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|films = ''[[Frozen II]]''
 
|films = ''[[Frozen II]]''
 
|voice = [[Jeremy Sisto]]
 
|voice = [[Jeremy Sisto]]
|personality = Cruel, manipulative, murderous, ruthless, treacherous, dignified, mighty, bitter, fearful, intelligent, selfish, arrogant, cold, elitist, sadistic, enigmatic, genocidal, abusive, merciless, serious, stern
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|personality = Cruel, manipulative, murderous, ruthless, treacherous, dignified, mighty, bitter, fearful, intelligent, selfish, arrogant, cold, elitist, sadistic, enigmatic, genocidal, abusive, merciless, serious, stern, conniving, power-hungry, egotistical, hateful, callous, spiteful, superior, bigoted, prejudiced, haughty, entitled
 
|occupation = King of [[Arendelle]] (formerly)
 
|occupation = King of [[Arendelle]] (formerly)
 
|alignment = Bad
 
|alignment = Bad
|goal = To subjugate the Northuldra people (failed)<br>To stay in power at all costs (failed)
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|goal = To rule or crush the Northuldra (failed)
 
|home = [[Arendelle Castle]], [[Arendelle]]
 
|home = [[Arendelle Castle]], [[Arendelle]]
|family = Queen Rita † (wife)<br>[[King Agnarr]] † (son)<br>[[Queen Iduna]] † (daughter-in-law)<br>[[Elsa]] (granddaughter)<br>[[Anna]] (granddaughter)<br>[[Kristoff]] (grandson-in-law)
+
|family = Queen Rita † (wife)<ref>''Disney Frozen: Unlocking Arendelle: My Treasured Memories''</ref> <br>[[King Agnarr]] † (son)<br>[[Queen Iduna]] † (daughter-in-law)<br>[[Elsa]] (granddaughter)<br>[[Anna]] (granddaughter)<br>[[Kristoff]] (grandson-in-law)
 
|minions = [[Royal Guards (Frozen)|Royal Guards]], [[Lieutenant Mattias]]
 
|minions = [[Royal Guards (Frozen)|Royal Guards]], [[Lieutenant Mattias]]
 
|likes = Power, tea
 
|likes = Power, tea
 
|dislikes = Magic, Northuldra
 
|dislikes = Magic, Northuldra
|fate = Falls to his death during the war with the Northuldra
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|fate = Falls to his death during the war with the Northuldra.
|quote = "Magic makes people feel too powerful, too entitled. It makes them think they can defy the will of a king."|enemies = Northuldra Leader|weapons = Sword}}
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|quote = "Magic makes people feel too powerful, too entitled. It makes them think they can defy the will of a King."<br>"You see, the dam will weaken their lands, so they will have to turn to me. They will come in celebration, and then we will know their size and strength."
  +
|enemies = Northuldra Leader
  +
|weapons = Sword}}
 
{{quote|You see, the dam will weaken their lands, so they will have to turn to me. They will come in celebration, and then we will know their size and strength.|Runeard plotting against the Northuldrans}}
 
{{quote|You see, the dam will weaken their lands, so they will have to turn to me. They will come in celebration, and then we will know their size and strength.|Runeard plotting against the Northuldrans}}
 
'''King Runeard''' is the main antagonist of [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s [[2019]] animated feature film ''[[Frozen II]]'', sequel to the [[Frozen|2013 film]]. He was the ruler of [[Arendelle]], and the father of [[King Agnarr]]. In his lifetime, Runeard was revered as a noble and generous leader. In truth, however, he was a ruthless tyrant who believed magic to be a threat to his kingship. In his attempt to eliminate the [[Northuldra]], Runeard sparks a decades-long catastrophe that is then left to his granddaughters, [[Anna]] and [[Elsa]]; to rectify.
 
'''King Runeard''' is the posthumous main antagonist of [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s [[2019]] animated feature film''[[Frozen II]]''. He was the ruler of [[Arendelle]], and the father of [[King Agnarr]]. In his lifetime, Runeard was revered as a noble and generous leader. However, in truth, he was actually a ruthless tyrant who believed magic to be a threat to his kingship. In his attempt to eliminate the [[Northuldra]], Runeard sparks a decades-long catastrophe that is then left to his granddaughters, [[Anna]] and [[Elsa]]; to rectify.
 
 
==Background==
 
==Background==
Runeard is the oldest known monarch of Arendelle. His only son and heir was [[King Agnarr|Prince Agnarr]]. What became of Runeard's wife, Queen Rita, is uknown.
+
Runeard is the oldest known monarch of Arendelle. His only son and heir was [[King Agnarr|Prince Agnarr]]. Queen Rita, who was queen at that time, died of a terminal illness when Agnarr was very young.
   
