Twilight Sparkle vs. Hermione Granger · 4:40am Nov 8th, 2013
If there were any two characters who I know without a doubt would instantly become best friends upon meeting, it would definitely be Hermione Granger and Twilight Sparkle. I mean, these two characters have so many hobbies, quirks, and traits in common with each another that it's almost scary. Of course, many Harry Potter/MLP fans have taken notice to this and a collection of fan art, polls, and blogs have been created based around this topic.
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So, as a fan of both characters (and obviously as well as of the series they come from), I've decided to go and give my two sense on comparing Twilight Sparkle and Hermione Granger. How are they similar? How are they different? And in which areas are they superior/inferior to each other?
Firstly, let's start off with their similarities, and there's plenty to point out. Both Twilight and Hermione are incredibly intelligent individuals with a love of books and knowledge. They're both extremely gifted at magic and are always determined to learn more about things that they do not currently have knowledge of. Both, due to their shared love of books and knowledge, have strong connections to libraries with Hermione spending much of her Hogwarts career in the school library and Twilight actually living in a library (something I think Hermione would be a bit jealous about). Hermione and Twilight also both share the philosophy of only believing in or giving credit to things that have been proven to exist through facts. This is shown through Hermione's constant questioning of the strange creatures that Luna Lovegood and her father believe in as well as Twilight's questioning and disbelief of Pinkie Sense in Feeling Pinkie Keen.
Both characters also share a similar sense of social seclusion when they are first introduced and tended to put more focus into studying than attempting to find friends and be socially active. Incidentally, they both broke out of their anti-socialization shells following life-threatening situations that brought them closer to characters that would grow to become their friends (such as Twilight's friendship with the rest of the Mane 6 beginning following the incident with Nightmare Moon and Hermione befriending Harry and Ron following their encounter with the mountain troll). Both characters also share an incredible fear of failure. This is seen for Hermione in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the Boggart (a creature that turns into people's worst fears) transformed into Professor McGonagall presenting Hermione with a failing grade and is seen for Twilight in Lesson Zero when she went crazy trying to find something to write to Princess Celestia about as well as in The Crystal Empire: Part 2 when Twilight's worst fear was shown to be disappointing Celestia and being shunned by her.
Twilight and Hermione usually end up being the voice of reason in a group as well as both present quite a temper when they're in the right mood. In extension to their desires to learn, both Hermione and Twilight study heavily for tests and usually give themselves plenty of work to do (such as was seen for Twilight when she was preparing for Celestia's test in The Crystal Empire: Part 1 and for Hermione when she used the Time Turner to take several classes at once in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban). Both characters also show a genuine amount of surprise at times when others don't share the same knowledge about certain topics that they do. They are also very kind, loyal to their friends, brave, and are quick to stand up for what they believe in.
Now let's discuss their differences. While both were introduced as social outcasts, Hermione had a larger understanding of social interaction than Twilight did. Hermione understood socialization and social norms but just didn't really take much interest in it until her first life-threatening situation with Harry and Ron. Twilight, on the other hand (or hoof), knew next to nothing about social interaction; so much so that she "learned" about how to have a sleepover via reading about it in a book. Their outward projection of their talents is also different. Twilight was humble about her talent with magic and tended to avoid showing it off as much as possible (as was seen in Boast Busters), yet she still had her moments of boasting. Hermione, on the other hand, knew she was smart and talented and let everyone know it. She was never afraid to correct someone who she knew was wrong and didn't think twice about presenting the proper technique (such as was seen in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone when she instructed Ron about how to properly cast Wingardium Leviosa). And while Hermione never felt a sense of superiority over others and was extremely against the concept of doing so, she often felt a sense of being insulted when she couldn't learn how to do a certain task or perform a certain act (such as properly flying a broom or her frustration at Harry being better at her at potions in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince).
Twilight also tended to be a bit more paranoid and insecure than Hermione. If a big test or task came around, Twilight would do everything in her power to prepare herself. She would also go to extreme lengths to avoid failure or disappointing her mentor (as was seen in her actions in Lesson Zero). Hermione, meanwhile, tended to stay calmer when it came to facing big tests and such. She would prepare, but in a calmer state. Hermione mostly presented her fear of failure by making Harry and Ron study harder like herself. Relating to being insecure, Twilight quickly began to show signs of nervousness and self-doubt following her coronation while Hermione would happily take any promotion with, what I like to call, responsible glee (as was seen in her becoming a prefect). Hermione also had a slightly larger "love life" than Twilight. Throughout the course of the Harry Potter series, Hermione's had three love interests per-say. In Goblet of Fire, it was Viktor Krum. In Half-Blood Prince, it was Cormac McLaggen (though, in that case, it was Cormac who had feelings for Hermione but Hermione didn't return said feelings). And sleeping throughout the entire series which ultimately reached its conclusion in Deathly Hallows, there was Ron Weasley. For Twilight, there was only one "romantic" interest thus far, Flash Sentry (well...maybe two as she came across two versions of him). Hermione also tended to be a bit serious and didn't take highly to jokes, pranks, and rule-breaking often while Twilight is a bit more relaxed, snarky, and accepting of jokes, pranks, and the occasional breaking of the rules.
