Heroic mice and villainous rats: An analysis of heroism in children’s films

Abstract

Mice are beloved children’s film characters. By embodying the underdog, they not only entertain but also inspire us. This article discusses the evolution of heroic mice in children’s films, thus analysing how mice have been represented as heroes and how heroic representation has changed in recent years. This article will address children’s films with mice that are sidekicks, warriors or use their wit to outsmart others against all odds. An analysis would not be complete without also addressing the representation of rats – as heroes, villains or a mix of both. The article’s findings will present three phases: first, mice as sidekicks only, but nevertheless courageous in their actions; second, mice as heroic role models, inherently good and fearless, and their counterparts, rats, as villains; and third, mice as warriors and knights, with children’s films beginning to question the clear-cut characterization of mice as heroes and rats as villains, hereby negotiating a new understanding of heroism. The representation of heroic mice thus reflects changing morals and expectations and showcases how traditional concepts of heroism are challenged in children’s films.