Anna and “The Snow Queen”

The end credits of Frozen state that its “story [was] inspired by ‘The Snow Queen’ by Hans Christian Andersen.” This admission explains why the film’s narrative is so far removed from the narrative of the original fairy tale, only taking vague plot elements here and there and completely repurposing them.

Yet, as someone who dearly loved “The Snow Queen” in childhood, I was joyously awestruck by Frozen.

Because it was faithful to the spirit, the essence of the fairy tale. In fact, it captured what I loved most about the fairy tale better than I expected it to ever be conveyed onscreen.

So many times when I was little, my father’s rich voice would intone the story of “The Snow Queen.” And what stayed with me most was not the vast and episodic plot, but the extraordinary devotion and determination of its protagonist, Gerda.

When everyone thought that her friend Kai was dead, she had faith that he was alive. Although a shard of the devil’s mirror had hardened his heart against her, she had faith that there was still goodness in his soul. She embarked on a staggering journey through the wide and bitter world, barefoot and alone, for the sake of someone she loved with her whole heart. She was fearless. She was kind.

Gerda was such an inspiration to me. Her powerful will shaped the whole atmosphere of the story, permeated its every line.

And in Princess Anna of Arendelle, I see everything I ever loved about Gerda, the little girl who went wandering in the wide world alone.

I see the strength and resolve.

I see the hope.

I see the undying love.

And that makes me extraordinarily happy.