KG, on "The Dark I know Well."

Disney's first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, blatantly uses witchcraft and symbols of the occult throughout the film. However, the use of these images is not to promote the occult or use of witchcraft to children, rather it is used to demonstrate the long standing struggle between good and evil. More specifically, many images surrounding Snow White herself can be viewed as religious, thereby creating a struggle between "evil" or "hell" and "good" or "heaven". For that reason, the video presents an argument that the occult is used to convey a religious message.
Images used in the film present the Queen as "evil" or "satanic", white Snow White is
presented as pure and innocent. The Queen is surrounded by animals such as vultures, crows, and rats; all which feed off the dead. In contrast, Snow White is surrounded by colourful birds, young deer, and joyful dwarves. The Queen is presented in darkened settings, typically during night or storms. Conversely, Snow White is typically presented in daylight, surrounded by bright colors. The imagery relating to witchcraft and the occult in Snow White is quite obvious. The use of magic, spell books, and potions by the Queen throughout the film show an "easy" way to solve problems. However, the repercussions of the Queens actions show that magic is not a way of solving problems. She uses spells and potions to transform her appearance, as well as to create a poison apple to kill Snow White. The religious symbolism in the film is not as obvious as the occult, but images and representations can be observed. Snow White is interpreted as a Jesus like figure; and the dwarves as disciples or followers. Snow White appears to the dwarves when they need her help and guidance, and she teaches them how to live. She sits them down and tells them stories of her Prince, whose role is that of God. When the Evil Queen gives Snow White the apple, the dwarves chase her, showing their dedication. The scene where the Prince sings to Snow White while the Queen watches exemplifies the two forces which pull at Snow White; a good, fulfilling life with the Prince, or a life of temptation and evil with the Queen. The apple; which the Queen offers Snow White, symbolizes the apple which God forbid Adam and Eve to bite into. As they were punished for disobeying God's wishes, Snow White too is punished. Upon biting the apple Snow White falls into a deep sleep, only to be woken by true loves kiss, from the Prince. This act can be viewed as a "resurrection" of sorts. Similar to how Jesus died, and was resurrected; the dwarves believe Snow White has died, until she is woken up by her Prince. Snow White is saved by the Prince, or God. He saves her from her death to live in a castle in the clouds, a symbol of afterlife with God in heaven. The Evil Queens use of magic to achieve her goals does not result in success. While running from the dwarves lightning strikes, causing her to fall off the cliff, followed by a boulder. She is punished for her sins by falling to her death, into what can be assumed to be hell. The song in the video, "The Dark I Know Well", shows the darkness which Snow White lived in before leaving the castle, or symbolically, before she had faith in God. Lines such as "So, I leave, wanting to hide 1 Knowing deep inside 1 You are coming to me" were used to show her both physically leaving behind the life she knew, and symbolically leaving her dark life for that of one with God. When the Queen gives Snow White the apple and the song says: "Child, the Lord won't mind", it exemplifies the similarities between the temptation which Snow White feels, as well as that which Adam and Eve felt. Critics worry that the use of the occult will show children that witchcraft is an easy way to solve problems. However, the subliminal religious themes and general religious overtone show that there is no easy way to solve problems, but by having faith in God and acting morally you will be ultimately saved.