"OTP!"
I had some fangirling days. They mostly died when I went to high school. That doesn't mean that I don't still enjoy them, I just don't dedicate an expanse of time to them. It became apparent that I had left fangirling too long ago when someone on a youtube channel I watch said the term "OTP" and I didn't know what it meant. The term hadn't come into existence when I exited the fangirling world. It means "One True Pairing." The idea of shipping had come into existence then, but OTP is, apparently, the ultimate ship. It's not just a ship that you endorse. It is, according to you, the soulmate connections. Some of these I do endorse. I tend to be a canon-shipper, meaning that I ship the actual relationships of the books, but I do have exceptions. Marius belonged with Eponine, for example. And, even though I know they would have had marital strife, Jo and Laurie were made for each other. Today, I bring you some crazy shipping, in four categories. Of course, they will only be in fandoms that I'm actually familiar with.
Popular OTPs that would never work
Cross-fiction pairing that actually do work
The insane category
OTPs that would never work, but we'd still love to watch try
These are "OTPs" that I have seen shipped repeatedly since I started investigating this OTP concept that just don't work.
1) Rebecca and Ivanhoe (Ivanhoe)
It has been said that this might be the only non-Canon ship that the author shipped. Sir Walter Scott seemed to have agreed that Rebecca would be a better match for Ivanhoe. But since he's a Christian Saxon, and she's a Jew, they could have never worked. Ivanhoe had societal expectations as a leader in Saxondom to marry a certain level of social status, and Rebecca would never marry a Christian. So, even though they may have been compatible on so many levels, their marriage was just not in the cards.
2) Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones--and yes, I only read the book (because the tv series is practically porn) but I don't call them Song of Fire and Ice.)
This one has a striking amount of support. And even though Jon's quiet determination and honor could be a great contrast to Dany's fiery temper and stubborness, and, assuming Robb Stark did in fact legitimize his half-brother, Jon, there could be fantastic political implications to their union that could create a beautiful peace for the Seven Kingdoms, it would never work. First of all, there is the problem of distance. They're in completely different places. Second of all, there's the little problem of Jon Snow's Nightwatcher vows of no lands and lovers and other obligations. Third, can you imagine that conversation, "Yeah, remember when the Starks, the Lannisters and the Barratheons slaughtered your family and stole your throne? Guess who my daddy is!"
And if you're an R+L=J believer...well, that creates all sorts of other problems. I guess it never really stopped the Targaryens before, but it did stop the Starks.
3) Eowyn and Aragorn (Lord of the Rings)
Peter Jackson, Peter Jackson, Peter Jackson. Eowyn was meant to be with Faramir. Always was. I never felt any romance between Eowyn and Aragorn until Peter Jackson just needed another romance to make his movies more bloated and ridiculous. There's nothing between them. Never will be. They're too wild for one another.
4) Neville and Luna (Harry Potter)
I don't understand why two people being quiet and awkward makes them a good match for one another. Neville and Luna both have a lot of good qualities, but they don't really have common...anything. Neville needs a cross between Hermione and Harry. Someone who is logical and solid like Hermione, but someone who knows how to stand up for others like Harry. It would be nice if they also had a nurturing streak in them. Luna needs someone quiet and devoid of all eccentricities. Someone like Neville, really. But one-way relationships don't work well.
5) Gale and Katniss (Hunger Games)
I am sorry Everthorne shippers, I really am. Gale is a rebel. He needs another rebel. And Katniss is no rebel. She is for herself, and she needed someone who balanced that, and Peeta was the perfect one to do that. Also, Gale wanted a nurturer, and though Katniss could be that because she had to be, that not who she was. Peeta was happy being the nurturer, and Katniss fit better.
6) Kate and Sawyer (Lost)
I don't know who Kate would have worked better with in the universe. Maybe Desmond, but Desmond belonged with Penny. But Sawyer and Juliet were perfect for one another, and Kate and Sawyer were too alike to work with one another. Jack had a dying relationship with being a hero and had no room for Kate, but that doesn't mean she worked better for Sawyer.
7) Arthur and Morgana (Merlin)
Really? Really? First of all, they are too closely related. Second of all, I guess you want to put wild with honor. That seems like a good idea to me. But, Morgana was just angry at everything. She is anger embodied. And Arthur probably would have been, too, if he didn't have someone mellow with him at all times (like Gwen or Merlin). You saw what happened with Lancelot. The guy's a spitfire. You don't want that kind of anger together. They would kill each other.
