessitating a complex recovery and reinstallation process.

The statue has also been repeatedly defaced with graffiti, including the phrase 'racist fish' painted on its base in 2020 during global protests following George Floyd's death, reflecting evolving sociopolitical motives behind the vandalism.

In 2017, the statue was covered in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting environmental activism as a motive behind the vandalism.

Most recently, in 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian flag, an act perceived as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The perpetrators of the 2023 incident remain unidentified, and Danish police have launched an investigation to determine the motives and individuals responsible for the act.

While the Russian flag painting is interpreted as a symbolic gesture supporting Russia's stance in the Ukraine conflict, no direct statements or claims have been made by the vandals, leaving the intent speculative.

The repeated targeting of the statue has led to broader debates about the intersection of art, public spaces, and activism, with some incidents reflecting societal tensions and others being perceived as acts of defiance or symbolic gestures tied to global issues.

Environmental activism has also been a recurring theme, as seen in the 2017 red paint protest against whale hunting, showcasing how the landmark is used to amplify diverse ideological causes.

Other acts of vandalism have reflected social protests, such as the 2020 incident where the words 'racist fish' were painted on the statue during global demonstrations following George Floyd's death, highlighting perceived racial issues in cultural narratives.

The statue's prominence as an iconic representation of Danish culture has made it a visible platform for expressing dissent or political messages, as evidenced by the recent painting of the Russian flag on its base amidst the Ukraine conflict.

Media coverage of vandalism incidents involving the Little Mermaid statue often highlights the symbolic or political motives behind the acts, such as the recent painting of the Russian flag on its base, which was interpreted as support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

Local Danish media, such as Jyllands-Posten, focused on the immediate police investigation and the cultural significance of the statue as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, portraying the vandalism as part of a long history of attacks on the monument.

Title:

Content: Danish little mermaid like cornerstone painted Russian flag tricolor
A statue of the Little Mermaid, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the Danish capital Copenhagen, was deliberately vandalized last night, and the cornerstone below the statue was painted with the white, blue and red colors of the Russian flag.
Advertisement
The Little Mermaid comes from the famous fairy tale of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, where the stone beneath the bronze statue is painted in three colors of the Russian flag.
Copenhagen police told Agence France-Presse that since they arrived this morning, "a case of vandalism has been filed" and "local investigations have been launched to trace traces".
It is clear that this means supporting Moscow ’ s position in the Ukraine war.
Some tourists, puzzled by this, took pictures of the damaged statue this morning.
The 175-kilogram Little Mermaid is a work by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by the Danish poet and writer Hans Christian Andersen ’ s 1837 fairy tale of the same name.
The statue, which sits next to a relatively secluded waterfront walkway, has been vandalized several times over the years, including two burglaries of its head in 1964 and 1998, and a severed arm in 1984. In 2003, the statue was blown loose with explosives and fell into the bay.
It has also been graffitied and painted several times, most recently in 2020 with the words “racist fish. ”

International outlets like AFP framed the 2023 incident as a symbolic act of support for Russia, while Danish coverage emphasized the statue's role as a national cultural icon and the perplexity of tourists witnessing the damage.

Despite its status as a major tourist attraction, the statue's history of vandalism, such as being painted with the Russian flag in 2023 and labeled 'racist fish' in 2020, has occasionally overshadowed its cultural significance.

The secluded location of the statue, combined with its frequent targeting by vandals, has contributed to mixed reviews from tourists, some of whom feel the site does not meet expectations due to its modest size and recurring damage.

Title:

Content: Netizens vote to choose the five most regret to go to the five attractions, India on the list of 2, the first in China _ tourism _ surrounding _ bronze statue
Every year, many people go out to travel around the world, and tourism is not the power of the rich now, many ordinary people can go out to travel as long as they have time, some people go to China, some people go abroad.
A bronze statue of a little mermaid.
She is a world-famous bronze statue, she is located in the Changdi Park, northeast of the center of Copenhagen, Denmark, is already a symbol of Denmark, looking at this person's fish tail mermaid, she sits on a huge granite, quiet and elegant, leisurely, but in fact when you look closer, this bronze statue is only a little more than a meter, and there are many tourists here, so it is crowded. Pit.
The Taj Mahal in India.
This attraction is very famous in India, there are many people who come here every year, the most pit of this attraction is not the poor landscape, but the environmental pollution around this attraction is very serious, such as haze, so many netizens come here regret it, not only many people, want to breathe fresh air is not enough.
The Egyptian pyramids.
Xiaobian wants to say that this attraction is really nothing to see, that is, a scenic spot, and the surrounding area is desert, when you go there to play there may also be killed by the local people, these are netizens blood experience, so there are netizens on the Internet Tucao said it is really a big pit.
2. Ganges, India.
The river originates from our country, and the water upstream is very transparent and clear.

Authorities have historically responded to vandalism of the statue by restoring damages, such as reattaching its decapitated head in 1998 and repairing the base after an explosion in 2003, demonstrating efforts to preserve the cultural landmark despite repeated attacks.

