Fantasy Swagger

They are powerful, they are dandy. They are our larger than life super heroes. Whether it is their calling or their abilities that empower them, these folks speak with a sense of urgency. They have a mission and they succeed through perseverance. They have what we call SWAGGER. We would be best friends with them if they lived in our time.

And yes, this is for all the geeks out there!

1) Gandalf

From: The Lord of the Rings

Actor: Ian Mckellen

Best Scene ever: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrqd7NhZ1gM&fmt=18]

Why him: Forget Aragorn. If it wasn’t for Gandalf, Sauron would not have been defeated. Gandalf was instrumental in orchestrating the Frodo and the One ring quest. Even though he had a lot on his plate, he still managed to succeed in all of his endeavors. He set off to find the Rohirrim when they left Theoden and ultimately led them to victory. He rode to Minas Tirith and assumed the role of the Commander in the greatest battle known to Middle Age.

Even when he was second in power in the hierarchy of White Order, he was a righteous Grey wizard. He knew what had to be done. He held to his beliefs of wrong and right, and wasn’t afraid to stand up to Saruman even when he was less powerful.

We wept when he fell into the abyss with the Balrog. We wept because for all of his intelligence and wisdom, he was also personable. He was down to earth and he always had a way with words. He knew how to comfort those in need. A successful person is not always the most ruthless and unscrupulous one, but one who cares about the people around him.

Good always triumph and he rose again. Let us just point out how a little makeover can go a long way. The frail, unkempt Gandalf the Grey was no more. In comparison, we have a clean, well-groomed Gandalf the White. Immediately, his presence towers over the rest of us.

We draw some lessons from this: You don’t need all the swag in the world to garner attention. Just pay attention and put a little effort into grooming yourself.

He is a man with a plan. He is always ten steps ahead of the rest of his Fellowship. He is like the Grandpa we never had.

2) Hermione Granger




From: Harry Potter

Actress: Emma Watson

Smartest scene ever: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5hQG4uJCTw]

Why her: Right from the start, Hermione was portrayed as a know-it-all Hogwart student. She knew all the answers and well, not many people liked that about over-achievers. She is one of the smartest female characters we have seen in a while. Not only was she hard working, she was perceptive as well. She is always the one who is mastering the plans. More often than not, it is her who leads the trio to victory.

If we had it our way, we would have named the series Hermione Granger and the ….

It is not easy having to be the grown up and stand up to a group of pubescent boys and swaying them in the right direction. And that is what we love about Hermione.

In this day and age where women are more than happy to objectify themselves, Hermione isn’t afraid to be who she is. Instead of down playing her intelligence and becoming what the others want her to be, she rises to the occasion every time. She is not afraid to get into a feud with the boys. She doesn’t feel the need to fit in because she knows what she is doing is right.

Whether she’s fighting trolls or righting wrong, this girl has guts! And all the women out there should take a page from this coming-of-age lady. Stand up for yourself, and do not be afraid to be labeled a bitch if you know what you know in your heart, you’re right.

3) Wolverine




From: X Men

Actor: Hugh Jackman

Best Tribute ever: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT1f8jteRBg]

Why him: Long before hip hop artistes decided to adorn themselves with bling bling, Wolverine already had a penchant for cold alloy adamantium metal. We even think he started the whole trend and obsession with bling bling!

With enhanced physical capabilities and animal-keen senses, Wolverine is one force to be reckoned with. Yet, in spite of his brutish nature, he manages to keep his beast within at bay. He suppresses his rage and doesn’t go around preying on others. Boy, don’t we all wish our jerk-of-a-boss would take heed too?

He chooses the side of good and puts the lives of the innocent before his. Not that he could get hurt anyway; he had healing powers. What we wouldn’t give for that. He puts his vast knowledge to good use and can speak a number of foreign languages.

Tapered and smart; women find that to be a rare find. He is a great catch. So fellas, while you are busily pumping iron into your body and admiring his muscular build (in a non-erotic way), take note. It is not his physique that is oozing sexiness. Knowledge is power and a man with power is sexy.

So start reading and dedicate as much time hitting the library as much as you hit the gym. Trust us; you definitely want some brains to go along with the brawn.