8) Nico diAngelo and Rachel Dare (Percy Jackson series)
(Lack of them making movies that had them and lack of good Percy Jackson fan art deprives you of picture)
There is, first of all, a slight issue with sexual orientation, if you get my drift. Second of all, I don't understand how an intrinsically depressed and internally tortured son of Hades belongs with the eccentric oracle of Delphi. Maybe part of this is that I find Rachel to be an obnoxious character and Nico is one of my favorite characters in the series, but I don't think they work with one another.
9) Elsa and Hans (Frozen)
This is really an online thing. It's called Iceburns. And no, I don't know why.
One part of online shipping that I actually discovered in this research that I found highly entertaining is cross-fiction pairing. This is where you put characters from different universes together. It's great fun. And sometimes I think that do work. I will also add that some of those are my own pairing.
1) Tris Prior and Gale Hawthorne (Divergent and Hunger Games)
This relationship wouldn't last long. Not because they aren't good for each other, but one of them will get killed through their own rash actions. But for the time they are together, it will be wedded bliss. The wild fire will ensue, but they will be enjoying every minute of it.
2) Bran Stark and Luna Lovegood (Game of Thrones and Harry Potter)
This is an online creation that, when I saw it, my first thought was "Match made in heaven." Luna has a creativity and aloofness that will keep Bran just light enough, and Bran is grounded enough for Luna but can appreciate paranormal, too. He has everything about him that made Neville good for Luna, but he doesn't need the nurturing aspect in his partner, so Luna is good for him too. They're quiet and confident on their own, but would love someone to share their life with. And only someone who can be a paraplegic on the run from the most powerful, ruthless family in the Seven Kingdoms is right for Luna.
3) Merida and Hiccup (Brave and How To Train Your Dragon)
Just imagine it. Untamed Merida,with the gentle and mild Hiccup. His self-deprecating humor will get rid of that little anger that at all men are self-centered thing. Her self-assured rash decisions will be tempered by his ability to just watch and understand others. His desire to just be appreciated will be fulfilled by Merida's strong confidence. She is confident enough to help him have confidence. And both of their fathers would be thrilled with the match. Another plus. The only barrier to this relationship is that Astrid is great for Hiccup. But I have always believed that there are a lot of different relationships that would work for each person.
4) Jack Frost and Elsa (Rise of the Guardians and Frozen)
This has a huge online following. Because they're both snow people who have a lot of abilities and feelings about those abilities in common. But they respond to those feelings in the opposite way, so they would balance each other perfectly. Jack Frost's childish mischief towards his abilities is the perfect contrast and balance to Elsa's reserved fear and self-hate. They would make each other better in every way, shape, and form.
5) Catelyn Stark and Neville Longbottom (Game of Thrones and Harry Potter)
This is one I created by myself. When I was writing what Neville needed, and knowing that I was going to eventually pair Luna with Bran, I just though, "Oh my goodness, Neville needs Catelyn Stark!" I know, Catelyn Stark is Bran Stark's mother, so it's kind of weird to put them with people in the same generation, but it's all cross-alternate-universe anyways. She's loyal and strong, logical, with the only times she loses logic is when she is loving her children or husband. She is not afraid to stand up for those she loves, but is also willing to let her children grow and come into their own. I think that she would help Neville realize his potential while still giving him the love and assurance that he needs. And Neville would love her until the end, and that's all she really needs.
6) Anna and Nico diAngelo (Frozen and Percy Jackson series)
I know I shot down the Rachel/Nico thing because of sexual orientation, but I don't even care for this one. It's too perfect. Anna practically already dealt with Nico's problems of self-loathing and being afraid of your own powers (and let's be honest, he has some freaky ones) because of Elsa. She's knows exactly what to say. And Anna has a bubbliness that isn't eccentric--just happy. It's the perfect contrast to Nico. Once again, the only barrier is that Kristoff is already perfect for Anna. On an unrelated note, did you know that Kristoff's last name is Bjorgman. I didn't.
1) Hogwarts and the Giant Squid (Harry Potter)
This category isn't really for development of thought, just presenting some of the really weird ones. And I have nothing to say about this, but this actually has a very huge online following..
2) Mr. Lancaster and Sisyphus the Hamster (The Fault in Our Stars)
There are so many things wrong with this. But the one that I just have to point out...Sisyphus the Hamster is fictional within the fictional story. So even to the fictional character, he's fictional. Just saying.
1) Hades and Ursula (Disney--Hercules and Little Mermaid)
The world can't handle that much anger and evil. And it'd be fun to watch, but it would never work
2) The Queen and Gaston (Disney--Snow White and Beauty and the Beast)
The world can't handle that much self-absorption and vanity.
3) Bellatrix LeStrange and Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter)
Scary, scary thought. But actually has a huge following. Besides, I don't think that Voldemort is capable of love. Though J.K. Rowling has confirmed that Bellatrix LeStrange is in love with Voldemort. There is also a cross-fiction following for Bellatrix LeStrange and Moriarty, which I think is probably scarier, because it might work. And then I don't know what they would do.
