Best Animal Companions for Fantasy Nerds

This week we’ve got a treat for you! Animal companions are easily some of the best parts of Fantasy novels and movies. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites, including our own real-life companions at the end! 

Abraxos (Wyverns) – Throne of Glass

When we first meet Abraxos he is essentially a bait Wyvern in the fighting pits. He is a small, weaker dragon, but that doesn’t stop him from defending Manon from the other Wyverns when she is thrown into the pits to be killed. This act of bravery and self-sacrifice is what leads Manon to choose Abraxos as her Wyvern, despite pressure from her mother to do otherwise. Abraxos continues to defy expectations by becoming the best flyer despite his damaged wings. The loyalty between Manon and Abraxos and how they continued to be true to what they believed despite their harsh upbringings was one of my favorite parts of the series.

Ghost (Direwolves) – Game of Thrones

I think we can all admit having a direwolf at your side is one of the coolest things ever. They fight for you, are fiercely loyal, can alert you of danger, and even hunt for you. One of my favorite parts in the Song of Ice and Fire series is when Jon is stuck in the wintry North alone, and he cuddles with Ghost for warmth. It describes Jon wrapping his hands in Ghost’s fur and the direwolf keeping him warm and alive. There is truly a connection of love, and reading that melted my heart. 

Hedwig (Snowy Owls) – Harry Potter

Harry Potter had so many magical creatures that it’s tough to choose just one favorite. For this list, we are going with Hedwig as the best familiar. Hedwig was with Harry from the very beginning and did much more than just deliver his mail. In the end, Hedwig was willing to give his life for Harry, which makes him the ultimate companion.

Temeraire (Dragons) – His Majesty’s Dragon

My favorite thing about Temeraire is how he is not afraid to call out his proper, rule-following Captain. Lawrence and Temeraire balance each other out so well. While Lawrence is a good man, he is loyal to his country to a fault, and will place following orders over doing what he believes is right. Temeraire is often the nudge he needs to rebel for the greater good, but this does lead to many of their trials and conflicts in the book. 

Another thing I love about Temeraire is how intelligent he is. He has a thirst for learning, again bettering his Captain by forcing him into the habit of reading books to the dragon, which he cannot manage on his own because books aren’t made for dragons.

Gwaihir (Eagles) – The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion

Gwaihir is the greatest and swiftest of the eagles, his Sindarin name meaning Windlord. He not only helped to rescue Lúthien and Beren in Angband, he rescued Sam and Frodo from Mount Doom after they destroyed the ring! He was also the eagle that rescued Gandalf from Orthanc, the tower of Isengard. Gandalf whispered his name to the moth that he caught, and Gwaihir answered his call. The Windlord is always there when you need him, to rescue companions or fight in battles, you can always rely on him.

Appa – WTF’s Familiar

Appa is a purebred Alaskan Malamute, named after Appa from Avatar: The Last Airbender. She is often on her favorite couch looking out the window, mostly watching the birds at the bird feeder we put right outside her favorite spot. She is stubborn, loves to talk and is very dramatic! Appa is a big girl who likes her space and isn’t always the fondest of cuddles, but the moment you make any signs of distress she is there to protect you. She loves other people and animals, even cats, and gives lots and lots of kisses. She’ll tell you when she doesn’t like something, and definitely has an attitude, but is the sweetest dog that just wants all of your food. 

Bailey – Clever’s Familiar

Bailey is a rescue dog who is an Aussie/Retriever mix, possibly with a little Dalmatian or Border Collie. She can often be found on her bench by the window, watching over the neighborhood. She is known around the neighborhood for her friendliness and will go running up to all her friends for pets, kisses, and sometimes treats. She also takes her job protecting the neighborhood seriously and will bark at anyone who doesn’t belong. But once she gets to know you, she is the sweetest dog and a friend for life.

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Who would you include as the best animal companions? Do you have one of your own? Let us know in the comments below, furry friends are family!

Thank you so much for reading!

–Clever&WTF