13 Historically Accurate Disney Princesses
Princesses contend with very high standards. Not only are they supposed to be perfect as the highest representations of an ideal role model to the subjects who look up to them, but mistakes almost always have graver and longer lasting consequences. Always under scrutiny, the stories of their mistakes, missteps and redemption make for great content. Below are 13 historically accurate Disney princesses.
Belle
Belle’s setting is in France, before the French revolution in the 18th century. At some point, she is forced into slavery which was commonplace at the time. The enchantment that created the beast prince that Belle finally ends up with is also historically accurate as enchantresses and the power they wielded was more recognized then.
Pocahontas
Besides being historically accurate, Pocahontas is based on an actual princess. Daughter of a native American paramount chief, she was born in the late 1500s. Her story is weaved around her selfless act of saving John Smith, an Englishman, at a time when Englishmen were considered enemies of her people.
Jasmine
Princess Jasmine lived in the 4th-century Arabic world which was then referred to as the Arabic peninsula. Her historical accurateness stems from her desire to escape palace restraint which was an accepted practice at that time and marry out of love rather than through arrangement. Initially, her dressing was modest, reflecting the period in which she ruled, although recent portrayals have added an edge to her costumes to appeal more to modern audiences.
Tiana
Tiana’s world is undoubtedly in the roaring 1920s in New Orleans. The undertones of segregation that were pervasive in the city at the time are apparent in her story. Primarily, the fact that her restaurant struggled to attract white clientele since she was an African American. More than that, her establishment still struggled to get black diners since blacks were not as financially empowered then.
Snow White
In Snow White and the seven dwarfs, the religious nature of the protagonist’s society is highlighted as is the expectation that women are supposed to take up the homemaking role. Coupled with the conservativeness of Snow White’s time, it becomes apparent that her story was set in Germany in the 16th century.
Mulan
Mulan’s story is not entirely verifiable historically, but the details agreed on are that she existed, and that she ended up joining the army in place of her father. Her actual name was Hua Mulan, and she was skilled in martial arts not unlike many people in her era. Her stint in the army ended up lasting twelve years, and when the war was over, and other soldiers discovered that she was a woman, their disposition toward her did not change.
Elsa
Elsa reigned in Norway in the 19th century. During her time, the animosity towards witches had cooled off as witches were not subjected to dire punishments such as burning at stake. This tolerance towards witchery is implicit in her story. Furthermore, women had more rights and more room to express themselves and their abilities, something that Elsa’s story also implies.
Aurora
Aurora’s story happens in England in the mid to late 1300s. Raised by three fairies, she is deficient in understanding relating to gender roles. This would mean that after marrying Prince Phillip, she would have faced a steep learning curve in learning what was expected of her – not only as a woman, but also as a princess and a bona fide member of the aristocracy. The manuscript that opens the film is also a strong clue as is her mode of dressing.
Cinderella
While Cinderella’s story in history is highly improbable and anything close to it unrecorded, what gives the character historical accurateness is her dressing, how she conducts herself and her immediate environment. Her narrative, from the above influences, is set in the 1930s, something that most professionals second.
Rapunzel
Rapunzel’s attire is reminiscent of the 16th century. Her long hair is another strong clue as women, then, tended to wear their hair long – often below their hips. Comparison with what an unmarried woman looked like during her time serves several points of similarity that give Rapunzel additional historical credibility.
Merida
Her story happens in Medieval Scotland, around the 9th and 12th century, particularly, in the mountainous regions that were less influenced by the central cultural centers of the time. Merida’s capabilities of archery and sword fighting are historically sound as is her costume and the expectation from her parents that she takes a more feminine role in settling down and becoming a proper lady.
Ariel
Although portrayed as a mermaid, Ariel’s human form is influenced by late 1800s attire. What lends her additional historical accurateness is that during this time, there were many alleged mermaid sightings. Ariel’s story is mostly otherworldly, but her narrative is harmonious with what was considered true for mermaids in the 1800s.
Moana
Moana’s story is strongly thematic placing the chief’s daughter’s narrative in present-day Samoa contrary to the long-held belief that it is Hawaii. Cultural and religious connotations in addition to attire and societal arrangement are the main giveaways regarding historical accurateness.
When it comes to creating characters, Disney is excellent at doing its homework. The goal of historical accuracy is to impel relatability by equipping characters with historical relevance. However, different characters have varying degrees of historical accuracy as the all-important element of fantasy has to be incorporated to improve entertainment value.