Challenges in restoration have included addressing repeated graffiti and paint damage, such as the 2020 incident where the base was defaced with the words 'racist fish,' requiring careful cleaning methods to avoid further harm to the statue's surface.

The repeated vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue, including acts such as decapitations, graffiti, and explosions, has sparked varied public reactions, with some viewing it as a symbol of resilience while others see it as a target for political and social statements.

The statue's history of being targeted has led to debates about its cultural significance, with some questioning its relevance in modern contexts while others defend its status as a cherished landmark inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

Despite the repeated vandalism, the Little Mermaid remains a prominent cultural icon and tourist attraction, with its enduring presence reflecting both the challenges of preserving public art and the evolving societal narratives attached to it over the past 110 years.

The motivations behind the vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue have varied, such as political statements, protests against societal issues, or acts of destruction, but there is no evidence in the retrieved documents of detailed psychological or sociological profiling of the perpetrators.

While vandalism of cultural heritage can lead to severe penalties in some countries, such as up to eight years in prison for damaging monuments in Poland, the legal handling of vandalism cases involving the Little Mermaid statue in Denmark has not been widely reported to include significant punitive measures.

Title:

Content: In Poland, climate activists doused paint Warsaw mermaid - RIA Novosti, 08.03.2024
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In Poland, climate activists doused paint Warsaw mermaid
Polish climate activists celebrate March 8 with dousing of the monument
© Ostatnie PokoleniePolish climate activists paint a monument to the Warsaw Mermaid
Polish climate activists paint Warsaw Mermaid monument
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WARSAW, 8 Mar - RIA Novosti.
Polish climate activists celebrated International Women ’ s Day by spraying paint on the Warsaw Mermaid monument on Vistula boulevards.
The climate initiative “The Last Generation ” has published a video in social networks, in which two young women water the monument to the Warsaw mermaid from buckets with orange paint.
Climate activists block road in Amsterdam
“We are the last generation.
Today is Women ’ s Day, and our hard-won rights continue to be violated.
It's only going to get worse.
Climate catastrophe is war.
And war is violence, ” said one of the participants of the action.
Both activists were immediately arrested by police.
“The women were arrested.
Procedural actions will be carried out with him, ” Barbara Scherba, a representative of the Warsaw police, told reporters.
She said that if the detainees are responsible for damage to property, they face up to 5 years in prison.
However, for damage to the monument itself, the punishment can be up to 8 years in prison.
In Poland, a bear attacked an environmental activist
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In cases of vandalism involving cultural landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue, Danish authorities file cases and conduct investigations, as seen in the recent Russian flag incident, but specific legal consequences for perpetrators are not always disclosed publicly.

The repeated vandalism incidents targeting the Little Mermaid statue, including decapitations, graffiti, and even an explosion, have led to a complex relationship between the landmark and tourism, with some visitors expressing confusion or disappointment upon encountering the damaged statue.

The Little Mermaid statue has undergone multiple restoration efforts following acts of vandalism, including reattaching its head after it was stolen in 1964 and 1998, and repairing its arm after it was severed in 1984.

Rome's Colosseum has experienced similar patterns of vandalism, with tourists carving initials into its ancient walls, often citing ignorance or trivializing the act, which parallels the Little Mermaid's defacement incidents where vandals have used the statue to express political or social grievances.

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HOMEPAGE

A teenage tourist is under investigation after she was filmed defacing Rome's Colosseum by a tour guide who said her parents told him: 'She's just a little girl'

  • A Swiss teenager is under investigation for defacing the Colosseum, Italian media outlets report.
  • The 17-year-old was filmed carving the letter "N" into the ancient structure by a local tour guide.
  • The guide, David Battaglino, told local media the teen's parents said: "She's just a little girl."

Less than a month after a tourist sparked outrage for defacing the Colosseum by carving his and his girlfriend's initials into the ancient building, a teenage visitor is under investigation for the very same act.

The young tourist from Switzerland found herself at the center of a probe launched by Italian police after she was caught on camera carving the letter "N" into a wall on the nearly 2,000-year-old Roman structure, according to Swiss Info. The news was first reported by local media outlet ADN Kronos.

The tourist has not been identified by name but a clip of the incident was shared by Italian news agency ANSA on Twitter.

The video appears to show the blonde teenager, whose face has been blurred, using an object to carve into the historic structure's brick-faced concrete. When she finishes, a series of clapping is heard.

Twitter's translation of ANSA's tweet read: "New disfigurement at the Colosseum, a Swiss tourist engraves her initials: she risks prison and a maximum fine. She was filmed by a guide and reported."

Local tour guide David Battaglino filmed the teenager carrying out the act and told local Italian newspaper La Republica that he was in the process of showing a group around the Colosseum when someone directed his attention to the teenager.

He kept talking to his tour group, but said he simultaneously started filming the teenager defacing the Colosseum with his phone.

"After a few seconds my group applauded me. To her, in English, I said, 'Do you want applause?' The young girl understood that she had ended up in the crosshairs of those who protect art and turned away to go toward her family," he said.

Battaglino said that when he told the teenager's parents that what she had done was illegal and reported them to a supervisor, their reaction was: "She's just a little girl, she wasn't doing anything wrong," according to La Republica.