Now I'm going to discuss a selection of situations where Hermione and Twilight would be superior/inferior to each other in (based on my own opinions, of course). And if any of you disagree then feel free to comment and leave your thoughts.
Who would win in a magic duel?
I feel that Hermione wins this one. While both she and Twilight are gifted in magic, Hermione's magic has a wider arsenal of offensive and defensive spells than that of Twilight's magic. Hermione can also cast spells mentally without actually voicing the incantation, which gives her spell casting about the same speed of, if not faster than, Twilight's spell casting (which normally doesn't involve incantations anyway aside from the more powerful spells).
Who would get a higher score on a test?
This is a bit of a tough one but I think Twilight would get this one. While both would probably prepare a great deal for said test, Twilight is the one who would put in that tiny bit extra amount of effort in preparation (I mean, look at how she prepared for the "test" in The Crystal Empire: Part 1).
Who is better at magic?
Another tough one. Both are exceptionally gifted at magic in their own rights and are practically masters of the magic in their respective worlds. I think, just by a tiny bit, Twilight wins this one. This is mostly due to not only the fact that Twilight represents the Element of Magic but that she's been seen being able to conquer any spell (even dark ones) with enough focus and concentration while Hermione struggles a bit with some of the stronger spells (such as the Patronus Charm as well as not being able to control Fiendfyre).
Who would do better in a social gathering?
Personally, I think Hermione's got this one. As stated earlier, Hermione has a better grasp of socialization than Twilight does and would be able to adjust quickly to the situation. Twilight would be able to adjust as well but not as quickly or as comfortably as Hermione.
If Twilight and Hermione swapped places, who would adjust the fastest to the new world and body they were now in?
Another tough one as I feel both would try their best to learn as much as they can about the world and body that they've attained. Actually, I think this one would be a tie. They would both have problems at first but would adjust within time.
Who's more badass?
I'd probably pick Hermione. Her list of badass moments is quite a bit longer than Twilight's (the fight in A Canterlot Wedding can't even hold a candle to the Battle of Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows).
Who has the best pet?
Twilight, definitely. I'd rather have Owlowiscious than Crookshanks any day of the week.
Who's more organized?
I go with Twilight for this one.
Who's more confident?
While I feel that both are confident in themselves, I think Hermione has a bit less self-doubt than Twilight in various areas (such as when it comes to obtaining a position of power).
And those were just a few little situations I came up with. Again, if any of you disagree with me (or have a few situations and poll-like questions of your own) feel free to comment your thoughts.
So this was my little analysis of the similarities and differences between Twilight Sparkle and Hermione Granger. Now, I'm sure some of you are wondering about who I think is the better character overall. Personally, I don't have an answer to that as I find them to both be great, complex, well-written characters. Both have their strengths, flaws, and entertaining personalities that allow me to continue enjoying them. The only question now is what do you guys think? Do you think Twilight's the better character? How about Hermione? Or are you like me and enjoy both characters equally?
Twilight is my favorite character in MLP. Hermione is my favorite secondary character in Harry Potter. I think it's because I've always felt like Hermione is the most like myself.
Cormac McLaggen. I remember that guy.
That could be understood in more than one way. If you know what I mean.
As for who would win in a magic duel, remember that in Chamber of Secrets, the first thing they learned in dueling club is disarming you opponent. Hermione can't disarm Twilight. And there's no way of telling if Twilight doesn't know more offensive and defensive spells than it appears on the show. Plus, when she took out the ursa major in "Boast Busters", she used her wits and know-how to do it. She didn't confront it directly. I'm sure she could take out Hermione if she had to in the same way.
Everything else though, I think you're spot on.
Now, I've got a hankering to see a story where Twilight and Hermione meet. I have read the books twice myself. Perhaps I could try it one day.
There's a crossover fic here called The Unicorn at Hogwarts worth checking out, though Hermione hasn't appeared yet.