No worries, we got you covered. Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series is the perfect addition to any GoT super fan’s collection. For eight seasons, we have followed the Great Houses of Westeros as they fought for power and the Iron Throne. Lavishly illustrated, this wonderful companion piece celebrates the complete Emmy-winning series from beginning to end.

The book is comprised of two parts. We begin in the South and Essos and end in the North and Beyond the Wall. It is a literal feast for the eyes, complete with character profiles, battle depictions, and those handy family trees (between the dating habits of the Lannisters and the Targaryens, it’s hard to keep everything straight).

In the South, Robert Baratheon sits on the Iron Throne, but across the Narrow Sea in Essos whispers of the remains of the Targaryen dynasty still persist. Unbeknownst to Robert, it is Daenerys Targaryen who plots to usurp his throne and not her older brother, Viserys. In his own household, Robert contends with the likes of his wife Cersei Lannister and her brother and secret lover Jamie. Your first look into this world is a breathtaking map of Westeros, the South colored blood red — perhaps it’s a sign of things to come and all the lives lost vying for the Iron Throne. To quote our favorite Mad Queen, the throne will be reclaimed through “fire and blood.”

To understand this strange world and all its players, the show cleverly laid out its world-building in the opening credits. The iconic theme song plays as the viewer is taken on a journey across the world. Overlooking Westeros is the astrolabe. Fans of the show will be delighted to discover that this companion book beautifully illustrates the astrolabe and provides insight into the various scenes depicted. Ever wonder about the symbolism of a dragon fighting off a pack of Direwolves? This book has you covered.

Part I dives into the character profiles of our favorite and most hated players of the South and Essos. We learn of Robert’s Rebellion and “kidnapping” of Lyanna Stark — the spark that started the Rebellion and eventually brought down the Targaryen dynasty. We learn of Robert’s glory days, a far cry from the drunken king portrayed on screen. Perhaps my favorite character profile is that of Robert’s Queen Cersei Lannister and her siblings Tyrion and Jamie. The book has a chart comparing who drank more wine throughout the series, Cersei or Tyrion? It’s safe to say that despite his short stature, Tyrion drunk Cersei under the table.

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of King’s Landing? The book illustrates a detailed map of the city along with a description of the Red Keep, the Great Sept of Baelor, Flea Bottom, the oft forgotten Hills, and the notorious Dragon Pit. Music is a central part of the South. A Guide to Westeros and Beyond breaks down iconic songs such as “The Rains of Castamere” and “The Bear and the Maiden Fair.” “‘And who are you,’ the proud lord said, ‘that I must bow so low?’” will forever be my favorite line. Thanks to the book we know exactly what became of the proud lord and how Tywin Lannister crushed his house.

Speaking of proud leaders, let’s head across the Narrow Sea to the stomping grounds of the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. We first meet her in the city of Pentos, and we last see her in King’s Landing dying in the arms of her lover and nephew Jon Snow (we’ll get to him later). Daenerys is probably one of the most traveled characters on the show. Her journey is wonderfully illustrated from beginning to end in A Guide to Westeros. From her time in the Dothraki grasslands riding horseback alongside her husband Khal Drogo to her despair through the Red Waste to her triumphant return to Dragonstone and her valiant fight against the Army of the Dead in the North to her tragic end in the Red Keep, we are treated to the journey of our beloved Khalessi. Along the way, she met her closest advisors Jorah Mormont, Grey Worm, Missandei of Naath (Long may her curls pop!), Daario Naharis, and Lord Varys. Each of her advisors and friends has their own character profiles but my favorites of all are those of her children, the dragons. Long has the Three-Headed Dragon been the symbol of the Targaryen household. Despite the fact that they were thought to have died out, Daenerys gave “birth” to three dragons. Their names were Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal. A Guide to Westeros describes the dragons in great detail, down to their coloring, size, and their riders. “Dracarys,” indeed.

In Part II of A Guide to Westeros, we travel further north to the domain of the Starks of Winterfell. If you were to ask me which house I’d belong to, I am Team Stark all the way. Between their patriarch Ned Stark, free-spirited Arya Stark, and somber Jon Snow, there was so much to love. Perhaps almost as iconic as the Starks are their swords: Ice, Longclaw, and Needle. A Guide to Westeros does an amazing job of illustrating the Greats Sword of Westeros and Essos along with their history and owners. Despite his untimely demise by the sharp blade of Ice, Ned Stark’s presence is felt throughout the series. His ghost never quite left our minds or our hearts. The profile of the Warden of the North along with a layout of his home and large family is highlighted in A Guide to Westeros. We are reintroduced to sweet demure Sansa, precocious young Bran, mischievous Rickon, adventurous Arya, stalwart Robb, proud Catelyn. and last but certainly not least brooding Jon Snow.

The book explores the North in great detail to Bear Island, the Last Hearth, and the Wall. Much like Daenerys, Arya Stark is another world traveler whose journey is chronicled from her time on the King’s Road, serving as Tywin Lannister’s cupbearer in Harrenhal, training with the Faceless Men in Braavos, and her eventual return to the North. Just as the Dragons are the sigil of House Targaryen, the Direwolves are the symbol of House Stark. In A Guide to Westeros, we are treated to a breakdown of the six proud Direwolves of House Stark: Grey Wind, Summer, Lady, Shaggydog, and the remaining wolves — Nymeria and Ghost. Fans of the series will enjoy a refresher course of the Direwolves, their status, and their owners. Much like their Direwolves, the Starks endured loss and tragedy (cue the Red Wedding), yet the remaining Starks managed to thrive. “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.”

Finally, our journey ends at the Wall and beyond into the domain of the White Walkers. Ever has the Night King tormented our fearless Jon Snow (later revealed to be a Targaryen prince). The two Kings of the North battled it out in the Hardhome and later had a rematch on the fields outside of Winterfell atop the back of their respective Dragons. In the end, young Arya Stark was the one who took out the Night King, but if you were ever wondering the difference between the White Walkers and wights, this is the book for you. Their physical characteristics, abilities, and weaknesses are documented in a handy table. It is like having the ultimate cheat code. If battles are your jam, A Guide to Westeros is filled with hand-drawn, Dragon’s eye views of each significant battle in Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series is the ultimate companion book for any Game of Thrones super fan. You will pour over every inch of this masterpiece. Be sure to grab your own copy wherever books are sold starting November 5. Until then, just remember, “When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.”

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Author: Myles McNutt

Currently available on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

The post Review: Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

These six couples gave us chaos, confusion, and a front-row seat to the worst-case scenarios in romance. And still, we couldn’t look away.

1. Huda & Jeremiah (Love Island USA) – Love as Emotional Hostage

Huda and Jeremiah moved at hyperspeed. They locked in the moment they laid eyes on each other. So much so that during an early challenge when Jeremiah had to kiss two islanders, he stopped after kissing Huda — he simply couldn’t see anyone else. But Love Island is built for exploration, and this couple never allowed space for that. What started out intense quickly turned toxic.

Huda wanted everything from Jeremiah, grand gestures, constant reassurance, full emotional fluency, and she wanted it immediately. But Jeremiah is naturally reserved, which created a clash in communication and expectations. When Huda didn’t feel heard or prioritized, she escalated. Arguments became frequent. Communication eroded.

