Would You Rather? (bookish edition)

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[@danasalinger5247]

But you wouldn’t learn anything in umbridges classroom! I’d pick snape just because he actually teaches.

[@prigg88]

I don't know that's true. We get a biased view of Potions through Harry but as far as I could see it, Snape just put Potion recipes up on the board and then just left them to do it and none of the reason why. So are you really learning more than say reading theory from a book? Hermione was good at Potions from book 1 to book 5 i.e. under Snape, following his recipes but as soon as Slughorn became Potions teacher, and started using not Snape's recipes she struggled. After 5 years of tutelage and getting an O in Potions, she was unable to understand why Borage's recipes worked less well than the Half-Blood Princes aka Snapes.

[@danasalinger5247]

prigg88 ooooh super interesting point!

[@danasalinger5247]

But at least they were actually making potions. Umbridges class they weren’t allowed to practice spells. Potions is kind of like baking. You can read a recipe and have it memorized but you need to actually practice making something to become a good baker.

[@glanni]

Not to mention Snape at least gave them working recipes that were much better than the ones in the school book. He didn't teach them how to learn the things on their own, but to be fair, if I had a chemistry / cooking teacher who gave me working recipes I might be able to make it alright, and if the next year I had a shit recipe that doesn't work I'd fuck it up. What I'm trying to say is that we can assume that almost every recipe is a reset where prior recipes don't help you much, otherwise Hermoine should remember the recipes from last year. Snape didn't explain it, but for a decent student the recipe works. For someone who's not talented it's annoying, no doubt. He has great knowledge over the topic. Literally better than the book (which was for some reason not updated for 20-30 years) Umbridge on the other hand is not known to be qualified for her subject at all. Also, I have yet to see Snape cut a student like the reverse emo that Umbridge is.

[@giuliakenway6500]

I chose Snape for the exact same reason although I passionately despise him 😅 but I also get the point Merphy makes in the video about Umbridge

[@JillyMae89]

But Umbridge didn't TEACH them anything. She didn't let them use magic or basically even talk about the subject she's supposed to be teaching. At least Snape actually taught while he was berating everyone

[@drogadepc]

Students had to learn Potions on their own, actually.

[@seattlebound2012]

But she did! Umbridge is the type that will teach you enough to pass the written test so it looks good. It's all straight from the book, which is fine. Boring, but fine. You can practice the non theory on your own time.

[@DarkiusAbbadon]

Snape as a teacher cared about the results of the potions. He didn't try to poison Neville's toad, he was going to feed Neville's potion to it. If it was actually poison, it would have been because of a mistake. Harsh and traumatizing indeed, but that's what potions can do. They can be pretty useful or pretty terrifying. Umbridge didn't care about teaching as much as she cared about herd mentality. Adults know best, the Ministry knows best, shut up and follow. We have plenty of examples of teachers that do exactly that. They don't care that you learn, they care that you obey and conform. Imagine if any of the students, specially Neville, made a mistake on a real life situation that required a potion. He could have killed someone. Snape's teaching style is far better in hindsight, when you are old enough to realize this. As a kid, you would love Umbridge more, as she is a much easier teacher.

[@cosmicriptid]

@@DarkiusAbbadon No one could ever love Umbridge.

[@cosmicriptid]

Umbridge did not teach anything, nor did she care if they passed their OWLs, she only pretended that she did. Snape didn't really teach, he just showed them potions, told them how to do it, them made them figure out how to execute it. However, he did provide relevant instructions at the very least.

[@rupen42]

"Unless you're a Slytherin" Well, now you know why I picked Snape

[@jayferguson9968]

Cleverness *is* the defining attribute... :)

[@Patchy_AK]

Hello fellow snake!

[@l-3832]

I’m Ravenclaw and I picked Snape lmao.

[@l-3832]

@Hopia Waffle preach.

[@morphing_erebus]

"Would you rather have unlimited books or live inside your favourite book?" See, the problem with that question is that first you'd have to pick ONE favourite book...

[@galaxythedragonshifter]

exactly. Id live in a favorite book though.

[@idkkkk--]

I'd love to live in Harry Potter. Or do I have to choose which one of the 7?

[@adrianbundy3249]

It doesn't matter to me. For the chance to live in any of my top 10 worlds for instance, I wouldn't care if I lost all knowledge of the others. And my all time fav being the WoT, I would even go in knowing risks like running afoul of certain people, causing more harm to me than anything in this world possibly could... Would simply make me want to avoid having a risk to running into them, but the chance to be in the world itself would still make me take that risk, and say 'hell yes I will', even if just stuck as a normal pleb with no attachment to any of the magical power systems.

[@BradTheAmerican]

@@idkkkk-- You are stuck inside an eternal loop of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' but you're one of the people petrified for the rest of the school year. RIP.

[@idkkkk--]

@@BradTheAmerican oof that would definitely suck lmao-

[@Trustworthy_McLegitimate]

I'd rather try to survive in a Fantasy war as I am very confident of how fast and long I can run. Dystopias have GUNS.

[@urty24]

True but in fantasy you are more likely to die from a long battle with a painful disease/infection/wound. At least death in dystopian is probably fairly quick.

[@nickieb2636]

I'd like to believe that if I were in a fantasy, I'd be the one with all the super powers that should keep me alive!!

[@urty24]

@@nickieb2636 lol this is why I chose the Shire, I'm really a hobbit at heart. In all of these questions, I never imagined myself as the hero with all the power. I always just imagined myself as the lowly peasant and then decided what sounded better.

[@libraryofadventures7800]

NickieB haha same!

[@sinabrand5244]

Harry Potter had wands. You could run as fast as you want, a killing curse would kill you more effectively than a gun could.

