Before Johnlock, before Percabeth, there was another 'ship', dating back to around 20 BCE. It concerns two men, Nisus and Euryalus, from Virgil's The Aeneid, a story about a band of heroes called Trojans who leave their conquered home in order to build a new one in Italy. This 'ship' is relatively unknown but since it's almost Valentine's Day and in my opinion it is one of the greatest pairings ever, I think you should hear about it.
First, let's meet the players: Nisus, a brave, skilled and experienced warrior, and Euryalus, a younger man who is "more beautiful" than any of the other Trojans. They are almost always together, competing in the same competitions, sharing duties and going on quests together. It is clear that they work well as a team; they know each other like a cat knows cream (and loves it) and always succeed in whatever task they are doing as long as they are together (indeed, it was only their separation that caused their downfall).
The pair have a deep love for each other, which is noted by Virgil multiple times. Both are willing to go to great lengths for one another and try to put the other first. In the fifth book of The Aeneid, they are both involved in a foot race, Nisus is far ahead but slips in some blood (there's some good old Trojan priorities for you: it's imperative that we run this race right now! Don't worry about the trip hazard; I'm sure no one will slip!) but he pulls down another runner with him to allow Euryalus to gain the lead and he wins. Even though the method was dishonourable, he continues running (just to give Nisus the satisfaction of being able to say: Yes, that's my boyfriend! He won the race. Oh, I'm so proud.)
Furthermore, they refuse to be apart. For example, when fleeing into a forest in order to escape from their enemies they become separated and Nisus goes back to find Euryalus even though he is endangering his own life - he cares more about being with Euryalus than keeping himself safe, in other words. Nisus shows even more need to be with Euryalus (spoiler alert!) when Euryalus is killed by the leader of his enemies. He cannot hold back the pain of the loss anymore and attacks the group of men single-handedly, preferring certain death with Euryalus over life alone. In fact, the effect of losing Euryalus was so strong that Virgil notes he was "out of his mind" with grief.
Now, if that's not a great ship then I don't know what is. Two men who care deeply about each other and support each other in everything. Sure, they're not perfect, but who is? And after all, this is the time of year that we should look past our friends' and partners' mistakes and love them regardless.
Hannah Cowie, Kingston Grammar School