When America voted for Jeremiah to couple with Iris, effectively breaking up Huda and Jeremiah, he shut down and chose to speak with Huda the next morning rather than in the heat of her reaction. It didn’t matter! She cursed him out, berated him in front of the house for days, and left the entire villa emotionally heavy. At one point, Jeremiah looked like a man trapped in a cycle of apologies and attacks, visibly shrinking from the tension.

To make matters worse, Huda waited three days to tell Jeremiah about her daughter, believing he wouldn’t want her otherwise. When she finally told him, she punished him for needing time to process it. The manipulation was layered, constant, and often unchecked.

We kept watching because the toxicity was so jarring. The emotional crash-out, the power imbalances, the volatility — it was reality TV in its most raw and uncomfortable form.

2. Ron & Sam (Jersey Shore) – Addicted to the Chaos

Ronnie and Sammi didn’t start out toxic. Season one was sweet, even wholesome. But after an off-screen trip to Atlantic City where Ron allegedly cheated, everything changed. What followed was a multi-season loop of betrayal, mistrust, and explosive arguments.

Season two in Miami saw Ron winning Sammi back without disclosing just how wild he’d been while single — kissing multiple girls, flirting nonstop, and acting like a free agent. Snooki and JWoww infamously penned The Note to clue Sammi in. She was devastated.

From there, it was on-and-off chaos. Sammi would try to reclaim her power, only to get sucked back in. And Ron? He’d rage whenever the tables turned. In one unforgettable moment, Sammi put on her hottest dress, went clubbing, and danced with other guys. Ron retaliated by destroying her room — throwing her things, breaking lamps, flipping furniture. She left the house entirely for her own peace and safety.

They were toxic, period. But we watched because so many of us saw ourselves in Sammi — loving someone who hurts us, hoping they’ll change, then suffering when they don’t. Either way “Ron, STAHHHP!” is forever etched in our minds.

3. Clay & AD (Love Is Blind) – The Nice Guy Mask

Clay and AD weren’t toxic from the jump, but a clear imbalance was always there. AD constantly sought Clayton’s approval, trying to prove her worth in a relationship that never truly felt mutual.

Clay made it clear she wasn’t his type and while he expressed attraction to her body, he often hypersexualized her. She wanted love. He wanted… an experience. A boost for his personal brand, maybe.

Complicating matters, Clay carried deep trauma from his childhood. His father cheated on his mother and involved Clay in the affairs, forcing him to meet mistresses and keep secrets. This left him terrified of becoming the same kind of man and yet, he did. Not by cheating, but by becoming emotionally unavailable, cold, and deeply disappointing.

Their wedding day was the final red flag. AD beamed with joy. Clay, seeing her in her gown, simply said: “Okay, body.” Then said no at the altar. The worst part? He followed her into her dressing room afterward and said he still wanted to make it work.

This wasn’t love. It was performance. The trope? The Nice Guy with No Intentions.

4. Marissa & Ramses (Love Is Blind) – Hope vs. Reality

Marissa and Ramses connected deeply in the pods. But outside? They were oil and water. He was a pacifist immigrant from Venezuela who distrusted institutions. She was proudly military. Their views on patriotism, violence, and gender roles couldn’t have been more different.

Add to that a tense encounter with Marissa’s family, her mother threatening to “cut Ramasses’s balls off” if he hurt her daughter, and you had a shaky foundation.

Ramses repeatedly told Marissa she was the one, offering constant reassurances. But just days before the wedding, he changed his mind. No real explanation. Just a sudden, devastating pivot.

Viewers were gutted not because the relationship ended, but because it ended that way. He could’ve spared her the heartbreak. And she could’ve spared herself if she’d paid attention to the misalignment all along.

Toxic Trope: The One Who Knew It Wouldn’t Work (But Said Yes Anyway)

5. Kaylor & Aaron (Love Island USA) – The Love Bomber & The Hopeful

Aaron swept Kaylor off her feet. Promises, affection, words that felt real. But none of it stuck. From the jump, there was immaturity on both sides — Aaron was impulsive, and Kaylor, too trusting.

Everything unraveled during Casa Amor. Aaron, who claimed he was “closed off,” proceeded to get cozy with Daniela: kissing her, touching her intimately, and hiding the worst of it when he came back to the villa. Kaylor was shown footage but not the full story. When she later found out, it reignited every wound.

Still, she took him back. Only to be hurt again. The tears, the catchphrase (“FAWK Aaron!”), the endless fights…it was a mess.

They were young and naïve. Kaylor wanted a fairytale. Aaron gave her heartbreak in disguise.

6. Lauren & Jason (The Hills) – The Dreamer Who Settled

Lauren Conrad had a dream internship in Paris with Teen Vogue but she gave it up for Jason Wahler, a man with a history of substance issues and unreliability. “I want to be with Jason,” she said, sealing a moment fans would never forget.

Jason never offered her real emotional safety. And Lauren, while poised and ambitious, settled into the familiar chaos of a man who couldn’t give her the future she envisioned. They broke up for good, but the missed opportunity stayed with us.

It was a lesson in what women trade in the name of love and how often that love doesn’t last.

The post 6 Toxic Tropes in Reality TV: Awful Couples Who Keep Us Glued to the Screen appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Disney adults get a bad rap. They’re often seen as a rabid cult of insufferable people who are holding on for dear life to the glory days of yesteryear. In truth, Disney Adults are no different than any other fandoms. There’s so much overlap/crossover appeal — hello, Kingdom Hearts is a thing and it’s the first video game I ever played and beat! Disney is the rare fandom that can not only be enjoyed by adults but with their children as well. Disney brings families together, and that’s how I stayed a lover of all things Disney.

I was born in 1990, one year into what is known as the Disney Renaissance, which spanned from 1989 to 1999. The first film of that iconic era was The Little Mermaid. While I was still swimming in my mother’s belly when the film was released, I have fond memories of the VHS tape being played at home and at my preschool. Fast forward to 2023, and I was able to take my own daughter to see the live action remake starring Halle Bailey as the titular mermaid. Imagine my joy watching my daughter marvel at someone on screen who looked just like her! That’s part of the beauty of Disney.

Back in the ’90s, I had fallen in love with Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She was smart and independent, all the things I wanted to be even as a toddler. After Belle came Princess Jasmine of Aladdin, an equally fierce example for me and a woman of color. In 1994, I was finally big enough to go with my dad to the movies. He took me to see The Lion King and my life was changed forever! From the moment I heard the “Circle of Life” sung in Zulu while the sun rose over the savannah, I was enamored. 

Every year thereafter, my father took me to see the latest Disney film: Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, and Tarzan — the last film of the Disney Renaissance. Those films became interwoven into my life, from the characters to the unforgettable songs. Ultimately my love of Disney is connected to my love for my father.

When I was 12 years old, my parents could finally afford to take my brother and me on a trip to a Disney park. Our first trip was to Disneyland, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But a few years later, we were able to go to Disney World in Orlando. I’m not going to get into the East Coast vs. West Coast debate of why I prefer Disney World, but I will say it is much bigger (four parks vs. two) and from my perspective there’s so much more to do. 

