Theory Shipping and why it works.

[Inkfeather 597]

Shipping and why it works

 

 

First of all I want to start by presenting a list of the ships I feel works, according to personality differences as well as several events that might strengthen such a bond. I’ll say this already now, this is my own headcanon, don’t hook me up on anything you might think is wrong, but feel free to comment with your own speculations as long as you present reason and events that can back it up.

The ships I think works is what ponies I feel will fit well together because of personality correspondence as well as contrast, what each of their roles would be in a relationship as well as fulfilling a proper relationship, because these ponies will be able to have a standpoint for their love.

I won’t mention much outside the mane six and the side characters, I won’t include ships like Octavia x Vinyl Scratch or Lyra x BonBon, because these have no canon personality, meaning I can make no valid reason for them to be together. I will include ponies with enough screen time, like Trixie and Luna, though I won’t be including Celestia, because I simply can’t place a canon persona that would fit well enough. We haven’t seen her as more than a bi-character in my opinion, and even if we have, it would probably not have created efficient data for addition to the pool, hence not creating a valid standpoint for shipping.

 

 

Here we go, in no particular order.

 

 

Twilight x Rainbow Dash

Rainbow Dash x Fluttershy

Fluttershy x Applejack

Rarity x Twilight

Rarity x Applejack

Pinkie Pie x Rainbow Dash

Twilight x Trixie (I will explain, don’t worry)

Pinkie Pie x Fluttershy

Twilight x Luna

 

Yes, these are the ships that have valid reasons for shipping according to canon personas and event to back it up. If some of these gets a little out of hand I have to remember you dear readers that this is MY headcanon, hence what I feel is correct, possible etc.

 

 

Let’s start from the first, Twilight x Rainbow Dash.

 

This wasn’t a ship I was very fond of as a start, but reading several fictions about them made me think that over. The reason I can see the two of them being together is because of a psychological contrast, with added correspondence to base it upon.

We all know that Dashie is a competitive, simple, yet very “rough” pony. She’s an uncut diamond, one could say. Where Twilight is orderly, neat and knows exactly everything that goes on in her life (most of the time). The two of them, would be quite opposite, though this is not a particularly bad thing, they are able to outweigh each other’s needs as well as enjoying the actual opposite lifestyle.

They would make each other find a more natural point of existence, where Twilight could be a little more relaxed and spontaneous and Dash would experience the joy of being orderly once in a while. Though, this relationship needs something in common to be able to happen, this was created in the Daring Do episode (sorry for not memorizing the names of the actual episodes) where Dash discovered a love for books.

This would probably open her eyes for something more than her usual lifestyle, meaning she would open up for the other book-lover, Twilight. We actually also see Dash hanging out at the library while reading, meaning it could easily happen that the two of them used this common joy to take their friendship on step further

 

 

Rainbow Dash x Fluttershy.

 

A rather normal ship in the fandom, the two pegasi of the many six. These are much like what I described about Twilight and RD, opposites. Fluttershy is timid and shy, while Dash is still the uncut diamond, the rough persona of a pony. They both have qualities that the other lack, Dashie have the courage, while Fluttershy have the kindness, they both need to learn these traits from the other, and this would also mean that they would have a natural attraction to the needed, this being each other. It really shows in “Hurricane Fluttershy” where Dash was kind to Fluttershy because she remembered that this would be the best way to get what she needed, though it fell a little flat when she disproved Fluttershy’s fake attempt of ponypox, though this was Fluttershy’s own fault, she shouldn’t have lied.

When Fluttershy sees that Rainbow Dash needs her help in the desperate time of the hurricane, Fluttershy gathers her courage, as she knew Dash would’ve done, and she flies in there and helps out, probably being really happy that she was able to. Dashie brought forth what Fluttershy needed the most, courage.

 

 

Fluttershy x Applejack.

 

I base this ship on the same reason as FS x RD. They have traits that the other needs, though Applejack doesn’t quite need the kindness as much as Dashie does. Fluttershy and Applejack are both lovers of nature, though they don’t have many events together in the show, just the two of them, I know that they both have common interest in fauna and flora, meaning a common interest that could help them open up about each other. This isn’t quite as well working a ship as FS x RD, but it’s still possible because of the same contrast shown between FS and RD.