The outlet reported the teen and her parents were subseqeuntly taken to police headquarters in Rome's Piazza Venezia. The Polizia di Stato and Italy's Ministry of Culture did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Though it was the first time the tour guide said he's caught an act of vandalism at the Colosseum on camera, he said he's seen it before and has even been "spat at" in a previous incident involving a boy carrying out a similar act.

The outcome of this latest investigation is still unclear, but it does bear similarities to the viral story of the 27-year-old British fitness instructor who was seen using a key to carve "Ivan+Haley 23" into the nearly 2,000-year-old Roman structure in a video originally shared to YouTube.

At the time, ANSA reported Dimitrov could face up to $16,000 in fines and five years in prison.

He later wrote an apology letter to Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, and the prosecutor's office, which was shared in Rome's Il Messaggero newspaper on July 5. In it, he said he wasn't aware of the ancient monument's age or the "seriousness of the deed committed."

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Sweden's Gävle Goat, a large straw structure erected annually, has been repeatedly targeted by arsonists and vandals over its 56-year history, showcasing a comparable vulnerability to symbolic cultural landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue.

Title:

Content: A huge straw goat stood up against vandals and arsonists
The Local: a huge straw goat from the city of Evle stood up against vandals and arsonists
A huge straw goat from the Swedish city of Jävle, now and then set on fire by vandals, remained intact this year.
This is reported by The Local.
On December 25, the official Twitter account of the Yale goat announced its success.
“I resisted.
Merry Christmas! ” the message read.
The goat is built every year a few weeks before Christmas.
For 56 years of existence of this tradition, he managed to resist less than 20 times.
The last fire happened a year ago.
The arsonist was a 40-year-old man who came from the Swedish city of Kalmar.
Later he was sentenced to imprisonment for six months and fined 109 thousand kroner (about 750 thousand rubles).
This year, the 13-meter straw structure was erected for the first time not on the castle square of Jävle, as usual, but on the esplanade of the town hall.
It was supposed to make it easier for him to guard.
Most of the straw goats built in Evle in previous years were killed by vandals.
The first goat of the city, built in 1966, burned down on New Year's Eve.
The city authorities put up a fence, but in 1969 the goat was again set on fire.
The next goat was on fire just six hours after it was built.
In 1971, the sponsors of the construction were tired of arson and decided to curtail the project, but it was revived by schoolchildren from the Vasaskolan gymnasium.
They erected a thatched goat of a somewhat smaller size, but it was immediately broken by vandals.
The goat, built in 1973, was kidnapped, in 1975 the goat collapsed, in 1976 it was destroyed as a result of a collision with a car, in 1978 it was destroyed by intruders.
The new goat, which began to build a year later, was destroyed by fire during construction.
He immediately built a replacement, but the vandals defeated her.
In 1983, another Eurasian goat broke his legs.
In 1998, the structure burned to the ground, despite a strong storm.
In 2000, pests set fire to, and then dumped in the river Maly goat gymnasium Vasaskolan.
In 2005, the goat was attacked by intruders disguised as Santa Claus and a gingerbread man, but their attack was repelled.
In 2009, three straw goats were built in Evle.
As a result, only one survived, the other burned, and the third thieves loaded on a truck and took away in an unknown direction.
In 2010, the attacker tried to bribe the security to raise the goat of Yevla with the help of a helicopter and transfer to Stockholm.
Theft was prevented.
In 2019, the Small Goat, erected by the club of natural sciences at the Vasaskolan gymnasium, suffered from arson.
The fire was extinguished before the whole goat was burned.
The intruder was arrested.
The good tape is deactivated.
Welcome to the real world.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, installed in 1913, has been a frequent target of vandalism, with incidents ranging from decapitations to politically charged graffiti, reflecting its vulnerability as a cultural landmark.

The first decapitation occurred in 1964, with the head never recovered, while a second decapitation in 1998 saw the head restored, showcasing efforts to preserve the statue despite repeated attacks.

In 1984, the statue’s arm was severed, and in 2003, it was blown off its base using explosives, marking one of the most destructive acts of vandalism against the monument.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting its use as a platform for environmental activism.

During the global protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on its base, though scholars have disputed any racist elements in Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale.

Most recently, in March 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian flag, an act perceived as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, prompting an investigation by Danish police.

These acts of vandalism often reflect broader societal and political tensions, transforming the statue into a canvas for public expression and dissent.

Despite its history of repeated attacks, the Little Mermaid remains a beloved cultural icon and a major tourist attraction, symbolizing resilience and Copenhagen’s ability to preserve its heritage.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, installed in 1913, has been a frequent target of vandalism, with incidents ranging from decapitations to politically charged graffiti, reflecting its vulnerability as a cultural landmark.