[@N332]

yes to the mind reading thing. sometimes my mind wanders and i'm just like "thank goodness my thoughts are my own" lmao

[@lexilala1968]

Recently, my mind has been taking a nosedive straight into the gutter if I leave it alone on a train of thought for more that a minute.

[@lizzzyyslife5729]

I think something similar but it’s when I’m talking to my best friend and we just talk about the most random things and we’ll be walking through a shop or something and say a sentence and I’ll thing “if someone walked past and heard just that sentence they’re going to be concerned”

[@Grantday07]

I would EASILY choose reading minds, someone once said to me that you shouldn't bat your eye at a dirty thought, in fact the fact that they think this and then don't act on on it can demonstrate control, I do love a little drama (which i usually don't like) so this would be a easy choice.

[@e-brown]

Same. Sometimes in stressful things I think of really dumb things or embarrassing memories

[@bloodtasteslikecookies6640]

This is super dumb but sometimes if I’m thinking about something weird and there’s someone standing next to me, then in my head I’m like, “If you’re reading my mind, please stop.”

[@Matthew_Murray]

I just want to be a mind reading hobbit in sci-fi space shire. Is that too much to asks?

[@alexanderthegreat913]

Matthew Murray Yoda except he lives on a shire like planet

[@blackberryhoney6248]

Pennywise is terrifying. He LITERALLY exploits your deepest fears maliciously. The Jabberwocky is a creature, a complex one but one that has no moral compass. I'd rather face an animal than the embodiment of pure evil.

[@danielmunoz6866]

Totally agree ... also, if you have a Vorpal sword, and train enough, killing a Jabberwocky is much easier than killing Pennywise...

[@dg9531]

I would live inside my favorite book, and it would be a book with a huge library --- win-win

[@CamWolfeAuthor]

they have multiple breakfasts in the shire, literally HOW can you best that?

[@dpier6]

Sam is ultimate friend goals, I can’t believe Ron won 😮

[@svvv977]

Yes Sam is a good friend, but as an actual friend to have around Im picking Ron any day! Can you imagine the banter with Ron? It would be hilarious, and I just dont see Sam in the same way

[@sarsmiles]

@@svvv977 But Ron can also be the biggest dick due to his insecurities and I wouldn't be able to put up with it

[@sheilaklein3822]

Yeah, Ron can be a jerk, but he'll apologize for it later. Sam is stubborn and is judgy AF.

[@arowyn.m]

Sam was actually meant to be the main character of LotR. Just because you start with one character does not mean that said character is the main protagonist.

[@notverysur3rightnow145]

I think Ron would just go better with my personality but Sam is amazing

[@QuestLegacy]

For me, the choice between the Shire and Hogwarts was the hardest one. I thought about it for a really long time. The problem is that Hogwarts has more fun and adventurous elements, and the Shire is sort of an “Ignorance is Bliss” situation. However, as Merph mentioned, it is a peaceful and sweet place. Hogwarts is dangerous as heck man.

[@allaboutalice8543]

Well, it was when harry went there

[@Lea-dq2uy]

Well during peaceful times I'd choose Hogwarts🤷🏼‍♀️ In the Harry Potter Series we never really get to see "normal" student life at hogwarts. It's probably completely different if you are not Harry Potter and there is no crazy wizard trying to kill people inside the castle.

[@TitoTimTravels]

Does the shire have movie theaters and fiber optic internet? They do not even have plumbing!

[@QuestLegacy]

Tito Tim Travels Hogwarts probably still uses dial up also

[@pauletteedwards4839]

I would want the adventure so hogwarts

[@404CarolineNotFound]

Maybe you could do one choosing between tropes (friends to lovers vs enemies to lovers, for example) :)

[@elcidbob]

Thing about the Shire is that it'd be like living in medieval times. The biggest problem with the wizarding world is, if we're being honest, they're idiots. Edit: I'm used to teachers like Snape, especially with my coaches and a number of history and English teachers. Usually you can win with those kinds of teachers because they usually will have a really twisted code of honor. Like they may dial you out over stupid stuff, but if you're right, you'll still get credit for it, and while you can't keep your head down and hide in the class, it's still about being right. With Umbridge on the other hand, it has nothing to do with being right and everything to do with her being in charge. Everything about her class was solely to get through the student's heads that they were to do and think exactly what she told them to. This is far more insidious and to me insufferable than the teacher merely being a dickhead...

[@nicholasmedich7493]

Other thing at play here: in Snape's class they actually learned potions. Even Neville got his OWL. Umbridge didn't teach anything.

[@vahagntumanyan1305]

Umbridge is a propaganda machine. You step outside of what she considers right, she will torture you physically. Snape will call you names and humiliate you, but you can just brush it off, because everyone in class knows that he's just an asshole. Moreover Snape actually teaches something, if you come up with new ways of making potions he'd be excited while Umbrige would scar you, literally. That's why Snape is better. Because fear induced propaganda is worse than humiliation enforced truth-seeking.

[@rkgrkg]

@@vahagntumanyan1305 Yep.

[@bloodtasteslikecookies6640]

Never seen a truer comment in my life

[@micheleann1737]

When I saw the poll with the would you rather move things with your mind or read minds, I thought of the episode where Buffy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) could hear everyone's thoughts to the point where she could not function.

[@beatrizribeiro2417]

Michele Ann I get that Buut 👻👆🏻 I don’t process “reading minds” with that of and uncontrollable power. You read the mods if you want, you know? Not like you hear everyone’s thoughts... so that’s why I choose read minds! :)

[@micheleann1737]

@@beatrizribeiro2417 It was just my immediate thought when seeing that. It also would be weird to me to know what a significant other or family member is thinking because it could bring extreme tension.

