I’m not a big fan of symbols or allegory. I’m not sure why. It’s probably partly due to my loyalty to Tolkien, who never used them. But I think I also have a mental inability to find symbols valid. Why assign some arbitrary significance to something that it doesn’t inherently possess? It’s also why I don’t find numbers all that exciting.
Despite this aversion to symbols, I’ve found the desire to incorporate certain elements into my comic that can be considered such. Mind you: I don’t use allegory, nor is there any hidden meaning behind the story that isn’t overtly obvious. But there is certain imagery I’ve been using throughout the comic that–within the context of the story–holds certain symbolic meaning.
The first, most prominent one would be the Sun Crest worn by Mordred. It was also emblazoned on the flag in the Qadorien flashback. The sun held significant importance to the First Born; they regarded it as the embodiment of the enlightenment they were bringing into the world; a symbol of peace, truth, and justice. Mordred had perverted this symbol in his mind, thinking of himself as a source of power and knowledge–thus using the symbol of the sun to represent himself.
You many have also noticed the crescent moon prominently displayed on the clothing and environments associated with the Incarnum (and the people of Augury). This is the symbol for the Guild, dating back to its founder, Lambast the Seer. As a pupil of the elves, he took to their customs and philosophies, a dominant being the power of the moon to enlighten the mind and expand the second sight. When he founded the guild of seers, he took this image to be a unifying theme (crimson and gold are also the colors of the guild).
The last symbol you’ll probably begin to see more of is Algerbane’s star. The star was the an important symbol to Algerbane’s mentor (of whom you’ll learn more soon). The stars represent eternal serenity and balance, as many who gaze upon them on a clear night can attest to the sense of wonder and purpose they feel in that moment. This is significant to Al himself, whose on-going quest to free his daughter and atone for his own mistakes is his way of finding peace. Where have we seen stars on Algerbane? Well on his hat of course!
Keep and eagle for any new imagery and symbols that crop up. See if you can determine what they mean!
Anon, a mouse says
Tolkien used lots of allegories — Like who died because of sins but came back — Gandalf.
Adam Casalino says
Hate to burst your bubble Mack, but here is Tolkien from the preface to LoTR:
“As for any inner meaning or ‘message,’ it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical… I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse ‘applicability’ with ‘allegory’; but the one resides with the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.”