When I had my daughter, my brother gracefully bowed out of the family vacation, so my daughter came along instead when she was five years old. Seeing her greet and hug Princess Tiana of The Princess and the Frog made every penny spent worth it. Eventually, my parents also bowed out, and it was just Destiny and me traversing the parks together. Soon, spoiled Princess Destiny (age 10) got tired of Disney World and requested to go to the original park in California: Disneyland. We had an absolute ball but we both agreed, Disney World is our home park.

I shared my fascination with my family, but I wanted to find women just like me. I wanted to meet other Black girls who grew up watching the Disney Channel, singing along to the Cheetah Girls, who stanned Princess Tiana and bought all her merch. Facebook was the perfect vehicle to find like-minded people, and I stumbled across a group called Black Girls in Disney, founded in 2021 by Jasmine Perry. What’s so special about Jasmine’s group is that she fosters a space for Black girls to indulge in a fandom that has not always been inclusive of them. There’s a reason why it took until 2009 for us to have our first Black Disney princess. 

Any woman of color who has occupied majority white spaces, especially Disney spaces, has endured the “othering” and exclusion of people that look like us. We saw how these groups attempted to destroy Halle Bailey, an unapologetic Black woman with the voice of a siren, for daring to take on the role of Ariel. Even Rachel Zegler (who has a Polish father and Colombian mother) was deemed by some to be “too dark” to play Snow White. Being a member of Disney fandom, like many others such as anime, manga, even sci-fi, often showed us that we are not wanted.

Perry wanted to change that and share her joy of visiting Disney World with women just like her. She didn’t know many in her life, but she found them online. Sharing her photos and recapping the excitement of her dream vacation with her fellow sisters is exactly what she needed. This author, too, thoroughly enjoys the group. I’m always eager to share my latest Disney fan theory and Disney merch purchase or break down the latest film in a safe environment. 

Perry also doesn’t shy away from controversial topics. She and her admin team understand the importance of open discussions, but they are quick to remind us that we are all sisters and therefore must respect each other. In many ways, she’s our Disney fairy godmother. Perry says, “Disney is for the young-at-heart, no matter their biological age. Being a Disney adult isn’t about reliving one’s childhood. It’s about continuing the excitement and imagination we foster in childhood.”

“I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder.” My Disney serenade to LaShanta never stopped. After six months of planning, we were on our way to Disney World as adults. I would convert LaShanta to the cult of Disney by any means necessary.

We arrived in Orlando on a sunny weekend in January. We took Disney’s shuttle, the Sunshine Flyer, from the airport to our Disney resort Port Orleans: Riverside, a sprawling resort reminiscent of New Orleans of the 1920s and themed after Princess Tiana. I ensured that LaShanta wore a “first visit” pin. After all, it had been a few decades since her last trip. We settled into our room located in the Alligator Bayou section of the resort.

We had a tight itinerary, and LaShanta knew to bring her comfortable shoes. Over the course of our weekend, we took the boat from our hotel and enjoyed dinner in Disney Springs’ collection of signature restaurants. The following morning was jam-packed with visits to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios; the next day we found ourselves at EPCOT, and finished our trip at Animal Kingdom. 

LaShanta got the princess treatment with lunches and dinners at Jaleo by Jose Andres, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, and the San Angel Inn Restaurant. We traveled around the World Showcase in Epcot, starting with a margarita in Mexico and were leaning by the time we got to France. Our favorite rides, the ones that reminded us of our childhood, were Avatar: Flight of Passage, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Guardians: Cosmic Rewind. 

LaShanta adored Pixar’s Short Film Festival and Mickey’s Philharmonic, and I knew I won her over when she shed a tear after hearing “You Are The Magic” part of Disney’s 50th celebration. LaShanta says, “Magic means more to me now than it meant to me as a child. It reminds me that everything I need is inside of me.” 

Maybe being a Disney adult isn’t so bad after all.

The post A Whole New World: Disney World For Adults appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

1. Below Deck (2013–present)

Where to watch: Bravo

Below Deck follows the lives of a superyacht crew during charter season led by Stud of the Sea Captain Lee Rosbach. The young, attractive crew is typically divided into four departments: interior, deck, galley, and engineering. There is a strict hierarchy, led by the department heads, that all rolls up to the big guy in charge, Captain Lee.

The show also dives into the luxurious experiences of the charter guests. Guests will typically charter a yacht for a few days, with a price tag ranging from $100,000–$150,000. Guests expect the pinnacle of luxury. Part of the fun of Below Deck is watching the crew grapple with the guests’ demands. Interior literally waits on the guests’ hand and foot, the chef is usually stressing over an elaborate meal while making sure the guests’ preference sheets are followed to the letter, and the deck cand engineering crews are usually putting together an outrageous off-boat excursion, all while under the watch of the no-nonsense Captain Lee.

As if dealing with prima donnas wasn’t enough, the real entertainment happens in the crew quarters where hook-ups and drama abound. There’s never a dull moment on the ship, but it’s all worth it when they get that big fat tip from the charter guests to the tune of $15,000–$20,000. Sign me up!

2. The Real Housewives of Potomac (2016–present)

Where to watch: Bravo

While The Real Housewives of Atlanta paved the way with an all-Black female cast, it’s safe to say the Peaches of Georgia no longer taste as sweet. We turn our attention North to The Real Housewives of Potomac, set in the affluent community of Potomac, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. The show has had a few changes in the main cast but still maintains four OGs from the first season: Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, and Robyn Dixon. The rest of the cast consists of Candiace Dillard-Bassett, Wendy Osefo, and Mia Thornton, all of which have been on the show for at least two seasons, leading to an incredible kinship.

The ladies are a colorful cast of strong personalities who definitely know how to spill tea, read each other down, and stir the pot. One of my favorite dynamics of the show is between long-time frenemies Karen and Gizelle. These two ladies can rip each other to shreds but ultimately have so much love and respect for each other. The best episodes are cast trips where wild-child Ashley and equally wild Mia encourage the other ladies to participate in all types of shenanigans. The show can only be described as my guilty pleasure.

3. Love Is Blind (2020–present)

Where to watch: Netflix

Love Is Blind is a social experiment that premiered during the height of the pandemic. A group of men and women are placed in a sprawling compound for ten days, divided into separate living quarters for each group. The contestants meet members of the opposite sex in pods for a series of dates, but the catch is, they can’t see each other. The point of the show is to test the theory that love truly is blind. Contestants can spend hours talking to each other from the other side of a wall, discussing their most intimate thoughts. The select few that fall in love become engaged. Season 1 fan favorites Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed were engaged within five days and were the first couple of the show to say “I love you” without ever seeing each other’s faces.

The couples that become engaged have their dramatic reveal the following day. More often than not, the couples maintain the same chemistry in the pods and outside of the pods. However, not everyone is so lucky. Sometimes the magic of the pods is lost after the reveal — looking at you Jackelina Bonds and Marshall Glaze. Whether the love is instant or not, the couples who become engaged go on a honeymoon and must plan their wedding in a few short weeks while living together. The moment of truth comes at the altar where each couple decides if they will say, “I do” or “I don’t.” The show has its highs and lows but ultimately makes us believe love is real.

