The Humble Courage of Fluttershy

[@michealdark]

Fluttershy trolling the god of chaos has to be one of the greatest moments in recent TV. I laughed out loud during the scene, and I get a hardy chuckle when people finally realize she knew exactly what she was doing the whole time. That she used her own softness of personality, what should have been a weakness, to get one over on him. Flutters has a very devious side to her. She's not a fighter, so she uses other means of combat when pushed. We all have seen the intimidation, but...

[@TheNinjaDC]

I always liked to compare Flutters to Courage, the cowardly dog. Both are individuals that have a kind personality derived from years of being picked on. Both are afraid of almost anything and everything. Yet both will dive into the depths of hades to protect those they have come to love. And... both seem to have MIA parents while growing up.

[@masterclockwork4436]

Ah, the Secret of NIMH, one of my favorites from childhood. So regret watching the squeal. While there are occasions where Fluttershy's timidness gets a little on my nerves, one of the things I have always recognized is that is greatest fortitude of all of the mane 6. Courage is not about lack of fear, or even overcoming one's fears, it is about moving forward despite one's fears and this is something that Fluttershy does on a daily basis. The other girls have shown their share of fears, but they seem to have either gotten over them, or are constantly crippled when they are faced with their fears. While Fluttershy has gotten better at facing her fears, especially the more crippling ones, she never stopped being afraid. I think this is a little more realistic that the expectations people may have and why they might look down on Fluttershy's character as seemingly not growing. The fact is, she has grown quite a lot since her inception. She may not be as dynamic of a character as say Rainbow Dash and how they have portrayed her character development, but Fluttershy has come a long way as well. Just because she has not fully gotten over her fears does not mean she has not grown, because we have certainly seen she has become more willing to at least confront her fears and has become far more assertive of an individual. It is nice to see she is more willing to speak her mind on certain matters, rather than bottling up her emotions out of fear of hurting someone else's feeling till she explodes in a fit of rage.

[@TheParadoxZone]

I stumbled upon NIMH by accident on Netflix and I loved it, it's one of my favorite movies. It was a pleasant shock to hear your comparison of Fluttershy to Mrs. Brisby.

[@HorseApples007]

You've made me love Fluttershy so much more, curse your beautiful wisdom!

[@radicaltastic8147]

Mrs. Brisby has always been a favourite character of mine for all the reasons you mentioned!!! Excellent work once again DR.Wolf!

[@DRWolf001]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Angela.Perkins]

I relate to Fluttershy a lot.

[@framwinkle]

I've loved The Secret of N.I.M.H. since I was a child, but I'd never made the connection between Mrs. Brisby and Fluttershy. Thank you for the excellent comparison. They are two of my favorite characters.

[@rpcvliz]

I saw NIMH for the very first time this weekend! I was never into Don Bluth's movies but the Nostalgia Critic included Mrs. Brisby as one of his top 10 characters in media. I found the movie on Netflix and I'm so glad I saw it. I never would have thought to compare her with Fluttershy but I see now after listening to all your good points. I could imagine FS making similar sacrifices for the people she loves. I'm catching up with all your MLP analyses and I'm really enjoying them!

[@tabithaalphess2115]

I actually really like your comparison between Mrs. Frisby and Fluttershy. Both characters display very humble, but noble courage. I always felt that the bravest people were the ones who were the scardest, but did what needed to be done anyway. Secret of NIMH is a great movie with an even greater heroine. Afterall, while you might not have the courage now, but you'll have in the moment it matters most. Great video, Dr. Wolf! Keep it up!

[@mastermold10]

i belive that flutershy would be able to wield the stone...i think she more then any other pony does have that inner courage, that spirit to rise up against god and fate itself when all hope seems to have dimmed and say 'no, this shal not be' no mater the cost to herself.

[@sweatypothos]

The Secret of Nimh is one of my favorite childhood movies ever! I freaked when you started talking about it :)

[@LiliathePenguin]

I loved reading the book Mrs. Frisby and the rats of NIMH. I like the book better than the movie. Is it really that old?

