Unveiling the Mystery: The Prince's Real Name in 'Beauty and the Beast'

In the Disney animated film Beauty and the Beast, the Beast, known as Prince Adam, goes through a significant transformation and learns to love and be loved. His final transformation back into his human form, Prince Adam, symbolizes the power of love, compassion, and inner beauty. This article delves into the historical and mythological background of the Beast and the question many fans have:

Traditions and Folklore

Traditionally, the Beast doesn't have a human name. This is common in folklore and fairy tales, where characters often lack personal names or have multiple names depending on the context. The nature of folklore is fluid, and interpretations can vary widely. However, as storytelling evolves into modern narratives, such as in films and television, the demand for clear and defined names becomes essential.

The Beast in Movie Form

In the movie version of Beauty and the Beast, the full name of the prince is never revealed. Instead, he is alternately known as the Beast, Master, and simply Prince. The identity of the prince in the contemporary television version is also known as the Beast, but he retains his Prince title as well.

Belle and the Prince's Real Name

The short answer is that Belle, the protagonist, never learns the name of the Beast. Throughout the story, he is referred to as Prince, Master, and Beast, but his real name is kept a mystery. This has sparked much debate and speculation among fans of the story, leading to variations in the names he is known by.

The Official Stance of Disney

Although some animators and cast members have informally referred to the Beast as Adam, Disney has never officially named him. Allegedly, some of the animators and cast members of the 1991 version called him Adam, and this name snuck its way into the CD-ROM tie-in game and the musical. However, Disney will always deny any official naming.

Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle, has publicly pointed out that the name has never been officially recognized. Even when actor Dan Stevens mentioned the name Adam during the 2017 movie's press tour, the official stance remained unchanged.

The ambiguity around the prince's name has become a cherished mystery among fans. It adds an air of intrigue to the story and promotes continued discussion and debate about the character.