Line #1 Main/FireOfComfort


1	[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/DarkSoulsII https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fire_of_comfort.jpg]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350:[[AC:bonfire lit]]]]
3
4	->''"There's something magical about having a fire. The crackles and snaps...the warm, flickering light...everything always seems safe and cozy if you're sitting in front of a fire. And if you've got a hot tiger tummy to lie against...well!"''
5	-->-- '''Calvin,''' ''ComicStrip/CalvinAndHobbes''
6
7	This is where a fireplace or bonfire represents warmth, comfort, companionship, and rest. Might be found at a GoodGuyBar or a BigFancyHouse. Or at an [[YouAllMeetInAnInn inn]]. If the comfort is in some way related to the divine, it may also be an example of SacredFlames. If romance is involved, it may also symbolize FlamesOfLove.
8
9	Additionally can symbolize the relief and warmth of the home, which is a [[OlderThanFeudalism very old]] motif dating back to Ancient Greece. Historically, most homes had a fire going 24/7, even in summer, as it was their only source of light at night and only means of cooking, and letting the fire go out was too risky.
10
11	Compare CampfireCharacterExploration.
12	----
13	!!Examples:
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15	[[foldercontrol]]
16
17	[[folder:Advertising]]
18	* Every Christmas commercial ever made tends to use this in some way, but notable ones are Quaker Oats, York Peppermint Patties and various brands of coffee and eggnog.
19	[[/folder]]
20
21	[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
22	* In ''{{Manga/Berserk}}'', Guts notes how the Band of the Hawk and their bond as TrueCompanions reminds him of a "bonfire of dreams."
23	* ''Manga/LaidBackCamp'', being a series about camping as a hobby, naturally has campfires abound. It shows the viewer how to build a campfire in the first chapter/episode, and also goes over some adverse effects that campfires have, such as giving you dry skin and making you smell like smoke.
24	* In ''Manga/MoriartyThePatriot'', William visualizes meeting Sherlock as a fire igniting in a cold, dark, empty room, in recognition of the first time he met someone he felt could understand him.
25	* In ''Manga/TheNightmareBeforeChristmasZerosJourney'', Jouelle has one running while she reads to Zero. As most of the comic takes place in Christmas Town, a few more are seen throughout the story.
26	[[/folder]]
27
28	[[folder:Fan Works]]
29	* ''Fanfic/ADiplomaticVisit'': In chapter 20, Slice n' Dice hosts a weekly bonfire party at her farm, in which the locals get to meet up, hang out, chat, tell stories and generally have a good time; these gatherings happened even before she moved there, but she's volunteered to host it ever since. Twilight and her friends get to attend, and they really enjoy themselves.
30	* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'':
31	** Original version:
32	*** Chapter 1 has Kyril resting in an abandoned farm with a fireplace in it. He puts down his weapon, stares at the fire, falls asleep, and enters his more comfortable [[PocketDimension pocket abode]] -- the Hunter's Dream.
33	*** Kyril and Celestine meet in the Hunter's Dream in Chapter 12. A fireplace is present, heating up a kettle of tea for host and guest. The warmth and peacefulness of Kyril's home is emphasised, with Celestine internally noting that the normally morose fellow's mood has improved significantly.
34	*** In Chapter 14, Grace pays a visit to her friends Anna and Ian, with Soren as her guard. Inside the small house, a fireplace is present in the living room to emphasise the warmth and comfort at home, especially during the cold winter.
35	** Remastered version:
36	*** Chapter 7 features a scene between Kyril and Olga near a fireplace. While the former is tending to the fire, Olga is comfortable with revealing her reasons for her [[FantasticRacism hatred]] towards humans, and starting a ForeverWar because of said hatred. Their conversation even ends with Kyril beckoning her to come close to the fire to help her feel better.
37	[[/folder]]
38
39	[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
40	* In ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles1'', when Helen and the kids are stranded on the villain's island, they hide out in a cave and build a campfire (if for no other reason, so they can at least see each other in the night).
