Who is the First Princess of Disney?
Introduction
The Disney Princess franchise has become an iconic and beloved part of modern pop culture. With movies, TV shows, merchandise, and theme park attractions, these royal ladies have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. But who is the first princess to join this regal lineup? In this article, we will delve into the history of the Disney Princesses and identify the first princess to join the royal family.
Early Disney Princesses
Before the 1990s, Disney did not have a defined lineup of princesses. However, in 1959, Walt Disney created a series of animated shorts featuring a group of princesses, known as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." These characters were inspired by European folklore and were not directly modeled after any specific historical figure.
Over the years, Disney produced several animated films, including Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), and Dumbo (1941), which featured a mix of male and female characters. However, these films did not have a clear princess role.
The Renaissance of Disney Princesses
In 1991, Disney released The Little Mermaid, the first full-length animated film to feature a princess as the main character. This movie marked a significant shift in the company’s approach to character development, and The Little Mermaid set the stage for the modern Disney Princess franchise.
The success of The Little Mermaid led to a series of sequels, including The Rescuers Down Under (1990), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and Aladdin (1992). These films introduced iconic princesses, such as Belle (1991), Ariel (1992), and Jasmine (1992).
Ariel and the First Disney Princess
Ariel, the mermaid princess from The Little Mermaid, is often considered the first Disney Princess. She was created by Disney animators Glen and Alan Menken, who designed her to be a strong and independent character.
Here are some key points about Ariel:
- First Disney Princess: Ariel was the first Disney Princess released as a full-length animated film.
- Inspired by: Ariel was inspired by the 1950s-era German film "Robin and the 7 Hoods," which featured a female protagonist.
- Character Development: Ariel was the first Disney Princess to be given a full-length animated film, marking a significant shift in character development.
- Impact: Ariel’s success helped establish the Disney Princess franchise and paved the way for future princesses.
Other Notable Early Disney Princesses
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937): The first full-length animated Disney film, featuring the titular princess and her friends.
- The Sword in the Stone (1963): The first Disney film to feature a princess, featuring Princess Cindy.
- Peter Pan (1953): The first Disney film to feature a princess, featuring Princess Tiana.
The Evolution of Disney Princesses
The Disney Princess franchise has undergone significant changes over the years. The original lineup included:
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
- Cinderella (1950)
- Sleeping Beauty (1959)
- Ariel (1989)
- Belle (1991)
- Ariel (1992)
- Jasmine (1992)
- Mulan (1998)
- Pocahontas (1995)
- Brussels Sprouts (1999) (note: not a full-length film, but a parody film)
The modern lineup, introduced in Beauty and the Beast (1991), features a diverse range of princesses, including:
- Belle (1991)
- Ariel (1992)
- Jasmine (1992)
- Pocahontas (1995)
- Mulan (1998)
- Rapunzel (2010)
- Snow White (2012)
- Frozen (2013)
Conclusion
The Disney Princess franchise has come a long way since its inception. From its early beginnings as a series of animated shorts to the modern lineup featuring a diverse range of princesses, Disney has created a beloved and iconic franchise. The first Disney Princess is Ariel, the mermaid princess from The Little Mermaid. Her success paved the way for future princesses and established the Disney Princess franchise as we know it today.