[@beatrizribeiro2417]

Michele Ann yah but I guess it would be your choice to read their mind... idk! Have you seen the Flash? (Series) bc one character Cecile she doiesnt read minds but she does feel people’s feelings and thought too but in a more kind of when you ask something and the person doesn’t responde but thinks the response they can read that and she uses it so well without invading too much and really can get ppl and help them... so I guess reading minds has a wide possibility of meanings!

[@urty24]

I chose read minds but I was thinking of being able to do it at will. If the ability worked like Buffy it would be absolutely miserable.

[@ammalyrical5646]

@@urty24 But then you have a chance of even more miscommunication in the world. How would you ever grasp the full context with connotations of what a person thinks? If you do it at will I guess you would skip it with simple things and use it if you want someones raw or honest thoughts about real problems. Things are just never so simple. Plus I don't want anyone in my head so why would I go in someone else's? It seems pretty hypocritical.

[@evies.1018]

I love your sweater, it has a nice lowkey Ravenclaw vibe!

[@Vorloks]

I would’ve made it “would you rather go to Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood”

[@analyzationm]

i love Camp half blood but id still pick Hogwarts

[@maple_latte2669]

I would say hogwarts is way safer than camp I donno why (if ur not Harry Potter of course AND you don't go to the dangerous forest) 😂 I still love chb more but ummm hogwarts gives you that cozy winter warmth .... camp gives you a family type summer afternoon... soo I'll spend the year studying at Hogwarts and when it's summer I'll go to camp 🤣

[@sthirukk]

I'm sorry Hogwarts, but I'm still bitter about me not receiving my letter, and if I go to camp half blood, I get to walk on the ground Nico di Angelo chose to set his feet upon do I'm going with camp half blood

[@lizlovescookies2689]

Camp halfblood all the way, but I'd be a lot more likely to die than at hogwarts 😳

[@zimonzieclown1633]

@@lizlovescookies2689 Well, Hogwarts is just a school 99% of the time; it just so happens that a lot of awful things happened during the time Harry and friends attend Hogwarts.

[@oilcanjavi]

Since I’m a Slytherin I’d be alright, plus Umbridge actively did not teach anything other than basic theory and that’s useless. If Harry has actually tried in Potions he would have gotten by but he was always just screwing around.

[@evies.1018]

One time I saw someone say that Umbridge teaches DADA the way that the American Education System teaches sex ed and it’s so true lol

[@mikepicioli1100]

Yes! With Umbridge you learn nothing & that voice (shudder) Her only saving grace is her cat decor, feel like her walls is my IG feed.

[@kiryn5977]

I disagree that Harry never tried in Potions or that "he was always just screwing around". That completely ignores all the times that Snape viciously attacked him, no matter how he performed in the lesson, like in the time in OOTP, when after the end of the Occlumency lessons, Harry brewed his potion exactly right, and then he turned in a sample for grading, Snape deliberately waited until Hermione had cleared out the rest of Harry's cauldron, and then he smashed the sample on the floor, and gave Harry a zero for a grade. I don't think Umbridge is the better teacher by a long shot, but Harry in particular was never even given a chance bc Snape's petty and immature. Really, with Snape, it's more like: Slytherins are completely fine, Gryffindors are screwed, and Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws are on thin ice. But at least with Snape, you get the cold comfort that he'll accept Dumbledore's authority and not actually physically hurt the students, no matter how grudgingly he may be about it. Umbridge doesn't have any line in the moral sand, so I'd rather take my chances with Snape.

[@masonheitner8410]

Slytherin ey? Thats cool I’m a Hufflepuff...

[@bloodtasteslikecookies6640]

That’s one of the things I hated about Harry is that he never did his freaking school work. He just copied Hermione. I also got frustrated that Hermione let him copy her work for so long. Anyway I guess they’re kids and that’s what kids do or something like that. If you do your work you’re a nerd and if you don’t you’re cool or something.

[@cassecorrea]

I like how she almost skipped the poll that says “always have to skip” haha

[@ashleyholder2218]

I was surprised that Ron had so much more than Sam too!! I mean, I love Ron, but you can’t dream up a better friend than Sam!

[@christopherbacon1077]

Sam was the real hero of LoTR

[@geeves3118]

That's hard. I've got a personal connection with Ron because I've read those books so many times and I think he doesn't get enough credit. I've only seen the lotr movies, but it's clear Sam is one of the best characters ever!

[@derekdurst9216]

I vibe with Ron more, cuz I know we could roast each other and my friends are more of the dick around and be rude in a joking manner, like Ron, while Sam is way more reliable but less fun

[@kittystricky9572]

The thing is with Sam, he’s almost too loyal. Like I couldn’t have that strong of a friendship with him because we couldn’t have banter

[@corbin_4738]

The thing to remember most is *when* they were written. Sure, they're both in fantasy settings, but The Hobbit and LotR was written when? - early to mid-1900s by a man born in the late 1800s if I'm not mistaken. Sam is just a product of his writer's time. The same goes for Ron. *That being said,* I personally think (with that in mind) those two characters are very, very similar.

[@nicolev.3532]

The thing with the Snape v. Umbridge though is I’ve gotta consider that I’m not the only student in the class. Someone would most likely step out of line and get punished in either class and then I’d have to sit through either public humiliation or literal torture, and I feel like as a fully grown and matured adult (it didn’t mention being aged down) I’d feel like I have to take steps to stand up for or protect that person (child? Is this a class of adults also or am I the lone adult?). So with Umbridge I would get tortured, I can’t just keep my head down. 😩

[@Zontar149]

Fantasy vs Sci-fi? Sci-fi 100% no question. Why? One word: Plumbing I would like to be able to flush and wipe, and have running water and electricity. I also can't live without the internet.