 
During Runeard‘s reign, the people of Arendelle made peace with the Northuldra, a northern tribe in [[the Enchanted Forest]] with a special connection to the elemental spirits of [[Earth Giants|earth]], [[Gale|wind]], [[The Nokk|water]], and [[Bruni|fire]]. This allegiance was a ploy, however, as Runeard secretly feared the Northuldra due to their association with magic. He declared that they could not be trusted, and orchestrated a plot to eliminate the tribe.
 
During Runeard‘s reign, the people of Arendelle made peace with the Northuldra, a northern tribe in [[the Enchanted Forest]] with a special connection to the elemental spirits of [[Earth Giants|earth]], [[Gale|wind]], [[The Nokk|water]], and [[Bruni|fire]]. This allegiance was a ploy, however, as Runeard secretly feared the Northuldra due to their association with magic. He declared that they could not be trusted, and orchestrated a plot to eliminate the tribe.
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Runeard commissioned the construction of a dam, which was gifted to the Northuldra as a peace offering designed to bring prosperity to their land. In truth, the dam would weaken the Northuldra’s resources and—in their desperation—force them to be susceptible to Runeard. Upon realizing the damage being brought upon by the dam, the leader of the Northuldra consulted Runeard, who offered to heed the leader’s pleas in private. Once alone, Runeard killed the Northuldran leader. This sparked a war between Arendelle and the Northuldra, during which Runeard falls off a cliff to his death. The conflict between Arendelle and the Northuldra angered the spirits, who turned against humanity. In their wrath, the Enchanted Forest was encapsulated within an impenetrable mist that prevented anyone from leaving or entering.
 
Runeard commissioned the construction of a dam, which was gifted to the Northuldra as a peace offering designed to bring prosperity to their land. In truth, the dam would weaken the Northuldra’s resources and—in their desperation—force them to be susceptible to Runeard. Upon realizing the damage being brought upon by the dam, the leader of the Northuldra consulted Runeard, who offered to heed the leader’s pleas in private. Once alone, Runeard killed the Northuldran leader. This sparked a war between Arendelle and the Northuldra, during which Runeard falls off a cliff to his death. The conflict between Arendelle and the Northuldra angered the spirits, who turned against humanity. In their wrath, the Enchanted Forest was encapsulated within an impenetrable mist that prevented anyone from leaving or entering.
   
In the decades following Runeard's death, conflicting information spread regarding the origins of the war. The citizens of Arendelle believed that the Northuldra were the enemy, and that Runeard was brutally killed in cold blood. It wouldn't be until Runeard's elder granddaughter, Queen Elsa, traveled to [[Ahtohallan]] that the truth behind the late king's motives would be discovered and subsequently shared with the rest of the kingdom.
+
In the decades following Runeard's death, conflicting information spread regarding the origins of the war. The citizens of Arendelle believed that the Northuldra were the enemy, and that Runeard was brutally killed in cold blood. Runeard's treatment of magic would be repeated by his son Agnarr when it came to dealing with Elsa's powers after the accident to the point of driving her and Anna to growing in isolation as well as Elsa's accidental winter during her coronation three years after his and Iduna's death. It wouldn't be until Runeard's elder granddaughter, Queen Elsa, traveled to [[Ahtohallan]] that the truth behind the late king's motives would be discovered and subsequently shared with the rest of the kingdom after Runeard's youngest granddaughter, Anna destroys the dam and frees the Enchanted Forest, pacifying the spirits.
   
 
== Appearances ==
 
== Appearances ==
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*Runeard is the first villain to die in the Disney animated feature canon since [[King Candy]] in ''[[Wreck-It Ralph]]'', seven years prior.
 
*Runeard is the first villain to die in the Disney animated feature canon since [[King Candy]] in ''[[Wreck-It Ralph]]'', seven years prior.
 
*He is the third Disney villain to be related to the protagonist, after [[Scar]] and [[Hades]].
 
*He is the third Disney villain to be related to the protagonist, after [[Scar]] and [[Hades]].
  +
*Many fans consider King Runeard to be the true villain of the ''Frozen'' franchise since his actions against the Northuldra allowed Iduna to save Agnarr during the conflict which resulted in Elsa being born with magic. Runeard's actions were also responsible for much of the events of the first film as they had affected his descendants' wellbeing.
   
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 19:52, 28 February 2020

You see, the dam will weaken their lands, so they will have to turn to me. They will come in celebration, and then we will know their size and strength.
―Runeard plotting against the Northuldrans

King Runeard is the main antagonist of Disney's 2019 animated feature film Frozen II, sequel to the 2013 film. He was the ruler of Arendelle, and the father of King Agnarr. In his lifetime, Runeard was revered as a noble and generous leader. In truth, however, he was a ruthless tyrant who believed magic to be a threat to his kingship. In his attempt to eliminate the Northuldra, Runeard sparks a decades-long catastrophe that is then left to his granddaughters, Anna and Elsa; to rectify.

