When two lions come together, you’re going to have heroics and competition. Gryffindors are drawn to adventure and glory. They hold their worldview of what’s right and wrong strongly, making it more likely for them to find their better half fighting for the same cause. These people get too competitive in charades, sneak out past curfew, and have no problem confronting loved ones when a line is crossed.
The Gryffindor/Gryffindor couple works because they’re in it together (whatever “it” is). They often fight for the same cause and share the same values, even if their methods differ. And they often share a few of the same core values. Gryffindors are recognized for their daring, nerve, and chivalry. At their worst, they can be self-righteous, reckless, and stubborn in the face of opposition.
Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter (Marvell Cinematic Universe)
Agent Peggy Carter is brave, bold, and never backs down from a challenge. She’s a take-charge kind of lady and can deliver a solid right-hook to anyone who gets in her way. She’s a true Crusader heroine, always fighting for a cause.
“Compromise where you can. Where you can’t, don’t. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say, ‘No, you move’.”
Sharon Carter’s advice from her “Aunt Peggy” in Captain America: Civil War
When it comes to “right” and “wrong”, Peggy will not budge. She doesn’t suffer fools or cowards, or anyone who is in the war for personal gain. She’s tired of the cutthroat politicians and puffed-up soldiers. What impresses her is true courage from a good heart and the competency to get the job done.
After all, Steve Rogers caught her eye even before he got washboard abs. She saw a scrappy kid from Brooklyn who had the nerve to jump on a grenade to protect his comrades, who thought out of the box to win a car ride back to camp, and who had the heart to remain kind and do what is right, even when it was difficult. (So, basically, Peggy is a sap).
Steve wants to do the right thing and stand up against the bullies, whether he’s armed with the lid of a trashcan or a vibranium shield. He wants to fight in the war for his country, whether he’s a built like an action figure or a string bean. Like Peggy, he can’t sit back and do nothing. And he won’t compromise on the line between right and wrong, either (just look at the clash between him and Iron Man in Civil War).
Having powers and super strength is great, but for Steve it’s just a way to help him get the job done. He’s not afraid to give them up, and once he finds a chance to pass on the torch without leaving his country in the lurch – he takes it AND FINALLY GETS THAT DANCE WITH PEGGY.
Ertuğrul Bey and Halime Sultan (Diriliş: Ertuğrul)
With over 400 episodes on Netflix, this Turkish drama is a wild ride with true love, sword fights, daring escapes, and rebellion. It’s often called the Turkish Game of Thrones, but one: these characters have a much better survival rate, and two: the series makes a point to ensure the Kayi tribe has a strong moral center.
Honor, bravery, faith, and truth are the values that carry the nomadic tribe of this show forward into what eventually becomes the Ottoman empire. You won’t see Ertuğrul (the son of the Kayi tribe’s leader) throw out his code of honor for a seat on the throne. He’s a man of principle in a time of shady political alliances – a Warrior archetype like Ned Stark, but with a better beard.
Ertuğrul starts out as an Alp, one of the elite warriors of the nomadic tribe. He hunts, tracks, and keeps the grounds safe with his crew. Politics don’t mean much to this man, making him about as subtle as a bull. When something’s wrong, he’ll say so. When Templar knights are chasing a woman down in the forest, he’ll rush in to save her and figure out the rest later.
At first, the rescued Halime Sultan wants to leave the Kayi tribe as quickly as possible. Where her family goes, trouble follows. And she’s seen too many righteous men and women get crushed by savvy politicians. She soon finds a new home with people who are stubborn, brave, and ready to fight corruption at any moment’s notice. Plus, she learns how to fight with a sword, shoot a bow, and go from a damsel in distress to the Hatun (lady) of the Kayi tribe.
Halime Sultan brings another style of bravery to the table. Where Ertuğrul roars at the enemy and drives forward, she stands up and stops her opponent in their tracks with a very icy glare and a savage truths that would earn a 12th century mic drop.
This picture pretty much sums up the way Ertuğrul and Halime treat their enemies…
John B and Sarah Cameron from Outer Banks
Not all Gryffindor couples are found with swords and superpowers. For a more modern and mischievous take, look no further than John B and Sarah Cameron from Netflix’s Outer Banks. This story involves a treasure hunt – which is where most of our swashbuckling heroes are found – and John B is no exception.
John B is the de facto leader of a group on the Outer Banks called the Pogues. His friends a ragtag bunch of misfits who spend most of their time out on the water, working, and getting into trouble.
John B doesn’t put much stock in rules or self-preservation. So, he’s not 18 yet (yes, the actor is in his late 20s, suspend your disbelief) and is living on his own after his father died. No big deal, he just needs to give Child Protective Services the slip. A hurricane is about to hit? Well, the waves will be amazing – so no better time to go surfing. Find out that the treasure his father was hunting was real, and there’s a bunch of mercenaries after it? He’s going to throw his hat (or in this case, bandana) into the ring.
John B is reckless and daring, living for the thrill of the day…which is why he also can’t help but go after the daughter of the wealthiest man on the OBX.
Sarah Cameron could easily be written off as the “rich bitch” of the Outer Banks – and most of John B’s friends think she’s just that. She’s glamorous, wealthy, snobby, and a Kook (the rival gang of the Pogues) to boot.
But Sarah has a rebellious streak, and she’s not content to play the part of the perfect daughter for her parents. She wants her summer break to be filled with adventures and genuine people. The danger doesn’t bother Sarah, so she jumps at the chance to join John B and the Pogues in the treasure hunt, using her confidence and queen bee powers for good – even if it means going up against her family.
That’s practically true love in a teen drama.
For more examples, check out the Hogwarts House Relationship series on this site. If you want to sort more couples with this typology, check out the Sorting Hat Chats blog for a far more in-depth study on character.