The Snow Queen characters

First appears in chapter 2

A determined young girl who lives near Kai and shares a rooftop garden with him. After Kai disappears, she refuses to accept that he is gone forever and sets out alone to find him.

Also known as Kay

First appears in chapter 2

Gerda's closest friend, a bright boy who lives in a neighboring attic. Splinters from an enchanted mirror enter his eye and heart, making him cold, cruel, and obsessed with finding faults in everything around him.

First appears in chapter 2

The beautiful, remote ruler of a frozen realm. She appears to Kai during winter, numbs him against the cold with her kisses, and carries him away in her sleigh.

Also known as The Old Woman

First appears in chapter 3

An old woman who lives in a garden where flowers bloom throughout the year. Glad of Gerda's company, she uses magic to make the girl forget Kai and hides the roses that might restore her memory.

First appears in chapter 4

A talkative crow who meets Gerda during her search. Believing that a newly arrived prince may be Kai, he helps Gerda enter the palace to see the young man for herself.

First appears in chapter 5

A bold child who lives among robbers and initially claims Gerda and her belongings. Moved by Gerda's story, she protects her from the robber band and eventually helps her continue north.

First appears in chapter 5

A captive animal belonging to the Little Robber Girl. He recognizes Gerda's description of the Snow Queen and knows that her home lies in Lapland, so he carries Gerda toward the far north.

First appears in chapter 6

A wise woman in Finland whom Gerda and the Reindeer visit on their journey north. She understands the mirror's effect on Kai and explains that Gerda's innocence, devotion, and courage are more powerful than any new magic she could be given.