Tag: Princess Protagonists

The Heroines Who Wear the Crown: Princess Protagonists in Modern Fantasy

Explore the evolution of princess protagonists in fantasy literature, from damsels in distress to empowered heroines with depth, agency, and nuance. Dive into their captivating tales.

From magical kingdoms to epic quests, princess protagonists have long captivated readers of fantasy literature.

While early fantasy works often portrayed princesses as damsels in distress or prizes to be won, modern takes on the archetype have brought nuance, depth and agency to these royal heroines.

 Let’s explore some of the most influential princess protagonists in contemporary fantasy novels and what makes them so impactful.

A Leader of Legends: Eilonwy in The Chronicles of Prydain

Though Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain often takes a lighthearted tone, the series broaches serious themes of war, death and finding inner strength. At its heart is Princess Eilonwy, a headstrong young girl grappling with her magical gifts and her role in saving the mythical land of Prydain. Far from a passive damsel, Eilonwy shows courage and cleverness from the start, often rescuing the hero rather than waiting to be rescued. Her matter-of-fact personality and dry wit add humor to the epic journey. Eilonwy emerges a wise, powerful leader who chooses duty over love – a subversion of classic princess tropes.

The Girl Who Would Be Queen: Aerin in The Hero and the Crown

Aerin, the heroine of Robin McKinley’s acclaimed novel The Hero and the Crown, is a fascinating study in duality. As the ignored daughter of the king, she is no one’s idea of a princess, much less a future queen. Shy and bookish, she seems an unlikely hero. Yet through grit and ingenuity, Aerin overcomes deadly dragons and becomes a battle-tested warrior. She claims both her magical heritage and her rightful place on the throne, proving that a princess’s power lies within. McKinley crafts a psychologically complex, inspiring character who finds greatness by being wholly herself.

The Princess as Warrior: Angharad in The Green Rider

Kristen Britain’s Green Rider series whisks readers away to an enchanted world on the brink of war. Standing strong against looming darkness is Princess Angharad, heir to the empire. Though a skilled fighter, Angharad’s true power lies in uniting allies toward a common cause. Her keen sense of diplomacy complements her warrior skills, showing that mind and muscle can partner in a strong leader. Angharad must navigate complex family dynamics and political intrigues while staying true to her principles of loyalty and justice. She proves a princess can fight battles both on the battlefield and in the cutthroat royal court.

Princess of Shadow: Elisa in The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Rae Carson’s The Girl of Fire and Thorns follows Princess Elisa, who must shed her insecurities to embrace her destiny as a prophesized ruler. Marked by a magical stone in her navel, Elisa is blessed – or cursed – with an ancient power, and hunted by dark forces who want to control it. Though born a princess, Elisa begins an unlikely hero, overweight and uncertain. Through painful growth and loss, she taps into her hidden strengths to claim her birthright and stand against evil. Elisa’s transformation inspires readers to look beyond the surface and find the spirit of the warrior princess within.

The Princess and the Commoner: Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle

Diana Wynne Jones’ fantastical Howl’s Moving Castle stars Sophie, the eldest of three sisters doomed to fail in her fairy tale world. When she’s turned into an old crone by a jealous witch, plucky Sophie refuses to accept her fate. She bargains her way into an apprenticeship with the wizard Howl and finds magic, adventure and even true love. Sophie uses wit and indignation to become a powerful sorceress in her own right, proving that destiny is what you make it. Though a commoner, she ultimately wins over Howl, resolving the tension between princess and peasant that permeates fairy tales.

The Warrior Heir: Princess Cimorene in Dealing with Dragons

In Patricia C. Wrede’s endearing Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Princess Cimorene bucks tradition by running away to become a dragon’s princess. Cimorene’s practicality, competence and no-nonsense attitude make her an untraditional yet beloved heroine. She slays stereotypes of princesses as demure and passive.

The Clever Spy: Princess Irene in The Princess and the Goblin

In George MacDonald’s classic The Princess and the Goblin, young Princess Irene displays courage and wit. When her kingdom is threatened by sinister goblins, Irene devises clever traps and strategies to defeat them. She proves you can fight evil with intelligence just as well as strength.