4) Dory and Flounder (Disney--Finding Nemo and Little Mermaid)
They'd be cute for awhile, but the forgetfulness of Dory coupled with the irresponsibility of Flounder would never work.
5) Bianca and Emile (Disney--Rescuers and Ratatouille)
Sometimes opposites attract. Other times, they really, really don't.
So, there you go. OTPs. They're a total waste of time. But I just wasted a bunch of time on them.
Popular OTPs that would never work
Cross-fiction pairing that actually do work
The insane category
OTPs that would never work, but we'd still love to watch try
Popular OTPs that would never work
These are "OTPs" that I have seen shipped repeatedly since I started investigating this OTP concept that just don't work.
1) Rebecca and Ivanhoe (Ivanhoe)
2) Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones--and yes, I only read the book (because the tv series is practically porn) but I don't call them Song of Fire and Ice.)
This one has a striking amount of support. And even though Jon's quiet determination and honor could be a great contrast to Dany's fiery temper and stubborness, and, assuming Robb Stark did in fact legitimize his half-brother, Jon, there could be fantastic political implications to their union that could create a beautiful peace for the Seven Kingdoms, it would never work. First of all, there is the problem of distance. They're in completely different places. Second of all, there's the little problem of Jon Snow's Nightwatcher vows of no lands and lovers and other obligations. Third, can you imagine that conversation, "Yeah, remember when the Starks, the Lannisters and the Barratheons slaughtered your family and stole your throne? Guess who my daddy is!"
And if you're an R+L=J believer...well, that creates all sorts of other problems. I guess it never really stopped the Targaryens before, but it did stop the Starks.
3) Eowyn and Aragorn (Lord of the Rings)
Peter Jackson, Peter Jackson, Peter Jackson. Eowyn was meant to be with Faramir. Always was. I never felt any romance between Eowyn and Aragorn until Peter Jackson just needed another romance to make his movies more bloated and ridiculous. There's nothing between them. Never will be. They're too wild for one another.
4) Neville and Luna (Harry Potter)
I don't understand why two people being quiet and awkward makes them a good match for one another. Neville and Luna both have a lot of good qualities, but they don't really have common...anything. Neville needs a cross between Hermione and Harry. Someone who is logical and solid like Hermione, but someone who knows how to stand up for others like Harry. It would be nice if they also had a nurturing streak in them. Luna needs someone quiet and devoid of all eccentricities. Someone like Neville, really. But one-way relationships don't work well.
5) Gale and Katniss (Hunger Games)
I am sorry Everthorne shippers, I really am. Gale is a rebel. He needs another rebel. And Katniss is no rebel. She is for herself, and she needed someone who balanced that, and Peeta was the perfect one to do that. Also, Gale wanted a nurturer, and though Katniss could be that because she had to be, that not who she was. Peeta was happy being the nurturer, and Katniss fit better.
6) Kate and Sawyer (Lost)
I don't know who Kate would have worked better with in the universe. Maybe Desmond, but Desmond belonged with Penny. But Sawyer and Juliet were perfect for one another, and Kate and Sawyer were too alike to work with one another. Jack had a dying relationship with being a hero and had no room for Kate, but that doesn't mean she worked better for Sawyer.
7) Arthur and Morgana (Merlin)
Really? Really? First of all, they are too closely related. Second of all, I guess you want to put wild with honor. That seems like a good idea to me. But, Morgana was just angry at everything. She is anger embodied. And Arthur probably would have been, too, if he didn't have someone mellow with him at all times (like Gwen or Merlin). You saw what happened with Lancelot. The guy's a spitfire. You don't want that kind of anger together. They would kill each other.
8) Nico diAngelo and Rachel Dare (Percy Jackson series)
(Lack of them making movies that had them and lack of good Percy Jackson fan art deprives you of picture)
There is, first of all, a slight issue with sexual orientation, if you get my drift. Second of all, I don't understand how an intrinsically depressed and internally tortured son of Hades belongs with the eccentric oracle of Delphi. Maybe part of this is that I find Rachel to be an obnoxious character and Nico is one of my favorite characters in the series, but I don't think they work with one another.
9) Elsa and Hans (Frozen)
This is really an online thing. It's called Iceburns. And no, I don't know why.
Cross Fiction Pairings that do work
One part of online shipping that I actually discovered in this research that I found highly entertaining is cross-fiction pairing. This is where you put characters from different universes together. It's great fun. And sometimes I think that do work. I will also add that some of those are my own pairing.
