[Superlong-Editorial] Thoughts On: The Overuse of Harmony

Editorial
Harmony is an Accident

Since the air of the Season Four Premiere, there has been a solid story arc in the Chest of Harmony. During that premiere, it's shown that there are six keys that must be recovered in order to open the chest, and the methods in which the keys are found are left untold. Now that we're twelve episodes in, we've seen three distinct progressions of this plotline, specifically in the "rainbow glimmer" effect in the character's eyes and the physical items they receive as trophies.

It stands to reason that this rainbow connection (ha ha) is directly connected to the overarching plotline, and is likely the first of two tasks to gain the keys proper. And while it's fun to imagine what significance the trinkets have to the keys and their corresponding locks, it's not the chest nor keys that have captivated my imagination lately. In fact, it's the importance of the rainbow glimmer that's seen when these lessons about virtue are realized. Not when they involve the items rewarded, such as the spool of thread or the lead pony badge - just the effect on the character's body alone.

Walk with me here.

We've all seen the Elements of Harmony used to defeat tyrannical threats in the past, sometimes without working as intended on the first try. The power of Harmony was embraced by Twilight and company, with none of them truly understanding the power they were commanding. I just now realize that despite being granted a champion's mantle in the form of a tiara, Twilight Sparkle asks very few questions regarding the Elements or their abilities. The most we see of her curiosity is instantly overshadowed (quite literally) by the assertion of Nightmare Moon in the series pilot. Sure, she wonders where they are and what they do - but those are all very broad questions whose answers are provided at the end of a quick jaunt into the dark "Do Not Enter" zone called the Everfree Forest.

It's interesting how Twilight, who prides herself in being studious and obsessive, does not dive into studies concerning these arcane weapons of mass rainbow happiness. She shows more worry over body twitches and managing her time, yet when granted the means to defeat enemies of the state, she just rolls with it. It's this lack of concern that prompts such use of it throughout the show, frankly to the point of abuse. And it's not just her hitting this "fix everything" switch over and over. Her friends, other avatars of Harmony, share the same disinterest in learning about their magical macguffins. While I understand and accept this glossing over of the artifacts in the interest of the show's progression, it's fueled some rather disturbing theories of my own concerning the Elements themselves, the tangible force of Harmony itself, and the previous owner of the gems.

So here's what has been established:

The Elements of Harmony are essentially a channel for the power of the same name, which is derived from the Tree of Harmony within Everfree. This tree, for all intents and purposes, stands as the source of Harmony (and possibly other magic, though not all) in the world, with the Elements themselves acting as the crossing point between that realm and the physical realm. In essence, the Tree provides ammunition for the weapons, the Elements, while the Tree itself is as vulnerable as any living being. However, the nature of this source allows it to protect itself through the same power, as exemplified during the reveal by Discord in episode 4.02.

Celestia and Luna, who had attained their powers and rights to rule beforehand, consciously removed the Elements from the tree's branches in a desperate attempt to remove Discord from power. Clearly, their own strength could not match his, and this has been shown time and time again with Discord's dynamic against the Mane Six. And this is again shown (though it happens first in the show's sequence of events) when Nightmare Moon is challenged by Twilight and the few Canterlot guards within Ponyville. In the past, Celestia unleashed the Elements of Harmony in a desperate bid for victory against her sister. And those two events, as far as we know, are the only times the Elements have been wheeled out by the Royal Sisters.

Therefore, it appears that Tia and Lulu are fully aware of what the Elements are, as well as what they've done by removing them from their source. They clearly fear the power that they've claimed, to the point that the Elements are encased in stone spheres, placed on a pedestal, and then hidden beneath a concealed panel in the floor. The two of them know what's in their possession, and they've agreed to never use them unless absolutely needed.

Twilight and company, however, do not have the foreknowledge that their rulers have, and therefore are much more lenient in their use of the artifacts. Yes, they use them to defeat Nightmare Moon, and yes, the Elements are relinquished to Canterlot Tower for safekeeping under Celestia's personal eye. Even after being recovered and used by the Mane Six to take down Discord, they're again given back to protective custody. Therefore, Twilight and her friends have had nothing but positive experiences with the Elements, so they have no reason to fear the power channeled through them. Neither do they know (nor seem to care) about the effects on the Tree of Harmony, which at that point was not even introduced.

