Once Upon a Time captivated audiences with its unique take on classic fairy tales, blending beloved characters with new, complex storylines. Among the series’ iconic villains, Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Ursula stand out for their memorable performances and layered personalities. While all three are undeniably villains, their journeys reveal different shades of morality. But which of these three can be considered “less evil”? Let’s dive into their stories to find out.
Maleficent: The Misunderstood Dragon
Maleficent, portrayed by Kristin Bauer van Straten, is often seen as one of the most powerful and fearsome villains in the series. Known for her dragon-transforming abilities and her intense rivalry with the show’s heroes, Maleficent’s backstory paints her in a more sympathetic light.
Originally, Maleficent was a protector of the Enchanted Forest and had a strong moral compass. Her descent into darkness was fueled by betrayal and loss, particularly the theft of her child by King Stefan and Queen Briar Rose. This betrayal turned her heart cold and vengeful. Despite her dark path, Maleficent’s love for her daughter, Lily, showcases her capacity for redemption and maternal care. Her actions, though often driven by anger, stem from a deep sense of injustice rather than pure malice.
Cruella de Vil: The Unapologetic Sociopath
Victoria Smurfit’s Cruella de Vil is perhaps the most straightforwardly malevolent of the trio. Her introduction into the series adds a fresh twist to the already iconic character from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. Unlike Maleficent and Ursula, Cruella’s backstory reveals a chilling, innate evil.
From a young age, Cruella displayed a lack of empathy and a disturbing delight in causing pain. Her powers, allowing her to control animals, were granted to her by the Author, but even before this, her sociopathic tendencies were evident. Cruella’s actions are driven by a selfish desire for control and chaos, making her less redeemable than her counterparts. She exhibits no remorse for her actions, reveling in her villainy with a twisted sense of pride.
Ursula: The Tragic Sea Witch
Ursula, brought to life by Merrin Dungey, is a complex character whose villainy is rooted in personal tragedy and betrayal. Once a mermaid with a beautiful singing voice, Ursula’s fall from grace began with her father’s harsh punishments and the manipulation by the treacherous Rumplestiltskin.
Ursula’s transformation into the Sea Witch was marked by her desire for revenge and a longing to reclaim her lost power. However, unlike Cruella, Ursula’s actions are often driven by a desire to right the wrongs done to her, rather than an inherent evil nature. Her ultimate redemption comes when she reunites with her father and restores her singing voice, choosing to leave her villainous ways behind.
Who Was Less Evil?
When comparing Maleficent, Cruella, and Ursula, it’s clear that their motivations and actions differ significantly. Cruella stands out as the most irredeemable, driven by a genuine love for cruelty and chaos. On the other hand, Ursula and Maleficent both have backstories filled with betrayal and a longing for redemption.
Maleficent, with her strong maternal instincts and moments of genuine care, appears the least evil among them. Her actions, though often harsh, are driven by deep emotional wounds and a desire to protect her loved ones. Ursula, too, shows moments of vulnerability and a capacity for change, but her initial motivations are less selfless than Maleficent’s.
In conclusion, while all three characters have walked dark paths, Maleficent’s story of betrayal, loss, and eventual redemption places her as the “less evil” of the trio. Her journey reminds us that even the darkest villains can have a spark of light within them, waiting for the right moment to shine.