 

 

Rarity x Twilight.

 

The two unicorns, and one of my favorites. These two have great correspondence, as well as brilliant contrast to each other, in profession as well as persona. Twilight is the simple librarian, yet still a neat pony, with a love of tidiness. Rarity is a glamorous pony, a very exquisite pony to say the least, and also a lover of neat and tidiness (see Sisterhooves Social). These two work so well together for so many reasons, most of them being the great synch of personality, and the genuine interest in their friendship.

Events that can chain the two of them together are few, but they are strong. Many standpoints were made in the episode where Rarity is supposed to design Twi’s birthday dress. I’m sure Twilight knew that Rarirty was not a pony of simplicity, and loved the dress she made, because she made it. Rarity would’ve created something magnificent as usual, yet Twilight loved the dress for the unfinished simplicity.

In the same episode, Twilight is not naïve enough to not know what’s going on between Rarity and the two parties. I like to think that Twilight knew what was going on, and helped Rarity out because she knew how much Rarity needed it. She also proclaimed that it was Rarity who made the dress, because I presume she knew that the dress was well done and she probably also knew about Fancy Pants’ gentle personality.

Meaning, they’re already very close, and they need very little to become an actual pair (In my head)

 

 

Rarity x Applejack.

 

“The brute and the doll” is the term I prefer to use, nothing bad meant with it. Rarity, the fashionista have a perfect contrast to Applejack, the farmer. They are so different, yet they proved that they were able to overcome their differences in the sleepover at Twilight’s place. They have a lot of qualities that would work well for each other, especially since they are so opposite, they would be able to find a perfect neutral point for a relationship, where they would share each other’s best qualities and negate the bad traits because of this contrast in persona.

 

 

Pinkie Pie x Rainbow Dash.

 

The prankster combo. These two love to have fun, absolutely LOVE to have fun, especially with each other. We could clearly see how much they enjoyed each other’s company when they actually began pranking together, and I think the two of them have almost perfect corresponding characters. Both of them are rather simple in lifestyle, they enjoy simple things. Pinkie Pie in general enjoys happiness, and Rainbow Dash enjoys being happy, mainly achieved by “being awesome” which Pinkie is great at making her look. Pinkie was genuinely sad when Dash chose to hang out with Gilda instead of her, meaning she used as much energy on trying to hang out with both of them as was Pinkily possible (because Pinkie is beyond anything humanly and ponily possible). After realizing that by making Dash happy, she would have to appeal to Gilda, and she chose to act as always, throw a party for her, it wasn’t her fault that Gilda went crazy. The two of them, they lack contrast, but they have plenty of correspondence.

 

 

Twilight x Trixie.

 

Because love, no? Alright, to the point. The two of them would form a beautiful pair of Sadomaso, a kind of dominatrix themed relationship. They are both unicorns with great interest in magic, as well as the interest in each other’s magic. Trixie have the boasting “canon” persona, making her a perfect subject for a domination themed relationship, especially with Twilight. Twilight has more power than Trixie, magically, and this is a great trait for Trixie to exploit as well as use to her best. Twilight seem to be of the more submissive type, Trixie would genuinely love to be the mare in charge, both physically and socially.

 

I’m sorry if this one went out of hand.

 

For the more soft one, I have my own theory of Trixie’s persona (read here: http://mlpforums.com/topic/14660-what-the-heck-is-the-appeal-in-trixie/page__st__40#entry324785 and here: http://mlpforums.com/topic/14660-what-the-heck-is-the-appeal-in-trixie/page__st__60#entry341839 ), creating a more corresponding character for pairing, especially with another magic loving unicorn, though I still base the actual relationship on the above theme, of them having a need for one another’s personal traits.

 

 

 

Pinkie Pie x Fluttershy.

