The Story Behind ‘Brave’s’ Will-O’-The-Wisps

Eleven years ago today, the Disney Princess franchise welcomed its newest royal member, the Scottish Princess Merida from Disney/Pixar’s Brave (2012). While Merida’s fiery red hair, fierce independence, and mischievous three little brothers were all film highlights, one of Brave’s most enchanting elements was the Will-o’-the-Wisps. It turns out that these magical little creatures have real-world origins.

Credit: Pixar Animation Studios

In the Pixar film Brave, the Will-o’-the-Wisps are portrayed as special, luminous characters that guide Merida through her journey to change her fate. The wisps are depicted as small, glowing, blue light creatures that eventually lead Merida to a spell-casting witch. The witch creates a magic cake that ultimately turns Merida’s mother and brothers into bears. While the bear detour seems disastrous, it does eventually lead to a new understanding between Merida and her mother – therefore, a change of fate.

Brave’s Will-o’-the-Wisps stay true to folklore, which characterizes them as having a mischievous side. Will-o’-the-Wisps are also known as ignis fatuus, a Latin term that translates to “foolish fire” because they are said to often lead travelers astray. They are often likened to jack-o’-lanterns or fairy lights.

Credit: Pixar Animation Studios

These atmospheric, ghostly-looking lights, usually appearing at night over bogs, swamps, or marshes, are typically blue, green, or white. Folklore fueled by travelers describes them as floating orbs, flickering flames, or shimmering mist. In reality, there is a scientific explanation for the Will-o’-the-Wisps.

The flame phosphorescence light occurrence is attributed to the combustion of gases from decaying organic matter in marshy areas. However, mythology personified it as “Will with the wisp,” a sprite who carried a fleeting “wisp” of light. Travelers who were mesmerized by the lights followed them and often were lost in the forest forever or ended up drowning in the swampy marsh.

Credit: Pixar Animation Studios

Luckily, nothing quite so tragic happens in Brave. Instead they lead Merida away from danger, to face the demon bear Mor’du, and ultimately save her mother. Overall, the portrayal of the wisps in Brave adds a magical and mysterious element to the film’s story and reinforces their significance in international folklore. However, in Merida’s story, the wisps actually do lead her to change her fate for the better.

Happy anniversary to Merida and Disney/Pixar’s Brave!