[@monson4444]

Take a dump, magic the shit off your ass

[@adrianbundy3249]

As for plumbing, it is worth noting that the ancient romans, ie, 2000 years ago had basic plumbing systems. Then we kinda all went away into the dark ages, and it took many, many centuries later before we had more huge developments that finally led us to the more modern style systems we have today. But imagine if the Rome didn't collapse, you know, like in fantasy? We might have had much better systems of plumbing like 1000 years ago by a mile. As it stands, similar psuedo-roman cities (ie, as a city kind of described to how Rome was before it's fall, but by people after it), like the city of Valyria in ASOIAF, I kinda picture in my head, as having plumbing. Plus, magic dragons to ride! Stormlight has hot and cold running water in citadels like Urithiru (via fancy spren powered devices), and we know apparently that even outside of that, soulcasters tend to go around in the larger cities and just puff away the wastes. So it really depends on the world.

[@corbanbausch9049]

If it’s a dystopian story, I’d rather be in a middle-ages era world.

[@jonathanwolff7868]

HARD agree on the mind reading, I like the way you broke that down. Also, it's creepy-creeps. Also, I don't know what the other thing is, but I don't think there is anything that'd be more terrifying to face than Pennywise. I mean DUDE, he can *no, no, don't spoiler anything*

[@Blake4625kHz]

"So I basically have a tradition with my sister-in-law, we basically communicate in 'would-you-rathers '.." (Sigh) people and their normal relationships with other people..

[@JustJoe10]

That’s sounds sweet!

[@jessieee3423]

I feel you on the Neville is the Chosen One headcanon!

[@darkestwingz]

We're already close to a dystopian war, at least in a fantasy war I might get to have magic.

[@OtherTheDave]

Dystopian wars have more nukes and “sterilize the planet” moments. Much harder to survive.

[@itskaylaiguess]

That gasp at 10:00 wow I love how shocked you are!!! I'm personally partial to Snape, Umbrige in real life would make me want to jump out the astronomy tower.

[@jackshayne1634]

My favourite book is Les Miserables. I....wouldn't wanna live there lol

[@arysnightshade1083]

For the Umbridge vs Snape thing, Umbridge says "the cruciatus curse ought to loosen his [Harry's] tongue." Snape never used or threatened to use an illegal curse whose only purpose is to cause pain to the target on a student. I'd much rather have snape, even if he is a bully, he doesn't try to torture his students.

[@artbyandia]

I would love to live in the Shire. Who wants to live in a school? Even if it's a magical school xD Katniss because I don't think Arya would care if I lived or not.

[@jenb7780]

Book Arya would care. She tries her best to keep her travelling companions alive.

[@colburn0004]

Loved this and would love to see it become some kind of regular series somehow. It’s great!

[@evies.1018]

As someone who’s had Umbridgey teachers before, I’d definitely take a Snape. I’m a Slytherin and also think I’d be good as potions so he wouldn’t hate me lol 😂😂

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Sam started out as Frodo’s literal gardener. They were never on equal footing. Ron and Harry were balanced from the start.

[@masonheitner8410]

Well, Ron is embarrassed because he’s poor and Harry was left with loads of money from his parents. Other than that, Ron feels that he’s not as good as Harry because he’s not “The Chosen One.” Ron hardly gets any attention at home too. Sam and his Gaffer were close enough to Bilbo and Frodo. There’s loads of mentions in the book by Sam showing their closeness before the adventure. For example, Sam says, “‘Come! Wake up, Mr. Frodo!,’ he said, trying to sound as cheerful as he had when he drew back the curtains at Bag End on a summer’s morning,” Return of the King 187). Both Harry & Ron and Sam & Frodo are not on completely equal footing at the start of their stories, but I’d argue Sam & Frodo were good friends before as well.

[@RainmanWyzwoliciel]

THANK YOU.

[@luscarora703]

Sam was his neighbors son, not his gardener?

[@laurelelasselin]

@@luscarora703 He was his gardener too

[@lukiwan6709]

This was fun both answering the polls and then hearing you discuss them!

[@callmeaftercoffee]

I've never read LOTR (yet) but I chose the Shire. A beautiful temperate outdoor place? Heck ya! Haha if I could live at our family cottage all year I would haha

[@Trustworthy_McLegitimate]

... Oathbringer in the background is so shiny...

[@ryanratchford2530]

7:45 just gaming the system, if fantasy wars are more like historical wars than dystopian are to modern wars, I’ll cheat & go Fantasy just because statistically id be far more likely to survive in pre-industrial warfare. 😂

[@densilhmay8262]

I feel like in a fantasy war you might die but in a dystopian war you might never live. At least in a fantasy world you probably gonna have a free will and not have to escape mind control and the big brother watching you or similar stressful and bleak scenarios. Dystopian worlds always feel like you are already inside the enemies camp and you are pretending to be one of them and any second now you might be found out....so nerve racking!