4. Single’s Inferno (2021–present)

Where to watch: Netflix

Probably the most wholesome show on this list is Single’s Inferno, a South Korean dating show that sends a group of young, hot singles to live on an island called Inferno to find love. The singles must compete in a series of challenges and dates to get to know each other in hopes of spending quality time in Paradise, a sumptuous hotel getaway. The island itself has tents, an outdoor kitchen, bathroom facilities, and a water pump. The singles stuck on Inferno must cook their own food, fetch their own water, and avoid all electronics. The point of the show is to strip each single person down to the bare essentials in order to create close bonds with their fellow contestants. However, they are forbidden from revealing their real age or occupation on the island.

Each night, the three winners of the male and female challenges must select the person they want to take to Paradise. With their bags packed standing in front of the firepit on the beach, they call out the name of their choice and wait for them to emerge from the tent. If the name they chose did not choose them as well, the challenge winner must remain in Inferno. However, if both singles choose each other, the happy couple take a helicopter ride to Paradise and spend the night in a lovely suite where they can learn each other’s ages and occupations while enjoying room service. Heaven on earth indeed.

In the final challenge of the season, the women are placed in various locations on the island and the male contestants must stand beside the woman they are interested in. If she chooses him, they’ve won the game and hopefully live happily ever after.

5. Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard (2023–present)

Where to watch: Bravo

Summer House, a successful and wildly entertaining show in its own right, spawned a spin-off series featuring an all-Black cast. Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard follows the same formula of the original series (a group of young, successful friends spends the summer in a palatial shared house) but this time in Oak Bluffs, a historical Black community on Martha’s Vineyard. The cast consists of married couple Sylas and Jasmine Ellis-Cooper (hosts of the vacation), Sylas’s line brother Preston Mitchum, Jasmine’s friends and former Playboy Club co-workers Jordan Emanuel, Bria Fleming, and Shanice Henderson, Jasmine’s fellow creative Alex Tyree, his line brother Nick Arrington, and finally newcomer Amir Lancaster.

The phrase “Black excellence” gets thrown around quite often, but it rings true as this group of friends embark on fabulous parties, relaxing beach days, and formal dinners on their luxury vacation. With a house full of big personalities, there’s bound to be drama, but the cast manages to stay grounded and ultimately understand the importance of sticking together and uplifting each other. 

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1.       Bridgerton (2020)

Where to watch: Netflix

Bridgerton burst onto the scene Christmas Day 2020 and immediately took the world by storm. Based on the romance novels of Julia Quinn, Bridgerton follows the love lives of the eight Bridgerton siblings. Season 1 focuses on the eldest daughter, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), as she formally enters society in London during the Regency era. The young ladies of the Ton must be presented to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) at the start of the social season. In Bridgerton, the Queen is played by a Black woman. Showrunner Shonda Rhimes leans into the speculation that Queen Charlotte was multiracial, descending from the Black branch of a Portuguese Royal House. The presence of a powerful Black Queen in 19th-century Europe was revolutionary for viewers. 

Daphne is declared the Diamond of the season by the Queen and becomes sought after by every eligible bachelor in London. After a series of unfortunate events, Daphne becomes a social pariah. She decides to join forces with the dashing Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page), a rake who has no desire to marry. Simon is the benefactor of Queen Charlotte’s decree allowing affluent families of color equal rights in society, and as such he is considered a prize for any young lady. Simon agrees to faux-court Daphne, taking the heat off him and propping up Daphne as a worthy match. Their “fake love” quickly becomes real, and the two must battle with their own inner demons if they want to live happily ever after.

2.       Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

Where to watch: Netflix

With the success of Bridgerton, a spin-off series entitled Queen Charlotte followed. The series focuses on Queen Charlotte during two major life events: a young Charlotte (India Amarteifio) prepares for her impending wedding to King George (Corey Mylchreest) in 1761, and an older Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) grapples with a succession crisis after her granddaughter, the royal heir, dies in 1817. 

Amarteifo perfectly embodies Rosheuvel’s fierce portrayal of the Queen but now she’s softened by the innocence of youth. Initially hesitant to marry the king, who is rumored to have a mental affliction, a chance encounter on their wedding day leads young Charlotte to fall in love with him. 

As viewers, we also learn the origins of Charlotte’s friendship with Lady Agatha Danbury (Arsema Thomas, Adjoa Andoh), Simon’s godmother and, in her youth, a young woman struggling with the emptiness of married life. The show explores the strong bonds between two Black women who support each other during the darkest of times.

3.       Belle (2013)

Where to watch: Max

Belle is inspired by the 1799 painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle posing alongside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray. The painting, commissioned by her uncle, William Murray, Earl of Mansfield and Lord Justice of England, was considered unusual for the time as Dido, a biracial woman, was portrayed as an equal to her cousin. 

The film follows Dido (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) as she is raised alongside her cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon). Dido was left in the care of her Uncle William (Tom Wilkinson) after her father, Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) retrieves her following her mother’s passing and acknowledges her as his own. Educated, well-spoken, and beautiful, Dido enjoys the life of a lady but is often reminded of her station when she is excluded from attending dinner parties with guests as her presence may offend them. 

After her father dies, Dido is left with a vast fortune. Now an heiress, she receives a proposal of marriage from Oliver Ashford (James Norton), the son of a scheming social climber and brother to Elizabeth’s bigoted suitor, James Ashford (Tom Felton). While excited at the prospect of marriage, Dido harbors strong feelings for John Davinier (Sam Reid), an aspiring lawyer who seeks an apprenticeship with William. 

John helps William as he presides over Gregson v. Gilbert, a trial following the events of the Zong Massacre where slaves were thrown overboard in an attempt by the ship captain to collect an insurance claim. John and William disagree on the morality of the case, and he is dismissed, leading William to forbid Dido from seeing John again. Ultimately, her two worlds collide, and Dido is faced with the choice of living a life of privilege or using her influence to help people that look like her.

4.       Interview with the Vampire (2022)

Where to watch: AMC+

Based on Anne Rice’s novel, Interview with the Vampire tells the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), an affluent Black man in 1910s New Orleans. After the tragic death of his brother, Louis meets Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), a charming stranger and, unbeknownst to Louis, a vampire. Stricken by grief and lust, Louis allows Lestat to transform him into a vampire. The two live as secret lovers, ostracizing Louis from his remaining family. 

Conducting business by night, Louis grows his empire with Lestat by his side, but he also faces bigotry and homophobia as the nature of their relationship is revealed. Lestat is controlling and needy. After years under his thumb, Louis decides to leave. True to his manipulative ways, Lestat turns Claudia (Bailey Bass), a young Black girl Louis rescued and accidently bit, into a vampire and convinces Louis to remain and raise her as their child. For a time, the three become a happy unconventional family, but Claudia soon feels suffocated by Lestat and hatches a scheme with her beloved Louis to get rid of him.

