Frozen 2: The Northuldra Origins & Real-Life Inspirations Explained
The Northuldra from Frozen 2 go beyond the Enchanted Forest and the kingdom of Arendelle. Their origin is explored by Anna and Elsa in the sequel.
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Frozen 2 introduces the Northuldra people, an indigenous tribe with a deep connection to the past of Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel). The record-breaking Frozen sequel introduces The Enchanted Forest to the north of the kingdom of Arendelle, which is being threatened with catastrophe. Elsa and Anna embark on a dark journey along with Olaf the snowman (Josh Gad), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), and the reindeer Sven into the forest, where they meet the Northuldra natives who have been isolated from Arendelle by a perpetual barrier of magical mist.
The history of conflict between the Northuldra and Arendelle makes the tribe a pivotal part of the story. After facing the four elemental spirits of the forest, Anna and Elsa learn that their mother, Queen Iduna (Evan Rachel Wood), was a Northuldra who saved their father, Agnarr (Alfred Molina), when they were young, and that their grandfather Runeard (Jeremy Sisto) initiated the conflict when he built a dam to limit the tribe’s resources. Elsa is willing to do what it takes to make things right, and sacrifices herself to restore the Northuldra to harmony.
The Northuldra tribe is inspired by the real-life Sámi natives from the north of Europe, particularly Norway, which Frozen’s fictional setting is based on. Although the franchise already touched on the Northuldra culture before, with Frozen’s song “Vuelie,” the producers collaborated this time with real Sámi representatives to create an accurate portrayal of their culture and a respectful parallel to their history.
The Sámi have had a rough history of segregation, discrimination and abuse to their lands. The most notorious example of this injustice is the construction of a hydroelectric plant against their will, which is referenced by the dam’s role in Frozen 2. The inclusion of this subject matter succeeds at enriching the lore of the franchise while also shining a light on a legitimate indigenous issue from the real world. Disney’s animated movies often feature well-defined themes, ranging from predestined love to self-discovery. In general, today’s audiences are more open to themes like Frozen 2’s post-colonial narrative, which, among other things, encourages viewers to fight for the rights of those who have been exploited. Although the subject may seem heavy to tackle in a children’s movie, Frozen 2 manages to do it in a sensitive and meaningful way.
Despite its box office success, Frozen 2 was met with mixed reviews; however, one of the film’s positive aspects is how it takes its characters on a deeper exploration of their outer and inner world, reflected in the fictional representation of a real-life indigenous culture. While it’s up for debate if Frozen 2 improves upon Frozen, additions like the Northuldra people are a great catalyst for evolution.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/frozen-2-northuldra-origin-sami-real-life-inspiration-explained/