 

Another ship based on correspondence. The two of these both love to be happy, but each in their own way, and I bet the two of them could have a lot to teach each other about happiness if they were to actually talk. Pinkie Pie is a hyperactive mare and needs to settle down once in a while, Fluttershy is the opposite, they have such nice traits to share with each other, and just like Rarity x Applejack are they able to create the neutral standpoint for a solid relationship of equal opposition. Fluttershy and Pinkie have great opportunity for being together, since they both have the kind heart, they just express it differently.

 

 

Twilight x Luna.

 

This is one of the more “odd” pairings, but I can still see it work. Twilight and Luna seem to have an equal personality at many points, creating great correspondence for a pair. Luna is the princess of the night and Twilight is a huge sucker for astronomy, meaning this would be a common field of interest. They are both gentle but enthusiastic personality. Twilight was eagerly willing to help Luna sort out her social problems, and Luna seemed genuinely happy that she did so. They are both very awkward in social behavior, well Twilight WAS at the start, that cute little bookworm. This trait would easily help them connect because Twilight could help Luna with her problems, as she overcame her own.

 

 

 

And that’s it. Those are the ship I can see together according to canon events and personalities. I support many more ships, actually almost ALL ships, but these are the selection of ships that would fit somewhat in the canon MLP.

Instead of explaining every single ship that I didn’t add to the list I will instead explain why I have chosen not to add them over all.

The ships not on this list are ships where the ponies’ personality just doesn’t fit well enough together through either correspondence or through contrast. One example would be Rarity x Fluttershy. Yes, they go to a spa together, they talk regularly, but they seem to fit well as friends, and nothing more. They’re two very different types of ponies, yet they’re not opposites, they don’t correspond nor do they contrast each other, they’re simply good friends.

Another example would be Applejack x Rainbow Dash. The two of them are perfect in correspondence, yet so well that they seem to contrast as well. They’re both extremely competitive, and as we see in Fall Weather Friends, they fight a lot. They have more of a sisterly relationship than a friendship, or possible relationship. I bet they could go together, but I don’t think they would stick in the long run.

These are just some examples. I hope it’s enough to show what I mean with personas not fitting together.

 

 

There you have it, my headcanon plus reasoning and discussion about why I think they fit together. If you have any comments, feel free to add anything you like, I would love to hear the thoughts of everyone else on this, but please back up your opinions with material that fit to some degree at least.

[Gone for good 1,593]

You know, I came into this thread with the thought that most if not all shipping was stupid and deserved to be abolished (albeit I kind of haven't seen much so I was making a mistake by believing that, not to mention I wasn't really giving it a chance so ridicule me if you want to, I kind of deserve it). You're post here changed my mind about it being dumb, but admittedly the idea of the characters being involved romantically still makes me go: "ummm." Hey, maybe that'll change soon enough. In the meantime, how dare no one make a ship of this guy yet?

Edited May 24, 2012 by lordbababa

[I used to be a stranger 7,993]

This post has been redacted by the author.

Edited April 29, 2021 by Blue

[MVC NVMXD JVRXD 2,406]

I'm glad you didn't include ships of background ponies. Those don't really make sense.

And for your ships.... Well, they seem like they'd be good...

[NavelColt 22,881]

I have a very small list of ships that I approve of and support personally now, which is bizarre because normally I don't ship at all. But, once I do find a good reason, it usually stays. I treat it as a casual thing though, don't obsess over them, but still like to look up art and talk about it with other fans of the same pairings. With five minutes to class, I'm afraid I'll have to tl;dr this topic past anything other than skimming, but with that said, the only one I've ever conceived about in your list is Twi and Dash. I usually ship Dash with Applejack for my own reasons, but I did in fact make a humorously based TwDash banner out of boredom a little while ago. And I agree with your reasoning, of course.

[Emerald Glow 40]

I'll be honest--I think some fandoms lend themselves to shipping, and some don't. One of my pet peeves is fandoms that seem to create ships because it's the "in thing" right now. Until this post, I would have said that this universe is not really built for shipping, however, I think you make a decent argument for rainbow dash/fluttershy. Hope to have something smarter to say once I get a chance to read more fic.

[Prince Lightning Da Cute 619]

You have proven all these shippings plausible and definetly do able and I thank you for clearing some of these up. It's great to see how much work you put in these.