Title:

Content: Danish little mermaid like cornerstone painted Russian flag tricolor
A statue of the Little Mermaid, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the Danish capital Copenhagen, was deliberately vandalized last night, and the cornerstone below the statue was painted with the white, blue and red colors of the Russian flag.
Advertisement
The Little Mermaid comes from the famous fairy tale of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, where the stone beneath the bronze statue is painted in three colors of the Russian flag.
Copenhagen police told Agence France-Presse that since they arrived this morning, "a case of vandalism has been filed" and "local investigations have been launched to trace traces".
It is clear that this means supporting Moscow ’ s position in the Ukraine war.
Some tourists, puzzled by this, took pictures of the damaged statue this morning.
The 175-kilogram Little Mermaid is a work by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by the Danish poet and writer Hans Christian Andersen ’ s 1837 fairy tale of the same name.
The statue, which sits next to a relatively secluded waterfront walkway, has been vandalized several times over the years, including two burglaries of its head in 1964 and 1998, and a severed arm in 1984. In 2003, the statue was blown loose with explosives and fell into the bay.
It has also been graffitied and painted several times, most recently in 2020 with the words “racist fish. ”

The first decapitation occurred in 1964, with the head never recovered, while a second decapitation in 1998 saw the head restored, showcasing efforts to preserve the statue despite repeated attacks.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

In 1984, the statue’s arm was severed, and in 2003, it was blown off its base using explosives, marking one of the most destructive acts of vandalism against the monument.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting its use as a platform for environmental activism.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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Install the Newser News app
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During the global protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on its base, though scholars have disputed any racist elements in Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale.

Most recently, in March 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian flag, an act perceived as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, prompting an investigation by Danish police.

Title:

Content: Danish police investigate who “spoiled ” the famous monument to the Little Mermaid with the colors of the Russian flag
03.03.2023, 7: 15, Misc
Subscribe to Telegram channel
Subscribe to Google News
Support at Patreon
On the pedestal of the famous statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, a Russian tricolor appeared, says The Guardian.
The Danish police have launched an investigation into such an “act of vandalism ”, which is perceived as a sign of support in the Ukrainian conflict.
AP
In Copenhagen, unknown people painted the foundation of the statue of the Mermaid in Copenhagen in the colors of the Russian flag, writes The Guardian.
According to the publication, the tricolor appeared on Thursday night on the stone, which serves as a pedestal for the famous Danish monument.
The police in Copenhagen said that law enforcement officers visited the crime scene and registered an “act of vandalism ”.
The police began an investigation and are trying to find “evidence ”.
The actions of unknown persons are perceived as a sign of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.
The article notes that the statue of the Little Mermaid weighing 175 kg was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen, who was inspired by the main character of the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
The monument suffered from vandals many times: in 1964 her head was stolen, in 1984 her hand was cut off, in 1998 her head was stolen again, but later returned, and in 2003 the statue was blown up.
In addition, the Little Mermaid has been painted or signed many times.
The last time it happened in 2020, when it appeared the mysterious inscription “Racist fish ”, writes The Guardian.
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These acts of vandalism often reflect broader societal and political tensions, transforming the statue into a canvas for public expression and dissent.

Despite its history of repeated attacks, the Little Mermaid remains a beloved cultural icon and a major tourist attraction, symbolizing resilience and Copenhagen’s ability to preserve its heritage.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and installed in 1913, has become an iconic cultural landmark, but its history is marked by repeated acts of vandalism that have transformed it into a symbol of resilience and societal discourse.

The first major act of vandalism occurred in 1964 when the statue was decapitated, and the head was stolen; despite police investigations, the perpetrator was never identified, and the head was not recovered.

In 1984, the statue's arm was severed in another act of vandalism, further highlighting its vulnerability as a public artwork situated in a relatively secluded area by the waterfront promenade.

The statue was decapitated for a second time in 1998, but unlike the first incident, the head was recovered and restored, showcasing efforts to repair and preserve the monument despite repeated attacks.

One of the most destructive acts occurred in 2003 when explosives were used to dislodge the statue from its base, prompting its retrieval and reinstallation by local authorities committed to maintaining this cultural landmark.

In 2017, the statue was covered in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, demonstrating how it has been used as a platform for expressing environmental and animal rights activism.

During the global protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on the statue's base, reflecting cultural critiques and societal debates on racism, though scholars have disputed any racist elements in Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale.

Most recently, in March 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian tricolor, an act perceived as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, prompting Danish police to launch an investigation into the incident.

The repeated vandalism of the statue, including decapitations, explosions, and politically charged graffiti, has often been tied to broader societal and political tensions, transforming it into a canvas for public expression and dissent.

Motives behind these acts frequently align with iconoclasm, where the destruction of public symbols serves as a way to challenge authority or societal norms, reflecting historical patterns of image smashing to assert new societal orders.

Some incidents, such as the 2020 graffiti labeling the statue as a 'racist fish,' highlight how the statue has become a metaphorical battleground for social and cultural debates, questioning Denmark's historical and societal narratives.

Other acts, like the 2017 red paint protest against whale hunting, demonstrate how the statue has been used to express environmental grievances, further embedding it within broader narratives of activism and dissent.

The painting of the Russian flag on the statue's base in 2023 reflects broader geopolitical tensions, suggesting that the statue serves as a canvas for expressing dissent or political statements related to Denmark's stance on international issues like the Ukraine war.

Despite its relatively modest size and secluded location, the statue's history of being targeted for political and social statements has added layers of intrigue and controversy that attract curious tourists.

