Disney's iconic princesses have become a childhood staple for kids across the world. As children, we love hearing the stories of happily ever after and hoping one day we can have that, too. It is seldom that we look beyond this to see what other lessons lie within these stories of adventure and make-believe.
1. Rapunzel
Scene from "Tangled"
Youtube
As a baby, Rapunzel was locked in a tower and kept away from the outside world. While she had never been able to leave her tower before, Rapunzel dreamed for the day that she could finally adventure beyond the walls that confined her. What I love about Rapunzel's story is that she was curious and adventurous. She never gave up on her dream and actively pursued it, even after being told "no" by those around her. Then once she finally saw that her dream came true, she did not stop —she just found a new dream.
2. Tiana
Scene from "The Princess And The Frog"
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Much like Rapunzel, Tiana had dreams of her own. Tiana's lifelong dream was to open her own restaurant. Although it was not always easy, Tiana was determined to make this dream a reality. By doing this, she taught us what you can accomplish with determination and hard work.
3. Anna
Scene from "Frozen"
Youtube
At the start of "Frozen," Anna is desperate for love. So much so that she turns to almost marrying a man she just met. In the end, she learned there is no greater love than that of sisterhood. After all, sisters before misters.
4. Elsa
Scene from "Frozen"
Youtube
For most of her life, Elsa was led to believe that she needed to fear her powers. As we learned in "Frozen," her powers were nothing to fear. Elsa just had to learn to control her fear and embrace the very thing that made her different.
5. Jasmine
Scene from "Aladdin"
Youtube
There is a lot to learn from Princess Jasmine, but I find the greatest lesson to be her lack of conformity. As we see at the beginning of "Aladdin," Jasmine is a strong-willed princess who knows what she wants and deserves. She holds on to these beliefs, even if it makes her different those around her.
6. Cinderella
Scene from "Cinderella"
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There is often a lot of debate on the message "Cinderella" sends to young girls. While most people argue that it is teaching unrealistic expectations and dependency, they often overlook the true underlying themes of the movie. Throughout the movie, Cinderella was looked down upon by her stepmother and sisters —they saw her as nothing more than a servant. Cinderella did not let this affect her and she continued to treat everyone with kindness. This is a lesson that we all could use today.
7. Mulan
Scene from "Mulan"
Youtube
Mulan is not your typical Disney princess. After the Chinese emperor orders one male from each family to join the Chinese Army, Mulan decides to secretly take her elderly father's place. By doing this, not only did Mulan display selflessness but, she also showed us that you do not need to follow the path that is set in front of you. It is okay to break boundaries and create your own path.
