Disney movies have inspired generations of kids with tales of brave knights, daring adventures, and the magical allure of true love. Disney princesses have the inner strength to face grave misfortune, poverty, and even abuse — and still come out singing on the other side. But wouldn't it be great if the girls had more tactile weapons with which to fight the ills of the world?
In this gorgeous series of illustrations by Dallas-based Jessica Madorran, the Disney heroines go full-on warrior.
Madorran says she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil — and she's a huge fan of Disney. She told us she originally set out just to make some fan art of Belle, but as she was finishing, she felt that something was missing.
"I added a rapier and it felt complete," she tells CafeMom. "I initially did not set out to make a warrior princess series, but once I started I just couldn't stop!"
Madorran notes that Disney's classic representation of a princess has matured with the times: "By empowering the princesses, as well as having them less dependent on a 'Prince Charming,' I believe they're beginning to reflect today's society and speak to the women of today."
Take a look through our slideshow of her gorgeous reimaginings of the characters, and purchase prints of her work at inprnt.com.
Image via Jessica Madorran
Mulan
Mulan looks ready to slay — literally — in this gorgeous mash-up of empress and military fashion. "When will my reflection show who I am inside?" she sings in the movie … we think she'd love this look.
Ariel
Ariel won't need help fending off any demons from the deep. She's got her own version of Triton's trident in crossbow form!
Anna & Elsa
Who knew the sisters from Arendelle would be packing so much heat? Anna could carve a snowman to pieces with that broadsword. Elsa's weapon of choice is naturally a snowflake-shaped shuriken.
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Aurora
This vision of Sleeping Beauty as a falconer with a longspear shows she's not goofing around on her strolls through the forest with her furry friends. Look out, Maleficent!
Belle
How great would it be if Prince Adam could transform into the Beast at will? Belle looks capable of taming him in any persona.
Cinderella
Cinderella might be too bound up in love to fight at the moment, but she's got a trusty rope dart should the need arise.
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Jasmine
Aladdin's princess bride might have lived a sheltered life with Rajah as her protector and friend, but he's not the only one with claws!
Rapunzel
She might look adorably harmless in this coy pose, but Rapunzel is armed against danger with a fierce ball and chain flail. And a super strong neck, one assumes.
Snow White
In this version of the story, Snow White must have borrowed a set of weapons from the huntsman — a labrys in each hand.
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Alice
Alice and her deadly scythe are prepared to destroy whatever madness might appear down the rabbit hole.
Sally
Sally might not be a princess, but she's more than a doll to us. This heroine from The Nightmare Before Christmas can clearly hold her own — and look darling doing it.
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