Top Ten Tuesday: Legendary Literary BFFs

November 27, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme originated by The Broke and the Bookish now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week the theme is: Platonic Relationships in Books

On the surface, I adore this theme. But once I started to dig into it, I developed… feelings. Frustration. Annoyance. Disappointment. Exasperation. This is a topic I plan on exploring more closely in its own post, but the long and short of it is this: Platonic relationships are purely spiritual and not physical, based off the concepts of the Philosopher Plato. In everything I see related to literature this phrase implies a cishet M-F friendship and this annoys me. Plus, there is a distinct lack of platonic relationships in literature right now. Which frustrates me.

Ugh. I’m getting worked up just writing this.

So, I’m going to rephrase this topic into Legendary Literary BFFs. These are the friends whose relationships I coveted when I read the books. I desperately crave the connection these characters have developed between each other. Friendship is the most powerful form of love in the ‘verse in my opinion. And I’m here to prove it.

All titles below are links to the book’s Goodreads page.


 

Top 10 Legendary Literary BFFs

 

Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Whenever I think of Frodo and Sam, I always get teary-eyed. Their relationship is complicated in a way scholars have explored since the publication of The Lord of the Rings. Formally, this is a master-servant relationship, which Samwise consistently reminds the reader of throughout the texts. However, there is something untypical about it – particularly their intimacy and connection. Samwise saves Frodo’s life at LEAST seven times in the series and never once do we think this is Sam living into an obligation. Frodo returns the favor (once? I think?) and it is clear that Sam is the emotional rock Frodo needs to survive this trial.

Samwise and Frodo have one of the best bromances in all of literature. By far.

 

Sherlock Holmes and John Watson from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

How these two have not killed each other yet is anyone’s guess. But that’s also the sign of an incredible friendship. On the surface, Sherlock is constantly patronizing Watson for missing obvious clues and Watson berates Sherlock for not behaving as a person in society should. But the relationship between these two men has intrigued readers for over 100 years because it is so much more than this. Aristotle argues that friendship is noble and good, in and of itself, but it is also good for us. For me what makes the relationship between Sherlock and Watson compelling is that they can completely be themselves at all times, are still profoundly loyal and supportive, and both gentlemen gain something they desperately need from this friendship to keep themselves whole. If you haven’t read these stories, I highly recommend them. It’s a complex friendship, but one worth seeking to understand.

 

Charlotte and Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

This is more of a mentor/mentee relationship, but these relationships often become friendships longer term in real life. I love how this theme of friendships and the changing of relationships are portrayed in this classic children’s book. By the end of the book, both Wilbur and Charlotte will obviously do anything for each other. They inspire others and grow into better “people” themselves. I also love how after Charlotte’s death, Wilbur learns that friendship can be everlasting as he now takes care of her children. This message is that true friendship is special and everlasting.

My Review: Charlotte’s Web

 

Athos, Porthos, and Aramis from The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

These three Musketeers have been friends long before the novel begins. But that doesn’t change how incredible this friendship is. Built upon honor and service, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis fight for what they believe in and are ready to sacrifice themselves for others. Their adventures provide many tests for these bonds, and they trust that friendship and loyalty will always win the day.

 

Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Merry and Pippin are the only two characters at the beginning of this quest who are already great friends. In fact, it’s this friendship which brings them bumbling into this whole tale! Unlike the rest of the Fellowship, Merry and Pippin have no training, no experience, and no idea what they are getting into. The only reason they survive at all is by virtue of their loyalty and friendship to each other (and everyone else they meet together).

 

Anne Shirley and Diana Barry from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

What a classic friendship! These kindred spirits are fast, bosom friends almost from day one and balance each other quite well. Yes, Diana is often viewed in this book as the sidekick and victim to Anne’s every imaginative whim, but there is certainly no more a loyal friend than Anne Shirley. Not even Gilbert can get between them. Their effortless friendship is the pinnacle of #FemaleFriendship goals.