[@HorseApples007]

to depend on her to solve various animal emergencies, such as in KCaFO, when she saved Sweet Apple Acres from being flooded by a beaver dam. Sweet Apple Acres is a major source of food for the town, so you could argue that all of Ponyville depends on her. She's also been through many major personal challenges, like defeating the manticore, risking her life to save the CMC by staring down a cockatrice, reforming Discord himself and being the key component in getting the water to Cloudsdale.

[@ZeroRyoko]

You have summed up exactly how I feel about Fluttershy, the fact that she so closely resembles one of my most favourite characters I loved as a Kid, never struck me till now. I would suggest given what you've said, Fluttershy has the potential to become the next Allicorn. Just remember "You can unlock any door, if you only have the key!" Fluttershy I think has that key. P.S I recommend people read the book "Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh" by Robert C. O'Brien and watch the film, there awesome.

[@LeeWave96]

Absolutely Fluttershy has humble courage. She will not back down to spread kindness to everyone she cares about. I actually would like to see Fluttershy as a mother.

[@NekoTamer15]

This is exactly what I want to be explained to bronycurious! Thank you for helping others understand Fluttershy as much as people like me do

[@Sandalwoodrk]

i love secret of nimh though ive never drawn that connection, well said. also, i already loved fluttershy character but now i love her even more, ive thought about these things but i guess the way youve said them has given me a new understanding.

[@katherinekunker1419]

I would never have associated Fluttershy with Mrs. Brisbey before this... Especially since Mrs. Brisbey is in my number one favorite female character. She's flippin' amazing...

[@OriginalNub]

I would also recommend the Book behind The Secret of Nihm. Truly a work of art

[@McGruffin]

to be perfectly honest, i used to dislike Fluttershy, but as i watched the series of MLP further and further, a began to like her a lot more. This is because of how i love the way she overcomes her fears, and how overcoming those fears shows fluttershys great strength as a character. 'putting your hoof down' is definitely one of my favourite episodes, mainly because we get to see fluttershy actually speaking to a wide range of ponies, and putting the cruel ones in their place.

[@petercharleskrug]

I think it's wonderful that you mentioned The Secret Of NIMH. I consider it to be one of the all-time great family films ever, and I think it's a shame that there's anyone now who's never heard of it. By the way you may enjoy seeing an online review of the film's terrible direct-to-video sequel: Nostalgia Critic: Secret Of NIMH 2

[@Skyking67832]

What's interesting is that the vast majority of people who are catapulted into the role of "Hero" are often simply trying to overcome their own fears long enough to do what is right or necessary at the time. I remember seeing The Secret of NIMH when it first came out and can appreciate the character comparison. As a matter of fact, it was that movie that rekindled my love of animation.

[@SirGabe3]

I have always felt that Fluttershy is the one I relate most to. I also can relate to Twilight and Rarity a fair bit.

[@ANimeSaturday]

I love the Secret of NIMH. In the 5th grade we read the book the movie was based on. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is still in my library.

[@abrachoo]

OMG, that was my favorite movie as a child!

[@WyvernYT]

If you can find it, read the original book: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brian (1972 Newbery winner). It's similar to the movie in most ways, but one point that's strongly in the book's favor is that there is no blatant magical trickery; it's as grounded in science as anything involving talking rodents can be. The critical point when the house is moved involves a block and tackle, not telekinesis! My childhood memories of it are great; I hope it's good reading for adults too.

[@AnnaCurser]

I see you took the "hold the burning amulet" in, nice man, nice.

[@shadow52779]

interesting comparison...also makes me realize how old i am considering i saw that movie when it first came out lol...but i can see the relationship of it...good catch

[@JimFear138]

Thanks for the nostalgia bomb. Well I guess I know what I'm doing with the next two hours. Fluttershy is my personal favorite Mane 6 pony. Everybody thinks that her character is schizophrenic because of inconsistent writing. I always viewed her as the most complex of the Mane 6, because of her social anxieties and willingness to stand up for her loved ones. I identify with her quite a bit, as I get panic attacks in large crowds and try to avoid physical conflict. Thanks for this video, Doc.