[@MirlieTheCat]

The Snape vs umbridge dilemma. Okay, I'm currently finishing my teachers degree, so the last time I've reread the HP series (last year) was... fun?! I can't even count the times I wanted to reach in there and wring snapes neck because that is. So. Not. How you should be treating students!!! Ah! 😠 Umbridge generally doesn't know in the slightest how to teach or how to treat children. Doesn't know and doesn't care. 😑 No practice at all, only reading and taking notes, no interacting with others. Awful, because there should be a mixture of methods, not even considering dyslexia etc every person has preferences on how they learn things, and that should be given room as much as possible in the classroom. So even as you put it "keeping your head down", that's surviving, not learning. And even if you'd try to go by her methods, learning that stuff is very hard, and I'd guess a lot of people who do try, wouldn't remember a thing about a class two months later. Whereas Snape right from the very first lesson let's the students do things on their own or in pairs. And later on they always have to write a home work that's basically the theory behind what they did in that lesson. That is exactly how we went about it in my lab classes at uni. And man, I wished I could do more lessons like that: Practice, do it by yourself or in small groups, and then look at the theory behind it, try to explain what went wrong (chances are pretty big you did at least one experiment wrong. And here's the thing: later trying to understand what went wrong, those are the things I remember best. Not the experiments that just worked the way it was described, the ones where I later had to research what I did wrong). Back to the HP thing: I always think about how Harry was surprised by how easy potions was for him during the owls. Yes it's implied that it's kind of a family talent, but I disagree. They had potions once a week (if I remember correctly?) and then had a homework. When it comes to 'how do I avoid that my students forget too much of what they learned during my lesson', this is one way. Umbridge should not be a teacher, while Snape had the basics about teaching figured out. Which makes me so. Much. Angrier, everytime he mistreats non-Slytherin students 😠😠 ah!! Let me shake some sense in that guy 😡😠 I think it's noticeable, that I've had that discussion numerous times with friends? 🤔 Both of these people are awful teachers, the choice was a hard one 😂

[@Kaylin_elizabeth]

MarMirMei I’m no teacher at all, so please take what I say with a grain of salt, but I think Snape was a relatively good teacher. Not the best, kinda abusive to non-slytherins, but he had a good base structure. He knew how to help students learn, even if he wasn’t kind towards them. I wouldn’t say he’s a horrible teacher, more of a just okay teacher. Idk, just my thoughts

[@MirlieTheCat]

@@Kaylin_elizabeth oh no, I get your point exactly! I actually headcanon, that Snape is just exceptionally awful to Harry and his friends, including Neville. I think he's a very strict teacher towards Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, but not as unkind as we see in the books to Harry & others. As you've said, he has a good base structure!

[@moonstonepearl21]

Yea Snape could have been a great teacher if he cleaned up her behavior. I am genuinely surprised no one slapped him. Seriously, you act like that, it's going to happen, especially with the older kids.

[@berylliosis5250]

"that's surviving, not learning" This is what I feel about all my classes right now. I'm not getting a ton out of them and they're not interesting to me. It's an interesting realization to have, and one that thankfully won't be valid for much longer.

[@chumplml]

the only reason i picked modern romance instead of classic is because i’m gay and it’s better for us now lol otherwise, i totally rather have the slow and subtle romance! also, hard agree on the shire! it would be such a wonderful place to settle down!

[@moonstonepearl21]

Props to you for being really selfless on the Imperio for a week verses crucio for an hour thing. I chose the imperio one as a first thought, but you made valid points.

[@dahakhamoontouched4133]

In the LOTR Online game, one of the starting areas is the Shire. Sooooo many players either just hang out there or go back and visit often, because it is so peaceful and wholesome and lovely. It has the most beloved music in the game, it is so fun to roam around and explore, and even the quests are nice! Whereas in other areas your quests are things like "go kill some goblins" or "rescue my brother from the trolls" or "take these vital supplies to the front lines", in the Shire the questing is like "deliver this fresh blueberry pie while avoiding Nosy Neighbours" or "help convince Ma Tucky to go on a date with me." All this to say, hell yeah I'd rather live in the Shire~!

[@RandomWriter9110]

I was surprised by Pennywise winning that last one as well. Pennywise takes the form of your worst fear and pretty much rips your face off while you scream and cry for mercy. Who wants that over a monster you might be able to kill with a sword? 😳😂

[@JillyMae89]

And I think Ron won for the same reason Sam won the one before - popularity. A lottttttt more people, especially your viewers I'm sure, have read HP than LOTR

[@bloodtasteslikecookies6640]

That’s sad tbh. LOTR is wayyyy better.

[@upasnabharija8804]

@@bloodtasteslikecookies6640 nah hp is wayyy better

[@bloodtasteslikecookies6640]

@@upasnabharija8804 I disagree. However, there is, sadly, nothing I can do about your extremely poor taste.

[@elizabethgrosvenor153]

Yeah, this. I think possibly lotr is the most widely read fiction story, certainly fantasy story, outside of Harry Potter, at all. But SO MANY people read Harry Potter. Everyone who calls themselves a reader has read it. And many others who wouldn't. I am a reader, and quite a voracious one. I read The Thursday Murder Club in one day. I have not (yet) read Lord of the Rings. I'm sure there are many others too.

[@rriggs6547]

@@elizabethgrosvenor153 And hear I have read LOTR at least 4 times and couldn't get past book 3 of HP. I tried, I really did. I just don't care for the way the books are written when compared to the subject matter they cover. On the other hand, I see LOTR as the gateway drug of fantasy books. I can't imagine anyone who likes fantasy who hasn't read one of, if not the, series that colored every fantasy book that came after it. Hogwarts wouldn't exist without Middle Earth.

[@stevenalexander6713]

You get second breakfast in the Shire. I'm down.

[@paigebernard2428]

I think I’ve seen one: Would you rather get a paper cut every 5 pages or have the last 2 pages missing from every book you read?

[@sheilaklein3822]

I use a Kindle, so a paper cut just seems weird, but that is what I would choose.

[@bloodtasteslikecookies6640]

Last two pages missing bc 1. I’m a wimp and 2. Usually the last two pages of a book are either blank or just have a fancy title on them or something about the author or something

[@G60J60F80]

Your explanation of Snape vs. Umbridge changed my mind. I would love more videos like this!