Tourists often express curiosity and surprise upon encountering the statue, particularly when learning about its history of repeated vandalism, such as the recent painting of the Russian flag on its base.

Locals view the statue as a cultural symbol tied to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, but its history of vandalism has led to mixed feelings about its vulnerability and the motives behind such acts.

The repeated defacement of the statue has sparked debates among both locals and visitors about its representation and relevance in contemporary culture, reflecting broader societal tensions.

Despite the damage, the statue remains a beloved tourist attraction and a cultural icon, with its connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale continuing to draw visitors and provoke discussions about its evolving significance in Copenhagen's cultural landscape.

The enduring popularity of the statue underscores its role as a cultural touchstone and a testament to Copenhagen's ability to integrate both its historical heritage and contemporary challenges into its identity.

The repeated targeting of the statue suggests its symbolic role in expressing political dissent, such as opposition to Denmark's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine, further connecting these acts to broader geopolitical and cultural tensions.

While vandalism of public landmarks like the Little Mermaid often leads to police investigations, perpetrators have rarely been identified, and the statue continues to be a focal point for political and social statements.

In the most recent case in March 2023, Copenhagen police launched an investigation into the painting of the Russian flag on the statue's base, though no further legal outcomes have been reported.

The effectiveness of investigations into vandalism cases remains unclear, as details on legal repercussions for perpetrators are scarce in public records, despite the statue's history of repeated attacks.

Despite the repeated acts of vandalism, the statue remains a symbol of Copenhagen and continues to be restored and maintained by local authorities, reflecting its cultural significance rather than the artist's or estate's direct involvement in addressing the damages.

Edvard Eriksen, the sculptor of the Little Mermaid statue, has not publicly commented on the repeated vandalism of his work, which has included decapitations, graffiti, and even explosions since its installation in 1913.

The estate of Edvard Eriksen, which manages the rights to the statue, has also not issued statements regarding the vandalism, focusing instead on preserving the legacy of the artwork and its connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

The repeated vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue has paradoxically reinforced its status as a cultural icon and major tourist attraction in Copenhagen, drawing visitors intrigued by its storied history and resilience.

International outlets like AFP and Reuters have covered the incidents, emphasizing the statue's symbolic connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and its status as a cultural landmark, while framing the acts as expressions of broader societal or political tensions.

Local media, such as Jyllands-Posten, reported the recent vandalism involving the painting of the Russian flag on its base, highlighting the political undertones linked to the Ukraine conflict and Denmark's criticism of Russia's actions in the war.

The Guardian contextualized the vandalism within the statue's long history of being targeted, including previous acts such as explosions and politically charged graffiti, underscoring the investigation launched by Danish police to identify the perpetrators.

The repeated vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue can be interpreted as a symbolic critique of Danish culture and its values, as the statue represents Denmark's cultural heritage through Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and its connection to national identity and tourism appeal.

Despite its history of vandalism, no specific protective measures have been reported to prevent further damage, and recent incidents have led to police investigations but no long-term solutions to safeguard the statue have been implemented.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and installed in 1913, has become an iconic cultural landmark, but its history is marked by repeated acts of vandalism that have transformed it into a symbol of resilience and societal discourse.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
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Tap to install our app.
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Install the Newser News app
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2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

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The first major act of vandalism occurred in 1964 when the statue was decapitated, and the head was stolen; despite police investigations, the perpetrator was never identified, and the head was not recovered.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

In 1984, the statue's arm was severed in another act of vandalism, further highlighting its vulnerability as a public artwork situated in a relatively secluded area by the waterfront promenade.

Title:

Content: Danish little mermaid like cornerstone painted Russian flag tricolor
A statue of the Little Mermaid, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the Danish capital Copenhagen, was deliberately vandalized last night, and the cornerstone below the statue was painted with the white, blue and red colors of the Russian flag.
Advertisement
The Little Mermaid comes from the famous fairy tale of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, where the stone beneath the bronze statue is painted in three colors of the Russian flag.
Copenhagen police told Agence France-Presse that since they arrived this morning, "a case of vandalism has been filed" and "local investigations have been launched to trace traces".
It is clear that this means supporting Moscow ’ s position in the Ukraine war.
Some tourists, puzzled by this, took pictures of the damaged statue this morning.
The 175-kilogram Little Mermaid is a work by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by the Danish poet and writer Hans Christian Andersen ’ s 1837 fairy tale of the same name.
The statue, which sits next to a relatively secluded waterfront walkway, has been vandalized several times over the years, including two burglaries of its head in 1964 and 1998, and a severed arm in 1984. In 2003, the statue was blown loose with explosives and fell into the bay.
It has also been graffitied and painted several times, most recently in 2020 with the words “racist fish. ”

The statue was decapitated for a second time in 1998, but unlike the first incident, the head was recovered and restored, showcasing efforts to repair and preserve the monument despite repeated attacks.

One of the most destructive acts occurred in 2003 when explosives were used to dislodge the statue from its base, prompting its retrieval and reinstallation by local authorities committed to maintaining this cultural landmark.

