Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-6175354-20140325184817/@comment-6175354-20140326173718

Alphanugget wrote: DarKingdomHearts wrote: I still think Emma is the Ugly Duckling, not that she is ugly, but more because of the story of the fairy tale. Only thing the fairy tale isn't about a princess.

The Ugly Duckling's egg accidentally was born in the nest of a few ducks(?). Because he was different he got abused so he ran away, but eventually reunited with the swans after realizing he is one himself.

Emma is similar. She was send to the LWM and grew up in different families (we don't know if she was abused or picked on, but eventually she was reunited with her fairy tale parents after realizing she is a one herself. If we're going out on different families and stuff, why not call her Annie? Emma's name was, originally, going to be Anna.

Like @DarKingdomHearts said, Emma was loosely, inspired by The Ugly Duckling. Her last name is Swan, for a reason. Hook calls her by her last name, and he does so lovingly. Emma embodies a swan, perfectly. Swans are beautiful on the outside, but inside they are tough. They are strong, majestic birds. They are born ugly, but as they mature become beautiful.