Introduction

In Disney's animated film Frozen, Prince Hans of Arendelle is initially portrayed as charming and ambitious. However, his true nature is gradually revealed to be manipulative and self-serving. This raises an intriguing question: would Prince Hans have made a good king had he truly wanted to serve the people and lead the kingdom?

What Defines a Good King?

To answer this question, it is crucial to explore the various qualities that typically make a good king. These include honesty, integrity, confidence, the ability to inspire, passion for one's people, clear communication, the ability to make smart decisions, and empathy. Let's examine how Prince Hans measures up against these criteria.

Manipulative Nature and Lack of Integrity

Primarily, Hans’ primary goal is to gain power rather than serve the people. His ambition is evident from the beginning when he deceives Anna and others to achieve his own ends. This display of moral bankruptcy indicates a severe lack of integrity. A good king must lead by example and prioritize the needs of the people over their own.

Lack of Genuine Care and Loyalty

Hans’ actions throughout the film show a distinct lack of genuine care for the well-being of others. His willingness to betray Anna and attempt to take over Arendelle demonstrates his focus on personal gain over the kingdom’s needs. Additionally, his readiness to abandon alliances and manipulate relationships for his benefit suggests a person who would not foster loyalty or unity within his kingdom.

Inexperience and Decision-Making

As a young and inexperienced prince, Hans struggles to make difficult decisions with the best interests of his subjects in mind. Good kings often need to make tough choices that may not be popular, but are necessary for the greater good. Hans fails to demonstrate this ability during his brief stint as an interim head coach of Arendelle, as he makes decisions based on self-interest rather than the well-being of the kingdom.

Conclusion: A Better King Might Have Lined Up?

While Hans possesses some attributes typically associated with a leader, such as charisma and ambition, his moral failings and manipulative behavior make it unlikely that he would have been a good king. A successful ruler should prioritize the welfare of their people and demonstrate integrity and genuine care. Had Hans truly cared for Arendelle and its people, his relationship with Anna might have been different, and he might have made better decisions throughout the film.

Exploring What Ifs

Considering what if scenarios, if Hans had not relied so heavily on his image of being last in line for the throne and instead accepted his place, his motivations might have been different. This could have altered his relationship with Anna and even his subsequent actions. His confidence and ability to inspire may have been genuine if he focused on leading based on personal and ethical integrity.

Hans' ability to communicate and make decisions was impressive, but his underlying motives were self-serving. His apparent empathy seems genuinely suspicious, as it quickly disappeared once an opportunity for the throne presented itself. However, if Anna had been around more during her upbringing, she might have developed a more sustainable and enduring relationship with Hans, potentially leading to a better outcome.

In conclusion, while Hans possesses qualities such as charisma and the ability to manipulate, these traits are insufficient without integrity and genuine care for the people he leads. A good king must balance these qualities in a way that prioritizes the well-being of the kingdom above all else.