What fairy tale is the film Frozen based on?

Frozen is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen.”

Andersen’s 1844 story follows a girl named Gerda searching for her friend Kai after he is carried away by the Snow Queen. Disney’s film keeps broad ideas of icy magic, separation, and a rescue journey, but changes the characters and plot substantially. Anna and Elsa replace Andersen’s central children, while Arendelle, Kristoff, Sven, Olaf, and the idea of sibling love are original to the film.

A common mix-up is assuming Frozen is a direct retelling. It is better described as a loose adaptation: Elsa is not simply the Snow Queen, and Anna’s journey is driven by family devotion rather than romantic love. Disney’s 2013 film was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and became a musical fantasy about two royal sisters.