5.       The Spanish Princess (2019)

Where to watch: Starz

The life of Queen Catherine of Aragorn (Charlotte Hope), wife of King Henry VIII (Ruairi O’Connor), is well documented, but we have never seen the portrayal of her lady-in-waiting Lina de Cardoness (Stephanie Levi-John). In The Spanish Princess, Lina, a Moorish Noblewoman, accompanies Catherine as she prepares to marry the English heir, an arrangement that will ensure peace between England and Spain. 

Among Catherine’s entourage is a handsome Moorish soldier named Oviedo (Aaron Cobham), who is smitten by Lina. Loyal to Catherine, Lina repels his advances and focuses on running Catherine’s household. Catherine weds the crowned prince and consummates the marriage, but she is secretly in love with his younger brother, Henry. After a sweating sickness rips through the court, Catherine’s husband is dead and Lina is left bedridden. Lina recovers under Oviedo’s care and the two fall in love. 

Catherine and Henry decide to marry but her honor comes into question by the royal court. Catherine vehemently denies laying with her first husband and begs for Lina to vouch for her. Lina is confronted with telling the truth or ensuring the happiness of her future Queen and ultimately the fate of her country. 

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Booking Your Trip

The first step in planning your Disney vacation is selecting your vacation package, which consists of your resort reservation and park tickets. There’s no obligation to stay at a Disney resort, but we highly recommend it for the full magical experience. You can select your packages by going to disneyworld.disney.go.com. Disney has a number of accommodations to choose from, ranging from value to deluxe resorts, and you’ll be able to choose a resort that fits within your budget. My favorite moderate resort is Port Orleans–Riverside, a beautiful, sprawling resort styled after the elegant white-column mansions and charming backwoods cottage of New Orleans. The resort also features Tiana-themed Royal Rooms. Another benefit of staying at a Disney resort is early access to the parks; you’ll be able to enter the parks a half hour earlier before the parks open.

Your next step is choosing your theme park tickets. If you’re looking for an action-packed weekend trip, we suggest upgrading your base ticket to park hoppers. That way you have the ability to explore each park within a limited number of days. You can begin your day at one park and hop to the next park after 2:00 p.m. If you’re looking at an extended stay, a base ticket of one park per day will be your best option.

During the pandemic, Disney implemented a theme park reservation system to limit crowds. This means that if you are traveling to the parks, you will also need to make a park reservation in addition to purchasing a ticket. If you are visiting the parks after January 9, 2024, park reservations will no longer be required. Once you book your Disney vacation package, you have the option of paying for your trip in full or making a $200 deposit. You can then split your remaining balance into installment payments up until 30 days before your visit.

My Disney My Experience App & Genie+

Essential to navigating the park is the My Disney Experience App. This app allows you to store your mobile ticket for your entire party, navigate the park attractions with an interactive map, make dining reservations, view standby line wait times, and manage your Lightning Lanes. Lightning Lanes are the best way to skip the line and thanks to Genie+ (an add-on attraction reservation service), you can book three Lighting Lanes at a time. 

Beginning at midnight of the day of your park visit, you can add Genie+ to your tickets. The cost ranges from $15 a person to $30 a person depending on park capacity. At 7:00 a.m, you can select your Lightning Lanes, but make sure you are quick because the popular rides are reserved within minutes. If your favorite ride is booked up, you can try again at 1:00 p.m. or pay for individual Lightning Lanes. You can scan your mobile ticket at the entrance to each Lightning Lane during your reserved time, or you can opt for a magic band, a convenient way to keep your mobile ticket on your wrist.

Dining

Disney’s Dining Plan returns after a three year-hiatus for the 2024 vacation calendar. The Dining Plan is a fantastic way to prepay for your meals and is highly recommended for large parties. There are two options: the Quick Service Plan or the rRegular Disney Dining Plan. 

Whether you’re looking for sumptuous beef tenderloin, delectable kabobs, or creamy mac and cheese tots, we recommend the following dining experiences:

Quick Service

·         The Friar’s Nook (Magic Kingdom)

·         Tangerine Café (EPCOT)

·         Flame Tree BBQ (Animal Kingdom)

·         Woody’s Lunchbox (Hollywood Studios)

Table Service

·         Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)

·         Space 220 (EPCOT)

·         Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)

·         Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Hollywood Studios)

Theme Parks

Disney has four spectacular parks to choose from, and we insist you visit all of them.

Magic Kingdom is by far the most quintessential of the four Disney parks. It features Cinderella’s Castle as its centerpiece and is sure to fill guests with enchantment and wonder. If thrills are what you are seeking, Magic Kingdom has something for the entire family, whether it’s a mind-blowing 3D experience or an exhilarating coaster. We recommend the following experiences:

Rides

·         Seven Dwarf Mine Train

·         Pirates of the Caribbean

·         TRON Lightcyle/Run

·         Haunted Mansion

·         Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Shows

·         Mickey’s PhilharMagic Concert

·         Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

Character Experiences

·         Meet Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall

·         Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater

·         Enchanted Tales with Belle

Fireworks

·         Happily Ever After

EPCOT is a park described as the place where your imagination comes alive. If you’re more into sci-fi or visiting exotic locations, this is the park for you. While EPCOT is kid-friendly, it’s definitely an adult playground where you can literally drink around the globe at the World Showcase. We recommend starting in Mexico for a margarita and finishing in Canada with a La Fin Du Monde beer. Our favorite drink is in China — make sure you try the Silk Road Hard Lemonade. We recommend the following experiences:

Rides

·         Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

·         Frozen Ever After

·         Soarin’ Around the World

·         Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

·         Mission: SPACE

Shows

·         Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

·         Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Character Experiences

·         Meet Disney Pals Near EPCOT Main Entrance

·         Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus

·         Meet Princess Jasmine in Morocco

Fireworks

·         EPCOT Forever

Animal Kingdom is a park where you can embrace your wild side. Whether you’re on a safari across the savannas, exploring the world of Avatar’s Pandora, or climbing Mount Everest, this park has it all. We recommend the following experiences:

Rides

·         Avatar Flight of Passage

·         Expedition Everest

·         Kilimanjaro Safaris

·         Kali River Rapids

·         DINOSAUR

Shows

·         It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

·         Festival of the Lion King

·         Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

Character Experiences

·         Meet Moana at Character Landing

·         Donald’s Dino-Bash

Light Shows

·         Tree of Life Awakenings (seasonally)

The smallest of the parks is Hollywood Studios but there’s no shortage of fun there. You can travel to Star Wars’ Galaxy’s Edge, find yourself on a studio backlot, or get lost in Toy Story Land. Hollywood Studios has something for everyone. We recommend the following experiences:

Rides

·         Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

·         Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

·         Slinky Dog Dash

·         Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

·         Mickey & Minne’s Runaway Railroad

Shows

·         Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

·         Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage

·         Disney Junior Play and Dance!

Character Experiences

·         Meet (Live Action) Ariel at Walt Disney Presents

Fireworks

·         Fantasmic!

