Princess Monster Wife

Lore & Background

Princess Monster Wife was constructed by the Ice King, who stole body parts from the princesses of Ooo to create a bride. When Finn and Jake investigate the missing parts, they confront the Ice King and faint upon seeing her. The Ice King lies to her, claiming Finn and Jake are their children. Despite his attempts to reassure her through a fashion show and a song, Princess Monster Wife becomes distressed when a penguin vomits at her appearance. She eventually returns the stolen body parts, causing herself to cease to exist, but the Ice King angrily laments that she gave away his stuff.

Reader's Guide

Princess Monster Wife serves as a poignant example of Adventure Time's ability to blend dark humor with emotional depth. Series creator Pendleton Ward described the episode as aiming to be both 'super sad and intense' and funny, and he analogized the character to himself, saying he is 'made out of broken parts' that can be turned into something worth displaying. The episode received mostly positive critical reviews, with commentators noting the focus on the Ice King's genuine care for his creation, despite its grotesque nature. The song 'Something Special', inspired by 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin, underscores the tragic irony of the Ice King's affection. The episode ranked as the number one telecast among all boy demographic groups.

Did You Know?

• Princess Monster Wife was voiced in tandem by Hynden Walch, Pendleton Ward, and Steve Little, who mimicked each other's tones.
• The episode's song 'Something Special' was inspired by the 1991 song 'Beauty and the Beast' from Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
• Originally planned as a duet, the song was changed to be sung only by the Ice King because the crew found it funnier.