I really, really admire her in this scene.

Yup, I'm a big fan of this sport!! And she is a great archer, probably the only thing I love about her ^^

And her archery skills as well.

By far! Her hair ( and her looks in general) makes her quite unique. It's the only thing I like about her. My second choice would be archery skills. I wish Merida's story and motivation were as unique as her looks is.

All of them but I really admire her in that scene too. Got chills the first time I watched it.

Probably this, and her archery skills. But I don't agree with the rest. Her quasi-apology really left a lot to be desired.

and all the above

This one! :D

this isn't the correct way she said the quote, but this is my favorite scene:)

she says, "I am Merida, first born descendant of Clan DunBroch. And I'll be shooting for my own hand!" I love that so much, she's a smart cookie

^ Yeah I know that's how she says it, but it's too long for the poll so I shortened it haha

^It's so great, like I tear up in that scene, because it's awesome.

^ Same! And it's so smart too! I definitely wouldn't have noticed the loophole if it was me.

@wavesurf I'm wondering if you can tell me why you consider Merida's apology to only be a "quasi-apology"? I've seen you say that before, and I'm just really curious what brings you to that conclusion, if you don't mind.

I love this scene, her hair, and her relationship with Fergus.

@MaidofOrleans: Ah, yes. Because Elinor interrupts Merida's apology before the clans, and totally changes the entire tradition of the kingdom BEFORE Merida can fully complete her apology. And also, because, at the close of the movie, instead of showing us Merida doing needlework or something, we see more of Elinor doing things Merida enjoys ( riding in the woods and so on).

Easily. Skills are nice and standout hair rocks, but nothing can compare to the having the self-awareness and strength to own up not only your mistake, but ruining someone else's life and working to fix it. That's better than Merida's physical skills or sass, imo.

@wavesurf I see your point, but I was referring more to the apology she gives immediately before her mother turns back into a human?

This and her hair are the only things I actually like about her.

@MaidofOrleans: I find Merida to just be blubbering right about then. Merida is finally completely lucid about what the cake has done to her mother--her mother will cease to be a human forever. Merida feels guilty and helpless as well she should. But...I don't think that's much of an apology, because nobody can hear what Merida is saying at that moment. Merida is whispering it, and her mother is losing consciousness and can't understand it much, either. The apology Merida was making before the clans, where she was "to uphold clan Dun'Broch's role," and was actually talking about damaging the whole three-part clan tradition-- that was the real apology out of the two ( in my view), before it was cut short.

this most of all.
but also, and this is super shallow, that incredible mane of hers! it makes me so happy to see as someone with a head full of curls - there aren't enough girls with hair like that in animation. and like, from a technical perspective, i've heard about the special effort that went into animating that hair, making it appear and move realistically.

@UnholyNoise as a fellow curly headed girl I totally agree!

mostly allll! I just adore her. But this one takes the spot. She is so fierce and exudes self-worth. Also, her fiery wild curls are totally gorgeous. I myself have curly hair, so more of a personal connect.
i love her relationship with her father. It's warm and rooted in shared love for learning weaponry. I loved the scene where he brings a small bow for young Merida.
I love how she religiously practices Archery, her true love.