The Beast Charmer: Beauty in Robin McKinley’s Beauty

Robin McKinley puts a fresh spin on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast in her novel Beauty. As the title character, Beauty must navigate her shifting feelings for the Beast while defending her kingdom from political unrest. Her empathy and inner strength enable her to gently tame the Beast and restore peace.

The Summoner: Aru Shah in Aru Shah and the End of Time

In Roshani Chokshi’s Pandava series, 12-year-old Aru Shah can summon ancient Hindu gods and goddesses. When she accidentally sparks the evil god of time, Aru must undertake a dangerous journey to turn back the clock. Smart and brave, Aru proves you don’t need a crown to be a hero.

The Reluctant Ruler: Sophos in Megan Whalen Turner’s The Queen’s Thief series

Sophos is an unlikely king – timid and bookish, he’s more scholar than ruler. Yet in Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief books, Sophos displays quiet strength and care for his people. Though he never expected the crown, Sophos grows into a just, compassionate leader.

The Assassin Who Would Be Queen: Celaena Sardothien in Throne of Glass

Sarah J. Maas’ bestselling Throne of Glass series introduces Celaena Sardothien, a legendary teenage assassin sentenced to toil in the salt mines of Endovier. Offered a chance at freedom if she wins a competition to become the king’s champion, Celaena must summon the strength to once again embrace her deadly talents. Behind her fierce exterior, she hides a painful past and greater destiny as future Queen of Terrasen.

These princess protagonists capture the hearts of fantasy fans by showing courage, intelligence and growth.

While honoured for their royal blood, they rely on their personal strengths—quick wits, martial skill, humility in the face of destiny.

They lead with wisdom and prove girls can be the heroines of their own stories.

Fantasy authors continue to move princess characters to the foreground, making them complex individuals rather than lovely figures in the background.

Crowning Glory: The Royal Allure of Princesses in Fantasy

Explore the appeal of princess protagonists in fantasy fiction, their diversity, and 10 compelling novels featuring royal heroines.

Once upon a time, in a realm not so different from our own, a certain type of heroine began to emerge from the realms of fantasy, turning heads and capturing hearts.

With a wave of a magic wand and a flick of a quill, the princess protagonist was born. Since then, it’s been “happily ever after” in the land of fantasy fiction.

But what’s the real fairy dust behind the appeal of princesses as in fantasy stories? Is

it the glittering tiaras, the brocade gowns, or the limitless supply of chocolate from the royal pantry?

Perhaps.

But let’s dig a little deeper and you’ll see it’s not all about pumpkin carriages and glass slippers.

Stories are About Change

First and foremost, there’s the notion of transformation.

Everyone loves a good makeover story, right?

From ragged Cinderella to radiant princess, it’s the oldest trick in the book.

Even if the transformation is less literal—say from timid princess to fearless leader—it’s always satisfying to witness a character’s growth, especially when they end up with a crown on their head and a kingdom at their feet.

So intriguing…

Next on the docket, we have the “royal package.”

What we’re talking about is the complex weave of royal drama, intrigue, and power dynamics.

These elements offer a deliciously rich broth of plot possibilities, from cloak-and-dagger conspiracies to forbidden love stories.

It’s like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get (unless, of course, you’re a princess. Then you probably have someone to pre-sort your chocolates for you).

Desire Verus Duty

Then there’s the matter of responsibility. With great power comes…a lot of paperwork, apparently.

The princess protagonist is not just a lady of leisure. She is a ruler-in-waiting, and with that comes the weight of the world.

The conflicts and challenges she faces allow us to explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and leadership.

It’s the perfect recipe for character development and stirring storylines.

It’s the Setting, Darling

And let’s not forget the glittering royal backdrop.

Who wouldn’t be mesmerised by towering castles, enchanted forests, or even a bit of dragon drama?

These fantastical settings provide the perfect stage for our princess to strut her stuff, and a healthy dose of escapism for us, the humble reader. It’s like a holiday without the hassle of packing.

The Diversity of Princesses

It’s worth noting that princess protagonists are not stamped from a single mould.

We have a delightful assortment of princess personalities, each adding their own unique sparkle to the narrative crown.

Let’s meet some, shall we?

1. The Reluctant Royal

In the annals of fantasy fiction, this princess would rather go barefoot in the park than be corseted and courted.