In 2017, the statue was covered in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, demonstrating how it has been used as a platform for expressing environmental and animal rights activism.

During the global protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on the statue's base, reflecting cultural critiques and societal debates on racism, though scholars have disputed any racist elements in Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale.

Most recently, in March 2023, the base of the statue was painted with the Russian tricolor, an act perceived as a political statement supporting Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, prompting Danish police to launch an investigation into the incident.

Title:

Content: Danish police investigate who “spoiled ” the famous monument to the Little Mermaid with the colors of the Russian flag
03.03.2023, 7: 15, Misc
Subscribe to Telegram channel
Subscribe to Google News
Support at Patreon
On the pedestal of the famous statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, a Russian tricolor appeared, says The Guardian.
The Danish police have launched an investigation into such an “act of vandalism ”, which is perceived as a sign of support in the Ukrainian conflict.
AP
In Copenhagen, unknown people painted the foundation of the statue of the Mermaid in Copenhagen in the colors of the Russian flag, writes The Guardian.
According to the publication, the tricolor appeared on Thursday night on the stone, which serves as a pedestal for the famous Danish monument.
The police in Copenhagen said that law enforcement officers visited the crime scene and registered an “act of vandalism ”.
The police began an investigation and are trying to find “evidence ”.
The actions of unknown persons are perceived as a sign of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.
The article notes that the statue of the Little Mermaid weighing 175 kg was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen, who was inspired by the main character of the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
The monument suffered from vandals many times: in 1964 her head was stolen, in 1984 her hand was cut off, in 1998 her head was stolen again, but later returned, and in 2003 the statue was blown up.
In addition, the Little Mermaid has been painted or signed many times.
The last time it happened in 2020, when it appeared the mysterious inscription “Racist fish ”, writes The Guardian.
View commentsNo comments
Privacy Policy - GDPR
Site map →
For information cooperation, advertising and publication of ads, write to the address: [email protected]
Support the project:
UMoney- 410011013132383
WebMoney – Z399334682366, E296477880853, X100503068090
18 + © 2002-2022 RYBINSKonLine: All you wanted to know...

The repeated vandalism of the statue, including decapitations, explosions, and politically charged graffiti, has often been tied to broader societal and political tensions, transforming it into a canvas for public expression and dissent.

Motives behind these acts frequently align with iconoclasm, where the destruction of public symbols serves as a way to challenge authority or societal norms, reflecting historical patterns of image smashing to assert new societal orders.

Title:

Content: Smashing statues

Iconoclasm isn’t just an expression of anger. It’s how we try to make new worlds.
February 17, 2023
(Source image from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)

Sometimes, bored indifference can sting worse than outright hostility. I was telling a friend about my present book project, The Storm of Images, which concerns the iconoclasm struggle in the Byzantine Empire during the eighth and ninth centuries. In my view, it’s a pivotal moment in the definition of Eastern and Western Christian traditions, so I was somewhat deflated when my friend asked, in effect, Why on earth would you want to do that? It’s so long ago, and the whole story is, well, Byzantine, a word that through the centuries has acquired plenty of negative baggage.

Fortunately, I was able to articulate a response that went beyond the simply defensive. In fact, I would argue, the whole story of iconoclasm is of perennial significance, a fact that should be as obvious today as in any previous era. Not only is smashing images an absolutely standard and recurring part of what societies do, but it is a fundamental part of religious sensibility, and by no means only for Christians. Simply put, it’s the way that we try to make new worlds.

Image smashing arises from two distinct impulses. Some iconoclasm grows out of hatred of a particular individual or the beliefs and causes that they represent. Here the smashers are striking at the figures represented, seeking to purge their memories as evil and unwanted. Such were the attacks on Soviet and communist images following the collapse of the Eastern bloc in 1989. More recently, in the United States, we see assaults on statues of Confederate heroes such as Nathan Bedford Forrest or Robert E. Lee. Through attacks on objects, activists are attacking the larger causes represented by those images. The United States has, since 2020, experienced a historically very sizable and socially transformative outbreak of iconoclasm, which has been echoed around the world.

Other smashers may truly venerate or love the individuals depicted, but they reject the depiction itself. In this category, far from condemning the figure represented, activists are driven by the exalted view that they have of that person, and they are rather agitated by the very notion of representing them in material or visual form. Such representation is thought impossible, the attempt evil or blasphemous. Any form of worship or prayer directed at objects is unacceptable, and it is futile to draw distinctions between worship and veneration, of praying to a material thing as opposed to praying through it. This attitude, this rejection of material images as such, was a fundamental driving force in the European Reformation—one at least as important as any particular theological doctrine of any given thinker.

The smashing of images is commonly one sensational aspect of a larger package of religious innovations, often of a quite revolutionary character. These tenets might include an assertion of inner spirituality over external or material symbols, along with perhaps a stern rejection of institutional religion or professional clergy.

Iconoclasm coexists intimately with anticlericalism. It is a rejection of existing notions of authority and a quest for whole new groundings, free of the claims of tradition. Depending on the context, the destruction of religious images can be an assertion of the supremacy of secular authority, of kings and governors over bishops and priests. The fact of destroying supposedly sacred objects—and remaining unharmed—sends a powerful message about the futility of those objects. If they are so potent, why can they not even protect themselves?