When Celestia decides to grant Twilight charge over the Elements, Twilight accepts without any hesitation. Not because she's eager to have these weapons at her beck and call, but because she understands the necessity for them following Discord's so-called "reformation." At no point during any of these events is Twilight made aware of the Elements’ manner of use. So when any situation comes up that allows the Elements to be used, she pulls them out without a second thought - sometimes without a clear plan in her head beforehand. When she accuses Discord of the Everfree's expansion, her friends callously call upon the power with the intent of imprisoning him. Even when her companions have mysteriously mismatched butt tattoos, she applies them like a balm that matches the "Magical Mystery Cure" title.

And finally, that last sentence raises another point: the Elements have become linked to their respective Bearers, to the point that an incomplete spell shuffles their virtues and completely changes the spirits of the ponies who bear them. The Elements and their champions are undeniably linked - another aspect that Twilight fails to put to study. Certainly this connection is brought on by their use of the Elements and of Harmony proper, which helps to explain an unrelated question of why Twilight, after drinking the Plot-Resolution Potion, was able to see events during Celestia's time while Twilight herself wasn't even an errant thought at that moment in history.

The main points in those main points are the actions taken by the parties involved, as well as their motivation for doing so. Twilight and her friends seem very comfortable with the Elements of Harmony, whipping them out proudly like Sheriff Bart. By contrast, Celestia and Luna only use the Elements once, and Celestia herself pulls them out a second time. Again, the difference lies in the motivations for using these magical reset buttons - all Twilight and the team know is that they are effective, while Celestia knows they are a last resort. Twilight acts out of purpose, while Celestia and Luna act out of desperation. Twilight uses them as tools; the Sisters keep them as weapons.

In other words:

“Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony.” ~Celestia (narration), series opening, episode 1.01

“That chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I can break! This doesn’t make sense!” ~Celestia, referring to Canterlot Tower’s locked chamber, episode 2.01

“Are you sure?” ~Luna, to Celestia, in reference to taking the Elements from the Tree of Harmony, episode 4.02

“We have managed to discover the only means by which we can defeat Discord and free the citizens of Equestria.” ~Celestia, to Luna, in reference to taking the Elements from the Tree of Harmony, episode 4.02

“Oh, my sister...I am sorry. But you have given me no choice but to use...these!” ~Celestia, soliloquy, in reference to the Elements of Harmony, episode 4.02

Further, in the finale of season two (“A Canterlot Wedding”, episode 2.26), Celestia beseeches Twilight to go to Canterlot Tower and get the Elements - but only after Celestia herself is defeated by Queen Chrysalis.

Notice how, in each occurrence of Celestia and/or Luna handling the Elements, there is a tangible feeling of respect for the power to which they refer? Celestia was reluctant to use the power of Harmony against Nightmare Moon. They were her last resort against Nightmare. She sealed the chamber in Canterlot Tower with a spell that only she could break (or so she thought, anyway). The Elements were the only means she and Luna could use to combat Discord, and Luna was hesitant and doubtful.

However, for Twilight and company:

“But I don’t know what they are, where to find them...I don’t even know what they do!” ~Twilight Sparkle, to friends, episode 1.02

“Necklace, necklace, necklace, necklace - aaaand big crown thingy!” ~Twilight Sparkle, to friends sans Rainbow Dash, episode 2.02

“I don’t know who has taken [Princess Celestia and Princess Luna], but I’ve got a hunch we’re going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back.” ~Twilight Sparkle, to friends, episode 4.01

“Now we just gotta figure out who to aim these bad boys at...” ~Applejack, to Twilight, episode 4.01

“I say we blast him back to stone!” ~Rainbow Dash,
“Works for me!” ~Applejack,
“Hear, hear!” ~Rarity, all in reference to Discord, whereupon they three proceed to enact their respective Elements, episode 4.01

Further, while Celestia took extensive precautions in guarding the Elements, Twilight only places them in a display case that can easily be accessed and opened by anyone at any time. It’s a miracle Spike didn’t knock them over while sweeping - unless he is the only one in Ponyville who respects them properly.

In all these cases, the Mane Cast shows a lack of respect for the power they command. In addition, they reach for them as a fix-all option before knowing the entire situation in which they find themselves. Despite not knowing what the Elements are or what they do, Twilight reaches for them on a hunch, and flippantly calls them by what they resemble. Applejack also calls them names, and - alongside Rainbow and Rarity - begins to activate the power of Harmony without a second thought.

