Enneagram Types in Fairy Tales: Which Character Matches You?

Analyzing the nine Enneagram types in fairy tales is a fun way to develop a deeper understanding of this personality framework. Although most people only read these stories in childhood, revisiting them as an adult and analyzing them through the Enneagram test lens can also give you more insight into yourself, especially if you relate to a particular character.

In this article, we’ll explore the nine Enneagram types in fairy tales, covering classic characters like The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. Let’s begin!

Why Fairytale Archetypes Resonate With Enneagram Types

Fairytale archetypes resonate with Enneagram types because they both reflect human nature and personality. Each character mirrors the unique fears, desires, and motivations of human beings. Based on these, every fairytale character can be assigned one of the nine distinct personality types defined in the Enneagram system.

Most people draw parallels between characters and themselves unconsciously by finding some characters more relatable than others. Each character, whether Cinderella or the evil Queen from Snow White, symbolizes a specific archetype that speaks directly to our subconscious mind. More often than not, we relate to characters that share our Enneagram type.

Moreover, fairytale characters reflect both the light and the dark side of each personality type. Cinderella, for example, is kind yet struggles to defend herself against those who mistreat her, which is something Nines can often relate to. Peter Pan, on the other hand, is adventurous but careless, just like Sevens can be.

Ultimately, applying the Enneagram framework to fairytale characters illustrates how the nine personality types differ. Better yet, it can also help you recognize and reflect on your own behavioral patterns, facilitating your self-discovery journey.

The 9 Enneagram Types as Fairytale Characters

Without further ado, let’s explore the nine Enneagram types in fairy tales:

Enneagram 1 - Princess (“The Princess and the Pea”)

Credit: firstcry.com

The princess from The Princess and the Pea is an excellent example of the Enneagram Type 1 fictional character in fairy tales. Ones are also known as Perfectionists because they hold everyone, including themselves, to very high standards. They are also virtuous and disciplined, and they strive to always do the right thing.

While most people handle imperfections just fine, Ones are highly aware of and sensitive to flaws and errors, even when they’re minor. Likewise, the princess in this classic tale depicts the Enneagram traits associated with Ones, as she is deeply disturbed by things that are out of order or just not right.

Even with dozens of mattresses and featherbeds stacked on top of each other, a tiny pea placed on the bed prevents her from sleeping peacefully. This is something most Ones will probably relate to, as even a minor flaw or inconvenience can keep them up at night.

Enneagram 2 - The Little Mermaid (“The Little Mermaid”)

Credit: Mabel Lucie Attwell from Hans Andersen's Fairy Stories (1901)

While Disney’s Little Mermaid is a classic Enneagram 4 fictional character, the one from the original fairy tale clearly belongs to the Enneagram Type 2.

Also known as Helpers, Twos are empathetic, generous, and sincere, andthere’s nothing more they crave in life than to be lovedand valued. Sometimes, this desire leads to self-sacrifice, and this is precisely what happened to the Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid tells a story of love at first sight. The mermaid princess decides to sacrifice her voice to be with a prince she fell for from a distance, knowing that it would mean she’d be in constant pain and have a much shorter lifespan. Even the risk of dying with a broken heart in case the prince marries someone else, which he eventually does, doesn’t stop her.

When it comes to personality archetypes in stories, Little Mermaid exemplifies the Lover, which is often associated with Twos. Her love for the prince is so deep that even when she gets the opportunity to end her suffering by killing the prince, she chooses to end her life instead, making her one of the most tragic characters in literature.

Enneagram 3 - The Queen (“Snow White”)

Credit: Franz Jüttner. Illustration from Sneewittchen, Scholz' Künstler-Bilderbücher, Mainz 1905

The Queen from Snow White is an accurate representation of the Enneagram Type 3 in fairy tales. Threes are success-driven and competitive; their greatest fear is to be worthless or unimportant, and they are highly conscious of their status and image.

All of this can indeed be said about the Queen, who is evidently an unhealthy Three. She constantly asks the magic mirror to reassure her that she’s the fairest of them all. For her, beauty isn’t about vanity alone; it’s proof of her worth.

When the mirror tells her that her stepdaughter Snow White has surpassed her in fairness, the Queen becomes furious and orders a huntsman to kill her. While extreme, this fairy tale illustrates just how competitive and jealous unhealthy Threes can be, and the lengths they can go to to preserve their status and protect their image.