[Captain Marvelous 544]

Shipping really does work

 

I ordered the Tenchi Muyo Movie Collection last week, and it wasn't suppose to arrive for nearly a month...came to my house within 5 days...

 

 

wait...

[I used to be a stranger 7,993]

I just realized that Big Macintosh is actually far closer to possible league of the Mane cast than I previously thought.

 

I used to assume that both Cheerilee and Big Macintosh were possibly in the order of ten years older than the Mane cast.

However, Cheerilee was in school at the same time and presumably the same grade as Rarity. (S1E23 Cutie Mark Chronicles)

Thus Big Macintosh is just as much in the same age range as the Mane cast as much as he is for Cheerilee, being only a few short years Applejack's senior.

Edited May 24, 2012 by Blue

[Captain Marvelous 544]

and BerryPunch with freckles

[ponyvangelist 732]

Shipping is just another way of proving beyond all doubt that Rainbow Dash is Best Pony.

 

Oh yes, and providing a lucrative market for my incredible Express Shipping™ program, of course.

[Artemisia 166]

That makes sense Blue, so are there any ships that you think would work with big mac? big mac and cheerilee or big mac and one of the mane 6 (not applejack ofcourse)?

[FruitRiver 355]

I never really understand why the mane 6 never get paired with boys. I mean im not against girls and girls of course or anything but they all always get paired with girls or each other. XD

[NavelColt 22,881]

I never really understand why the mane 6 never get paired with boys. I mean im not against girls and girls of course or anything but they all always get paired with girls or each other. XD

 

Yaoi/yuri is often just as popular as straight pairings in most popular media. But with MLP, on top of that, you have a gender ratio that is fucked, all of the main characters minus Spike being girls, and most of the well-developed characters in the show also being girls xD;

Edited May 27, 2012 by ~Chaotic Discord~

[Artemisia 166]

yeah, just what I was thinking, it would be nice to see more male pony's next season. the gender ratio is just like my school too actually! lol we have hardly any guys because we are an art school and there like gross and so most of us girls are forever alone unless we are lesbians/bi. the gender ratio in mlp is way off but it is meant for young children so what can we expect*sigh*

[---------------------- 1,645]

there is a shipping discussion

 

http://mlpforums.com/topic/16-shipping/

 

I gave my personal thoughts about shipping in there

 

I think some shipping is kinda cute, but I can't stand the saucy stuff

[Inkfeather 597]

there is a shipping discussion

 

http://mlpforums.com...ic/16-shipping/

 

I gave my personal thoughts about shipping in there

 

I think some shipping is kinda cute, but I can't stand the saucy stuff

 

This isn't for a shipping discussion, plus that thread is mostly a spam of shipping art, which would kinda kill anything I would post in there. This was more of a character pairing analysis, where I would give my thoughts on why I think the ponies would correspond well in a relationship because of their character traits. I agree a lot with Blue's post, my title was mostly made to be delicate to attract some attention, where a title of his suggestion would make a lot more sense.

 

I never really understand why the mane 6 never get paired with boys. I mean im not against girls and girls of course or anything but they all always get paired with girls or each other. XD

 

Again, the gender ratio. The protagonists of the series are female, even with the starring of side characters, I'm thinking Trixie, Gilda, Luna etc. They're all female hence it's hard to make a corresponding pair with someone male since the only males we have a somewhat canon persona on is Shining Armor, and he's in a canon relationship with Cadence. We also have Discord, but he's Discord. Spike is a BABY dragon, and I still believe that we have too little information on him since he also seem in general disinterested in the topic of romance over all.

 

So yea, female pairings because that's the available material to work with.

[Clover Heart 978]

I never really understand why the mane 6 never get paired with boys. I mean im not against girls and girls of course or anything but they all always get paired with girls or each other. XD

 

Actually, two of the most popular ships are Fluttershy x Big Macintosh and Spike x Rarity. Also, you have to consider the ratio of male to female characters in the show. I don't know exact numbers, but I'd be willing to bet there are at least 4 females for every male? And especially when you consider the very main characters, Spike's really the only male character. So it's really no wonder why they all get paired together.