Good heavens, is this how they treat the weapons of last resort that have been granted to them by royalty and necessity? If that’s how they treat unique artifacts, why do they take such good care of their respective crafts and hobbies? I bet that, if cell phones existed in Equestria, all of the Mane Six would end up dropping and breaking theirs to oblivion and back.

This lack of interest in the Elements and their power prompts such undisciplined action with them time and time again. The girls don’t realize the sheer magnitude of what they command. They make no effort to learn about their artifacts. However, they have no reason to, since each occurrence has been generally positive. Sure, they’ve used them rather haphazardly, but nothing bad has happened to them or their loved ones yet.

Well, “Magical Mystery Cure” notwithstanding. Besides, there was an outside influence in Starswirl’s incomplete spell, so the girls can’t be faulted for that.

However, the mention of that spell brings up the final point of interest. Clearly, the Mane Six are irrevocably tied to their respective Elements, so they cannot break away from their virtues for very long. While this does provide fantastic writing as shown in the last few episodes, there is still another side of the coin to consider. It’s my belief that the Mane Six are connected to their virtues due to their overuse and reliance on the Elements proper, whereas Celestia and Luna were never connected at all thanks to their careful “last resort” decision and the length of time following either use of them.

So where does all of this lead? Well...

The Elements of Harmony are gone. They've been placed back in the branches of their home, within the heart of the Everfree region, so that Harmony as a force can return to the world the way it was meant to be. But as a result of their return to the earth, the mysterious Chest of Harmony emerged with the promise of a new prize. And in order for the chest to be opened, six keys must be recovered. And the progression for this over-arcing plotline is showing physical reactions within the bodies of the Bearers. Which means that their vitues are an integral part of their own spirits, whether or not they realize it.

This sounds familiar. In the video game series Golden Sun, the character Isaac is set out on a quest to recover four Elemental Stars, three of which were stolen from a sanctum that his village was supposed to guard. The Stars themselves are the quintessential essences of their respective element - Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth (known as Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus) - and are used to unlock the force of Alchemy, which was sealed off ages before the games take place. During Isaac's quest, a part of the soon-to-be-released Alchemy was drawn into his own body without his knowledge, thereby granting him superior strength and a longer lifespan as opposed to other men. Even after the Stars were consumed and Alchemy restored, he kept that small piece of the power, making him unique among mankind.

Those familiar with the lore of Golden Sun will see what I'm getting at. The Mane Six are connected to the Elements and their power of Harmony because they were exposed to it so many times. Much like how Isaac unintentionally absorbed the essence of Alchemy because he held on to one of the Elemental Stars for so long. Or even in the real world, how people exposed to radiation will exhibit changes within their body. And now Harmony is restored to the world, but the players who worked to restore it are still going about their lives. They've gained power from the magic they once cast about without concern, and now that power is showing very real influence over their own bodies and minds.

The key difference? Alchemy or nuclear study is something that practically anyone can practice, but this brand of Harmony is unique to these six individuals. For all intents and purposes, the fillies of FiM are more attuned to the magic of the world than Celestia and Luna. Which would, in turn, make them critical to the survival and continued progression of the world as a whole.

It's little wonder why the six see themselves going on unique quests or special trips every few weeks, or receive special visitors or the occasional crisis now and again. They are now the embodiment of Harmony, when no others can possibly command it. Even Celestia and Luna required the Elements to command the magic, but now Twilight and company have gained very real ownership over the magic that defines their culture. And as a result, their bodies and minds are subject to the influence of that magic, which continues to guide their actions on a daily basis.

But where does all this lead? It's still unknown. Perhaps an event will cause Chaos to cease his relationship with Harmony, and a War of Virtue will be launched to claim the throne of Everfree and rule the age. Maybe Princess Twilight will overthrow her mentor's leadership rather than inherit it, and the Generals of the court will be her closest friends. It could be that the ponies will be unable to age or die, because they are now roots to the world and exist as higher beings. Hell, maybe Rainbow's next Rainboom will spark global weather systems and bring about nuclear winter. Fallout: Equestria, anyone?