She’s a free spirit, often uncomfortable with the pomp and circumstance of royal life.

Aerin from Robin McKinley’s “The Hero and the Crown” is a fine example.

Despite being a princess, Aerin has no interest in the royal court’s intrigue and instead becomes a dragon-slaying hero.

2. The Warrior Princess

Don’t let the royal title fool you, these princesses are fierce, independent, and not afraid to take up arms when the kingdom’s at risk.

Ever heard of Princess Cimorene from Patricia C. Wrede’s “Dealing with Dragons?”

She refuses to be a damsel in distress and runs away to live with dragons, learning magic and sword-fighting along the way.

3. The Strategist

This is a princess who uses her wit and cunning to navigate court politics and protect her kingdom.

Take Kelsea from “The Queen of the Tearling” by Erika Johansen.

She’s more likely to be found with a book than a sword, but her knowledge and intelligence make her a formidable ruler.

4. The Undercover Princess

Sometimes, our princess must hide her identity for the sake of safety, intrigue, or a good plot twist.

“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas gives us Celaena Sardothien, an assassin who *spoiler alert* doesn’t reveal her true royal identity until later in the series.

And when she does, it’s a game-changer.

 5. The Born Leader

These princesses are destined to rule, showing leadership skills and an innate sense of justice from an early age.

In Tamora Pierce’s “Song of the Lioness” series, Alanna of Trebond disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight.

Her journey is not only about personal achievement, but also about becoming a leader who can inspire and guide others.

10 Fantasy Books with Princesses as Main Characters

Whether they’re battling dragons, solving royal mysteries, or navigating the treacherous waters of court politics, these princesses truly rule the roost.

Here are some fantasy books with princesses as main characters:

1. “The Hero and the Crown” by Robin McKinley

As previously mentioned, our protagonist Aerin is an unconventional princess who’d rather slay dragons than sip tea at courtly gatherings. A Newbery Medal winner, this novel is a must-read for lovers of adventure and strong heroines.

2. “Dealing with Dragons” by Patricia C. Wrede

In the first book of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Princess Cimorene finds her royal duties terribly dull. So, she runs away to live with dragons, and along the way, manages to turn the princess stereotype on its head.

3. “The Queen of the Tearling” by Erika Johansen

Kelsea Raleigh must reclaim her deceased mother’s throne and rebuild her kingdom. A gripping tale of power and politics, this book combines elements of fantasy and dystopian fiction.

4. “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena Sardothien is an assassin, but she’s also a princess in hiding. This thrilling series is filled with action, romance, and plenty of plot twists.

5. “Alanna: The First Adventure” by Tamora Pierce

In this first installment of the Song of the Lioness series, we meet Alanna of Trebond, a princess who defies the gender norms of her time to become a knight.

6. “Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik

In this loose retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, we follow the journey of Miryem, a moneylender’s daughter who gets entangled with the icy Staryk king. Though not a princess from the start, her story is worthy of royal status.

7. “Daughter of the Forest” by Juliet Marillier

Sorcha, the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters, must undertake a perilous journey to save her brothers. While not explicitly a princess, Sorcha’s story is deeply embedded in elements of classic fairy tales and fantasy novels.

8. “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore

In the Seven Kingdoms, some people are born with a Grace—a unique, often supernatural, skill. Katsa, niece to the king and thus a princess of sorts, was unfortunately graced with killing. Rebelling against her royal role, she sets out on a journey of self-discovery and epic adventure.

9. “The Goose Girl” by Shannon Hale

A retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, this novel follows Crown Princess Anidori-Kiladra of Kildenree as she’s betrayed by her own people and must become a goose girl to survive. It’s a captivating tale of resilience and reclaiming one’s identity.

10. “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon

In this sweeping epic, we follow several characters, one of whom is Queen Sabran the Ninth who must conceive a daughter to protect her realm. Meanwhile, Ead Duryan is a lady-in-waiting with a secret mission to protect the queen. It’s a tale packed with dragons, magic, and a unique matriarchal society.

Each of these books adds a unique dimension to the idea of a princess protagonist, breaking the conventional mould and serving up some hearty, unforgettable adventures.

Be prepared for some late nights—these books are hard to put down!