[@imramblin1638]

As a Ravenclaw I feel as though I'd have a much easier time in snapes class than anyone else who isn't Slytheryn. Aside from Snapes terrible demeanor he is still highly knowledgeable, & could provide great tutoring on the subject. Umbridge would be just as cruel but with a cowardly passive-aggressive tone, and in the process I'd learn nothing about the subject at hand.

[@feniasklika125]

Snape being green and umbridge being pink on the default pink/green instagram poll font satisfied me so much

[@cheres68]

Snape is every professor I had in law school. Everything Snape did was to prepare the students, especially Neville, how to prepare for a world of real evil. Umbrige is just evil.

[@godot8694]

My favourite book is "and then there were none" Wouldn't want to live there

[@ScorpionFlower95]

I mean, most people's favorite books can be crazy or just plain sad, so....

[@densilhmay8262]

@@o.steinman3855 Even then you wouldn't live long.

[@petrfedor1851]

Just thinking about book a really like... I would be dead so badly. And that´s the best scenario.

[@aliceduanra7539]

lol

[@HeadCannon19]

O. Steinman but the killer also died, literally every character died

[@myrandaburton4114]

Loved this! 1. Hogwarts 2. the hero 3. Arya 4. first chapter - I can't tell you how many books I haven't finished because it's taken too long to get started 5. HARD QUESTION - unlimited books 6. modern romance - couldn't deal with those times 7. dragon 8. fantasy war - but I think I would be more passionate in a dystopian war because it feels more real, like you said 9. Voldemort 10. move objects 11. fantasy 12. Snape 13. elves 14. mermaids 15. crucio 16. Sam 17. Ron 18. Time turner 19. physical 20. Jabberwock

[@marlaynaturner9497]

I love these videos. You should do a series of poles talking about which tropes, writing styles, etc. people prefer

[@britneynicole8903]

*polls

[@FCrewM8]

I would defiantly be the villain. I love villains and I think it would be fun. Their characters, if you so them right, are usually so interesting.

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

Ooo I’d so rather be the villain 100%

[@juliananino2000]

Please drop your hair care routine I’m so jealous

[@sindhushanmugam9676]

I picked villain too😅

[@clwilliams9276]

1) The Shire. Sounds peaceful enough to get some writing done. 2) The Villain. If I ever interacted with these worlds I'm creating, I'd automatically be the villain to them for making them go through so much and I like the idea of it anyway. 3) Katniss Everdeen. I only ever watched like the first 2 Hunger Games movies and I never watched/read any of the GOT episodes or the Song Of Ice And Fire novels. 4) Last chapter. I can typically figure out the ending around the center. Tho I love endings, I need first chapters no matter what. 5) Unlimited books. Just cuz its my favorite book, doesn't mean it'd be a good world to live in. 6) Hmmm, idk. Modern romance has its merits, but honestly, Classic Romance seems more my style. I'm an old soul. And even tho Classic Romance doesn't really include any gay stories, that type of style is what I'd go for for a romance. But since this story is where I'm living, I'd have to go with modern romance. More accepting of my type of relatio ship in that type of world. 6) I'm pretty sure my older brother's cat is a werecat, so I'll choose a Dragon. The werecat was sitting in the bathroom when I needed to use it. 7) Fantasy War. I'll be able to use magic to fight. I've always been experienced in magicks in reality, so I feel like my experience would come to my advantage in a Fantasy war. 8) Voldemort dude. Voldemort. 9) Move Objects. Being inside ppls heads is always the wworst power to have in my opinion. With telekenisis, I don't have to get up. 10) Fantasy. Scifi's becoming reality. Fantasy hasn't yet. 11) Snape. I cannot deal with Umbridge. Hate pink. And I'd be a Slitherin, so I'm safe with Snape. 12) Faeries. They can be fun, hateful, boring, depends on the fae. And elves r technically classified as fae, so thats y. 13) Aliens. Mermains r probably Aliens that came to earth long ago so I'd be discovering both. 14) Cruxio for an hour. I can take it. I have chronic pain, I have a high tolerance. I don't ever want to be controlled. 15) I don't know either of those so I choose neither... 16) Not a fan of Ron but I know about him. 17) Elder wand. Sounds awesome. 18) Physical books. I need the physical books. 19) Jaberwak. I don't wanna fight a creepy clown.

[@jaya5692]

My Answers: 1) The Shire 2) The Villain 3) Arya Stark 4) First Chapter 5) Unlimited Books 6) CLASSIC ROMANCE BABY 7) DRAGON 8) Fantasy War 9) Voldermort 10) Read Minds (can you see I'm an X-MEN fan) 11) Fantasy 12) SNAPE SNAPE SEVERUS SNAPE 13) Fairies 14) Mermaids 15) Crucio for an hour :( 16) SAM (but honestly that was mean making us choose Merphy) 17) SAM (wait what the heck people prefer Ron!) 18) Time turner 19) Physical 20) Pennywise (but you know I'm going to die facing off against him so I may as well do it facing off against my greatest fear) I am really surprised with some of these answers. But thanks for doing this Merphy it was a lot of fun.

[@Jake_C75]

I wish I had more time to read physical books but I never do, that’s why I love audiobooks, my mom actually pokes fun at me for it a lot cause it’s “not actually reading” but I feel like it’s a lot better than not being able to enjoy books at all

[@Blixthand]

Shire over Hogwarts. Shire seems to be a perfect place to live your entire life and if you can get down with the Hobbit lifestyle, you'll never be in want of anything that can't be found there, and you'll get loads of presents all the time. And if you would want more, there a whole world you can visit with shire as a starting point. Go outside of Hogwarts/Hogsmeede and you are just in the UK, I can go to the UK any time in real life.