For both categories of iconoclast, their achievement lies not in destroying a given statue or altarpiece but in asserting the power to do so, against the power of the old order that hitherto had been its shield and defender. To strike at a statue or image—to bring down a Confederate general—is also to attack the institutions or individuals that erected those figures in the first place and who support their maintenance. It is a symbolic statement of who controls the visual landscape.

Moreover, the mass public violation of older taboos and restraints proclaims the impotence of that old guard. The fact that authorities no longer have the will or ability to prevent the removal of such once-cherished things in itself proclaims the end of an old world and the creation of a whole new order of society or politics. It is zero hour.

Even when the matters at issue are ostensibly secular, such acts of protest often acquire a ritualized format, which has echoes of enthusiastic or revivalist religion. Scenes of the removal of statues or images unforgettably proclaim these moments of revolutionary transformation. They are deliberately theatrical. In a modern context, visual representations of such acts of destruction become iconic in their own right. In their power to teach values, the acts of removal or destruction are as didactic as the images they are combating.

Making images is a perennial and fundamental component of the human religious experience, and so is crediting them with supernatural powers. But no less common is the practice of critiquing or destroying them. Sometimes we commemorate people’s faces; at other times we deface, and with equal passion. In order to be balanced and objective, a hypothetical museum of global religions should properly include its share of hacked and defaced icons, of fragments of toppled and shattered statues. The never-ending dialogue between the two competing approaches, the smashers and the devotees, has often driven religious thought and artistic expression.

John Calvin famously declared that “the human mind is a perpetual factory of idols.” I would adapt that to say that, time and again, history proves that the human mind is a powerful factory of image breaking, of iconoclasm.

Some incidents, such as the 2020 graffiti labeling the statue as a 'racist fish,' highlight how the statue has become a metaphorical battleground for social and cultural debates, questioning Denmark's historical and societal narratives.

Other acts, like the 2017 red paint protest against whale hunting, demonstrate how the statue has been used to express environmental grievances, further embedding it within broader narratives of activism and dissent.

The painting of the Russian flag on the statue's base in 2023 reflects broader geopolitical tensions, suggesting that the statue serves as a canvas for expressing dissent or political statements related to Denmark's stance on international issues like the Ukraine war.

Despite its relatively modest size and secluded location, the statue's history of being targeted for political and social statements has added layers of intrigue and controversy that attract curious tourists.

Tourists often express curiosity and surprise upon encountering the statue, particularly when learning about its history of repeated vandalism, such as the recent painting of the Russian flag on its base.

Locals view the statue as a cultural symbol tied to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, but its history of vandalism has led to mixed feelings about its vulnerability and the motives behind such acts.

The repeated defacement of the statue has sparked debates among both locals and visitors about its representation and relevance in contemporary culture, reflecting broader societal tensions.

Despite the damage, the statue remains a beloved tourist attraction and a cultural icon, with its connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale continuing to draw visitors and provoke discussions about its evolving significance in Copenhagen's cultural landscape.

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Content: Fairytale-like European city is 'spellbinding' and has 'something for everyone'

A beautiful European town is a destination full to the brim of exciting and interesting things to do.

By Paul Tregunna, Travel and Lifestyle Reporter

Nyhavn has become synonymous with Copenhagen (Image: Getty)

The Nordic countries are perhaps the closest opportunity travellers have to transport themselves into their very own fairy tales.

With beautiful cities and charming locals, they are some of the finest countries in the world to visit.

None more so than Denmark, an incredibly friendly country that connects mainland Europe to Scandinavia.

Its capital city, Copenhagen, is one of the continent's most well-known places, yet it isn’t as popular a city break destination as it perhaps should be.

With its colourful houses and lively atmosphere, the iconic area of Nyhavn has become synonymous with Copenhagen.

The colourful houses of Nyhavn are the perfect backdrop to relax and grab a drink (Image: Getty)

A perfect place to kick back and grab a drink by the water, Nyhavn was originally a commercial port welcoming ships from all over the world.

Once home to the legendary writer Hans Christian Andersen, the neighbourhood wouldn't look out of place in a picture book itself.

There are a number of boat trips operating from Nyhavn, offering visitors a chance to explore the sights of Copenhagen by water. It is a great opportunity to get your bearings and spot any attractions you’d like to see up close, whilst providing interesting commentary on the history of this fantastic city.

You can buy tickets for one of the boat trips on the day from Nyhavn, but they can also be purchased online in advance. The prices vary depending on which provider you choose to travel, and tickets should range from around £16-£20 for an hour-long journey.

The Little Mermaid sculpture is a must-see (Image: Getty)
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Hans Christian Andersen’s presence is still felt throughout the city. You have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Danish Author at the Hans Christian Andersen Experience - a charming and interactive museum detailing his life and the fairy tales he penned.

The Hans Christian Andersen Experience is a part of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, an entertaining exhibition on the world’s weirdest and wackiest true stories. You can purchase a combo ticket for both from 206 KR (£23.74) for an adult, and 139 KR (£16.02) for a child aged 4-11.