[@dynowolf345]

oh yes, i agree that both characters are very similar. this is definitally awesome how you used the last little refrence from nicadimus.

[@Seecada]

The secret of Nymh is also a book if youre more of a reading person too

[@tak-taichin8711]

I think Fluttershy has it in her to be like Mrs. Brisby seeing as she has most, if not all of her traits. But, we won't know the extent of her courage unless she has to be pushed farther then we've seen her go. Also, compared to Mrs. Brisby, Fluttershy is still young and hasn't had the same experiences, like losing a loved one, so we won't know until something big occurs and forces her to muster up all the courage she has, like what happened to Mrs. Brisby.

[@mdwtiger1]

Mrs. Brisby is the character that got me into the furry fandom. And Fluttershy is the one who made me a Brony. Both of them would do anything ( even at a personal loss ) to better / save someone they care about.

[@signsofaprincess]

Very interesting thoughts on this character, and I think you're right, great video. Can't wait to watch more!

[@blakenelson4158]

NHIM is an awwome show.

[@michealdark]

with Discord she's shown perhaps an even darker side in that she can match psychological warfare with masterful counteroffensive. I want to see this explored more. It means she's a lot more dangerous than she lets on, without ever having to throw a single Rainbow Dash style karate kick!

[@CondemnedWorld]

The Secret of Nimh was a great film. Also, DR Wolf, since you can explain Fluttershy so well, do you relate with Fluttershy a lot?

[@ThatLargeBrony]

I feel old now, I haven't talked or heard about the secret of nimh in years.

[@HorseApples007]

Also, thank god there's more Secret of NIHM fans out there. :D

[@TheMephox]

I can easily see Mrs. Brisby as an older version of Fluttershy, certainly, and vice versa. However, I would point out also that Mrs. Brisby does not have such a great circle of well established friends as Fluttershy and much of Fluttershy's strength comes from her friends - they could easily be seen the same as Mrs. Brisby's family, but the relationship between mother and children is very different between that of siblings,as I see the Mane 6, they seem as close as siblings sometimes and display some of the same trials and joys that siblings share. Applejack even calls them her family during SSCS6K.

[@CrystalArtest]

I heard that The Secret Of Nim is one of Dan Both's best movies.

[@WhammyReviews]

Didn't read the description till now, but the moment you said you remembered another character that you inspired for humble courage, my first thought was Mrs. Brisby XD. I blame Nostalgia Critic for that; he has her as one of his top favorite characters for the same reason exact reason.

[@ganondorfchampin]

Eh, I don't really like making videos recording my voice because I always get nervous and my voice get's messed up as I try to think of what to say. An exceptions seems to be recordings of me singing and even then my voice isn't as strong as when I'm not under pressure. Anyway, I have it in a journal on my DeviantArt, so I can send you the link. By the way, I remember I had a crush on Brisby when I saw that movie in elementary school. :) I relate to Fluttershy, though I relate to Twilly more.

[@ganondorfchampin]

I have a rather unusual character analysis of Fluttershy that I want to share. How do I go about doing it? Anyway, I have always related to Fluttershy, the moment I saw her breaking eye contact and unable to speak in the first episode I connected with her instantly.

[@marshmallowok]

So as a FS fan are you frustrated she's basically been reduced to "hurr she's so adorable, watch her try to be SO TUFF XDDDDDD top lawls"? I guess that kinda happened to a bunch of them as it became the Twilight show... Even Larson and some other writers said they have no idea what to do with her. Guess we'll see in S4.

