"Loyaulte me lie"  or  "Loyalty binds me"

I’ve been thinking a lot about Richard III’s motto and it’s applicability to my relationship with historical and fictional figures.  My favorites always seem to live by this.

My first introduction to Richard III was in a horror film made in 1939 starring Basil Rathbone (see, a tie to our heroes) as Richard.  Here I was, watching a film fully steeped in the Shakespearean theme of Richard as the epitome of evil. However, one small detail made it impossible for me to accept that characterization.  The character was depicted (very authentically, according to contemporary records) as absolutely devoted to his elder brother.  I could not get my brain around the idea that this man would ruthlessly murder his nephews, for any reason.

I started researching the historical figure and, although we will never really know the truth, convinced myself that he was an extremely loyal, trustworthy and capable man who was forced to do the best he could in a bad situation.  There were several shady, ambitious and grasping individuals vying for control after Edward’s early and unexpected death.  Richard showed no signs of ambition before 1483.  He was a capable general and the king’s right hand man, but preferred to live in the north, away from court.  I think that he did what he thought was right to honor his brother, but ended up out-maneuvered and eventually destroyed by his enemies.  A flawed man, but never evil.

John Watson is similar, his single minded devotion is admirable.  Our hearts ache for him when he ends up in a place of pain and loss, alone again.

I’ve always been drawn to the character that is honest, straightforward and loyal.  Another of my favorite fictional characters is Sam Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings.

After Frodo had apparently been killed by the spider, Sam decides to take the ring and complete the quest.  Then he learns that Frodo was poisoned, but not dead.  "You fool, he isn't dead, and your heart knew it.  Don't trust your head, Samwise, it is not the best part of you."

At the grave, John Watson is trusting his heart...

...Boy, that was a confusing ramble.  Hope it resonates with someone...