Rejected Princesses is the brainchild of Jason Porath, blending illustration with history and pop culture. The idea was to create an alternate universe of princesses – not the ones we see in Disney movies, but those who would have been rejected for being “too controversial, dangerous, or politically incorrect.”
The site features hundreds of illustrated stories about women from different eras and cultures: warriors, leaders, explorers, and rebels who played significant roles in history yet were often erased from it. Each character is brought to life through bold, comic-style artwork accompanied by well-researched and engaging essays filled with facts, anecdotes, and historical context.
What makes the project stand out is its balance between playful, pop-inspired visuals and serious historical grounding. Porath draws on scholarly sources, chronicles, and academic works while writing in a witty, approachable tone. This combination allows readers to learn history in a way that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Rejected Princesses has also expanded beyond the website into a published book and various presentations, inspiring audiences seeking alternative narratives of the past. It exemplifies how art, education, and culture can merge into a compelling digital project.