1) Tris Prior and Gale Hawthorne (Divergent and Hunger Games)
This relationship wouldn't last long. Not because they aren't good for each other, but one of them will get killed through their own rash actions. But for the time they are together, it will be wedded bliss. The wild fire will ensue, but they will be enjoying every minute of it.
2) Bran Stark and Luna Lovegood (Game of Thrones and Harry Potter)
This is an online creation that, when I saw it, my first thought was "Match made in heaven." Luna has a creativity and aloofness that will keep Bran just light enough, and Bran is grounded enough for Luna but can appreciate paranormal, too. He has everything about him that made Neville good for Luna, but he doesn't need the nurturing aspect in his partner, so Luna is good for him too. They're quiet and confident on their own, but would love someone to share their life with. And only someone who can be a paraplegic on the run from the most powerful, ruthless family in the Seven Kingdoms is right for Luna.
3) Merida and Hiccup (Brave and How To Train Your Dragon)
Just imagine it. Untamed Merida,with the gentle and mild Hiccup. His self-deprecating humor will get rid of that little anger that at all men are self-centered thing. Her self-assured rash decisions will be tempered by his ability to just watch and understand others. His desire to just be appreciated will be fulfilled by Merida's strong confidence. She is confident enough to help him have confidence. And both of their fathers would be thrilled with the match. Another plus. The only barrier to this relationship is that Astrid is great for Hiccup. But I have always believed that there are a lot of different relationships that would work for each person.
4) Jack Frost and Elsa (Rise of the Guardians and Frozen)
This has a huge online following. Because they're both snow people who have a lot of abilities and feelings about those abilities in common. But they respond to those feelings in the opposite way, so they would balance each other perfectly. Jack Frost's childish mischief towards his abilities is the perfect contrast and balance to Elsa's reserved fear and self-hate. They would make each other better in every way, shape, and form.
5) Catelyn Stark and Neville Longbottom (Game of Thrones and Harry Potter)
This is one I created by myself. When I was writing what Neville needed, and knowing that I was going to eventually pair Luna with Bran, I just though, "Oh my goodness, Neville needs Catelyn Stark!" I know, Catelyn Stark is Bran Stark's mother, so it's kind of weird to put them with people in the same generation, but it's all cross-alternate-universe anyways. She's loyal and strong, logical, with the only times she loses logic is when she is loving her children or husband. She is not afraid to stand up for those she loves, but is also willing to let her children grow and come into their own. I think that she would help Neville realize his potential while still giving him the love and assurance that he needs. And Neville would love her until the end, and that's all she really needs.
6) Anna and Nico diAngelo (Frozen and Percy Jackson series)
I know I shot down the Rachel/Nico thing because of sexual orientation, but I don't even care for this one. It's too perfect. Anna practically already dealt with Nico's problems of self-loathing and being afraid of your own powers (and let's be honest, he has some freaky ones) because of Elsa. She's knows exactly what to say. And Anna has a bubbliness that isn't eccentric--just happy. It's the perfect contrast to Nico. Once again, the only barrier is that Kristoff is already perfect for Anna. On an unrelated note, did you know that Kristoff's last name is Bjorgman. I didn't.
The Insane Category
1) Hogwarts and the Giant Squid (Harry Potter)
This category isn't really for development of thought, just presenting some of the really weird ones. And I have nothing to say about this, but this actually has a very huge online following..
2) Mr. Lancaster and Sisyphus the Hamster (The Fault in Our Stars)
There are so many things wrong with this. But the one that I just have to point out...Sisyphus the Hamster is fictional within the fictional story. So even to the fictional character, he's fictional. Just saying.
OTPs That Would Never Work, but We'd Love To Watch Them Crash and Burn
1) Hades and Ursula (Disney--Hercules and Little Mermaid)
The world can't handle that much anger and evil. And it'd be fun to watch, but it would never work
2) The Queen and Gaston (Disney--Snow White and Beauty and the Beast)
The world can't handle that much self-absorption and vanity.
3) Bellatrix LeStrange and Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter)
Scary, scary thought. But actually has a huge following. Besides, I don't think that Voldemort is capable of love. Though J.K. Rowling has confirmed that Bellatrix LeStrange is in love with Voldemort. There is also a cross-fiction following for Bellatrix LeStrange and Moriarty, which I think is probably scarier, because it might work. And then I don't know what they would do.
4) Dory and Flounder (Disney--Finding Nemo and Little Mermaid)
They'd be cute for awhile, but the forgetfulness of Dory coupled with the irresponsibility of Flounder would never work.
5) Bianca and Emile (Disney--Rescuers and Ratatouille)
Sometimes opposites attract. Other times, they really, really don't.
So, there you go. OTPs. They're a total waste of time. But I just wasted a bunch of time on them.
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