My Review: Anne of Green Gables

 

Winnie-The-Pooh and Christopher Robin from Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

All of the Hundred Acre Woods inhabitants are my childhood friends. But the relationship between Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin is particularly special. While Christopher Robin is just a boy, he sees childhood as a temporary stage in his life. He acts as a caretaker, a guiding presence, to the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood (most often Pooh Bear, as he needs guidance the most) and yet his imagination fuels their silly adventures. Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh often have reflective, heart-to-heart moments about growing up and the inevitability of their separation. While this is heartbreaking, it shows a strong understanding of how relationships grow and change over time. It should be commended.

 

Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

You didn’t think I’d forget them, did you? It’s not often we get a whole set of seven epic novels to watch young relationships grow, change, and strengthen. There are many worthwhile friendships in this series, but none go through such trials and tribulations. Certainly, they are fighting the entire dark wizarding world. But they are also discovering themselves, going through puberty, making mistakes, and learning to forgive. And, after all it’s Harry’s love for his friends, and their love for him, which even enables Harry to face Lord Voldemort. Talk about important!

 

Gimli, Son of Glóin and Legolas Greenleaf from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Okay, okay. Last time I mention a couple of BFF’s from Tolkien (though he can certainly write them well)! But seriously, these two take the crown of Tolkien friendships. Their people have been partaking in a racial feud for centuries. It’s through the unlikely friendship these two develop as they take part in the Fellowship of the Ring that this feud is resolved. Anyone who has read the books, or seen the films, can attest to the beauty of this blossoming relationship. As Tolkien says in an appendix to The Return of the King,

We have heard tell that Legolas took Gimli Glóin’s son with him because of their great friendship, greater than any that has been between Elf and Dwarf.

I rest my case.

 

Calvin and Hobbes from Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

Just like with Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin, this is an imaginary friendship. But unlike them, the roles are reversed. Calvin is a child and Hobbes, his stuffed tiger, is the responsible adult. And for some reason, this pairing encapsulates the ideal childhood friendship for me. Growing up, all my friends read and adored Calvin and Hobbes. The possibility that such a relationship could exist – one with someone who always stands by your side, even if they don’t agree with you, one with someone who will play all your favorite games with you or just sit around and enjoy the silence – is what inspired us all to be the best possible friends we could be. My friendship role models. After all, I don’t relate to Calvin basically at all. I’ve always been the Hobbes in a relationship.

 

Putting this list together helped me realize I haven’t read many books which feature strong female friendships! I wanted to focus on true friendships, not familial relationships, so I omitted the March Sisters from Little Women and the Bennett Sisters from Pride and Prejudice. But they also have incredibly strong bonds. It’s just very different than say, Gimli and Legolas.

Which, I will repeat, is one of the strongest friendships I’ve ever read about. Props Tolkien. You slay this friendship theme.


What do you think?

  • Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday? Share your links below!
  • Which books from this list have you read? What are your favorites?
  • What are your favorite literary friendships? Why?
  • Can you recommend some books featuring strong female friendships? Thank you!!

19 Comments

  • Grab the Lapels November 27, 2018 at 10:26 am

    When I read Plato’s definition of Platonic friendship, the first one I thought of was Diana and Anne. What made you decide that they had to be M/F and cishet?

    • Jackie B November 27, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      It’s not so much that *I* decided they had to be this way. It’s that when I could only come up with 2 different friend pairings, I did some Google searching. 100% of the results were for M/F cishet friendships. Which enraged me. Then, when I thought further, I realized that there aren’t a lot of highlighted friendships in what I read. Which made me sad and anxious. It was quite a roller coaster.

      • Grab the Lapels November 28, 2018 at 10:53 am

        Ohhhhh. I see. Yeah, that blows. I want some more old lady duos. Old lady friends are THE BEST.

        • Jackie B December 9, 2018 at 8:49 pm

          Old people duos in general. I also love crochety old men together. XD That said, I can’t think of a SINGLE book featuring an old lady duo! Help!

          • Grab the Lapels December 10, 2018 at 4:36 pm

            They’re unexplored. I see them in real life, and let me tell you, it makes me SO JEALOUS.

            • Jackie B December 10, 2018 at 5:05 pm

              There MUST be some genre of books which explores these fabulous duos. If The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared exists, we must have old woman BFF books somewhere. Help! We must find them!

