4. Gandalf the White - Lord of the Rings

Gandalf the Grey (later Gandalf the White) is a wizard dedicated to combating the threat of Sauron. To this end, he helped form the Fellowship of the Ring.

Just like Merlin, Gandalf is an iconic and famous wizard. He guides the Fellowship of the Ring on their quest, and helps lead the free peoples in the War of the Ring. A powerful sorcerer, even before becoming Gandalf the White.

He is capable of casting a wide array of spells, and with all his knowledge, he’s practically a walking encyclopedia. Despite being an elderly wizard, he also proved to be an excellent swordsman.and even slew a Balrog. He could conjure lightning, light, and fire as well as heal wounds and create illusions.

Gandalf is the epitome of a level 20 wizard in Dungeons & Dragons. From the spells to the look. He’s kind, fair, and prefers to relax in the Shire with the hobbits. Who can blame him?
Gandalf is most known for:

• His intellect. He had a vast knowledge of many languages and writing systems, and at one point, had a comprehensive knowledge of Orc, Elf, and Manish magic. Much has been forgotten to time, but he still knows quite a few spells.
• Wisdom. Gandalf knew that he was no match for Sauron, or Saruman, and knew his limits. He was insightful and often shared those insights and words of wisdom with the Fellowship.
• Swordplay. Despite his age and aptitude for magic, Gandalf excelled with a blade. He was able to cleave through Orcs and fell a Balrog.

3. Frodo Baggins - Lord of the Rings

The bearer of the One Ring, Frodo is a good hearted Hobbit from the Shire. When he inherits the One Ring from Bilbo, he’s set on a quest to destroy it and stop Sauron for good.

Growing up in the Shire, Frodo (much like Bilbo) was viewed as a little odd. Most Hobbits were content in the Shire, but Frodo held a fascination with faraway places. After being entrusted with the One Ring, Frodo set out with Samwise on a mission to destroy the ring.

He may not be the most skilled hero, but Frodo is one of the most iconic in the genre. His most notable talent is his resistance to the One Ring, able to hold onto it longer than anyone without succumbing to its temptation. He’s surprisingly good with swordplay as well.

While I personally prefer Sam over Frodo, there’s no denying Frodo is the better known hero. He made it right to the end before succumbing to the ring’s power, and even lost a finger for it (thanks Gollum).
Frodo is most known for:

• Being the longest bearer of the One Ring.
• Resilience, being able to resist the ring's power until he reached the fires of Mount Doom.
• His kindness. He took pity on Gollum and allowed him to accompany him and Sam on their quest.

2. Jon snow - Game of Thrones

Ned Stark’s bastard, and the King in the North. Jon Snow is a fierce warrior who wants to protect Westeros from the forces of the Night King.

Living with the Starks, Jon endured a lot of bitterness and disdain from Catelyn. He was loved by his half-siblings, though, and his father. However, it’s eventually revealed that he’s no bastard at all, but Aegon Targaryen, son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Of course, in typical hero fashion, Jon shows little interest in becoming King and so he supports Daenerys in her campaign.

He’s humble and honorable, just like his “father” Ned, even refusing to lie to Cersei about bending the knee. Jon (alright, Aegon, but let’s be real… he’s Jon) has a strong moral compass, and expert skill with a blade to back it up. He’s a hero in every sense of the word.

Jon Snow is probably one of, if not not my favorite surviving character. Despite the treatment he received, and the things he’s seen, he never once lets his morality and honor be shaken. Even when he’s constantly reminded that honor is what got his “father” killed. Even when his choices got him killed, Jon never lost his strong moral compass. He’s a good man, through and through.
Jon Snow is most known for:

• His bloodline. Jon is actually Aegon Targaryen, the true heir to the iron throne.
• Swordplay. Jon is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, seen many times throughout the show.
• Honor, seen many times throughout the show. When he meets with Cersei to call for a temporary truce to the war, he refuses to bend the knee, reaffirming his loyalty to Daenerys. A choice which irritates both her and Tyrion.
• Having a strong moral compass. It’s seen many times, for example when he allows the wildlings to settle south of the wall. Much to many of the Night’s Watch dismay. A choice that would lead to a mutiny, which leads me to my second point…
• His death. When the Night’s Watch mutinied, they killed Jon. He was brought back however by Melisandre.

1. Harry Potter - Harry Potter

The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter is the chosen one. Saved from death by his mother’s sacrifice, he is destined to fight and vanquish Lord Voldemort.

Harry Potter is probably the most well known wizard today. I mean, he’s gotta be important if the series is named after him, right? At just one year and three months old, his parents were killed by Voldemort. He would have been, too, if his mother hadn’t sacrificed herself to protect him. The barrier her love created protected the infant Harry from a killing curse, and destroyed Voldemort’s physical body in the process. Ever since his birth, Harry was prophesied to destroy the Dark Lord. I mean, the hero's path was practically laid out for him.

Because he harbored a fragment of Voldemort’s soul, he also had access to some of his powers, such as speaking parseltongue. Harry was an accomplished wizard, excelling especially in Defense against the Dark Arts, in which he was top of his class. Much like Hermione, it would be easier to mention what he’s not skilled in. Guess it comes with the territory when you’re a prophesied hero.

Overcoming abuse at the hands of his Aunt and Uncle, Harry never lost his kind heart. In fact, he even took a page from his mother’s book and sacrificed himself to protect his friends. He’s the savior of the wizarding world, and I doubt there’s a person alive who hasn’t at least heard of Harry Potter. He may not be a keeper in quidditch, but he’s a keeper to us! (Even I cringed at that.)
Harry Potter is most known for:

• Being the “Boy Who Lived,” A title given after he survived a killing curse when he was only a year old, with the protection of his mother’s charm.
• His magical aptitude, especially in Defense against the Dark Arts. He excelled in that class, even surpassing Hermione. He was also able to summon a patronus at the age of thirteen.
• Being the “Master of Death,” a title given when one person holds all three Deathly Hallows.
• Defeating Voldemort. With all the horcruxes destroyed, he was able to defeat the Dark Lord for good.

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