The Most Iconic Fantasy Characters Ever

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Kristian Wilson Colyard grew up bizarre in a one-caution-light city within the Appalachian foothills. She now lives in an outdated textile metropolis along with her husband and their clowder of cats. She’s on Twitter @kristianwriting, and you’ll find extra of her work on-line at kristianwriting.com.

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Hey, you. You’re lastly awake…and simply in time to examine essentially the most iconic fantasy characters we’ve ever been graced with. Buckle in for some good outdated nostalgia as I stroll you down reminiscence lane to honor these fantasy greats.

What makes a fantasy character iconic? Seriously, I’m asking. Is it the moment title recognition of a Frodo Baggins or a Kvothe? The epic story of a Fang Runin or a Queen Talyien? The memeability of a Tyrion “I Drink and I Know Things” Lannister or a Cloud “Did Sephiroth… Do This” Strife?

That’s a very roundabout means of claiming that every of the characters on this record is iconic for a special cause. Many owe their icon standing to a non-book medium, similar to a TV or film sequence. One or two have by no means been in books in any respect, however have nonetheless managed to go away a long-lasting impression on nerd tradition — and certain impressed a enjoyable literary homage or two within the course of.

As you may think, these aren’t essentially the strongest, smartest, or most beloved characters on the market. This isn’t a contest to see who would win in a battle. It’s about who has reached True Icon Status™…no matter which means.

Below, essentially the most iconic fantasy characters of all time.

Most Iconic Fantasy Characters Ever

Aziraphale & Crowley

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Good Omens Season 2 simply hit Amazon Prime in July, and, though the sequence’ followers have been clamoring for extra of Michael Sheen and David Tennant’s Aziraphale and Crowley, they’ve been delighting fantasy followers for many years. This lovable odd couple made their first look in Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens means again in 1990, and we’ve been delivery them ever since.

Bilbo

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Speaking of delighting fantasy followers for many years, let’s speak about Bilbo Baggins. The hero — and authentic creator — of The Hobbit first appeared in print through the Great Depression, making him the oldest character on this record by far. Loads of us slept on Bilbo for too lengthy, however truthfully? This ambivert is totes relatable, and his penchant for pragmatism makes him a really fantastic — and devious — fantasy icon.

Doraemon

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OK, so the eponymous hero of Fujiko F. Fujio’s Doraemon is technically a sci-fi character. I imply, he’s a robotic cat who has traveled again in time. You don’t get far more science fictiony than that. But I’m together with him right here for 2 causes: 1) as a result of the pocket on his stomach capabilities, basically, like Mary Poppins’s carpetbag, and a pair of) his basic vibe leans loads nearer to a comfortable, feel-good form of fantasy. Also, he’s so iconic he was named Japan’s first animation ambassador in 2008.

Drizzt

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Everyone’s favourite drow badass has impressed a number of generations of D&D gamers at this level. Drizzt Do’Urden is, for all intents and functions, a big Gary Stu. He’s hella highly effective, all the time on the nice guys’ facet — even when he’s just a little chaotic — and he’s even Not Like Other Girls™…I imply drow. With all that stated, he’s a cultural touchstone at this level, and The Legends of Drizzt are an entire lot of enjoyable to learn. So you gotta put a minimum of just a little respect on his title.

Essun

Everyone loves a Mama Bear, and Essun, the heroine of the Broken Earth trilogy, has Big Mama Bear Energy. When her husband murders their son and kidnaps their daughter, Essun units out with a singular purpose: avenging her kids. Nevermind that the world is actually ending round her; she’s bought one factor on her thoughts, and it’s some good old school vigilante justice. We stan.

Falkor

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OK, let’s be sincere: who didn’t need to take a experience on Falkor’s again after watching The Neverending Story as a child? Fans who haven’t had the possibility to learn Michael Ende’s 1979 novel can be glad to be taught that the one Luck Dragon in existence is simply as pleasant within the authentic ebook, the place he’s often known as Fuchur. So right here’s to Falkor — for uplifting our desires and serving to us consider in luck for near 50 years.

Ralof

Speaking of memeable, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out essentially the most memed fantasy character of the century: Ralof, from Bethesda Softworks’ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. If the title doesn’t ring any bells, maybe you recognize him higher for his signature line: “Hey, you. You’re finally awake.” Twelve years — and what number of ports? — after Skyrim initially got here out, Ralof will nonetheless be there to greet you upon every new playthrough.

Sailor Moon

In my humblest opinion, there’s no fantasy character extra relatable than Usagi Tsukino. She’s not too brilliant, simply needs to sleep in, eat cake, and browse comedian books, and actually, actually hates when persons are handled unfairly. The eponymous heroine of Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon has practically limitless energy at her disposal, and he or she makes use of it to battle for what’s most necessary: love and justice.

Terra Branford

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Three generations — Millennials, Gen-Zers, and Generation Alpha — have grown up on tales of youngster protagonists coming into their energy and main rebellions in opposition to evil empires. For that cause, I’d wish to formally submit Terra Branford because the ur-YA-fantasy heroine. Without spoiling something, I can let you know that Final Fantasy VI provides Terra the character arc she deserves, and in spades. If you haven’t performed the sport earlier than, you owe it to your self to choose up a replica ASAP.

Want extra superior profiles of iconic fantasy characters? Check out these Myers-Briggs profiles of your favourite fantasy characters and discover out which fantasy character you might be.