Frith is Magick

From the way she acts and lives it is entirely possible that she was orphaned or neglected. Sadly, because of the target audience, such a thing would never become canon. Perhaps the lack of relatives was an oversight during the creation process, perhaps they wanted to give the fandom some writing material. As much as I like Fluttershy and want to learn more, I would rather it stay on the forums and off the show, simply because there are topics that will not or can not be discussed on a series targeted at children.

Fluttershy is strong, she simply doesn't use her full abilities. Whether she chooses not to or can't, I don't know (you reading this, fanfic writers?). She will do anything for her friends, pony or otherwise. Her Element being Kindness, doing something like showing off or using her abilities without need just doesn't match her personality. Her ability to communicate with animals stems from empathy and experience, anyone with a pet knows what I mean. As for her physical abilities, they seem fairly ordinary compared to other ponies, they are merely exaggerated by her apparent weakness. The reason she can face a dragon or a cockatrice is not a burst of "flutterrage", but a continuation of her normal affection.

My personal theory: The power for magic comes from some unknown pool that unicorns and alicorns can tap into. The horn is the means by which they access magic, and the result of genetics. The magic is not created, but channeled and altered based on the nature of the spell. The power for the spell does not come from the caster, but channeling the power requires focus and can be physically tiring. When a unicorn studies magic, they are studying how to access and control the appropriate level of magic, as well as how to channel it in the proper form. There is a science to controlling magic, but magic itself is not understood. This explains how baby unicorns can use magic, they are simply using the energy to accomplish their will, but this makes the magic unstable and unpredictable. It also explains how they can accomplish dramatic results that would require more energy than a pony's body could hold, but we know magic takes effort and focus(Twilight Sparkle tired after major spells, Snails struggling to create a light). It also explains how magic can be taught and learned from books. The size of the horn seems to matter as well, Celestia raises the sun and has a large horn, Pumpkin Cake has little ability, Twilight's horn was bigger after becoming an alicorn. The horn would grow with the pony, meaning magic is relative to size, not vice-versa. That's my rambling idea, sorry it takes up so much space.

I will remain a brony for the foreseeable future. I have no idea where MLP will go in the future, but FiM holds a special place in my heart. 10 years down the road my enthusiasm may dull, but for now, I don't see myself quitting being a brony. Even if stop watching the show and leave the community, the lessons, the memories, and the joy will always be a part of me.

It was worth a chuckle. The fact that they have a reputation for exaggerating stereotypes means most non-bronies won't take it too seriously. I prefer to not be offended by this because I believe that people need to enjoy a laugh at their own expense. Much like how some bronies enjoy the idea that haters are closet bronies trying to look manly. From what I have read, many of you agree that it is nothing to make a fuss about.

Fluttershy is definitely my favorite pony. She embodies kindness and compassion, but this does not make her weak. She has a strong heart and will do anything for her friends. She also represents me (and many bronies) on a personal level. 64. The man who is prudent | a measured use Of the might he has will make; He finds when among | the brave he fares That the boldest he may not be. -Havamal Fluttershy is adorable, but sometimes I feel it is overstated, plus, there is more to her than cuteness. One thing that disappoints me is her underdeveloped background. I would like to see more about her family and childhood in season 4. As for being "best pony", I believe that they all have strengths and weaknesses. There is no "best pony", but she is still my personal favorite.

Everything we do is done by choice, there is no genetic pre-disposition. That being said, choices are influenced by countless different factors. Everything that happens affects countless things down the road. We are not born bronies, but the circumstances of our birth led to the decision being made the way it was.

Twilight Sparkle is a legitimate princess in my opinion. Partly because she was born for it, partly because she earned it. As seen in The Cutie Mark Chronicles, as a filly she had tremendous magical potential, what she lacked was the ability to control this magic. When she unleashes the burst of magic after the sonic rainboom, we see her eyes glow white, just like they did when unleashing the EoH. Even her cutie mark represents magic in the context of the Elements. It can be argued that Princess Celestia handed the reins over to Twilight (no pun intended) as a means of testing her magical ability as well as seeing how she would respond under pressure. In addition, we see that she has a strong enough character to rule. As she develops her ability, she does not become tyrannical or arrogant, as Sunset Shimmer did. The fact that she did not want to rule shows that she would be a just ruler. Twilight Sparkle spent the three seasons learning to be a leader and a friend, as well as mastering her inherent magical ability. What I have seen of Equestria's politics, a Princess is both a sort of parent figure, using their magic to protect the realm. Their leadership is largely indirect. Just as Celestia rarely told Twilight what to do, just guided her along the right path. Ultimately, they prefer to teach and guide rather than decree. The fact that Twilight had the option of using her magic for her own ends, and ignored that path, shows that she has earned her title as Princess.

I think it is in part because they are not the sharpest tools in the shed. They also fit the role of henchmen perfectly. They obey mindlessly and flatter the antagonists (who are usually just trying to stroke their own egos). They also add an element of comic relief, and their blunders often help the Mane 6 overcome the problem.

I can only speak for myself, but I think Fluttershy truly represents many of us bronies. The social stigma of watching a show for little girls means that many bronies are closet bronies. We keep to ourselves and groups we know and trust (just like Fluttershy lives with animals outside of Ponyville). That being said, we often stand together when confronted by haters (or cockatrices). The reason Fluttershy is popular is that she speaks to many of us on a very personal level.