Love, Loyalty, and Legends: The Power of Epic Friendships
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Imagine you were given a quest—one that required you and a companion to carry the most evil ring ever created to the fires of Mount Doom, where it could be destroyed. Who would be the first person you’d call?
Would they go with you?
For some, the answer is easy. You may already have that one friend in mind—perhaps they are at the top of your favorites list on your phone. And if you were to ask them to journey to Mordor with you, you’d already know their answer.
Friendships in fiction are a key element of the stories we love. They showcase the qualities we aspire to—loyalty, honesty, and sacrifice—and often serve as the driving force behind a character’s transformation into a hero.
Friendships in Fiction
Think about Sam and Frodo. Talk about loyalty! Sam embodies the absolute best aspects of friendship—deep devotion, earnest support, and unwavering honesty. He stands by Frodo even when Frodo pushes him away, offering encouragement when Frodo is at his lowest and stepping in when he makes dangerous choices.
In one of the most emotional scenes in The Lord of the Rings, Frodo, consumed by mistrust, decides to carry the ring to Mordor alone. He tries to leave in secret, rowing away from shore.
“Go back, Sam! I’m going to Mordor alone.”
“Of course you are. And I’m coming with you!”
At that moment, Frodo realizes that Sam is not just a companion—he is the key to completing the quest. But more than that, protecting Frodo has become Sam’s quest, and he will stop at nothing to fulfill it.
This kind of love and devotion is what we long for in our own friendships. Even when we are at our worst, we hope our friends will stand by us. Like the moment Frodo sides with Gollum over Sam and tells him to leave—Sam still chooses to protect him. And when Gollum betrays Frodo, Sam is there to rescue him.
In many ways, our friends are the heroes within us. They challenge us to grow, encourage us when we doubt ourselves, and pick us up when we fall.
Iconic Friendships in Fiction and Their Characteristics
Harry, Ron & Hermione (Harry Potter) – The power of combining unique strengths and persevering through trials.
Lucy & Mr. Tumnus (The Chronicles of Narnia) – Discovering trust and kindness in unexpected places.
Anne & Diana (Anne of Green Gables) – The joy of finding a kindred spirit who understands you completely.
Lessons We Can Learn from Epic Friendships
Here are a few timeless lessons from legendary friendships in fiction and real life. Striving to embrace these qualities can deepen our relationships and strengthen our character:
Loyalty over comfort – True friends choose loyalty even when it’s difficult. (Example: Sam refusing to leave Frodo even when sent away.)
A real friend wants the best for us – True friends push us to be better. They point out our flaws, help us grow, and forgive us when we fall short.
Friendship requires sacrifice – Love and loyalty come at a cost. (Example: Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities sacrificing himself.)
Standing together against darkness – The best friends help each other fight both external and internal battles.
Writing Friendships in Fiction
As a writer, crafting authentic friendships can be a challenge. The gap between what feels real and the idealized relationships we see in fiction can be difficult to bridge. No friendship is perfect—and in writing, a ‘perfect’ friendship lacks depth and realism.
Conflict is key. Even the closest friends disagree, face challenges, and sometimes hurt each other. Without these struggles, relationships lack depth, and stories become stale.
I often draw from my own friendships when writing, and that process can be uncomfortable. Reflecting on past relationships inevitably brings up regrets—things I could have done differently, words I wish I had said (or left unsaid). But instead of burying those memories, I use them to create authentic characters and friendships. Who knows? Maybe revisiting those moments will inspire the courage to rebuild some of those burned bridges.
Some of the most powerful stories are those of former friends who find redemption through forgiveness and restoration. Those stories stay with us because they reflect real-life struggles and triumphs.
Questions for Reflection
What fictional friendship has impacted you the most, and why?
Have you ever had a friendship that challenged and strengthened you?
Do you think loyalty is harder to find in today’s world? Why or why not?
What qualities do you expect in a friend? Do you embody those same qualities? Which ones could you improve to be a better friend?
Challenges
Share your favorite literary (or movie/TV) friendship in the comments! What about it resonates with you?
Tag a friend and tell them why you appreciate their friendship.
Write a short story or scene about two friends facing challenges together for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter!
“True friendship is a light in the darkest moments of our journey.”