Now that you know all the tips and tricks of navigating Disney World, be sure to grab your ears and your suitcase and have a magical vacation!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Disney World Adventure appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

1.       Romeo + Juliet [1996]

Where to watch: Max

Romeo + Juliet, the tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers, is updated in Baz Luhrmann’s slick adaptation. While the film is set in modern times, the dialogue is still the original Shakespearean English. In Verona Beach, rival families the Montagues and Capulets are in a constant state of war, trading swords for Glocks. The two wealthy families’ resentment passes to the younger generation, causing complications when Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) falls for Juliet (Claire Danes). After sneaking into a masquerade thrown by the Capulets, Romeo spots Juliet. They lock eyes and Romeo whisks Juliet into an elevator to steal a kiss. After the party, Romeo finds Juliet and climbs her balcony declaring his love for her. The young lovebirds decide to elope in secret the following day. Their marriage sets off a chain of events that results in the murder of Romeo’s best friend Mercutio (Harold Perrinneau) at the hands of Juliet’s cousin Tybalt (John Leguizamo), and Romeo in turn slays Tybalt. With blood on his hands, Romeo is now a wanted man, and the two lovers devise a plan to be together. Ultimately, true to the original tragedy, the two were only reunited in death.

2.       10 Things I Hate About You [1999]

Where to watch: Disney+ and Peacock

The Taming of the Shrew gets a modern spin. The story follows unruly Kat (Julia Stiles) and her popular younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). Bianca is desperate to date the wealthy, self-absorbed Joey (Andrew Keegan) but her father won’t allow her to date unless Kat does — a fantastic loophole since everyone is terrified of Kat. Coincidentally, Bianca’s French tutor, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) asks her out and Bianca suggests he finds her sister a suitor in order for their date to happen. Cameron seeks out bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) and asks for his help. Patrick scares Cameron off but is persuaded into going along with his proposal after Cameron dupes Joey into paying Patrick to court Kat. Joey doesn’t mind bankrolling Cameron’s plans and sees it as the perfect opportunity to finally deflower Bianca. Much like Katherine of the original play, Kat resists Patrick’s initial advances but slowly warms up to him. At the climax of the film, Bianca finally sees the light and goes to prom with Cameron while Kat attends with Patrick. Joey is enraged that Bianca chose Cameron over him and confronts Patrick about the terms of their deal. Kat overhears them and angrily rejects Patrick. Conflicted, Kat pours her feelings into her school assignment, writing her own version of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 141. She tearfully reads her poem in class, entitled “10 Things I Hate About You,” declaring her love for Patrick, and the two reconcile.

3.       Rosaline [2022]

Where to watch: Hulu

Rosaline is an adaptation of Romeo & Juliet told from the perspective of Romeo’s ex, Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever). The setting is fourteenth-century Verona, but the characters speak in modern English down to Rosaline’s bestie, a “yassified” Paris (Spencer Stevenson). Rosaline is supposed to meet Romeo (Kyle Allen) at the Capulet ball, but she’s thwarted by her father (Bradley Whitford) when he forces her to entertain a new suitor, Dario (Sean Teale). Rosaline is crestfallen when Romeo casts her aside for her younger cousin Juliet (Isabela Merced) after meeting her at the ball. Rosaline takes Juliet under her wing and sabotages any attempt of romance with Romeo. She convinces Paris to propose to Juliet and Paris agrees, as the marriage will distract from his disinterest of the “fairer sex.” Juliet’s parents accept his proposal, but Juliet is undeterred from seeing Romeo, deciding to elope after discovering Rosaline’s plan. Rosaline and Dario (whom she no longer despises) attempt to stop the wedding, resulting in a bumbling series of unfortunate events that leads to the tragic “deaths” of Romeo and Juliet. Rosaline for her part finds love in the most unlikely of places, and everyone gets their own happy ending.

4.       O [2001]

Where to watch: Max

Othello is reimagined in O following basketball star, Odin “O” James (Mekhi Phifer). Odin’s success draws the envy of his teammate, Hugo (Josh Hartnett) who devises a plot to destroy him. Preying on the fact that Odin is a Black scholarship student, Hugo convinces outcast Roger (Elden Henson) to lie to the school dean, accusing Odin of raping his daughter, Desi (Julia Stiles). Odin is absolved after Desi convinces her father that she’s dating Odin and he would never harm her. Undeterred, Hugo engineers the suspension of their teammate Michael (Andrew Keegan) and instructs him to become close with Desi hoping she can convince Odin to talk their coach into letting Michael back on the team. Hugo gets in Odin’s ear accusing Desi of cheating. The stress of the season along with his relationship drives Odin to use drugs resulting in a two-game suspension. Hugo uses his girlfriend Emily (Rain Phoenix) to plant Desi’s scarf on Michael. Odin is now convinced Desi is cheating on him and strangles her to death. Emily discovers the body and reveals Hugo’s plot. Hugo shoots Emily to silence her and Odin takes his own life, declaring to the entire school that Hugo orchestrated his demise. Odin is avenged in death as Hugo is arrested for his treachery.

5.       Ophelia [2018]

Where to watch: AMC+Ophelia is a twist on Hamlet told from the perspective of his doomed lover. Often seen as a tragic figure who commits suicide after Hamlet spurns her, this Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) is no damsel in distress. Free-spirited and well-read, Ophelia is the favorite lady-in-waiting of Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts). She also attracts the eye of the queen’s son, Hamlet (George McKay). Ophelia falls deeply in love with Hamlet, and they secretly marry. Hamlet discovers his mother is having an affair with his uncle Claudius (Clive Owen). Ophelia learns Gertrude has a twin sister, the herbalist Mechtild, who was Claudius’s lover, accused by him of witchcraft after learning she was pregnant. Mechtild faked her death by taking a sleeping poison but ultimately lost her child. With this knowledge, Hamlet believes Claudius murdered his father to become king and openly defies them in court. Claudius affirms his suspicions and, enraged, Hamlet murders Ophelia’s father mistaking him for Claudius. Hamlet is banished and reportedly executed, devastating Ophelia. Later, Ophelia is cornered by Claudius, and she confronts him about Mechtild. He throws her in the dungeon but Ophelia escapes by feigning madness and uses Mechtild’s poison, faking her death by drowning. She disguises herself, sneaking back into the castle after learning her brother Laertes (Tom Felton) has challenged Hamlet (who escaped execution) to a duel, in retaliation for his father’s death. Ophelia pleads with Hamlet to leave with her but blinded by his revenge, he refuses. Hamlet kills Laertes and suffers the same fate as Laertes’s sword was poisoned. Claudius and Gertrude both meet their ends while Ophelia lives a quiet life in exile with the child conceived in love with Hamlet.

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Looking for recommendations on the best films to spread that holiday cheer? We got you covered.

