Mary Margaret Blanchard definitively remembers she is Snow White in Season 1, Episode 21, “An Apple as Red as Blood.” This crucial episode sees the long-awaited moment where the curse begins to break for her, sparked by a pivotal encounter and a familiar, albeit poisoned, symbol.
The Awakening: “An Apple as Red as Blood”
The episode masterfully builds tension, culminating in Mary Margaret’s restored memory. Throughout the season, subtle clues and burgeoning feelings hinted at her true identity, suppressed by the Evil Queen’s curse. This episode brings those fragmented memories into sharp focus. Prince Charming’s comatose state and Emma’s unwavering belief in him act as catalysts, reminding Mary Margaret of her lost love and inherent strength. It’s the combination of true love’s potential and the poisoned apple, a symbolic trigger from her past, that shatters the curse’s hold.
The apple, offered by Regina in an act of apparent kindness (but laced with a forgetfulness potion intended for Emma), becomes the key. Mary Margaret’s instinctive reaction to it, a mix of dread and familiarity, sparks the initial recognition. The subsequent bite, intended to erase Emma’s memories, instead unlocks her own, flooding her with the reality of her fairy-tale past. Ginnifer Goodwin’s portrayal of this transformation is both powerful and heartbreaking, capturing the confusion and overwhelming realization of her true identity.
FAQs About Mary Margaret’s Memory and Snow White in Storybrooke
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Mary Margaret’s memory loss and her journey to reclaiming her identity as Snow White in Storybrooke:
H3: Why did the Evil Queen curse everyone in the first place?
The Evil Queen, Regina, enacted the Dark Curse primarily out of revenge. Her burning desire was to destroy Snow White’s happiness, believing that Snow White was responsible for the death of her true love, Daniel. The curse transported everyone from the Enchanted Forest to Storybrooke, Maine, stripping them of their memories and fairy-tale identities, trapping them in a world where Regina could control their lives and ensure Snow White would never achieve her “happily ever after.”
H3: What was the purpose of the apple in Regina’s plan?
The apple, laced with a potion from Rumplestiltskin, was originally intended to erase Emma’s memories of her life and family. Regina saw Emma as a threat to her power and control in Storybrooke. By erasing Emma’s memories, Regina hoped to keep her from breaking the curse and reclaiming her son, Henry. However, Mary Margaret unknowingly intervened, taking the apple and triggering her own memory restoration.
H3: How did the curse affect other characters differently?
The curse affected each character differently, tailoring their suffering to their greatest fears and desires. Some characters, like Mr. Gold (Rumplestiltskin), retained fragments of their memories, though distorted or hidden. Others, like Prince Charming (David Nolan), were trapped in a permanent, dream-like state. The intensity and nature of the curse’s impact varied, reflecting the specific relationships and histories between Regina and each individual she targeted.
H3: Did Mary Margaret immediately regain all her memories as Snow White?
No, the memory restoration wasn’t instantaneous. Biting the apple acted as a catalyst, triggering the initial wave of recognition and connection to her past self. Over time, her memories gradually resurfaced, piecing together the fragments of her life as Snow White in the Enchanted Forest. This gradual regaining of memory was a recurring theme throughout the first season.
H3: How did Mary Margaret’s relationship with David (Prince Charming) change after she remembered?
After remembering, Mary Margaret’s connection with David deepened significantly. The spark of recognition that had always been present between them transformed into a powerful, undeniable love fueled by their shared history. Their relationship, however, was still fraught with challenges, as David struggled to fully remember his own identity and the complexities of their past.
H3: What was Emma Swan’s role in Mary Margaret’s memory restoration?
Emma Swan played a crucial role, even though indirectly. Her unwavering belief in the possibility of magic and her refusal to accept Regina’s control over Storybrooke created an environment where the curse’s hold could be weakened. Furthermore, Emma’s presence as Henry’s mother and the savior foretold in the prophecy indirectly pressured Regina, leading to desperate acts like the apple poisoning, which ultimately triggered Mary Margaret’s awakening.
H3: Why was true love such an important factor in breaking the curse?
True love, as a fundamental force of good in the fairy-tale world, held the power to overcome even the darkest magic. The Evil Queen’s curse was fueled by hate and despair, making true love its antithesis. Instances of true love, such as Emma’s love for Henry and, eventually, Mary Margaret and David’s rekindled romance, acted as cracks in the curse’s foundation.
H3: What challenges did Mary Margaret face after regaining her memories?
Mary Margaret faced the challenge of reconciling her past life as Snow White with her present life as Mary Margaret Blanchard. She had to navigate the complexities of her relationships, particularly with David, whose memories remained fragmented. She also had to confront Regina, her mortal enemy, knowing the extent of her cruelty and the danger she posed to everyone in Storybrooke.
H3: How did Mary Margaret’s personality change after remembering she was Snow White?
While her core values of kindness and compassion remained, Mary Margaret became more assertive and determined after regaining her memories. She embraced her identity as a leader and a warrior, drawing upon the strength and resilience that defined Snow White. The curse had suppressed her true potential, but reclaiming her memories allowed her to fully embody her heroic nature.
H3: Did Regina ever regret cursing everyone?
Regina’s feelings about the curse were complex and contradictory. While she reveled in the power and control it gave her, she also experienced moments of loneliness and regret. Her inability to find true happiness, despite achieving her initial goal of tormenting Snow White, hinted at a deeper internal conflict. However, her pride and vengeful nature often overshadowed any genuine remorse.
H3: What was the significance of the poisoned apple in the overall storyline of Once Upon a Time?
The poisoned apple is a recurring motif in Once Upon a Time, symbolizing betrayal, deception, and the consequences of pursuing revenge. It represents the core of Regina’s villainy and the lengths she will go to in order to achieve her goals. The apple’s connection to Snow White’s fate serves as a constant reminder of the darkness that permeates the Enchanted Forest and the challenges the heroes face in their quest for a “happily ever after.”
H3: How did Mary Margaret’s experience influence her decisions later in the series?
Mary Margaret’s experience with memory loss and identity shaped her subsequent actions and motivations throughout the series. She became fiercely protective of her loved ones, particularly Emma and her future children. Her understanding of the pain and suffering caused by the curse fueled her determination to fight for good and ensure that others would not suffer the same fate. She consistently championed hope and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
In conclusion, “An Apple as Red as Blood” marks a pivotal turning point in Mary Margaret’s journey and in the overarching narrative of Once Upon a Time. It’s a testament to the power of true love, the enduring strength of the human spirit, and the enduring allure of fairy tales, all intertwined in a captivating and unforgettable moment of television.