WARNING: Minor Spoilers for Frozen 2.
Disney’s Frozen 2 reveals the true meaning for the franchise’s primary theme song, and how it relates to the familial legacy of both Queen Elsa and Anna. In both Frozen and Frozen 2, “Vuelie” is used to set the opening tone and mood. The song was composed by Norwegian musician Frode Fjellheim, and was indeed inspired by Nordic culture. But whereas the original 2013 film uses “Vuelie” to help introduce viewers to life in Arendelle, the sequel takes a different approach by incorporating a meta in-universe meaning.
When Frozen 2 begins, “Vuelie” is used as part of the official track “Introduction”. Now, after sister Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) have resolved their differences, they fondly remember the past and look to the future. Frozen 2 follows their journey north to the Enchanted Forest, inspired by their parents’ stories from childhood, and also by a unknown voice that calls out to Queen Elsa. After the sequel’s first act, “Vuelie” takes on a new meaning within the Frozen universe.
In Frozen 2, Queen Elsa and company find their way to the Enchanted Forest, and learn crucial information about their family ancestry. Elsa prevents a cold mist from overwhelming the travel party, which allows them to see ice sculptures from the past: it’s revealed the sisters’ mother, Queen Iduna (Evan Rachel Wood), was Northuldran and saved the life of their father, Agnarr (Alfred Molina), a native Arendellian. It’s after this realization that the Northuldra people sing the song “Vuelie”. It turns out that “Vuelie” isn’t just a fun, Nordic-inspired chant, it’s the song of the Northuldra people (who provide a warm welcome to their relatives). Thematically, the original “Vuelie” music is incorporated into the Frozen 2 track “Iduna’s Scarf”.
As Frozen 2 progresses, Queen Elsa and Anna face new challenges up north. More secrets are revealed about the Northuldra people and the mythology associated with the Enchanted Forest. New franchise songs, such as “Lost in the Woods” and “Show Yourself” complement Queen Elsa’s evolving perspective, and provide more narrative depth about everything that came before. After all, the voice that called Queen Elsa north is none other than an echo of young Iduna, which organically links to the film’s climax and ultimate resolution, just before “Vuelie” is heard once again during the official “Epilogue” track.
Frozen 2 has received some divisive reviews, with many critics taking issue with how the songs are used differently than the original film for storytelling purposes. “Let It Go” became a pop culture anthem, while “Into the Unknown” has a different lyrical ebb and flow. But it’s “Vuelie”, and its musical alterations, that speak to the franchise’s spiritual themes associated with life in both Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest.
More: Every Song On Frozen 2’s Soundtrack