[@maple_latte2669]

How she described the sire is exactly how I feel about camp half blood from pjo!! (just my opinion😊)

[@joemerl1145]

Look, Umbridge's teaching method is just having you do your homework in class. That's what I did anyway.

[@ryanratchford2530]

9:30 100% Read minds. To fully be able to understand & empathise with people (plus social interactions will be so much easier)

[@christopherbacon1077]

I know the horrible things that are in my mind why would I want to see the horrible things in other peoples minds?

[@ryanratchford2530]

Christopher Bacon For Leverage? 😂

[@tarwinsgap222]

Read minds then move to Las Vegas

[@abookishheart7205]

You should do a similar poll video but instead of our preferences as readers, do like book characters like would this person or this person win in a fistfight? Would this person or this person be a better sidekick for Harry Potter ? But make it like random genres mix it up or like would Arya Stark fall in love with Locke Lamora or Kaz Brekker? That kind of thing

[@GinaBlythe]

While I love The Shire and would choose it over Hogwarts, I would far prefer to live amongst the Elves in Lothlorien.

[@FANacht-dy3tb]

Could we cheat the system? Live in the shire for a year or two and then move him with the elves?

[@laurelelasselin]

I'd be in Valinor.

[@jaithunbi2359]

Seems like Merphy has a soft corner for Neville ...I too ...He is the most underrated fictional character ❤️

[@booklanerecommendations]

To me, it makes sense that people would want to face off with Pennywise. He is the scarier option, taking on the form of your greatest fear like a boggart. But isn't that what makes it more satisfying to fight him? If you win, you are conquering your greatest fear! Much more satisfying than killing a random monster that you have no personal relationship to and then being stuck with its corpse.

[@justcosmika7843]

Loved this! I agreed with the majority for most of these. however I would have picked villain as well because I am a good guy now and want to try something different plus they always have the better wardrobe haha

[@DryBooks]

Would you rather part 2? Or maybe character wars. Like, put Vin agains Kaladin and discuss the better warrior or something. That would be cool

[@laurelelasselin]

YES! We need character wars! But different books and series, like Aragorn vs. Professor McGonagall (randomly chose those characters btw!)

[@JillyMae89]

Such a fun video - def do more 👏🏼👏🏼

[@cristinapacheco4042]

I agree with better crucio and it’s over rather than have it hanging for a week ( yeah control freak), and i also see why people chose the painless option. And i do think an hr could damage you because as Bellatrix her self explained the power of the curse depends on the intent given to it.

[@legendthorne2085]

Physical vs Audio? It depends on the Narrators. If I get to pick a narrator for all the books I read, Audio. There are some AMAZING narrators out there. Same token some great books were ruined by bad narration. Give me someone like R.C Bray to read my books? Travis Baldree, Nick Podehl, Heath Miller, Wayne Mitchell, Jeff Hays, Ralph Lister, Annie Ellicott, Emilly Beresford, Luke Daniels, Mare Trevathan, Jeffery Kafer, Neil Hellegers, Scott Aiello. With some of my favorite like those. Audio all day.

[@OtherTheDave]

6:15 And modern AC, transportation, the internet, etc

[@theblackdahlia88]

The reason I would choose Imperio is coz you can fight that curse if you have a strong will/mind. Whereas Crucio can break you completely and leave lasting damage to you mentally as well as physically.

[@OktoberJournal]

Tbh I picked Ron, because I he was my first ever fictional crush T_T

[@cosmicriptid]

It depends on who has control of you and what they make you do. If it is someone you trust that is entirely different.

[@Effaly_]

I agree with the majority on every question except two. 1st is Aliens or Mermaids. I'd rather discover aliens. Mermaids are definitely going to want to kill you while there is a 50/50 chance with aliens. And just imagine if they're friendly! Then again I might be a little biased because I'm a huge sci-fi fan and I love discovering new fictional species. 🥰 2nd is Jabberwocky or Pennywise. I'd choose the Jabberwocky. Anything, really *anything* but Pennywise. He's just too scary and the fact that I'm afraid of clowns is not helping. 😀

[@shama1239]

I cannot comprehend choosing to go up against Pennywise. Literally corrupted a town by being in it, can become your greatest fear, and you could have fought it as a child and then forgotten about it. It is straight up a being of pure evil.

[@hotarusama5826]

Well, I don't have instagram, so my answers (made prior to your commentary on each): 1: Hogwarts, it has indoor plumbing. That alone is the deciding factor. Nothing else comes even close in importance. 2: Depends on the universe I'm in, but generally hero. 3: Neither. Both worlds are terrible. I wouldn't survive either world. 4: First chapter. I've never seen a first chapter that is as important as the last chapter. (I'm presuming prologues and epilogues don't count, because if they do count, then neither one is ever really all that important.) 5: Have unlimited books. While I love my favorite books, none of them are places that I'd want to live. If they were places I'd like to live, they wouldn't make for an interesting story. 6: Neither? If I had to choose, then modern, since modern romance stories have modern amenities, but I don't want to deal with the romance in either case. 7: Dragon. Why would I want a person who turns into a cat as a pet? 8: Probably fantasy, but it depends heavily on the setting in question. There's fantasy like Narnia, where you're basically guaranteed a good end, even if you die, and there's fantasy like Game of Thrones, where you're totally screwed no matter what you do. Dystopian settings, particularly those with wars, are generally worse overall, with the likes of 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, but something like the Matrix wouldn't be too bad. 9: Voldemort, he's more likely to just kill me while Bellatrix would play around and torture me. I hold no illusions about winning. 10: Tough choice, but telekinesis wins out. While mind reading could be incredibly useful, telekinesis is absurdly useful, even on the very low end of power. 11: Like #8, it does depends on the setting, but in general sci-fi. Of course, my top choice, Pokemon, is both. Star Trek would be great as well. 12: Snape. While he's a terrible teacher, he doesn't usually actively hinder most of his students, nor is he normally actively malevolent toward them. Plus, I'd probably actually learn something from Snape. 13: Elves. You do not mess with the Fae, no matter which version you're talking about. 14: Aliens. I'm studying to be a planetary scientist, not a marine biologist. 15: Imperio. Crucio for an hour is near-certain permanent insanity, while Imperio for a week is only very likely to ruin your life, not certain. 16: Sam. I can't think of a more loyal friend in either fiction or reality. 17: Sam. Ron's too extroverted. Sam would better understand a friend who needs time alone. 18: Time turner. Time travel is completely OP, plus the elder wand puts a target on your back. 19: Physical. I'm not a fan of audio, mostly because I can't remember things that I hear nearly as well as things that I read. 20: I mean, I'm dead either way, so I might as well fight the Jabberwock, at least it would probably be quick and I'd be die fighting a really cool creature.

