The Keys to the Box Revealed · 3:35am Jan 19th, 2014
It seems that the writers have developed great skill in what they are doing in their time entertaining us. While these episodes may seem discontinuous and unconnected to the main storyline, the last scene of this episode gives strong evidence supporting the contrary. It would seem that in the course of the 20 or so episodes from the premiere leading into the finale, each of the characters will undergo one or more tests of the integrity of their element. Rarity had the first test in Manehatten, and Rainbow Dash was given the second test when qualifying for the Equestria games. After passing each of these tests, they are awarded Ebenezers, mementos gifted to them by the people who have deemed them worthy.
These Ebenezers shine with the glory of the rainbow, which is the symbol and weapon of the elements of harmony. Rarity's Ebenezer is the spool of thread given to her by Coco, and Rainbow Dash's is the flight wings given to her by Spifire. It would also seem that since the elements have now returned to the tree of harmony, causing their power to re-pervade Equestria, their influence is spreading to the element bearers, aiding them in their quest to pass the tests: Rainbow Dash, for instance, is given a vision by the rainbow (the symbol of the EoH), which allows her to make a decision on which team she should support in the games. And while I do not directly recall an appearance of the rainbow in the Manehatten episode, that does not mean that it did not occur. What we can, however, propose on the basis of this strong evidence, is that these Ebenezers which shine with the glory of the rainbow are the keys that will open the box located near the tree of harmony.
EDIT: Rarity is given her own vision by the elements in the gleaming rope separating the audience from the fashion show runway. Thanks to Catalysts Cradle for pointing that out and giving great credence to my argument.
I'm so sharing this.
This.
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During the fashion show in "Rarity takes Manehattan," a rainbow flashes across the rope in front of the seats where Rarity's friends would be sitting (see 15:40 at in this video). This inspires her to leave the show and find her friends.
Interesting theory that it's the Tree of Harmony that's causing the powers to spread across Equestria. I like the idea that by giving up the elements, the Mane Six are actually sharing them with the world instead of keeping the power of the elements just to themselves.
I have not watched those episodes, so I dunno
When you look deeper, you can see that even how each of the main characters are even acting 'out of their element' after the Elements are given away:
—Rarity acts very non-generous towards her friend when they help her sew the dress when she lost her original fabric.
—Applejack asks her family to show Pinkie the 'good' side of Apple family. Wouldn't this mean she's technically lying to Pinkie?
—Rainbow Dash is in verge of betraying her friends and her own hometown.
Coincidence? Possibly but it's interesting to think that all these are now happening after the Elements were given away. Perhaps the Ebenezers are partially there to remind them about their virtues and not to abandon them.
1734582
Well, yes, certainly. This is part of the test. If the characters didn't show signs that they were acting outside of them, particularly in a moment of weakness, these wouldn't be tests. Then there would be no need for these Ebenezers. Yes, indeed, the very definition of an Ebenezar is a memento of a lesson learned that should be remembered.
1734582 Wow, how the heck did I miss THAT? Oh yeah, maybe because I forgot that they gave up the elements.
Well that's an excuse to go watch those two episodes again!
My friend and I have come to a similar conclusion my good man.
But if our theories are correct, then Pinkie is set to earn her key in Pinkie Pride, and Fluttershy is all but confirmed to get hers in the Breezies episode. Twilight will more than likely get hers either during the finally or close to it, so the only uncertainty is Applejack.