Background

Runeard is the oldest known monarch of Arendelle. His only son and heir was Prince Agnarr. Queen Rita, who was queen at that time, died of a terminal illness when Agnarr was very young.

During Runeard‘s reign, the people of Arendelle made peace with the Northuldra, a northern tribe in the Enchanted Forest with a special connection to the elemental spirits of earth, wind, water, and fire. This allegiance was a ploy, however, as Runeard secretly feared the Northuldra due to their association with magic. He declared that they could not be trusted, and orchestrated a plot to eliminate the tribe.

Runeard commissioned the construction of a dam, which was gifted to the Northuldra as a peace offering designed to bring prosperity to their land. In truth, the dam would weaken the Northuldra’s resources and—in their desperation—force them to be susceptible to Runeard. Upon realizing the damage being brought upon by the dam, the leader of the Northuldra consulted Runeard, who offered to heed the leader’s pleas in private. Once alone, Runeard killed the Northuldran leader. This sparked a war between Arendelle and the Northuldra, during which Runeard falls off a cliff to his death. The conflict between Arendelle and the Northuldra angered the spirits, who turned against humanity. In their wrath, the Enchanted Forest was encapsulated within an impenetrable mist that prevented anyone from leaving or entering.

In the decades following Runeard's death, conflicting information spread regarding the origins of the war. The citizens of Arendelle believed that the Northuldra were the enemy, and that Runeard was brutally killed in cold blood. Runeard's treatment of magic would be repeated by his son Agnarr when it came to dealing with Elsa's powers after the accident to the point of driving her and Anna to growing in isolation as well as Elsa's accidental winter during her coronation three years after his and Iduna's death. It wouldn't be until Runeard's elder granddaughter, Queen Elsa, traveled to Ahtohallan that the truth behind the late king's motives would be discovered and subsequently shared with the rest of the kingdom after Runeard's youngest granddaughter, Anna destroys the dam and frees the Enchanted Forest, pacifying the spirits.

Appearances

Frozen II

Runeard first appears during the prologue, when Agnarr recounts the war that cursed the Enchanted Forest. Agnarr recalls watching his father fall to his death, and was unaware that Runeard was the cause of the conflict.

Thirty-four years later, Runeard's granddaughters, Elsa and Anna, journey to the Enchanted Forest after Elsa accidentally awakens the spirits, who then wreak havoc on Arendelle. They encounter the trapped Northuldra and Arendellians who, like Agnarr, are unaware of what truly caused the war that doomed their land. Elsa is eventually driven to seek out the fabled river Ahtohallan for answers. While traversing its caverns, Elsa is able to analyze numerous visions of Arendelle's past, including those involving Runeard. She discovers his fearful dislike of magic, as well as his plot to control the Northuldra.

With these findings, and nothing but outrage towards her late grandfather for his treacherous actions, Elsa sends a message to Anna in the form of an ice statue, which sculpts Runeard sneaking up behind the unarmed Northuldra leader and murdering him in cold blood. Deducing that Runeard was the culprit behind the war and also seeing what a heinous scoundrel their grandfather was, Anna realizes that she must destroy the dam to restore peace to Arendelle. By provoking the Earth Giants, Anna is attacked by staggering boulders. She lures the giants to the dam, where their boulders successfully destroy the structure. This causes a massive wave to hurl towards Arendelle, but Elsa is able to block the waters before it could destroy the kingdom. With the dam destroyed, and the truth revealed, peace is restored between Arendelle and the Northuldra, and among the spirits, thus putting an end to Runeard's legacy for good.

Trivia

  • According to Frozen: Forest of Shadows, Runeard oversaw the construction of Arendelle Castle.
  • Elsa’s icy statue depicting the Northuldra leader’s assassination at Runeard‘s hands bears a striking resemblance to the scene in Frozen in which Hans was readying his sword to assassinate Elsa during the climax of the film. However, the difference is that while Hans failed to kill Elsa, Runeard did succeed in killing the Northuldra leader.
  • Runeard is the first villain to die in the Disney animated feature canon since King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph, seven years prior.
  • He is the third Disney villain to be related to the protagonist, after Scar and Hades.
  • Many fans consider King Runeard to be the true villain of the Frozen franchise since his actions against the Northuldra allowed Iduna to save Agnarr during the conflict which resulted in Elsa being born with magic. Runeard's actions were also responsible for much of the events of the first film as they had affected his descendants' wellbeing.

