Only 1 Disney Princess Doesn’t Sing in Her Animated Movie
No two Disney princesses are alike, but there are a few common threads throughout Disney’s award-winning animated films. For one thing, most of the princesses sing at some point in their story. Well, all except one princess who dreams of independence and a family who understands her.
Merida is one of the only Disney princesses who doesn’t sing
She’s free-spirited and strong-willed. Unlike the other Disney princesses, Merida isn’t looking for true love. This character just wants to be herself, practice her archery skills, and marry on her own terms.
When her mother decides to arrange a marriage for Merida, things get “beary” interesting. It’s up to Merida to save her mom from a spell and her kingdom from a killer bear. There is still music in Disney and Pixar’s animated movie, Brave. However, Merida is one of the few Disney princesses who does not sing.
Yes, Merida is considered a Disney princess
According to Disney’s website, there are 12 characters in Disney’s official princess lineup. Those princesses are Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana.
When it comes to merchandise and the Disney website, not every princess character makes the cut. For Anna and Elsa from Frozen, because of their popularity, they’re in a totally different category from these iconic Disney princesses. Merida, however, joins the characters from Walt Disney Studios.
So, why do the Disney princesses sing all the time?
During Ralph Breaks the Internet, the Disney princesses ask Vanellope von Schweetz what she really wants. They explain that sometimes, it’s better to sing about something than to say it. Oftentimes that includes looking into some water, whether that be in a wishing well, a river, or a puddle.
The real reason Disney princesses sing? According to Howard Ashman, that’s what makes the audience fall in love with her. When Disney almost cut “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, the lyricist explained the importance of music, especially in Disney films.
“It’s not like you stop and sing a song, you get to a point where the crab has to convince the mermaid not to go up there and change her life,” Ashman explained during the Disney+ documentary, Howard.
“She has to sing ‘Part of Your World’ because she wants to go up on land so badly. ‘Kiss the Girl’ is a good example because if the prince doesn’t kiss the mermaid the worst thing in the world will happen… it’s a real tense situation. Songs are always driving the plot,” he continued.
Disney princess movies, including The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Beauty and the Beast are available for binge-watching on Disney+. To learn more about Disney’s streaming platform and to subscribe, visit their website.
