In Once Upon a Time, one of the most enduring and beloved themes is the idea of “true love.” At the heart of this theme is the iconic relationship between Snow White (Mary Margaret Blanchard) and Prince Charming (David Nolan). Despite numerous obstacles, magical curses, and even death itself, Snow and Charming constantly find their way back to each other. Their story isn’t just about romance—it’s a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that love conquers all.
Here’s a look at how Snow and Charming repeatedly find each other, no matter the odds:
Their first meeting wasn’t the fairytale many imagine. Snow was a bandit on the run, and Charming was trying to reclaim a stolen jewel. Their initial interaction was filled with bickering and distrust, but underneath it, the sparks of attraction were undeniable. What makes their relationship unique is that it wasn’t built on perfection or ease. Snow and Charming had to fight—both literally and figuratively—to be together.
This first encounter marked the beginning of their epic journey of love. Even though Snow initially rejected Charming’s proposal in favor of protecting him from her enemies, fate continually pulled them together. The show reminds us that sometimes love begins in the most unexpected ways, but once ignited, it only grows stronger.
Perhaps the greatest test of their love came with the Dark Curse, cast by the Evil Queen, Regina, which sent all the fairytale characters to the town of Storybrooke, wiping their memories of their true identities. Snow White became Mary Margaret, a kind but lonely school teacher, and Charming became David Nolan, a comatose patient who woke up with no memory of his life as a prince.
Even without their memories, their souls were drawn to one another. Mary Margaret cared for David in the hospital, and once he awoke, they developed a connection that felt as though they had known each other forever. Their bond transcended the magic of the curse, proving that even when everything else was taken from them—their memories, their titles, their lives—their love remained unbroken.
When the curse began to break, it was Snow and Charming’s kiss that played a pivotal role in restoring everyone’s memories. This was not the first time the power of their love manifested through a kiss. In the Enchanted Forest, Charming had awoken Snow from a sleeping curse with True Love’s Kiss—a moment that felt like it came straight from a fairytale. This moment in Storybrooke paralleled that, reminding fans that the magic of their love was unstoppable.
True Love’s Kiss is a recurring motif throughout the series, but what stands out about Snow and Charming is that their connection is built not just on passion but on trust, partnership, and mutual sacrifice.
One of the most heart-wrenching challenges Snow and Charming face occurs when they are separated across different realms. Whether trapped in the Enchanted Forest while the other is in Storybrooke, or in the Underworld, they continuously defy space and time to reunite.
One of the most dramatic moments is when Snow and Charming switch between realms to protect their daughter Emma, with only one being awake at a time. Their unwavering belief that they will always find their way back to each other keeps them going through this ordeal. This storyline showcases how their love is more than just romantic—it’s a force that defies magic, curses, and even death.
Their love story also expands with the birth of their daughter, Emma Swan, who becomes the Savior. Despite being forced to send Emma away to protect her from the curse, Snow and Charming never stop loving her or each other. Their longing to reunite with their daughter and rebuild their family fuels their journey throughout the series.
As they fight for Emma, they also fight to preserve the hope that love—whether between parents and children, friends, or romantic partners—will always triumph. Snow and Charming’s love is woven into the fabric of the entire show because it symbolizes the core belief of Once Upon a Time: that hope and love are the most powerful forms of magic.
In the final season, we see Snow and Charming living a peaceful life in the Enchanted Forest, their happily ever after seemingly fulfilled. Their journey, filled with countless separations and reunions, proves that true love is about more than grand gestures or happy endings—it’s about enduring through hardships, holding onto hope, and finding each other time and time again.
Snow and Charming’s love is a beacon of hope in Once Upon a Time. Even when curses are cast, memories are lost, or worlds are torn apart, they always manage to find their way back to each other. It’s a love that reminds us that no matter how dark the world may get, love and hope will always find a way to break through.
Snow White and Prince Charming’s love story is one of the most enduring aspects of Once Upon a Time. They remind us that love is not just about the fairytale romance—it’s about fighting for each other, standing together against the odds, and never giving up. Whether separated by curses, realms, or time itself, their love proves time and time again that true love will always find a way.
Their story is the heart of Once Upon a Time, and it’s a testament to the show’s core belief: that with hope and love, anything is possible.