[@banaa9463]

I was a little surprised with the Sam vs Ron poll too, but I guess it makes sense. I think more of your viewers have read HP and not as much have LOTR. In the LOTR movie, Sam was loyal too but we were all blinded by Legolas's good looks! Hahaha. In the LOTR books, that's where I got to really appreciate Sam as Frodo's best friend.

[@Koichi92]

My answers :) 1. The Shire, 2. The Villain, 3. Katniss Everdeen, 4. The first chapter, 5. Have unlimited books, 6. Classic romance, 7. Dragon, 8. Dystopian war, 9. Voldemort, 10. Read minds, 11. Science fiction, 12. Snape, 13. Elves, 14. Aliens, 15. Imperio for one week, 16. Sam, 17. Sam, 18. Timeturner, 19. Physical, 20. Jabberwock.

[@skynikan6075]

You can free yourself from Imperio. Also, you might have a nice person controlling you, but Crucio is always horrible. ON THE OTHER HAND you're a mum, Merphy. You probably experienced the pain of birth. I guess that's closer to a Crucio. I already cry when I step on Lego.

[@masonheitner8410]

Sam is the best kind of friend and person, so i agree.

[@AlcheonArt]

Of course we'd prefer to face Pennywise. We know his weakness. I'm not saying it to not spoil it for you :P

[@glanni]

I absolutely agree that thoughts aren't who you are. If you latch onto them or do things because of them you can become them, but they are objects outside of you. I can't really say that I wouldn't choose thought reading though. Because through reading thoughts it would be much easier to see what moves people, and I have some trust issues, which would probably tempt me to choose that, if I had to choose.

[@Merdragoon]

I had a teacher that was like Umbridge, but the teacher had it out for me because I was self taught so she would pick on me because I didn't know half the things the rest of the students know. And yet she wouldn't teach a single thing to me. I learned outside of that class. So I would still choose Snape on the simple fact that He treated everyone equally as well as he did teach SOMETHING which the students could take away from. Sure, Harry actually learned in Slughorn's class, but he also was able to compare and contrast between the recipes from Snape versus what Slughorn taught. And that's more powerful than putting your head down and being obedient. I'm looking at it in a standpoint of "Do you learn anything when you *want* to learn" type of thing. And with Umbridge.... you don't.

[@marcchoronzey3923]

The only way to defeat the Jabberwock is with the vorpal sword (and going snicker-snack!) where as a bunch of 13 year old kids defeated Pennywise. It seems to me the chances are better fighting Pennywise...

[@taylorhagen3916]

The reason I choose mermaid is because I prefer water exploration to space exploration I agree with you completely on impero vs, crucio

[@skellumfh]

Dystopian war easily beats fantasy war imho. Dystopian might kill you but in fantasy you might have demons torturing your soul for eternity. Plus a battlefield with high powered mages on both sides might look a lot like the kind of thing we see on 20th century battlefields. In his "Blueprits for Armageddon" series Dan Carlin stipulates for example that the easiest way to picture Verdun is to think of Mordor (+Tolkien was in WW1 so there might be some direct influence there)

[@everestcanyon5647]

Unlikely you're going to have a pet dragon. If you're lucky, you'll be the pet scavenger. Otherwise, you'll probably be their snack.

[@brennalepage9965]

I would TOTALLY pick the Shire. No question.

[@aarontroy3]

Great video! I'm with you the shire would be so peaceful. Also Sam is the correct answer for #1 friend.

[@angelikabatwoman]

girl you're smart!!! such a great outlook on reading minds.

[@cosmicriptid]

I like it when they tell you what happens to characters after a book ends.

[@TheEowyn22]

I only just found your channel, so I am a bit late. Just had to say I think a tougher question for me would would I rather the Shire or Rivendell. I love that Rivendell seems an intellectual space - love of books, history, music. BUT I also love the homey feel of the Shire - being with friends, going to the pub, the simplicity. In the end, I’d probably go with Rivendell. I’d be considered one of the Hobbits who’s a big cracked because I’d read too much! 😂

[@titojdavis8374]

ya Arya is basically a superhero by the end of the third book, and well on her way by the end of the second

[@ayeshazafar1641]

Love how you got defensive for the Shire!

[@azurepulse1870]

In a dystopian war, you’d be at a HUGE disadvantage or else it wouldn’t be a dystopia. I’ll take my chances in a fantasy world where I may have access to incredible powers that figuratively and literally level the playing field.

[@miantgv]

Your hair looks so amazing!

[@TheMovieSequelDude49]

I'm surprised with the Pennywise result. I mean Jabberwock is a big scary monster but Pennywise will specifically target your worst fears and use them against you. Besides I've seen the stuff he's done in those IT movies, I don't wanna deal with any of that.