41	[[/folder]]
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43	[[folder:Film -- Live Action]]
44	* Bilbo's narration from the beginning of the first ''[[Film/TheHobbitAnUnexpectedJourney Hobbit]]'' movie, talking about what Hobbit homes are about: "Good food, a warm hearth, and all the comforts of home."
45	[[/folder]]
46
47	[[folder:Live Action TV]]
48	* A remote-controlled fireplace is used to suggest a newfound solace for [=DiNozzo=] in the beginning episodes of ''Series/{{NCIS}}'' Season 5; the case had the character fighting to accept the departure of his love interest after the relationship, which was the Mole cover for his mission, went to hell with the mission itself. Served an in-plot purpose, too, as a running gag during the episode was to have [=DiNozzo=] all wet when the garden's... aspersor tubes? got activated again and again.
49	* ''Series/OurMissBrooks'': In the episode "Magic Tree", Miss Brooks spends Christmas Eve in a rocking chair in front of Mrs. Davis' fireplace.
50	* ''The Yule Log'' is a television program which is broadcast traditionally on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, originally by New York City television station WPIX but now by many other Tribune Company-owned television stations. The program, which has been two to four hours in duration, is a film loop of a yule log burning in a fireplace, with a traditional soundtrack of classic Christmas music playing in the background. It is broadcast without commercial interruption.
51	[[/folder]]
52
53	[[folder:Literature]]
54	* ''Literature/TheHandsOfTheEmperor'': As the Tanà, the fire-keeper in his culture, it is Cliopher's responsibilty to tend to the fire and he is strongly associated with it, especially hearth fire. After the apocalyptic events of the [[UnspecifiedApocalypse Fall]], it was he who re-lit the fire in the palace kitchens. In his position as the Lord-Chancellor, he also tends to the hearth fire of the world metaphorically by making sure everybody has the means to be safe and flourish.
55	* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Harry, Ron and Hermione have most of their comfortable easy moments of friendship in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room and it where a large number of their conversations take place.
56	* In the ''Literature/{{Hurog}}'' duology, the heroes, while adventuring, always have a campfire on evenings. Tosten, who is a skilled bard, often plays the harp and sings on such occasions.
57	* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'':
58	** Gandalf is bearer of the the ring of fire.
59	** In Elrond's hall, the heroes gather to hear tales in the hall of fire.
60	** The campfire at Weathertop where Strider tells the tale of Beren and Lúthien. A very well done scene which captures what it really can feel like camping, clustering round the fire with the night all about.
61	* In ''Literature/MagnusChaseAndTheGodsOfAsgard'', there's a scene where the main characters camp out in Jotunheim and Magnus mentions being very thankful for the fire, due to how cold and unsettling the surroundings are.
62	* A fireplace appears in ''Old Peter's Russian Tales'' by Arthur Ransome.
63	* In the ending of ''Literature/ProvenGuilty'', after Harry helps to rescue [[spoiler:Molly]] from the [[OurFairiesAreDifferent Winter Court]], they rest by the fireplace in his apartment.
64	* In ''Literature/TalesOfKolmar'', lighting fires for humans is, for [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Kantri]], repeatedly portrayed as a kind and friendly act. In ''The Lesser Kindred'' Kedra lights a fire for his father, who sits and wallows in it contentedly - Kantri can't be harmed by wood fire, so it's more like a hot bath to them.
65	[[/folder]]
66
67	[[folder:Mythology]]
68	* Hestia is the [[Myth/GreekMythology Greek goddess]] of the hearth, home and family. All three are closely associated with each other.
69	[[/folder]]
70
71	[[folder:Puppet Shows]]
72	* ''Series/FraggleRock'': Gobo and Wembley's room has a nook where they can build a fire.
73	[[/folder]]
74
75	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
76	* In the first and second editions of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'', halflings, as a race, consider a fire on the hearth to be the central feature of a comfortable existence. The concept is so firmly a part of halfling culture that they will keep a small fire going even in the height of a summer heat wave.
