Ella Enchanted

Magic is inextricably woven into life in Kyyria. Ella is both cursed and blessed by magical powers; when she is just a baby, the “fool of a fairy” Lucinda curses her into a life of obedience (3). Yet, Ella also benefits from small magic and magical gifts, such as the enchanted book of fairy tales, from her fairy godmother Mandy. Therefore, magic is not a uniformly positive or negative force in Ella Enchanted, but rather a fickle element which can be wielded for better or for worse depending on its source. Similarly, magical creatures can bring both good and evil.

As Ella travels to the giant’s wedding, she interacts with elves, ogres, and fairies, all of which are imbued with magical powers. The elves, who are perceptive and kind, identify Ella’s inner goodness (unlike her “sly” father); they host Ella for a feast and supply her with provisions and gifts. On the other hand, the ogres see Ella’s curse with their own magic, and exploit it to prevent her from running away so that they can eat her. The fairy Lucinda epitomizes magic’s duality; she originally uses her powers irresponsibly and brings anguish and heartache to her victims, but later reforms and helps Ella to arrive in a pumpkin carriage to Char’s balls.