Are Disney’s Princesses The Fairest Of All?

When you think of the word “princess”, what do you think of? Most people seem to associate princess with things like a crown, wealth, a throne or power. Maybe even castles and horse-drawn carriages which royal families were widely known to have. Of course, royal families have existed for as long as anybody can remember, a princess being an important member of the family. Even today they’re in existence in some countries around the world like the royal family of England led by the matriarch Queen Elizabeth. Certainly, we may not know them, but they are around.

For me, the most well-known princesses are placed in the fantasy world thanks to books, movies and television. Growing up, there was never a time when I didn’t know about them. I do remember reading about a few princesses based on book works years ago by Hans Christian Andersen that included The Princess & The Pea and Thumbelina. But my personal favorite came from the Brothers Grimm telling the fantastic story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Then, in movies it’s always been Mia Thermopolis of The Princess Dairies movies and lady Princess Leia of the amazing film series, Star Wars!

Though these princesses may certainly be the favorites of my faves, however, nothing can compare to the several within Disney’s fantasy world that I grew up watching. There are plenty of princesses Disney has brought to life in fantastic animation for many decades. But honestly they currently count only eleven as part of the Disney Princess media franchise that was officially created back in the early 2000s by the Walt Disney Company. The main eleven are as follows, beginning with the first princess Snow White, then Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas and Mulan. New additions Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida followed beginning back in 2009.

You know why these Disney princesses are absolutely amazing? It’s because of the magnificent stories that can pull anybody, even an adult, within its clutches. Each princess has a unique story to tell, varying from being locked away in a high tower to living the peaceful peasant life to the deepest parts of the ocean. With each one comes a variance of ethnicity, size, personality, charisma and so much more! Because of all this, they’ve earned the hearts and admiration of many young children, and adults, throughout the passing decades.

Each of these heroines had compassion and/or courage whether going through hard times or indulging in the good parts of their lives. Fortunately, these Disney Princesses, aside from their great “happily ever after” scenarios, easily passed off a life lesson learned. For me, these are a few of the lessons I learned from some of the princesses’ stories:

From Belle in Beauty & The Beast: “Never judge a book by its cover.” Though the Beast’s appearance may be horrid to some, she only judged him based on his personality, having a good time and falling in love as well.

From Snow White in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs: “Never trust a stranger.” This is definitely a good lesson kids learn over the years from their own parents. Snow White’s gentle soul accepted an apple from a complete stranger and look how she ended up? Lucky for her Prince Charming came along and revived her with a simple kiss.
From Ariel in The Little Mermaid: “Have the courage to follow your heart no matter the obstacles.” Ariel’s perseverance in wanting to be with Prince Eric caused her to jump the hurdle and ask the evil sea-witch Ursula for help. Though it cost her voice and many hardships, with the new legs she acquired, she was able to become accustomed to land and win the heart of her prince in the end.

Though I may be an adult right now, my heart will always be pulled toward these princesses. Sure they may not all be “the fairest in the land”, but with their winning personalities, warm hearts and moving courage, they definitely have the soul of a princess deep down.

“Mirror, mirror on the wall,
All the princesses are the fairest of all.”

Who is YOUR favorite princess?