Where Are the Origins of the Popular Disney Princesses?

The Disney Princesses are some of the most popular characters in film and pop culture. Many young girls look up to them as role models and aspire to be like them one day, wondering which Disney princesses they are. But where do these iconic characters come from?

And did you know that not all of the Disney Princesses are actually princesses? Yes, it’s true! Let’s take a look at the origins of some of the most popular Disney Princesses and see how they became the royal ladies we know and love today.

Snow White

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney’s first-ever full-length animated feature film, released in 1937. The story is based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale about a beautiful young woman who is forced to flee her home after her jealous stepmother tries to have her killed.

She takes refuge in the forest, where she befriends seven dwarfs who protect her from harm. Snow White is considered to be one of the classic Disney Princesses and continues to be one of the most popular characters today.

Cinderella

Cinderella was released in 1950 and is based on the classic fairy tale of the same name. The story follows a young girl who is treated cruelly by her stepmother and stepsisters but remains kind and hopeful.

Her fortunes change when she meets a handsome prince at a ball and they fall in love. Cinderella is one of the most iconic Disney Princesses and her story has been adapted numerous times over the years.

Aurora

Sleeping Beauty was released in 1959 and is based on the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault. The story follows a beautiful princess who is cursed by an evil witch to sleep for 100 years. Luckily, Aurora is saved by true love’s kiss from her prince and everyone lives happily ever after.

Aurora is a popular Disney Princess and her story has been adapted for the stage and screen many times over the years.

Ariel

The Little Mermaid was released in 1989 and is based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name. The story follows a young mermaid who dreams of becoming human after falling in love with a prince she saves from drowning.

Despite the objections of her father, Ariel makes a deal with an evil sea witch and trades her voice for a pair of legs. In the end, Ariel gets her happy ending with her prince and they live together underwater.

Belle

Beauty and the Beast was released in 1991 and is based on the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. The story follows a beautiful young woman who is taken prisoner by a fearsome Beast in his castle.

Over time, Belle comes to see the good in the Beast and falls in love with him. In the end, the Beast is transformed back into a handsome prince and they live happily ever after together.

Jasmine

Aladdin was released in 1992 and is based on the Middle Eastern folktale of the same name. The story follows a street urchin who dreams of becoming rich and marrying a beautiful princess. His wishes come true when he finds a magic lamp and releases a genie who grants him three wishes.

Jasmine is one of the most popular Disney Princesses and her story has been adapted for the stage and screen many times over the years.

Pocahontas

Pocahontas was released in 1995 and is based on the real-life story of the Native American princess of the same name. The film follows Pocahontas as she falls in love with John Smith, a British settler, and works to prevent war between their two peoples.

Pocahontas is a popular Disney Princess and her story has been adapted for the stage and screen many times over the years.

Mulan

Mulan was released in 1998 and is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. The story follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man and takes her ailing father’s place in the army.

Mulan is a brave and determined young woman who becomes a hero to her people. Mulan is one of the most popular Disney Princesses and her story has been adapted for the stage and screen many times over the years.

Tiana

The Princess and the Frog was released in 2009 and is based on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows a young woman named Tiana who dreams of opening her own restaurant.

Her plans are put on hold when she kisses a frog and is turned into one herself. Tiana must find true love’s kiss in order to break the spell and return to her human form.

Rapunzel

Tangled was released in 2010 and is based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The story follows a young woman named Rapunzel who has been locked away in a tower by an evil witch.

Rapunzel’s life changes when she meets a handsome thief named Flynn Ryder and they embark on a thrilling adventure together. Rapunzel is one of the most popular Disney Princesses and her story has been adapted for the stage and screen many times over the years.

Merida

Brave was released in 2012 and is based on Scottish folklore. The story follows a young woman named Merida who dreams of becoming an accomplished archer like her father.

When Merida’s actions unintentionally lead to disaster, she must find a way to set things right. Merida is a brave and determined young woman who learns the importance of family and friends.

Anna

Frozen was released in 2013 and is based on the Snow Queen fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows two sisters, Anna and Elsa, who are forced to live apart after Elsa’s magical powers put everyone in danger.

When Elsa accidentally traps the kingdom in an eternal winter, Anna sets out on a journey to find her sister and save the day. Along the way, she meets a charming iceman named Kristoff and his trusty reindeer Sven.

About the Author

Clara Carlson is a school teacher, a yoga enthusiast, and a writer. Born in San Francisco and lived most of her life in Los Angeles. When not writing, she can be found hiking, taking the Metro, questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.