15 most empowering female Disney characters of all-time

15 most empowering female Disney characters of all time

By Andi Ortiz | Oct 30, 2019

Magical and larger than life, Elsa is the perfect mythic character—but she can’t help but wonder why she was born with powers. What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? Featuring Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved. /

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HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 18: “Merida” attends the Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival Premiere of Disney Pixar’s ‘Brave’ at Dolby Theatre on June 18, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images) /

12. Merida

Princess Merida is cool in so many ways, but it’s just five words that land her on this list: “shooting for my own hand.”

Who cares if it’s tradition that she marry the most eligible first-born son of one of the surrounding “great leaders?” Certainly not Merida. She’s not going to let herself be given away, and definitely not to one of the dopes presented to her. So she takes things into her own hands. She chooses a challenge she knows she can win at, and then jumps up to shoot her shot at…herself.

Merida’s whole storyline is based on the idea of being able to “change your fate.” She wants to be her adventurous, messy self and she goes to any means to accomplish that. In this case, magic isn’t the best choice, but any good story needs conflict right?

Merida also happens to be the first female lead of a Pixar film. The other princesses may joke about her in Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet, but they know she could best them all in just about any competition.

She teaches women everywhere that it’s okay to be mischievous, and messy, and do things your way. And we salute her for it.

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