77	* In ''TabletopGame/{{Traveller}}'', hearthfires are sacred to the Sword Worlders. It is the duty of men to guard them and the duty of women to tend them. Police, soldiers and such, in the sword worlds, speak of themselves as "guarding the hearthfires".
78	* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasy'': Hearthfires are sacred to Dazh, the Kislevite GodOfFire, the sun, and [[SacredHospitality hospitality]]. His followers take pride in their hearths and bless their meals in his name, and his priests [[ReligionIsMagic gain a unique spell]] to conjure a [[SacredFlames magical campfire]] that needs no fuel and only warms living flesh.
79	[[/folder]]
80
81	[[folder:Video Games]]
82	* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'' gives your adventurers firewood as an item on long missions, giving them a chance to camp out for some much-needed healing, stress recovery, and/or buffs before continuing.
83	* ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'':
84	** Throughout the series, the bonfires scattered all over the world serve as recharging stations for your healing items, magic and health. They also reset the positions of most enemies (As well as reviving the Mooks of an area, for LevelGrinding purposes,) which may very well save your life in many instances. In the late game, these fires also serve as a fast travel system. Given how difficult the game is, finding one is always a huge weight off your back. It's such a memorable system, it's been spoofed and homaged countless times in other games.
85	** ''VideoGame/DarkSoulsIII'' has a moment that puts this into perspective: when you arrive at the First Flame, the final boss, [[spoiler:the Soul of Cinder]], is resting in front of it, in exactly the same pose as your character does in front of bonfires. It only rises from its reverie when you get close enough.
86	* ''VideoGame/DontStarve'' has a a SanityMeter and one of the playable characters, Willow, is a PyroManiac whose sanity is regenerated by flames.
87	* Guess what the name of the ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'' DLC dedicated to building your own manor house is? ''Hearthfire''.
88	* In ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI'', Kairi's homeworld is introduced with a pan up from the fire. The symbolism of home is obvious.
89	* ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' features this as the general theme around Milio, the Gentle Flame. There are plenty of champions that have [[PlayingWithFire fire-based powers]], most of them being highly damaging in nature, but Milio stands out by being [[WhiteMage an "Enchanter" support]] who uses his fire magic to [[HealItWithFire heal]] and alleviate pressure from his allies, with the most harmful use of his powers being his "Ultra Mega Fire Kick", which is a glorified soccer ball that does ScratchDamage and is meant for simply repelling enemies from you and your team. Milio himself is a wide-eyed KidHero who fully believes that "fire should be the breath of life, not the end of it."
90	* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' lets Link sit at a fireplace until certain parts of the day. The old man serving as a tutorial help mentions how calming and relaxing the act can be, [[LampshadeHanging often forgetting that time is passing]].
91	* ''VideoGame/LittleInferno'' delves into the negative aspects of the trope, likening the fire to ease and predictable comfort of consumerism, and the willful blindness to the slow decay that the passive hordes staring at the fire all day cause. Ultimately, [[spoiler:you have no choice but to venture out to the cold world in hopes of finding happiness by actively searching for it.]]
92	* In ''VideoGame/RedDeadRedemption2'', Arthur can sit by the fire when in camp, as do most of the rest of the gang at various times. Arthur can also build campfires when he's out on his own, which allow him to sleep (and save the game), cook food, or craft ammunition.
93	* In ''VideoGame/TheSexyBrutale'', the party's host (and leader of his group of friends) has a fire motif.
94	* ''VideoGame/SpiritsOfAnglerwoodForest'': Fire is associated with safety and warmth throughout the game. The main mechanic revolves around lighting lanterns found around the forest and the light from the lantern fire protects you from the forest spirits. Any time a character offers Edgar shelter, a fire is often mentioned or shown. Most levels has Edgar returning to his campfire to rest for the night.
95	* One of the first passive healing items you can make in ''VideoGame/{{Terraria}}'' is the Bonfire, which improves the speed of your RegeneratingHealth while you're in its radius. Given the limitations on using healing items, expect most players to litter their "boss arenas" with these.