References

  1. Disney Frozen: Unlocking Arendelle: My Treasured Memories
v - e - d
Frozen Logo
Media
Films: Frozen (video/soundtrack) • Frozen II (video/soundtrack) • Frozen IIIFrozen IV

Shorts: Frozen FeverOlaf's Frozen Adventure (soundtrack) • Arendelle Castle Yule LogMyth: A Frozen Tale (soundtrack) • Once Upon a Snowman
Shows: At Home With OlafOlaf Presents
Video games: Frozen: Double TroubleFrozen: Olaf's QuestFrozen Free FallDisney Infinity/2.0 Edition/3.0 EditionDisney Enchanted TalesDisney Emoji BlitzKingdom Hearts IIIFrozen AdventuresDisney Heroes: Battle ModeDisney POP TOWNDisney Dreamlight ValleyDisney Speedstorm
Books: The Art of Frozen/IIA Sister More Like MePhantoms of ArendelleA Frozen HeartAnna and Elsa's Secret PlaytimeAcross the SeaFrozen Spring FeverComic BooksAnna & Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic:Disney Princess Beginnings

Disney Parks
World of Frozen (Hong Kong, Paris) • Fantasy SpringsAnna and Elsa's Frozen FantasyCastle of Magical DreamsEnchanted Storybook CastleDisney Animation BuildingFrozen Ever AfterIt's a Small WorldPLAY!Storybook Land Canal BoatsWandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs

Entertainment: Believe! Sea of DreamsDisney Dreams: An Enchanted ClassicFantasmic!Follow Your DreamsFor the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along CelebrationFrozen: Live at the HyperionGolden Fairytale FanfareMickey's Magical Music WorldMickey's Royal Friendship FaireMickey and the MagicianMickey and the Wondrous BookPlayhouse in the WoodsRoyal Theatre
Restaurants: Bayside WharfForest FareOaken’s OK FoodsRoyal Banquet of ArendelleThe Golden Crocus
Shops: Anna & Elsa's BoutiqueNorthern DelightsTick Tock Toys & CollectiblesTraveling Traders
Parades: Disney Magic on ParadeDisney Stars on ParadeFestival of Fantasy ParadeFrozen Royal Welcome ParadeMagic HappensMickey's Storybook ExpressPaint the Night ParadeTokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade: DreamLights
Fireworks: Celebrate the MagicDisney Dreams!Disney EnchantmentDisneyland ForeverFrozen ForeverHappily Ever AfterHarmoniousIlluminate! A Nighttime CelebrationIgnite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and LightMickey's Mix MagicMomentousOnce Upon a TimeWonderful World of AnimationWorld of Color: Celebrate!Wondrous Journeys
Summer: Frozen Summer Fun!
Christmas: A Christmas Fantasy ParadeA Frozen Holiday WishDisney Christmas StoriesDisney Dreams! of ChristmasDisney Winter Magic CavalcadeMinnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks"Frozen" Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyWorld of Color: Winter DreamsFrozen Holiday Surprise

Characters
Frozen: AnnaElsaKristoffHansOlafSvenThe Duke of WeseltonGrand PabbieMarshmallowKing AgnarrQueen IdunaErik and FrancisTrollsBuldaOakenSitronWolvesKaiCastle GuardsHans' Brothers

Frozen Fever: Snowgies
Frozen II: Lieutenant MattiasNorthuldraYelanaHoneymarenRyderThe NokkBruniGaleEarth GiantsKing RuneardSpirits of the Enchanted Forest

Locations
ArendelleElsa's Ice PalaceThe Southern IslesWeseltonArendelle CastleValley of the Living RockArendelle ChapelWandering Oaken's Trading Post and SaunaThe North MountainThe Enchanted ForestAhtohallan
Songs
Frozen: VuelieFrozen HeartDo You Want to Build a Snowman?For the First Time in ForeverLove is an Open DoorLet It GoReindeer(s) Are Better Than PeopleIn SummerFixer Upper

Frozen Fever: Making Today a Perfect Day
Olaf's Frozen Adventure: Ring in the SeasonThe Ballad of FlemmingradThat Time of YearWhen We're Together
Frozen II: All Is FoundSome Things Never ChangeInto the UnknownWhen I Am OlderLost in the WoodsShow YourselfThe Next Right Thing
Musical: Let the Sun Shine OnA Little Bit of YouHidden FolkHans of the Southern IslesQueen AnointedDangerous to DreamWhat Do You Know About Love?HyggeI Can't Lose YouKristoff LullabyMonsterTrue LoveColder by the Minute
At Home with Olaf: I Am With You
Deleted: Love Can't Be DeniedWe Know BetterSpring PageantMore Than Just the SpareYou're YouLife's Too ShortReindeer(s) RemixWhen Everything Falls ApartResolutionHomeI Seek the TruthUnmeltable MeGet This RightSee the Sky

Objects
Kristoff's SledRoyal ShipElsa's TiaraYule BellIduna's ScarfRuneard's Dam
See also
MusicalThe Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated ClassicFrozen: The Official MagazineDisney On IceAs Told by EmojiFrozen: Northern LightsInto the Unknown: Making Frozen IIThe Making of Frozen: A Return to Arendelle