Disney princesses are accompanied by majestic or magical animal companions - Jasmine has Rajah the tiger, Ariel has Flounder, and Rapunzel has Pascal. In contrast, Moana’s sidekick is Hei Hei, a clumsy, not-so-smart chicken. At first glance, Hei Hei appears to serve only as comic relief, but his role in the story carries deeper meaning. His presence challenges the traditional Disney sidekick archetype and aligns more with Polynesian cultural realism than fantasy (BBC Culture, 2016).
In Polynesian societies, chickens were a part of daily life, representing both sustenance and survival rather than status or nobility (The Walt Disney Company, n.d.). While other Disney princesses are often aided by animals that reflect their awesomeness, Hei Hei reinforces Moana’s grounded journey, focused on the community. He is also an unpredictable force, guiding Moana in crucial moments, mirroring the sometimes chaotic but essential elements of traditional wayfinding practices (BBC Culture, 2016). Hei Hei’s inclusion diminishes the expectation of a powerful or mystical companion, at the same time adding layers of authenticity to Moana’s story.
By having an animal sidekick that strays away from traditional Disney norms, Moana’s story maintains a sense of realism while embracing humor. Hei Hei is not there to support Moana in any conventional way, but rather to further emphasize her independence and resilience. His presence underlines the film’s commitment to breaking away from the classic Disney movie-formula, making Moana a refreshing departure from the typical princess narrative. This approach not only adds a layer of unpredictability to the story but also reinforces the theme that even the most unassuming companions can play an important role in life's journey.