The Little Mermaid

The King;s mother was proud of her high birth and position, thus, she wore twelve oysters rather than six. The number set her apart.

The Sea King had been a widower for many years, and his aged mother kept house for him. She was a very wise woman, and exceedingly proud of her high birth; on that account she wore twelve oysters on her tail; while others, also of high rank, were only allowed to wear six.