[@HorseApples007]

I think Fluttershy has been tested just as much if not more than Mrs. Brisby, though maybe not as directly. Think of all the villains she's had to face. Even though she was in a group most of the time, she was still in considerable danger and had as much to lose as the other mane 6. In fact, I would argue that she had even more to lose. Mrs. Brisby had her 3 children to lose, yes, but Fluttershy has hundreds of animals that depend on her, and she values them all equally. Also, the town seems....

[@ShinePaw101]

I love that move!

[@multivewer]

i actually have "The Secret of Nimb" on VHS...been a while since i watched it thou...& i havn't really seen that much of MLP to really make a comperason

[@arch8angel]

I had even thought about how the Miss Brisby and Fluttershy were alike. You are right.they are alot alike. I loved that movie to. ^^

[@mssimgirl]

I loved that movie as well and never made the connection between the two. Fluttershy is my second favorite pony and I think this video helped me to enjoy her even more. I could completely see her being like Mrs. Brisby when she becomes a mother. Though we will probably never see that.

[@slimcognito383]

Well The Secret of Nimh is on Netflix so now were to watch.

[@SuperPickandMix]

mrs frisbee aww i remember reading and watching this in GCSE english

[@appu123y]

what about the book? is that good too?

[@c00f]

Does anyone think of the Philosopher's stone when you see the red stone in the secret of nimh?

[@matt0044]

The point is she does things period, in her episode or not.

[@Wiiguy1606]

The Secret of Nimh? I actually watched and enjoyed that film as a child. After watching Nostalgia Critic's editorial, What Does the Secret of Nimh Means?, I had much more respect and understanding of it. And now, you have done something very similar. Thank you.

[@DRWolf001]

You are most welcome sir.

[@johanngoulet6825]

DRWolf001 omg I had completly forgot about that movie it both make me feel happy (as it is my childhood) and feel very old lol

[@Pastelicandy]

u are right dr wolf both fluttershy and mrs.brisbee are the same in many ways

[@EbonyDream]

The two characters I could always relate to most is Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

[@ganondorfchampin]

If anyone is schizophrenic it's Pinkie, and she isn't really schizophrenic at all. Dissociate Identity Disorder != Schizophrenia. Also, I've seen no one claim that Fluttershy's character is drastically inconsistent. She's a shy, submissive, animal loving pony who might have some temper issues, and will use her temper for good to stand up for her friends.

[@multivewer]

3:42 NEW DRAGON TYPE POKEMON lol XD

[@casinotrio1965]

Can u do one on if pinkie pie has had a bad childhood

[@CrittersRule247]

Saving her friends from a dragon and staring down a cockatrice (which if true to the myth should of killed her) to save 3 fillies, overcoming a lifelong fear of bullying to help keep the weather in Equestria normal so things can grow and the whole kingdom doesn't starve to death, help save the world from eternal night and from being plunged into eternal chaos and then reforming the embodiment of chaos....yeah....never accomplishes anything...

[@evamcghee8325]

i have that movie i see it like 5 times

[@marshmallowok]

Yes, we get it, Fluttershy is your waifu.

[@Athkore]

*chanting* Fluttershy Fluttershy Fluttershy

[@CrittersRule247]

Nightmare moon and Discord weren't her episodes

[@elobrittjen5678]

I didn't realize how much I relate to fluttershy until I saw this. The reason I like fluttershy is the same reason why Luna is my favorite character because I relate to them so much

[@casinotrio1965]

Fluttershy isn't really my favorite she's just too shy for my taste and I can't really relate to her. I do like seeing her pared up with discord! I like pinkie pie better. She's just so much like me!

[@phantomfangurl]

Mrs.Brisby is best Fluttershy. :)

[@brentramsten249]

beastly description /)

[@redtutel]

Well, that's not really a part of the show.

[@ganondorfchampin]

Except for his run of crapping movies Don Bluth rules.

[@simbasorariku3]

The movie was to dark for me.

[@ganondorfchampin]

His his streak of crappy movies.

[@smilesforadoller]

fluttershy marry me

[@WaddleDee105]

FlutterSHY is a character Bronies don't relate to? LOL