The Familiar Bond — Animal Companions in Fantasy

Let’s talk animal companions! 🐾✨

From dragons and unicorns to owls and cats, many of our favourite fantasy stories are shaped by a profound connection between the protagonist and a fantastical creature. Often serving as a fearless and faithful companion, a mischievous sidekick, or even a source of power, this unique relationship is known as a familiar bond. Such stories are steeped in magic, mayhem, and devotion, with plot lines shining a light on loyalty and heartwarming friendships that transcend species.

The Link
Going beyond the usual love between an owner and a pet, the familiar bond is typically forged by a supernatural, spiritual, or psychological link which binds the protagonist and their companion together.

Shared Senses
The protagonist can often feel what their companion is feeling, and vice vera, giving them an awareness when the other is in distress or danger. Their bonds can sometimes run so deep that their connection becomes physically tangible, allowing them to not just sense each other’s emotions, but to also feel their pain.

Communication
Many familiars in books often speak, or otherwise have ways of communicating with the main character through mutual understanding, telepathy, or other magical means.

Protection and Healing
Many familiars are seen to take on the role of a guardian, shielding the protagonist from harm and sometimes even offering healing abilities.

Mythical Familiars
These are mythical creatures that often amplify the main character’s powers to strengthen their magical ability. Usually deeply connected with the world of magic, they often offer words of wisdom and act as mentors, meaning they play a pivotal role in influencing the choices the protagonist makes.

Spies and Scouts
Thanks to their deep bonds and shared senses with the main character, many small animal familiars are used for spying and can be crucial to the plot. They provide plenty of entertainment through their sneakiness and they can really enforce themes of loyalty.

Animal Sidekicks
Animal sidekicks often have a lot of love to give, but use their unique speaking ability for sarcasm and to deal out witty comebacks. Their sassy personalities can often humble others, making them a voice of reason amongst the chaos of a fantasy plot line. This type of familiar adds humour to what can otherwise be a dark and gritty fantasy story, providing much needed comedic relief.

Guardians
These powerful creatures and beasts are fiercely loyal, willing to fight alongside the protagonist in battle to protect them from the enemy. This type of familiar really strengthens themes of honour and friendship.

🐀 Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

After her best friend, Charlie, gets taken away by his father to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Here, she befriends a talking rat who helps her navigate the dangers of the sea and the pirate crews she encounters along the way.

🐈‍⬛ Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

Half-witch Kiki never runs from a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she’s eager to follow a witch’s tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year. With her wise and faithful black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki forges new friendships and realises that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

🐺 Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz is a royal bastard, cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals, the old art known as the Wit, gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.

🦊 A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Once one of the most powerful witches in Britain, Sera Swan discovers that an old spell book holds the secret to restoring her lost power. Between trying to reclaim her magic, running an inn with quirky guests, and keeping her sassy fox companion in check, Sera realises that the weird and wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all. You can buy the FairyLoot Exclusive Edition here.

🐴 The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

After Vasilisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout and city-bred, Vasilisa’s new stepmother forbids her family from honouring the household spirits. The family abides, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows. In the story Vasilisa bonds with Solovey, and magical horse who helps her travel through the dangerous winter landscape.