1. The Santa Clause (1994)

Where to watch: Disney+

This delightful twist on the origins of the big man is a longtime favorite of this author. The Santa Clause follows toy salesman, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) as he spends Christmas Eve with his precocious son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Charlie is a true believer in the magic of Christmas, but Scott feels Charlie should grow up. The two are in for a big surprise when Saint Nick takes a tumble off the roof. Encouraged by Charlie, Scott dons the red suit and the two set off on a wild adventure completing Santa’s delivery run with a final stop at the North Pole. Scott quickly finds out he’s unknowingly entered a contract to become the new Father Christmas. The Santa Clause is full of all the wonder that makes Christmas magical for kids with cynical humor and sarcasm that adults will enjoy.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Where to watch: HBO Max

While some purists may prefer the original 1966 short, this delightful update greatly expands on the universe of the Whos from Whoville and the origins of the Grinch. Innocent Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) happens upon the devious Grinch (Jim Carrey) in the post office sorting room as he attempts to ruin Christmas… yet again. The young Who is nearly crushed to death in a mail chute but in a surprising act of kindness, she’s rescued by the Grinch. The encounter leaves Cindy Lou curious about her savior, and she begins to dig into the Grinch’s tragic background. Moved by his story, Cindy nominates the Grinch as the town’s “Holiday Cheermeister,” but the move backfires setting off a chain of events that leads the Grinch to his dastardly plan to destroy Christmas once and for all. Young viewers will enjoy the elaborate set pieces and character design of the cheery Whos and their quaint town, and adults will get a kick out of the Grinch’s antics and unforgettable one-liners… I personally quote the Grinch far too often.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Where to watch: Disney+

From the mind of Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas perfectly blends the worlds of Halloween and Christmas together. The film follows Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), the Pumpkin King, who’s grown bored of his life in Halloween Town. He wanders into the woods and finds six trees each with a door that leads to a new holiday-themed world. Jack chooses the door to Christmas Town and is amazed by the sights and sounds. He returns to Halloween Town intent on taking over Christmas, believing he can make it better. He arranges for Santa Claus to be kidnapped and puts his ghoulish fellow residents to work on adopting new Christmas traditions and creating scary Christmas presents for unsuspecting children. Jack even assigns Sally (Catherine O’Hara), who is secretly in love with Jack, the duty of crafting his Santa suit. While the ragdoll sets to work on his suit, she experiences horrible visions of Jack’s disastrous end should he succeed in taking over Christmas. Children will be in awe of the gorgeous stop-motion animation and parents will appreciate the more mature themes, that along with Danny Elfman’s haunting score.

4. Home Alone (1990)

Where to watch: Disney+

Every kid dreams of being left at home, with no parents to boss them around and no siblings to annoy them. In Home Alone, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) realizes his dream has come true after his family accidentally leaves him behind as they travel to spend their Christmas in Paris. When Kevin’s mother, Kate (Catherine O’Hara), realizes Kevin has been left behind, she goes on a harrowing journey during peak holiday travel to get back home to her son. At first, Kevin is more than thrilled with his newfound freedom – watching R-rated films, while gorging on ice cream to his heart’s content. Things quickly turn awry when a pair of burglars named Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) attempt to break in. Kevin manages to fool them into believing his family is home, but they soon realize the little boy is left on his own. Kevin decides to defend his home against the bandits, using his wits to create a labyrinth of booby traps in his house. Hilarity ensues as Harry and Marv contend with the likes of an 8-year-old. Both children and adults will be tickled and laugh at the brilliant physical comedy along with the sweet heartwarming ending.

5. Elf (2003)

Where to watch: HBO Max

I never imagined a 6’3” elf in tights would bring such joy, but that’s just what Will Ferrell does as the titular Elf. We meet Buddy the Elf, a human raised in the North Pole unaware of his true origins. Buddy learns from his adoptive father, Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), that his birth father, Walter (James Caan) is a children’s book publisher living in New York and he’s (gasp) on the naughty list! Buddy sets out on a fantastical journey to find Walter in the Big Apple and redeem his flawed character. The gruff man is less than enthused to meet his son and initially rejects his heartfelt advances. Undeterred, Buddy finds a part time job in the toy section at a nearby department store and falls head over heels for his apathetic co-worker, Jovie (Zooey Deschanel). Buddy’s skills in the North Pole translate well at his new job but his efforts and enthusiasm are met with suspicion by Wanda (Faizon Love), the store manager. Although Buddy is a working man, he spends all his free time trying to win over Walter. After consulting with the family doctor who believes Buddy has regressed emotionally but biologically is Walter’s son, Walter reluctantly brings him home to meet his family. Between the stress of integrating Buddy into his home and the threat of his publishing company going under, Walter is less than kind to Buddy. The resulting fallout sets into motion one of the greatest redemption arcs in holiday film history. Kids will relate to Buddy’s childlike nature along with the endearing message of Christmas Spirit, and grown-ups will appreciate the wacky fish out of water tale, led by the hilarious Will Ferrell and an equally hilarious supporting cast.

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With the season finale of HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon, viewers were excited to see the legendary Dance of the Dragons begin. And while Season 2 is not expected to debut until sometime in 2024, there is one character we look forward to seeing in the forthcoming season. Her name is Nettles.

The Velaryons were the epitome of Black excellence on the show, and I am thrilled that showrunner Ryan Condal opted to race bend the seafaring noble house. Very rarely do we see ourselves in high fantasies. However, Nettles is a character from the original source material that was already Black, and she had an important role to play in the Dance. Described as a small, brown-skinned girl with black hair and brown eyes, Nettles was a dragonseed who grew up on the island of Driftmark. For those who are unfamiliar, dragonseed is a term used to describe the bastards of House Targaryen and House Velaryon.

Nettles, aged 16 at the beginning of the Dance, was a homeless youth living in a small fishing village on Driftmark called Hull. She did not know her father and had long been abandoned by her mother, a dockside sex-worker. The girl, described as foul-mouthed and fearless, survived by stealing food and whatever else she could find. Once she was caught in the act and her nose was slit, leaving behind a permanent scar. When Prince Jacaerys Velaryon declared the Blacks needed more dragonriders in preparation for the imminent civil war, dragonseed from all over Westeros arrived to pledge their loyalty. Seeing her chance at a better life, Nettles decided to tame her own dragon.

The dragon in question was a wild male aptly named Sheepstealer. The dragon, described as “mud brown” and slender, lived in the caverns of the Dragonmont on Dragonstone and had a taste for sheep, which he hunted on the neighboring island of Driftmark. Nearly 50 years old at the time of the Dance, Sheepstealer remained unclaimed and thus unaccustomed to humans. 

While he was said not to be aggressive toward humans, he was quite vicious when provoked. During the Sowing, an event known in the histories when dragonseed and dragonseed pretenders tried to claim their own dragons, Sheepstealer was one of four riderless dragons. He was said to have killed more potential riders than the other dragons (Seasmoke, Vermithor, and Silverwing) combined. 

Nettles was far more clever than her predecessors and won Sheepstealer over by presenting him with freshly slaughtered sheep every morning. Now bonded with her dragon, the skinny brown girl on her skinny brown dragon joined Queen Rhaenyra’s Blacks in the fight against the Greens and became a constant companion of Prince Daemon Targaryen.

There are differing accounts of Nettles’ relationship with Daemon. According to Mushroom, a court jester, Nettles became Daemon’s lover. He taught the once filthy street urchin how to properly bathe, even sharing a tub with her and lavished her with gifts, including an ivory hairbrush, a silver looking glass, leather riding boots, and a velvet and satin cloak. In contrast, the maester of Maidenpool (homebase for Blacks operations), described Daemon’s love for Nettles as that of a father for his daughter. Whether they were lovers or had a pseudo father/daughter relationship, there’s no doubt that Daemon and Nettles were very close.

