Fluttershy is a fictional character and one of the main characters from the animated television series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. As her name suggests, she is portrayed as a shy, timid pegasus pony with a love for animals and a tendency to be overwhelmed by new situations. Despite her shyness, Fluttershy is kindhearted and wants to help her friends whenever she can. She represents the element of kindness in the show.
Fluttershy’s design is based on an Earth pony from the original My Little Pony toyline named Posey. Like the other main characters on Friendship is Magic, Fluttershy has her own look and personality that makes her unique. Her coloring has pale pink hair and tail, light yellow coat and teal eyes. Her cutie mark, which every pony has in the show to represent their special talent, is three pink and cyan butterflies.
Even though Fluttershy is a pegasus, meaning she has wings and the ability to fly, her flying skills are not very strong when the show begins. She grows more confident in her flying over time. She lives in a small cottage near the Everfree Forest and loves to care for all the animals that live around her home. Her favorite animals that she keeps as pets are her bunny Angel and hummingbird named Hummingway.
What type of horse is Fluttershy based on?
Since Fluttershy is a fictional cartoon character, she is not actually based on any one specific breed of real life horse. Her design combines features of multiple different horse breeds:
Shetland Pony
– Small, pony-sized stature
– Proportionally larger head and eyes compared to body
– Short, fine mane and tail
Arabian Horse
– Convex or dished profile (slightly convex nasal bone structure)
– Large teal eyes
– Small, refined build
Appaloosa Horse
– Coat spot pattern similar to a blanket Appaloosa or snowflake Appaloosa
– Mottled pattern on rump
Haflinger Horse
– General body shape and proportions
– Full, wavy mane and tail
– Similar pale hair color
So while not modeled specifically on one single breed, Fluttershy’s overall look seems to take influence from mild-mannered, delicate horse breeds like Shetlands, Arabians, Appaloosas and Haflingers. Her sweet personality matches these gentle horse types as well.
Fluttershy’s mane and tail
Fluttershy’s mane and tail are notable parts of her design. Her hair is very long, going all the way to the ground in some scenes. It also moves fluidly, as if it has a mind of its own at times.
Color
Fluttershy’s mane and tail are pale pink in color. The shade is quite consistent throughout the length of the hair. The pink mane and tail help give Fluttershy a very feminine, delicate look.
Texture
Her hair has a smooth, fine texture. It often appears very soft and silky. There are no visible strands or pieces sticking out.
Style
Fluttershy’s mane is worn down loose without any accessories or styling. It flows freely. Her long bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of her mane.
Her mane is straight at the top then becomes extremely wavy and curled at the ends. Her tail is also straight at the top then cascades down in loose waves and curls.
Movement
One unique trait of Fluttershy’s mane and tail is how they seem to move and flow independently, almost as if by magic. Her hair flows gently even when there is no wind. The movement adds life and whimsy to her animated character.
Fluttershy’s coat and cutie mark
Coat color
Fluttershy has a light yellow coat color. This pale yellow hue complements her pink mane and tail nicely. The light coat also gives her a soft, approachable look befitting of her gentle nature.
Coat pattern
While primarily yellow, Fluttershy’s coat does have some subtle variations:
– There are faint horizontal stripes on her legs that are slightly lighter yellow.
– Her chest and muzzle area are more creamy white.
– She has three small, pink freckles on each cheek.
– There are pink wing feather outlines on her back where her wings attach.
Cutie mark
A pony’s cutie mark in the My Little Pony world represents their special talent. Fluttershy’s cutie mark consists of three pink and cyan butterflies with cyan outlines. This cutie mark represents Fluttershy’s talent with animal care and her gentle, kind nature. The three butterflies are positioned in a triangular shape.
Fluttershy’s personality and character traits
While her physical appearance evokes images of fragile delicacy, Fluttershy’s personality is more complex. Here are some of her key personality traits:
Kindness
Fluttershy’s most defining trait is her kindness. She is gentle, caring, and protective towards animals and her friends. She is often the first to show empathy and offer help. Her kindness represents the element of kindness in the show.
Shyness
She is very shy, timid and soft-spoken, especially around strangers or in new situations. She frequently stutters and hides her face behind her long mane when nervous. Crowds, loud noises and assertive personalities overwhelm her.
Animal lover
Fluttershy has a powerful love for animals and wildlife. She is happiest when caring for animals at her cottage. She has healing and calming skills that work on all types of creatures.
Sensitive
Because she is so timid and gentle, Fluttershy is easily upset. She cries frequently when her feelings get hurt or when she feels ignored or useless. However, she is also quick to rebound happily when shown affection.
Self-conscious
Her shyness makes Fluttershy very self-conscious and insecure at times. She has moments of low self-esteem and doubts herself. With support from her pony friends, she works to overcome her insecurities.
Surprising assertiveness
While usually reserved, Fluttershy will become very assertive and forceful when someone threatens or endangers her friends or animals. She channels her power into “The Stare” at these times.
So while timid on the surface, Fluttershy is also courageous, determined and strong when standing up for the well-being of creatures she cares for. Her nurturing spirit and ability to be assertive when required make her a well-rounded, admirable character.
Fluttershy’s role in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
As one of the six main pony characters, Fluttershy plays an important role in the show:
Represents the element of kindness
Fluttershy possesses the element of kindness – she brings an aura of caring, empathy and tenderness to the group of friends.
Animal caretaker
She takes care of animals around her cottage and the woods. Her special talent is understanding and communicating with creatures of all kinds.
Mediator and helper
She often mediates disagreements between characters and gives advice. Her caring nature makes her a natural helper to ponies in need.
Singer
Fluttershy has a beautiful singing voice when she overcomes her stage fright. She sings to soothe animals and ponies.
Overcomes shyness
Episodes follow Fluttershy on her journey to gain confidence, stand up for herself and overcome her social anxieties.
Represents sensitivity
Her shyness, nervousness and gentle spirit bring out the protective, encouraging sides of her pony friends.
Fluttershy may be a supporting character, but her kindness and purity of spirit give her quiet strength. Many fans around the world, young and old alike, look to Fluttershy as a role model.
Key facts about Fluttershy
Species
Pegasus pony
Gender
Female
Age
Young adult pony (exact age unknown)
Residence
A cottage near the Everfree Forest in Ponyville
Occupation
Animal caretaker
Cutie mark
Three pink and cyan butterflies
Main skills
Understanding animals, communicating with creatures, healing skills, singing, flying (to a limited degree)
Voice actor
Andrea Libman
Personality
Kind, caring, timid, sensitive, nurturing, supportive, loyal, empathetic, insecure at times
| Coat Color | Pale yellow with subtle pink and white areas |
|---|---|
| Mane Color | Pale pink |
| Eye color | Teal |
| Pet | Angel bunny |
Conclusion
Fluttershy is a beloved My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic character. Her shy, nurturing personality coupled with her long pink hair and yellow coat make her appearance distinctly unique and make her stand out from the other ponies. While she seems delicate, her inner strength and courage to stand up for her values make her a role model for kindness. Fluttershy brings heart and a gentle touch to the animated pony world. For a show to have resonated so much with diverse age groups, well-developed characters like Fluttershy have contributed immensely to its cross-generational popularity.