It's international friendship day and this is an ode to all the immortal friendships literature has given us.


For humans, one of our key advantages over other species throughout evolution was our ability to form better bonds and coalesce into societies. We did this by making myths, gossiping, hunting and settling together etc. With the cognitive revolution, the agricultural revolution the setting up of cities and invention of language our psychological mindset became more nuanced, the bonds became stronger and relationships more diverse. One strand of this vibrant gamut was friendships, and since literature has always taken inspiration from human feelings, emotions and society there is no wonder that it contains many legendary and proverbial friendships.

Frodo had Sam, Tom Sawyer had Huckleberry Finn, Pooh had Piglet and Timon, of course, had Pumba. Most such literary friendships went through a relatable trajectory of affection, disagreements, fights and eventually becoming better friends. I have compiled a list of 5 literary friendships which is bound to make you smile and cherish your friendships.

Asterix and Obelix - The Gaul's heavy hitters Asterix and Obelix are serious friendship goals. They are quite opposite to each other in their personalities but perhaps that's what attracts them to each other. They share a common hatred for the invading Romans and with the druid, Getafix's potions manage to outwit Ceaser's legionaries. Asterix along with Obelix (and their dog Dogmatix) are serious friendship goals and prove that life is always better with a friend by your side

Frodo and Sam - When we talk of epics, there's bound to be some classic friendships in there. The Lord of the Rings has some of the most heartfelt bonds cutting across pigeonholes of race, kingdoms and genders. The most iconic of those is perhaps the relationship between Frodo and Sam. Both of them journey to Mt Doom to destroy the ring of fire fighting their way through goblins, orcs, evil wizards and of course Gollum. Sam plays the role of that ever supporting pillar when Frodo starts getting distraught as the ring begins to play with his mind. Apart from Frodo and Sam, there was Legolas and Gimli, Gandalf and Bilbo, Merry and Pippin and many more.


Harry, Ron and Hermoine - C'mon did you really expect this to not be here. When we talk of friendships, these three are bound to come to your mind. Children across the globe were enthralled when the first Harry Potter movie (and for some the book) came out. These three new Hogwarts entrants form a bond which we see develop and blossom into an immortal friendship which actually allows Harry Potter to face up to Lord Voldemort. From the first book to the last, these three have made every child fantasise about at least one epic adventure with his or her BFFs.


Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gave the world among other things a great friendship to talk discuss and read about for generations ahead. Though some people erroneously think of Dr Watson being Holmes' sidekick, they were the best of friends. With Dr Watson by his side, the brilliant Sherlock solves abstruse mysteries and when asked about his deductions he enigmatically replies "Elementary My dear Watson". Later adaptations portrayed Dr Watson as a necessary and calculated foil to the fickle yet fantastic Sherlock Holmes


Famous Five - Now I agree this is a children's book but I mean one's idea of friendship is often formed at that impressionable age. I remember reading Enid Blyton's Famous Five and imagining my self sleuthing in the vacations with my friend. The five were able to do what they did because they were super tight as buddies. Also, they had a dog who was as much a friend as any human.


These were some of my most memorable accounts of friendship from literature. Of course, the literature is far from exhaustive and has many more epic friendships which you should check out. However, let me know what have been your favourite friendships from across literature and why so. Until the next time keep reading, keep recommending and keep sharing for more the passengers on the Paperback Trails the better.