© Disney/PixarPrincess Merida is a radical break with the traditional image of the Disney princess. In both appearance and personality she deviates strongly from the classic princesses.
While classic Disney princesses are often characterised by large eyes, a small nose, a narrow waist, and a slender body (Zhai, 2023), Merida has a rounder chin and smaller eyes, giving her a less stylised and more realistic appearance (Zhai, 2023). Her lush, wild red curls, which are one of her most striking features, sets her apart from other princesses who always look polished and symbolise her indomitable spirit and aversion to convention (Breen, 2015). Furthermore, her body language also contrasts with that of previous princesses. Instead of graceful movements and refined etiquette, Merida eats in large bites, walks briskly and uncontrolled, and often sits in a nonchalant, ‘unfeminine’ manner (Aprilia & Sutrisno, 2020). Merida is therefore often described as a ‘tomboy’, because she rebels against standard feminine norms of behavior and is more interested in adventure and physical activity than in refined princess manners (Dundes, 2020).
Merida also deviates from the stereotypical princess in her personality. Where classic Disney princesses are obedient and subservient, Merida is stubborn, courageous and independent (Aprilia & Sutrisno, 2020). In many princess stories, female characters are portrayed as passive and dependent on a prince (Aprilia & Sutrisno, 2020), but Merida chooses her own path and refuses the idea of spending her life under the shadow of a man (García Gual, 2012). This makes her an autonomous, self-confident heroine, a trait rarely seen in previous Disney princesses. In fact, the film completely lacks a romantic plot. Instead, the relationship between Merida and her mother is central (Suganya et al., 2024). This absence of a love story is revolutionary within the Disney universe (Zhai, 2023).