96	* The 3rd timeline ''Franchise/TombRaider'' games have this (Called base camps) for Lara Croft where she can change clothes, customize weapons, fast travel to other discovered base camps etc. The first time you visit a particular fire you'll usually get a sentence or two from Lara, implying she's gathering her thoughts like the player.
97	* Toriel's home in ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'' has a cozy fireplace in the living room where Toriel sits and reads to you. If you check the fire, you'll find that it's actually impossible for you to get burned by it, being a [[PlayingWithFire product of Toriel's fire magic.]]
98	* ''{{VideoGame/Valheim}}'': One of the more important game mechanics is getting the Rested bonus which accelerates health and stamina regeneration. It's obtained by being near a fire, and lasts longer the more comfort-boosting objects (rugs, furniture, decorations etc.) are nearby.
99	* ''VideoGame/WanderersIo'': Constructing a campfire (which costs 1 wood per unit you have) and putting your totem within its range allows your units to sit around it and use up food to restore health.
100	* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'':
101	** A campfire is used primarily for cooking, but it will hasten the health regeneration of those gathered around it. It's a bit silly, but not uncommon, for players to put one down before facing a dungeon boss; every little bit of Spirit helps, right?
102	** In the ''Wrath of the Lich King'' expansion zone Zul'Drak, players assist the Argent Crusade against both the native ice trolls and the invading undead Scourge. Many quests involve taking the fight to these enemies, but one assigns you the simple ([[EverythingTryingToKillYou but not necessarily easy]]) task of gathering enough wood from the thorny local flora to make some tired soldiers a campfire. It's oddly satisfying to see a bunch of NPC crusaders sit down and rest around a cozy fire you made for them.
103	[[/folder]]
104
105	[[folder:Visual Novels]]
106	* When the protagonist of ''VisualNovel/DoubleHomework'' is approaching the ski lodge on Barbarossa, he is on foot in the snow, and he has been walking for hours, but he is warm and cozy by the fire with a selected female companion. If he chooses Lauren or Amy to join him, they will even be keen for some sexy time outside by the fire.
107	[[/folder]]
108
109	[[folder:Webcomics]]
110	* [[spoiler:Antimony]] in ''Webcomic/GunnerkriggCourt'' (and her ancestors) has this as an always-active personal power: while her fire affinity is not readily obvious, magical beings invariably sense her nature and [[MagneticMedium seek such a company]]. When she learned to turn her [[SpiritWorld Etheric]] self into visibly WreathedInFlames form and demonstrated it to the ex-fairies, this intensified to outright mass {{squee}}ing. [[ElementalEmbodiment Fire elementals]] as such, while not really met so far, are subjects of "wonderful stories" for other magical creatures.
111	[[/folder]]
112
113	[[folder:Web Original]]
114	* Inspired by Greek mythology, Hestia appears in ''Roleplay/ThereIsNoGATEWeDidNotFightThere'' as the "Great Spirit of the Hearth." As demonstrated by her followers, her powers mostly come in the form of a comforting and cleansing flame, useful for strengthening armies, healing the wounded, and curing victims of plague and sickness.
115	* The {{Hentai}} translation group ''Campfire Scans'', which focuses on wholesome works, named themselves in reference to this trope.
116	[[/folder]]
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118	[[folder:Other]]
119	* The word ''focus'' came from the Latin word for fireplace. The word for ''fire'' in many of the Romance languages ("fuego" in Spanish, "fuoco" in Italian, "fogo" in Portuguese, "feu" in French, and "foc" in Romanian), were all derived from "focus".
120	* PC treasures Inc. publishes the DVD ''Fireside Reflections'', which is a video of a fireplace to be played on a television set. It's also available as a screensaver.
121	* Hours-long videos of crackling fireplaces, with our without accompanying music, are all over Youtube. They're [[FunForSome surprisingly effective]].
122	[[/folder]]
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Context Main / FireOfComfort