Matt Groening’s medieval animated fantasy sitcom Disenchantment has become a popular hit with a number of fans in the last few years. With the fourth season under its belt, and with the exploration of many places outside of the kingdom of Dreamland, Princess Bean has met a vast cast of colorful characters, be they friend or foe.
Some of the best supporting characters in Disenchantment help drive the plot and contribute to the main characters’ development arcs. Others are completely memorable for their simple wackiness and providing brilliant laugh-out-loud moments, even if it doesn’t provide much for the plot. Either way, they are all just as beloved as the main cast.
Ursula
With Oona becoming a fierce pirate queen and Dagmar’s evil intentions fully revealed, King Zog was left feeling lonely in season 2. That is until he meets a bear selkie called Ursula whilst out on a hunt. The two fall in love, but it results in a bittersweet ending when Ursula pines for her home in the woods after living in the castle.
Ursula is one of the most creatively designed characters, and out of all of Zog’s loves, she is easily the best for the gruff king. She is loving and independent, and brought out a softer side to King Zog, something that was well-liked by fans in Disenchantment‘s season 2. It is revealed in season 4 that Ursula bore Zog a third child, a son named Jasper.
Bunty
Bunty is Bean’s loyal and caring handmaid from the very start of the series. No matter what the situation is, Bunty is always on hand to make sure Bean’s bed is made and that she’s well looked after, although she has had her fair share of not-so-loyal moments, such as using Bean’s bed for her children.
Although she never does much to actively drive the plot, Bunty never feels in the way. In a series that gets progressively more intense in the plot, Bunty is a welcome source of wholesome and light relief for viewers. No matter what is happening, she never fails to put a smile on fans’ faces through her well-meaning but dimwitted actions.
The Laughing Horse
Disenchantment has a number of strange and unusual characters throughout the series. Even the ones that are seen for a brief few seconds are unforgettable, and one such character that ended up going a little beyond a few seconds of screentime is the Laughing Horse.
Sorcerio’s failed experimental shampoo made with Elfo’s blood resulted in a horse suddenly being able to laugh like a human. The Laughing Horse is one of the show’s most unusual characters, but the smiles and random bouts of laughter of the simple horse are so infectious it’s hard not to laugh along with him. This is a great example of a one-note character not being overused and thus, becoming a memorable character.
Queen Grogda
One question about Disenchantment‘s fourth season that was answered was the mystery of Elfo’s heritage. It is revealed that Elfo’s mother is not only an ogre, but the Queen of the Ogres, Grogda.
The story of Elfo’s father Pops and Grogda is one of the highlights of season 4, and not just because fans are treated with seeing an adorable baby Elfo. Grogda proved to be a strong and adoring mother, and this continued to the present timeline. Their reunion proved to be a wonderful heartwarming moment in the chaos of the fourth season. Hopefully, Grogda will appear more in season 5, as a strong ogre queen would make a great ally for Bean.
Alva Gunderson
Alva is a resident and founder of Steamland, a steampunk kingdom that Bean discovers in season 3. Under the guise of a worker called Gordy, Alva claims to help Bean with intentions of marrying her for alliance reasons.
Although antagonistic in intentions, Alva is a great supporting character, partially down to the brilliant voicework of Richard Ayoade. He is ultimately the guide to Bean (and ultimately the audience) through the brand new world of Steamland. Furthermore, it is Alva’s schemes that help propel season 3 forward into its jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
Shocko The Elf
The elf kingdom and its lore have proven to be a great asset to the show. There are a number of noteworthy elf characters besides Elfo that have made an impact, but none are perhaps as unforgettable as Shocko.
Shocko doesn’t really do much for the plot individually, but there is no denying that he is definitely one of the funniest characters of Disenchantment. His signature gasps of surprise and disbelief never fail to make viewers laugh and, like the Laughing Horse, is a great example of a one-note character being used effectively. He was certainly well-used in Disenchantment‘s season 4 trailer.
Stan The Executioner
Stan the Executioner is a recurring character who, like his wife Bunty, is always a welcome presence in the show no matter what is happening. Despite the gruesome aspects of his job, Stan the Executioner is always upbeat, cheerful, and takes great pride in his work.
Part of Stan’s charm is his voice actor, who is the quirky British comedic actor Noel Fielding, which adds that natural joviality to what is meant to be an intimidating character. What’s more, Stan is a loyal ally to Bean. He not only gives her an apprenticeship but also saves her from being executed.
Prince Merkimer
Due to his arrogance, misogyny, and boorish personality, Prince Merkimer really should be a detestable character. But thanks to the charismatic Matt Berry providing his voice (most recognizable as Laszlo from What We Do In The Shadows), and a gradual change of ways, Merkimer has become not only one of the best supporting characters, but one of the best Disenchantment characters overall.
Merkimer’s transformation into a pig in the second episode may have humbled him, but it didn’t stop him from being a large personality. His one-liners and antics often have viewers laughing, and it is worth noting that he did rescue Bean from being executed by the pig that he swapped bodies with.
Jerry
Jerry is Bean’s uncle, who was forced into a dogsbody role by his siblings Cloyd and Becky because of his strength and lack of intelligence. Yet Jerry proves to be one of the kindest and most wholesome characters in the show, so much so that even God takes a shine to him when he ascends to Heaven.
Jerry’s sweet and warm-hearted nature has made him an instant hit with fans, who were relieved that Jerry still remained in the show even after his death. In fact, Jerry returns to Earth with Luci to help rescue Bean from her arranged marriage in Hell and is a valuable ally to the new queen of Dreamland.
Mora The Mermaid
One of the best and most memorable supporting characters is Mora the mermaid. Mora meets Elfo and Bean when they rescue her from a freak show in Steamland. Later, Bean and Mora grow closer and the two fall in love, although part of Bean thought it was all a dream.
Mora is one of the best supporting characters in Disenchantment not only because of her likable personality, but because of the positive and healthy impact she has on Bean. It’s a great representation of an LGBTQ+ relationship and it is fair to say that fans hope to see more of Mora in season 5.
