Fergus, her father, presents her with her own bow as a birthday present. Then she sees her father's bow on the table and asks him if she can shoot an arrow with it.
Merida is first seen as a child playing hide-and-seek with her mother Queen Elinor on her sixth birthday. She must race against time to make right the result of her reckless behavior, her journey compelling her to look inside to discover the meaning of bravery and reveal her true fate. When Merida blatantly defies an ancient tradition, the consequences of her actions prove disastrous for the kingdom. As the daughter of the King and Queen, her life is weighted with responsibilities and expectations, causing her to yearn to preserve her freedom and independence. With a spirit as vibrant as her untamed hair, Merida also has a softness of heart, especially when it comes to her wee triplet brothers.
She feels most at home in the outdoors honing her impressive athletic skills as an archer and swordfighter, and racing across the magnificent Highland countryside with her faithful horse, Angus. Passionate and fiery, Merida is a headstrong teenager of royal upbringing who is struggling to take control of her own destiny.