- This page is about the event. For he score piece, see The Great Thaw (Vuelie Reprise).
The Great Thaw was a magically induced shift in climatic conditions that marked the end of Elsa's eternal winter through the restoration of summer to Arendelle. Following the return of summer, Elsa allowed the castle gates to remain open, and Arendelle was once again open to the outside world, ending its 13-year isolation for good.
History[]
Prelude[]
Late during Elsa's winter, a massive blizzard ravaged Arendelle after Elsa was brought back to the kingdom following the assault on the ice palace. While running through the storm, Elsa encountered Hans, who deceived her with news of her sister Anna's death. Devastated by the news, Elsa was able to stop the storm, suspending the snow in the air with her grief.
Hans then moved in to kill Elsa as she mourned, but Anna managed to intercept the blow, freezing to solid ice as the frozen heart curse Elsa had earlier plaged her with (albeit unwittingly) took full effect. Though all seemed lost, Anna began to thaw and emerged from her frozen state alive and well.
Thawing of Arendelle[]
Elsa removed the winter curse from Arendelle upon realizing that "love will thaw."
Hearing from Olaf about how Anna's sacrifice was an act of true love that had thawed her frozen heart, Elsa processed Olaf's statement and realized that "love will thaw". With newfound confidence, Elsa lifted her arms, causing ice and snow that had plagued Arendelle to rise into the air. After consolidating the snow into a giant snowflake in the sky, Elsa waved her hands, and the snowflake dissipated, resulting in a clear summer sky. No longer afraid of her ice powers and embracing them as a gift, Elsa embraced Anna as they happily rekindled their sisterly bond.
With the return of summer, Anna and Elsa are reunited after years of separation.
Following the end of the eternal winter, those who had arrived in Arendelle for Elsa's coronation were able to depart the kingdom. Returning to her position as Queen of Arendelle, Elsa terminated business with Weselton and granted Kristoff the title of Arendelle Ice Master and Deliverer. She also opened up the castle and invited the citizens of Arendelle to skate in the courtyard, as well as vowed to never close the gates again.