It's interesting to think about, because it shows that the Mane Six are special purely by accident. They didn't know what they were commanding, and they weren't aware of the history behind their trinkets. Had Celestia chosen another mare as her student, the sequence of events might have gone much differently. I doubt that Trixie would have given half a damn about Applejack's lying streak during the Discord arc, and I'm fairly certain Zecora would have just gone back home after saving the world. The Right of Power is what the Mane Cast has gained, purely by abusing the Elements of Harmony throughout the show. But to those who would actually take time to study the essence of Harmony and the tree that anchors it, such a right will be forever out of their grasp.

In other words, some ponies benefit from ignorance. What makes these mares deserve the gifts of Harmony? Nothing, really - they just happened to have been exposed to the raw power for long enough. They were irresponsible with their artifacts, while the Royal Sisters took extensive precautions. And now the balance of power can shift at any time, purely because Twilight liked the feeling of hitting the magical reset button over and over. Such effects will continue to be seen in the show, not because it makes sense, but because it cannot be any other way now.

"By what right do you claim the throne of Equestria, Twilight Sparkle?"

"By accident."

---

On a side note, isn’t it interesting how Ponyville’s Golden Oak Library has a reference guide to the Elements, whereas the royal library in Canterlot only defers to the Nightmare Moon incident? There’s more information in a reference guide than in the library closest to the Princess! Maybe Twilight and the mares didn't research the Elements because there was nothing there in the first place. Good game, Tia. Good game.

~Leo

Comments

[Ladrian]

For the record, I'm writing this at 2 in the morning, so it may not make any sense whatsoever, and it may be a while before I respond again. And there will be a distinct lack of emotes, considering the only thing I am feeling right now is

Of course she would put her strongest spell-lock to keep the Elements safe, she knows how powerful they are, but this doesn't mean she is reluctant to use them on her enemies. Yes, they are definitely the most powerful force that the Sisters/ponykind can hope to command, and the Sisters certainly show them far more respect than Twi and Co., but again, this doesn't mean she is reluctant to use them. Celestia was reluctant to use such a powerful force against her sister, though it never really explains why Twilight's Friendship Cannon purified Luna, where as Celestia's sent her to the moon. Maybe she knew that the Elements would act differently this time, and so she was far more eager to use the Elements. Moving on, in the flashback of Discord's first fall, Celestia and Luna look like they just got back from a long and arduous quest.This makes me think that this quest is where/when they found the tree and borrowed the Elements, not that they have had them and refused to use them. With the changelings, Celestia believed she could handle the situation herself. Immediately after realizing that she couldn't, she sent the Bearers off to get the Elements. Perhaps it would have made sense to just play your trump card first, but the elements were (relatively) far away, while Celestia underestimated the Queen.

And even if she did believe they were powerful and should be used sparingly, she would have told Twilight to use them only in emergencies, and only as a last resort. I don't remember her saying something like that. (Correct me if I'm wrong, it's two in the morning.)

I don't think ignorance is required to use the elements. As you said, it was the energy of the repeated use of them that... infected? instilled in? was absorbed by? the Bearers. This could have happened to the Sisters, had every villain from the history of the world showed up within 4 years of each other, and they fired their laser all day. Their respect for the Elements power might discourage this a bit, but in my opinion, not enough that the Sisters wouldn't use them. It is true that the Bearers have apparently stumbled onto it by accident, but the Sisters could have been affected the same way, foreknowledge does not make such a thing impossible.

One Mooore thing: I swear to god, if that chest ends up being empty and the prize is that they know they now have the elements with them. Granted, that would be an amazing realization, but it wasn't the prize. By this I mean that they got their new found power (assuming this power is similar to if they were wearing their respective jewelry, if only with drastically reduced strength) via the journey to the box. I'm not saying the journey shouldn't matter, and if the message for the whole thing is that "the destination doesn't matter, only the journey," then alright, fine. I don't like it, but fine. I just feel like even if your party finds a bunch of awesome stuff as they wade through hobgoblins, it doesn't give the GM the OK to make the actual dragon's hoard be a note that says "You already got your magic junk, go home."

Just so we are clear, I agree with everything else you said. Especially that Twi should be more interested in the most powerful magical artifacts in existence. That are/were sitting in her house doing nothing... Yeah. These are just the few parts that I had other ideas about. And if any of your "But where does all this lead?" paragraph predictions come true, I will be a very happy pony.