She is pampered but in no way spoiled, and even though she frequently argues with her mother, Merida does love her parents.

Despite her outgoing, forceful personality, Merida does have a softness of heart, particularly when it comes to her younger triplet brothers, Harris, Hubert and Hamish. She is also incredibly skilled in spears, sword-fighting and racing across the countryside on Angus, her Clydesdale horse. Merida has greatly perfected her skill in archery and is one of the most skilled archers in the kingdom. Queen Elinor's traditional expectations that Merida takes a husband and become a proper royal lady come into conflict with the single-minded and impetuous Merida's insistence that she controls her own destiny. Princess Merida is aged 16 daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, who rule their Scottish kingdom. The people of Scotland have to accept Merida.' Origins and concept

Merida is certainly no damsel in distress and isn't haughty she is torn between doing what's expected of her and following her heart. She is a good role model for girls who want to get out there and do it. Overall Merida has received good reports from critics, some saying she is 'a breath of fresh air among the princesses, and from a culture Disney has not yet explored.

The brainchild of original director, Brenda Chapman, Merida is Pixar's first female lead.

The brave characters