Aside from her relationship with the Rogue Prince, Nettles was a valuable player in the Dance of the Dragons. On the back of Sheepstealer, she fought fiercely in the skies, winning a great victory at the Battle of the Gullet, known as the bloodiest sea battle in the history of Westeros. Nettles, along with her fellow dragonseed Ulf the White on Silverwing, Hugh Hammer on Vermithor, and Addam Velaryon on Seasmoke, joined Prince Jacaerys riding Vermax and destroyed the fleet of the Triarchy, allies of the Greens. The great victory came at a cost, as Jacaerys was killed in battle. Nettles wept bitterly at the loss of her friend who once gave her a chance at a better life. During the fall of King’s Landing, Nettles landed Sheepstealer on Visenya’s Hill as a show of force, which was instrumental in the Blacks taking back the capital.

After the fall of King’s Landing, Otto Hightower sent his nephew Ormund and an army of Greens to secure the capital. Ulf and Hugh along with their dragons were sent to defend Tumbleton, the last stronghold between King’s Landing and the Green army. For reasons unknown, Ulf and Hugh betrayed the Blacks and joined the Greens, raining dragonfire upon Tumbleton and killing thousands of innocent people. This great betrayal led Rhaenyra to distrust dragonseeds, and Mysaria, now Rhaenyra’s Mistress of Whispers, stoked the flames further by telling Rhaenyra about Daemon’s close relationship with Nettles. 

Enraged, Rhaenyra sent a raven to Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool, ordering the death of Nettles. Rhaenyra requested Manfryd return Nettles’ head and demanded Daemon return to the capital. Thankfully, Manfryd ignored Rhaenyra’s request, and with Daemon’s help, Nettles escaped. The girl was deeply hurt by Rhaenyra’s rejection and tearfully flew away on the back of Sheepstealer.

Nettles and her dragon were not seen for years. During the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen, Ser Robert Rowan and his army were sent to the Vale to aid Ser Joffrey Arryn in a succession conflict for the Eyrie. Robert and his men found Nettles and Sheepstealer in a cave on the Mountains of the Moon, leading to a skirmish that killed sixteen of Robert’s men. Afterwards, Nettles and Sheepstealer flew deeper into the mountains and were never seen again.

Some say Nettles lived happily with Daemon in secret after he and Aemond fought on the backs of their dragons in the Battle Above the God’s Eye — after all, Daemon’s body was never found. Some say Nettles was worshiped by the Burned Men of the Hill Tribes, as they frequently brought offerings to a fire-witch who lived with her dragon deep in the mountains. We will never know what truly happened to our beloved Nettles, but we hope she’s introduced in House of Dragon’s second season.

All Season 1 episodes of House of the Dragon are currently streaming on HBOMax.

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Tarzan

While Tarzan is technically not a prince, he was the son of a wealthy noble family and Lord of the Jungle. That’s close enough for us! Tarzan is deeply curious about the world around him, a trait that pairs him perfectly with the studious Jane Porter. He’s family oriented and willing to lay down his life for the people he loves. His sheer bravery and protective nature make him the ideal partner whether you’re a damsel in distress or not. The downside to our Son of Man is the fact that he was raised by gorillas — expecting well-mannered gentility is out of the question. If you don’t mind someone that’s a little rough around the edges, Tarzan is the man for you. And it doesn’t help that he looks great in a loincloth.

Kristoff

Kristoff from Frozen started off as a reclusive ice harvester who loved nothing more than solitude and singing duets with his reindeer, Svend. He’s a cynic by nature, in stark contrast to the perpetually optimistic Anna. While he is slow to warm up, Kristoff has a big heart. Despite his initial reluctance, Kristoff helped Anna find her sister in the treacherous mountains of Arendelle, knowing she would likely perish without her. When romantic feelings begin to stir within him for Anna, he shows himself to be a tender, loving partner allowing his lady love to take the lead. It’s safe to say that while Kristoff is a bit of a fixer upper, he’s also a keeper.

Naveen

At the start of The Princess and the Frog, Prince Naveen is the epitome of a man-child. He knows nothing about hard work and would rather spend his time playing his mandolin and chasing after women. While very handsome and charismatic, Naveen was a man you couldn’t rely upon, but we soon find things change. As he is swept away on a wild adventure in the bayous of New Orleans, Naveen learns the importance of responsibility and learning to help others thanks to the influence of Tiana. By the end of his journey, he’s willing to do anything to make Tiana’s dreams come true, including helping her build her restaurant from the ground up. Naveen may have started off as a spoiled prince but by the end he was a hardworking, supportive partner. And let’s be honest, what girl wouldn’t fall for that dazzling smile and killer dance moves?

Aladdin

When we first meet Aladdin, he’s a thieving street rat, not exactly worthy of a princess. He doesn’t seem to have much direction and tends to find himself in trouble on a regular basis. When he happens upon Genie and the magic of the lamp, he assumes that posing as a rich prince will win over Princess Jasmine. He lies to her to keep up the ruse. Aladdin soon redeems himself when he risks his own life to rescue Princess Jasmine and the Sultan from the grips of the evil Jafar. His first rescue mission doesn’t go as planned, and he’s banished to the ends of the earth. Despite this setback, Aladdin doesn’t give up and makes his way back to Agrabah. This time he uses his wits to trick Jafar into becoming a genie, therefore trapping himself in his own magic lamp. You gotta love a man that’s willing to do anything to rescue you from harm. And while he was a bit of a ruffian, Aladdin keeps his promises and sets Genie free. That’s something worth admiring considering he could have easily held on to Genie for one last wish. Turns out Aladdin is a diamond in the rough and Jasmine is a lucky girl.

Li Shang

Let’s get down to business, Li Shang is a bit too buttoned up and kind of uptight. Years in the military have made him strict and brutal. We also can’t forget he was conditioned under sexist ideals, where exaggerated masculinity is the pinnacle of success and women were seen as second citizens. Despite this, we know Li Shang cares deeply about the troops under his charge and he wants to make his father proud above all else. He soon learns that a woman can be just as important as a man after Mulan saves his life. He’s even willing to put his own pride to the side and agrees to carry out Mulan’s plan to save the Emperor. In the end, he’s not intimidated by her at all and admires her for bravery. With this new look on life, there’s no doubt that Li Shang is a man worth fighting for.

Flynn Rider

Much like Aladdin, Flynn Rider was a man who made a living from thievery. And let’s face it, he’s not exactly honest either. And don’t get me started on his “smolder.” Does he really think that ridiculous face would help him charm his way out of trouble? Flynn Rider was nothing if not a work in progress. However, after meeting Rapunzel and attempting to con the princess out of giving up the stolen tiara, Flynn slowly lets down his confident façade. He admits he built up this charismatic front due to his deep insecurities, and he shows his vulnerable side to Rapunzel. Not only is he vulnerable, but we learn he’s romantic too. What girl wouldn’t want to be on a boat, in the middle of the water, surrounded by thousands of glowing floating lanterns? We can tell Flynn put a lot of thought into making Rapunzel’s big day so special. By the end, Flynn was willing to give up his life to ensure Rapunzel had a real chance at happiness. He’s certainly a guy you’d want tangled up in your heart.

You can stream all the movies featuring your favorite Disney princes right now on Disney+.

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