Rapunzel was locked away in a remote tower by Mother Gothel, who had taken her away and raised her as her own. Mother Gothel named Rapunzel after the herb stolen from her garden. When Rapunzel was twelve, Mother Gothel locked her in the tower to protect others from her magical hair. For 18 years, Rapunzel stayed in the tower, using her long hair as a means for Mother Gothel to climb up and visit her daily. Despite her longing to see the floating lights that appeared on her birthday, she remained in the tower until she embarked on an adventure with two thieves, Gina and Flynn Rider.