Brotherhood is a complicated yet satisfying relationship. Don't you agree?

When they're children, brothers fight over toys and challenge each other in a sport, but despite the competition, there is a sense of love unlike no other. Works of fiction have tried to encapsulate this rivalry by creating compelling narratives that have revolutionized the genre as a whole.

Let's discuss some of the best brother rivalries mythology and fiction have given us.

Thor and Loki – The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Let's start off with the biggest one. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has given us an exhilarating rivalry between two brothers, Thor and Loki. Right off the bat, there is a divide between them since Thor is the son of Odin, and Loki, in fact, is adopted, which is obvious by how distinct they look.

Even though he is loved, Loki inherently feels like an outcast and jealous of Thor. This notion sends Loki into an evil tangent, where he swears vengeance against his brother. Loki looks to claim his “rightful” throne as the king of Asgard.

But what's truly remarkable is how they share an undying love for each other. 

Mufasa and Scar – The Lion King

These two need no introduction. Mufasa and Scar are the epitomai of a classic brother rivalry. Much like Thor and Loki, there is a hierarchal battle where one sibling is at a clear disadvantage. Mufasa is loved by all. However, Scar has always been within the shadows, believing himself to be the rightful king.

The story transcends blood, where there is a difference between the morality of the two lions that determines who would rule the animal kingdom.

Cain and Abel – East of Eden

Heading into the book section, we have a rivalry between two brothers laced with elements of spirituality. John Steinbeck's East of Eden is a classic story of a sibling rivalry based on Cain and Abel.

It addresses a common issue prevalent in households; it's parental favoritism. There is an element of infidelity involved as one falls for the other's girlfriend. The book is captivating and is filled with dramatic elements that keep the audience engaged in how the two sort their personal differences.

Sam and Tommy – Brothers (2009)

You might have heard about this star-studded movie from the late 2000s involving Sam (Tobey Maguire) and Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Inspired by Homer's epic poem, Odyssey, the story is much like East of Eden, where two brothers are entangled with the same woman. Sam is declared deceased when out at war, only to return home harboring PTSD and find out that his wife has been cheating on him.

The movie spirals into an epic drama full of important and hard-hitting nuances. The kicker here is: even though Maguire and Jake have a rather healthy relationship, it unravels into a hysteric and complicated narrative that leaves the audience second-guessing how it will all climax.

The Lightshy Crow

Now for the last one. There is a work of fiction that is using the “brother rivalry” narrative and taking it to newer heights. The Lightshy Crow, which is a setup for The Scarab Cycle series by John Raymond, revolves around the plight of Tomrin Watersipper and his step-brother, Rennly.

Both siblings possess otherworldly abilities; Tomrin is cursed with the Leviathan's Mark, while Rennly is a powerful censor. Tomrin must confront his brother and his destiny as the Lightshy Crow and stop his brother and other relentless censors along with him.

Tomrin and Rennly's epic battle is sending fans reeling as they step into the immersive world penned by one of the most exciting authors of today.

Grab John Raymond's gripping fantasy fiction book, The Lightshy Crow, now available on Amazon.