Why does the dragon need three princesses in Netflix's Damsel? The long-standing kingdom was built on its history with swords, dragons, and sacrificing princesses. But specifically, what's up with the dragon and the three princesses tradition? Here's all you need to know!
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Netflix's Damsel, so proceed with caution.
The Kingdom's Long-Standing Tradition is Filled with Bloodshed
Who would've thought marrying a prince holds much more than ruling a kingdom? Elodie (played by Millie Bobby Brown) thought she landed herself a purpose to rule and live happily ever after with the man of her dreams.
However, as Elodie and Prince Henry finally sealed the deal at the altar, Elodie was taken to an ancient cave as part of the history of the kingdom's lands.
As the queen narrated: "For generations, it has been our task, our duty, to protect our people. The price is dear, but so, too, is the reward. So, tonight, you join a long line of women who have helped build this kingdom."
As it turns out, a fire-breathing creature, the last of its kind, was the first to inhabit the kingdom. As the queen claimed, the kingdom was initially uninhabitable by humans due to the creature wreaking havoc on their people.
This was when the tradition started setting an eerie tone — this was how they kept the underground dragon at bay for centuries.
RELATED: Is Prince Henry Evil in Netflix's Damsel Movie? Royalty Turns Villain Twist Explained
Why the Dragon Needs Three Princesses in Netflix's Damsel
According to the kingdom's history, three princesses must be sacrificed to keep the peace and harmony of the island.
The queen told Elodie how the first king tried vanquishing the creature by bringing his soldiers in. However, steel couldn't be enough to slay it to end its life.
"The king may have adored his daughters, but his duty to his subjects was stronger," the queen explained, "Give up his three daughters and the island could be shared."
And so, the pact was made: "The three princesses met their end in the belly of the beast, and a kingdom was born."
However, the big twist happens when Elodie herself encounters the dragon in its own cave.
While Elodie and the history of the human race inhabiting the island were convinced it was the dragon who struck first, the dragon hurled back by saying the king came to their lair "unprovoked."
It is not that the dragon "needs" specifically three princesses, it's that the creature is seeking revenge. The kingdom has treated its bloodline harshly for generations and generations.
Millie Bobby Brown's Damsel movie is now available to stream on Netflix.
READ NEXT: Damsel Ending Explained: Does the Dragon Turn Good and Help Elodie Escape?
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