Erected in 1913 to honour the world renowned Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, the Mermaid shortly became one of the most important sights and an icon of Copenhagen - and for a good reason. The love story about the Little Mermaid is well known, if not through the original Danish fairy tale then because of the Disney animated film loosely based on it. Spoiler alert, the Disney ending was modified to suit younger viewers, whereas in the original the protagonist, with the Mermaid being turned into sea foam. Back in the real world of 21st century Copenhagen, the statue has been vandalized numerous times in various different ways, but has thus far always been restored thanks to the work of some talented Danish artists.