In Disney’s Frozen II, Yelana is the leader of the Northuldra.
Yelana appears in the Enchanted Forest as the elder who represents the Northuldra community. She helps explain the history of the forest and the conflict between the Northuldra and Arendelle. Her role places her among the people who have remained trapped in the forest since the battle involving King Runeard.
Yelana is distinct from Honeymaren and Ryder, who are younger Northuldra characters and siblings. She is also separate from Lieutenant Mattias, the Arendellian officer who has spent decades inside the forest. These characters share the same setting, but they represent different sides of the story’s historical divide.
The Northuldra are inspired in part by Sámi culture, and the filmmakers consulted Sámi experts while developing Frozen II. Yelana’s leadership therefore helps establish the community’s identity rather than serving only as a plot device.