One of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous stories is The Little Mermaid, which was written in 1837 and has subsequently been adapted into a number of films. In the Langelinie area of Copenhagen there is a bronze statue depicting the titular mermaid, unveiled in 1913, which is well worth taking the time to see.

Another of Copenhagen’s most iconic attractions is the spectacular Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Tivoli Gardens are one of the world's oldest amusement parks (Image: Getty)

With something for everyone, Tivoli has roller coasters, rides, shows and a feel-good atmosphere. If Disney is the ‘happiest place on Earth’, Tivoli mustn't be far behind.

The sheer scale of Tivoli is mind-blowing, and you can easily spend a full day there and not cover everything. There are a number of ticketing options which can be viewed on the Tivoli website, but bear in mind Tivoli Gardens reopens on March 22.

Connected to Tivoli is a superstore specialising in one of Denmark’s most famous exports - LEGO.

The LEGO Store Tivoli Gardens is a must visit for fans of the iconic building blocks, as the highlight of the shop is a station where you can design and make yourself out of LEGO, providing a truly unique memento.

The Church of our Saviour's spectacular spiralling spire offers fantastic views over Copenhagen (Image: Getty)

Standing tall over the city is the spellbinding spire of Our Saviour’s Church, which visitors have the opportunity to climb.

After ascending 400 steps, with the last 150 externally spiralling around the tower, you will be blessed with one of the best views of Copenhagen - some 262 feet in the air.

Entrance to the tower is free, but it is advisable to book online in advance to secure a timeslot. If you aren’t a fan of heights, it’s best you give the climb a miss.

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The enduring popularity of the statue underscores its role as a cultural touchstone and a testament to Copenhagen's ability to integrate both its historical heritage and contemporary challenges into its identity.

Title:

Content: Copenhagen residents were outraged by the behavior of American tourists
1: 09 AM
The unusual behavior of an American tourist in Copenhagen caused a storm of indignation among other travelers who witnessed this incident.
The girl came to the statue of the Little Mermaid and, not paying attention to the prohibition to touch the monument, began to touch and even kiss her.
The witness of this incident was a tourist named Dylan Trinkler, who captured everything on his phone.
The video shows how the girl climbed the pedestal of the monument, pressed her face against it and began to kiss the statue.
At the same time, clear warning signs about the prohibition of such actions were installed around the sculpture.
Many people began to condemn the violator, shouted at her to leave.
It should be noted that the statue of the Little Mermaid was installed in 1913 and is made of bronze and granite.
It is part of Danish cultural heritage and is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen ’ s famous fairy tale about a mermaid who gave up her underwater world for the love of a prince on land.
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Monument to the fairy tale "Mermaid" in Denmark (DeafSPB)
Author Oleg Loginov
Oleg Loginov — HSE student, Pravda.Ru freelance correspondent

The repeated targeting of the statue suggests its symbolic role in expressing political dissent, such as opposition to Denmark's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine, further connecting these acts to broader geopolitical and cultural tensions.

While vandalism of public landmarks like the Little Mermaid often leads to police investigations, perpetrators have rarely been identified, and the statue continues to be a focal point for political and social statements.

In the most recent case in March 2023, Copenhagen police launched an investigation into the painting of the Russian flag on the statue's base, though no further legal outcomes have been reported.

The effectiveness of investigations into vandalism cases remains unclear, as details on legal repercussions for perpetrators are scarce in public records, despite the statue's history of repeated attacks.

Despite the repeated acts of vandalism, the statue remains a symbol of Copenhagen and continues to be restored and maintained by local authorities, reflecting its cultural significance rather than the artist's or estate's direct involvement in addressing the damages.

Edvard Eriksen, the sculptor of the Little Mermaid statue, has not publicly commented on the repeated vandalism of his work, which has included decapitations, graffiti, and even explosions since its installation in 1913.

The estate of Edvard Eriksen, which manages the rights to the statue, has also not issued statements regarding the vandalism, focusing instead on preserving the legacy of the artwork and its connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale.

The repeated vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue has paradoxically reinforced its status as a cultural icon and major tourist attraction in Copenhagen, drawing visitors intrigued by its storied history and resilience.

International outlets like AFP and Reuters have covered the incidents, emphasizing the statue's symbolic connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and its status as a cultural landmark, while framing the acts as expressions of broader societal or political tensions.

Local media, such as Jyllands-Posten, reported the recent vandalism involving the painting of the Russian flag on its base, highlighting the political undertones linked to the Ukraine conflict and Denmark's criticism of Russia's actions in the war.

The Guardian contextualized the vandalism within the statue's long history of being targeted, including previous acts such as explosions and politically charged graffiti, underscoring the investigation launched by Danish police to identify the perpetrators.

The repeated vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue can be interpreted as a symbolic critique of Danish culture and its values, as the statue represents Denmark's cultural heritage through Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and its connection to national identity and tourism appeal.

Despite its history of vandalism, no specific protective measures have been reported to prevent further damage, and recent incidents have led to police investigations but no long-term solutions to safeguard the statue have been implemented.