Today I am going to discuss two powerful personalities in pop-culture: Edmund Pevensie from C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and Merida from Disney’s Brave. Strong-willed and logical, both are clear depictions of the “Fieldmarshall,” also know as the ENTJ.

If you have not read the Narnia book series, you may not realize the depth of Edmund Pevensie. However, he is C.S. Lewis’ best developed, and arguably most beloved, character in the Narnia series. True, he starts out as spiteful and mean-spirited, but upon giving his life to Aslan, he becomes Edmund the Just, King of Narnia.

Initially, Edmund is ensnared by the dark promises of power and addiction, traps common to the ENTJ. He becomes addicted to the Witch’s enchanted Turkish Delight and her promise of royalty is too much to resist. However, once he sees her true nature and the evils of her empire, he deeply regrets his decision. Thankfully, Aslan dies for Edmund’s transgressions and he is transformed from an argumentative jerk into a loyal, courageous, and logical leader.

ENTJs are often very blunt and can seem harsh toward those close to them. But, they are much softer with acquaintances and Edmund is no exception. He treats his little sister, Lucy, very harshly when she tells him that she discovered Narnia, and he teases her incessantly. Yet, this attitude usually coexists with a strong sense of loyalty (an “only I can pick on my siblings; if you mess with them, you have to answer to me” perspective). However, once Edmund matures, he stops his childish teasing and defends his sister fiercely from anyone who might cross her.

Perhaps the most telling characteristics of Edmund being an ENTJ are in his adult life. For example, as King of Narnia, he handles negotiations and transactions with neighboring countries. Edmund also becomes the voice of reason for his older brother, Peter, who tends to get carried away. Edmund is particularly protective of Lucy. Whenever they travel and the local men eye her he vocally shields her from any advances.

ENTJs, whether they like it or not, are often put in leadership positions. In Prince Caspian, Edmund is much more cooperative in his position, even under the guidance of Peter, who is ill prepared to handle the new Narnia. Edmund knows his place, yet he still subtly takes charge when things begin to spiral out of control.

ENTJ’s can also be viewed as “stoic”. In Edmund and Lucy’s last days in Narnia, depicted in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, they are told by Aslan that they will not be returning. Lucy bursts into tears, and Edmund keeps his composure. He consoles Lucy, as good ENTJ siblings do when they feel the tears are appropriate.

As for female ENTJ’s, there is the strong-willed princess of Scotland, Merida of DunBroch. ENTJs are highly independent and often think that suggestions by friends and family are attempts to control them. Merida is highly capable and she despises the idea of being forced into a relationship with someone she doesn’t love or respect. She rejects the tradition thrust upon her by her mother and trades it for what she sees as a better way of life, deciding to compete for her own hand in marriage. While she blows everyone else away with her skill, she humiliates her mother.

Now, like Edmund, Merida begins as a particularly discourteous and argumentative individual. However, she still enjoys taking care of her siblings and is very protective of her family. She engages in her brother’s pranks, gives her siblings extra food, jokes and admires her father, and deeply cares for each of her family members—even her controlling mother. However, typical to the ENTJ, she can’t stand being controlled and decides to take charge of her own fate. She comes up with an abstract plan to get her mother off her back and manages to thrust herself, her mother, and even her three brothers into a world of trouble.

Of course, with an independent nature often comes a struggle with pride and arrogance. Surprisingly, under their rough exterior ENTJs are actually quite sensitive — especially to those they care for. When Merida realizes how badly she has wounded her family through her prideful actions, she is devastated. She recognizes her errors and begins to make changes, and is even reconciled to her equally strong-willed mother.

In conclusion, ENTJs are highly capable, confident, loyal, and independent individuals. They are indispensable in any organization, and typically know their role and will go along with it cooperatively. However, that role is usually one of leadership.