              • Grab the Lapels December 10, 2018 at 6:38 pm

                Okay, I did some Googling, and what comes up are heartwarming friendships. Why do they have to be heartwarming!? Some old ladies are frenemies, even before we had the term, and that makes for some interesting dynamics. Marilla Cuthbert and Mrs. Rachel Lynde! Prime example.

  • Annemieke November 27, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    Merry and Pippin. <3 I love those too, though in the movie slightly more haha.

    • Jackie B November 27, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      I love how the films display their friendship so closely. All the hobbits are more physical with each other in the films than my brain had imagined from the books. Which is awesome! Snuggles and hugs for life.

  • PerfectlyTolerable November 27, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    I can’t wait for your full post on this!! And I’m glad you explained that you left out siblings haha because Jane and Elizabeth are one of the best <3 You are right about there not being a lot of platonic M/F relationships in literary and even fewer if both parties are straight!

    • Jackie B December 9, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      Thank you! That means a lot to me. I’ve cooled down a bit since writing this particular post, so I hope I can keep my cool long enough to write this post about platonic relationships. I mostly blame the internet for not understanding what it means.

      Jane and Elizabeth ARE one of the best! I adore how supportive they are of each other. We need more supportive siblings in literature.

  • Aj @ Read All The Things! November 28, 2018 at 8:58 pm

    I really wish there were more platonic relationships in fiction. Especially in YA, everything seems to turn into a romance. It’s annoying. Why can’t people just stay friends?

    • Jackie B December 9, 2018 at 10:08 pm

      Exactly, AJ! WHY don’t we have more friendships in YA? These are the years when it matters most to have strong friendships. Also, we need to stop convincing teenagers than their best friends are all love interests. Unrealistic expectations are being set and poor M/F dynamics are being built. Sigh. I want more besties and less kissing. Unilaterally.

  • Amanda @Cover2CoverMom December 7, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    I loved your list Jackie! I totally agree that strong female friendship is seriously lacking in literature. I just went through all my 2018 reads thus far, and NONE of them included a positive female friendship that was central to the plotline. It is really sad actually.

    One of my complaints about the Anne of Green Gables series is that Anne & Diana’s friendship fizzles out in the later books. While I understand the later books are more focused on Anne’s children, I really missed Anne & Diana’s friendship.

    I loved that you included Calvin and Hobbes! The Calvin and Hobbes comic books were a big part of my childhood too. I actually saved all of my books from childhood and my son now reads them. He even has a stuffed tiger named Hobbes that he’s had since he was 1 🙂

    • Jackie B December 9, 2018 at 10:15 pm

      Wow! Not a single read of yours from 2018 contained a strong female friendship?! I hope you’re remedying this for the end of the year. That’s so disappointing… but also not all that surprising. Sigh. What is the world coming to? More friendships, please!!

      (I checked out my list, I have 10 if you count familial relationships, which I totally am to just boost those numbers)

      I agree with you that I missed Anne’s relationship with Diana in later books. However, I felt like their relationship fizzling out was quite realistic. This happens all the time. Life choices we make separate us from the people we love physically and emotionally. Diana stayed in Avonlea and had the first child. Those are huge life markers to have without Anne. I’m glad they stayed connected, but it just wasn’t the same after they both had their own children.

      !!! I’m so glad your son has a Hobbes tiger. Imaginary friends are the best. <3

      • Amanda @Cover2CoverMom December 10, 2018 at 5:31 pm

        There were a few books that included female friendships, but it was such a small part of the book that it doesn’t really count. I’d love to remedy this tragedy for 2019’s reading.

        I guess it is true that as we age and start families of our own we often drift away from friends. I guess I just wanted more details about when Anne would go to visit instead of a casual mention that she saw Diana.

        • Jackie B December 16, 2018 at 10:39 am

          You have inspired my Top Ten Tuesday for next week Amanda. 😉 Thank you for helping me go off track! 🙂

  • theorangutanlibrarian December 15, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    Ah I love frodo and sam too!! And Merry and Pippin 🙂 Also I love the three musketeers! And anne shirley and diana bishop are friendship goals!! I also love the golden trio of course 😉 Awesome picks!

    • Jackie B December 26, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      There are so many incredible friendships in all of literature. It’s important to celebrate them! I just wish it was easier to find them… I’ve been struggling to find literature with strong friendships lately. Any suggestions?

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