Enneagram 4 - Beauty (“Beauty and the Beast”)

Credit: Warwick Goble, The Fairy Book, 1923

When it comes to Enneagram 4 characters in literature, Beauty from Beauty and the Beast stands out as a great example. Also known as Individualists, Fours are sensitive, emotionally intense, and prone to escapism, melancholy, and idealism. They have rich inner lives and long for soulful, authentic connections, which certainly applies to Beauty.

Unlike her sisters, Beauty isn’t superficial. She doesn’t ask her father to bring her jewelry or nice clothes; she simply wants him to come back home.

And even though the Beast offers her a life of luxury, she still longs for something deeper. Missing a mental and emotional connection with the Beast, she escapes reality by dreaming of a handsome stranger. Like a typical Four, she sees beyond appearances and falls for the Beast before knowing that he’s actually the prince she saw in her dreams.

Enneagram 5 - Alice (“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”)

Credit: John Tenniel

Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is one of the rare examples of the Enneagram Type 5 in fairy tales. Fives are inquisitive, analytical, and perceptive, all of which describes Alice to a T. Because she’s rather introspective (e.g., she initially questions who she is rather than where she is), it’s safe to say that she has an Enneagram wing 4, making her a 5w4.

An unquenchable thirst for knowledge is what defines Fives, and Alice certainly displays it: she enjoys absorbing new information and sharing it with others. She’s also very curious and seeks to develop a logical understanding of a world that is anything but logical, even if it means taking risks.

Enneagram 6 - The Third Little Pig (“Three Little Pigs”)

Credit: firstcry.com

The third little pig is a typical example of an Enneagram 6 storybook character. Also known as the Loyalist, this Enneagram personality type is defined by a hardworking, logical nature and a desire for security.

Sixes prepare thoroughly for potential threats and worst-case scenarios. Unlike his brothers, who build their houses out of straws and sticks, the third little pig is aware that wolves are dangerous and constructs a house of bricks. Because he prioritizes safety, he doesn’t hesitate to put more time and effort into protecting his home from danger.

Even when the Big Bad Wolf attempts to catch him outside the house, the third little pig anticipates threats and manages to avoid meeting the wolf. As such, there’s no doubt he’d test as a Six on the Enneagram test!

Enneagram 7 - Peter Pan (“Peter Pan”)

Credit: Kathleen Atkins. Courtesy of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity

Peter Pan, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, is a quintessential Enneagram 7 fictional character. Free-spirited, optimistic, and spontaneous, people who identify with the Type Seven (The Enthusiast) avoid boredom, and there’s nothing they fear more than missing out on the fun things in life.

While certainly not all Sevens struggle with the Peter Pan syndrome, it’d be hard to find one who doesn’t relate to this enchanting boy. They desire to lead a life full of novelty and adventure, which is precisely what Peter Pan embodies.

As a textbook example of the Enneagram Type 7 in fairy tales, he loves freedom, chases excitement, and pulls everyone around him into his adventures.

Enneagram 8 - Wolf (“Little Red Riding Hood”)

Credit: Arthur Rackham

The wolf from Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most popular characters representing the Enneagram Type 8 in fairy tales. Eights, also known as Challengers, are bold, assertive, and determined to reach their goals no matter what. They have a strong desire to be powerful and can seem domineering.

Similarly, the wolf in this classic tale exerts power over Little Red Riding Hood, intimidating and manipulating her. He doesn’t hold back his appetite, yet, like a true Eight, he acts strategically and excels at thinking on his feet. Instead of attacking the girl right away, the wolf tricks her into revealing her plans and believing that he is her grandmother.

Enneagram 9 - Cinderella (“Cinderella”)

Credit: Sue Rundle-Hughes

Cinderella is an archetypal example of the Enneagram Type 9 in fairy tales. Patient, calm, and compassionate, Nines desire peace and harmony above all else. As such, they tend to avoid conflict and confrontation, just like Cinderella does.

Although Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters treat her cruelly, she accepts and endures their mistreatment instead of confronting them. She remains kind, gentle, and composed; instead of lashing out or retaliating, she simply retreats into her own little world, patiently waiting for better days to come. Like most Nines, she exhibits resilience and quiet strength.

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Final Thoughts

We hope you found this fairytale personality analysis both fun and insightful. Ultimately, fairytale archetypes resonate with Enneagram types because each character can be assigned one of the nine personality types based on their core fears, desires, and motivations.

If there’s one thing you should take away from this article, it’s that fairy tales aren’t just for children. Anyone, regardless of their age, can benefit from reading and analyzing them, especially through the lens of the Enneagram system.

Enneagram Types in Fairy Tales FAQ