By Reigha Weaver | Arts & Life Writer
As we grow up, our ideas of love are shaped by the examples set before us, like our parents, Cinderella and Prince Charming or Belle and the Beast. However, as we get older and start reading and watching our own movies, our ideals get more complex and the “me and whos” start getting more frequent.
In my many years of consuming media, I’ve fallen victim to this numerous times, but that has also made me a self-proclaimed expert on love in fiction. So I have made the ultimate list of the most legendary love stories.
5. Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter, “Harry Potter“
For lukewarm Potterheads (those who haven’t read the books) this might seem like a weak pick, but let me be the millionth person to tell you: read the books. Ginny and Harry are much more than an awkward kiss; they are a beautiful love story woven throughout the books.
Ginny is immediately awestruck by Harry, so much so that she doesn’t talk to Harry until the second book. It’s in “Chamber of Secrets” that Ginny becomes her own character, which only grows. By the fifth book, Ginny is an accomplished quidditch player and witch; and by book six, Harry and Ginny become friends and have a comfortable rapport. It’s also in the sixth book, “The Half-Blood Prince,” that Harry stops looking in Cho Chang’s direction and starts looking in Ginny’s.
Then, by the seventh book, Ginny and Harry have fully realized their feelings, and 19 years later, they send their own kids to Hogwarts. A classic “she fell first, he fell harder.”
4. Evangeline Fox and Jacks, “Once Upon a Broken Heart“
I am operating under the assumption that most do not know about this wonderful book series. Allow me to be a broken record and say, yet again: read the books.
Evangeline and Jacks have a slow burn like no other. Jacks, as a character, is so complicated and troubled, which contrasts nicely with Evangeline’s positive disposition. Yet this isn’t your classic “grumpy x sunshine” dynamic (trust me, I’ve read my fair share).
Stephanie Garber (author of “Caraval”) spends three books building up to their relationship, which officially happens 1,232 pages in. It’s hard to describe just how great their relationship is without spoiling all the good stuff, but trust me when I say this love story will change your life. And don’t even get me started on the apples.
3. Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen, “The Hunger Games“
“‘You love me. Real or not real?’ I tell him, ‘Real.’”
If you want to talk legendary, Peeta and Katniss, or Everlark, need to enter the conversation. Peeta, who has been in love with Katniss since childhood, tries to send signals to Katniss throughout the books. Katniss takes 99% of these interactions as a personal offense, which is a common theme for the rest of the list.
While “The Hunger Games” tackles way bigger issues and criticisms than love, Katniss and Peeta’s relationship and shared trauma grows with the heavy subject material. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t forced; it was perfect from the moment Peeta threw Katniss his burnt bread.
2. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, “Pride and Prejudice“
Quite possibly the most popular and classic love story of all time, and for good reason. I mean, he’s pride and she’s prejudice; it just works.
And even though Darcy’s first proposal was disastrous, their story is the pinnacle of romance. For those who hold yearning in high regard, this whole list will do you justice, but you can’t outdo the original. Elizabeth’s inability to see how desperately Mr. Darcy is trying is hilarious but adds to the tension. Their clashing personalities mixed with the ever so romantic Regency Era make a beautiful, timeless love story that has certainly shaped my perception of love.
There are many kinds of “Pride and Prejudice” fans, some prefer only the books, some the 1995 BBC miniseries and others the 2005 movie. While all are spectacular, I tend to lean towards the 2005 movie, with Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy. For those whose Darcy of choice is Macfadyen, the hand flex is something that cannot be ignored.
1. Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley, “Anne of Green Gables“
Whether you’ve read the books, watched the 1985 series or binged “Anne with an E,” one thing is for certain: Anne and Gilbert are the ideal. Their story is a pseudo-enemies to lovers, in the way that Gilbert could never hate Anne.
Gilbert and Anne’s relationship isn’t fully realized until the third book, where Anne goes to college and Gilbert, after confessing his feelings once, gets typhoid fever. The illness shakes Anne to her core and she realizes she also has feelings for Gilbert.
The books before “Anne of the Island” are almost torturous, with Gilbert’s signals constantly being seen as threats. But what is yearning without a little torture? And if anyone can yearn, you bet it’s Gilbert Blythe. Eventually, in the sixth book, Gilbert and Anne get married.
If you loved the books and want something that stays on course, I’d watch the 1985 series. But if you want the best Gilbert and Anne adaptation, I’d recommend “Anne With an E.” Keep in mind, it does stray from the books more.
Without straying away from the books, though, “Anne with an E” wouldn’t have given us that wonderful “Diana, what letter?” Unfortunately, “Anne with an E” was canceled after three seasons, so to ease the pain, you should probably read the books.
Any way you watch or read it, Anne and Gilbert have a love story that transcends all, beginning with “Carrots” and a smashed slate.
