Fairytales and Folklore: Disney was heavily inspired by classic fairytales and folklore from around the world. Characters like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty draw directly from these sources, while others like Pinocchio and Dumbo are loosely based on folk tales.
Real People: Some Disney characters are inspired by real people. For example, the character of Mickey Mouse was partly inspired by Walt Disney himself, while the character of Belle from Beauty and the Beast was inspired by his wife, Lillian Disney.
Animals: Disney was fascinated by animals and often used them as the basis for his characters. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto are all animals, and their personalities are often exaggerated for comedic effect.
Popular Culture: Disney characters have also been influenced by popular culture, including movies, books, and music. For example, the character of Aladdin was inspired by the Arabian Nights, while the character of Mulan was inspired by Chinese folklore.
Walt Disney's Vision: Ultimately, the most significant influence on Disney characters was Walt Disney himself. He was a visionary artist and storyteller who had a deep understanding of what made characters appealing and memorable. He was also committed to creating characters that would appeal to audiences of all ages.
Here are some specific examples of inspiration:
* Mickey Mouse: Inspired by a cartoon character called Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney himself, and various comedic actors of the time.
* Snow White: Inspired by the German fairytale "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" by the Brothers Grimm.
* Peter Pan: Inspired by the novel "Peter Pan and Wendy" by J.M. Barrie.
* The Little Mermaid: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale of the same name.
* Aladdin: Inspired by the Arabian Nights story "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp."
* Mulan: Inspired by the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in her father's place during the Northern Wei dynasty.
It's important to note that while these are some of the major inspirations, Disney characters are constantly evolving and being reimagined. Each new generation of creators adds their own unique spin to these classic characters, keeping them fresh and relevant for new audiences.