#symbolism in kingdom hearts

[hollowwhisperings]

KH Spec: Princesses of Light as Stars, part 1/?

As of KH3, all of the original seven Princesses of Heart recognised in KH1 have [retired] except Kairi. I suspect that the Other Six were able to pass on their roles due to their respective worlds no longer being kept in Time Loops (as seen in their appearances in the mobile games & BBS being exactly as they were in KH1). comple since KHUX) & their FINALLY being able to "move on" with their lives.

Kairi's primary character arc has been one of Resistance To Change: she kept her role, unchanged for all that she was the only Light to have experienced time*. That said... it seems odd that Kairi was the ONLY princess to have lived in a world of real-time (Axel, Isa & Ienzo all aged between BBS & KH2: this confirms that Radiant Garden experiences time, even in Kairi's absence). It seems very plausible that Kairi's Grandmother preceded Kairi in the role of "Seventh Light". Whether it was an entirely familial legacy (a "secret bloodline", one might say) or Kairi's Grandmother was secretly an Immortal Princess until choosing Kairi to replace her... is Its Own Theory.

The Princesses of Heart served as Seven "Backup Generators" keeping the metaphysical lights on for the KH Universe in the absence of its "Sun", Kingdom Hearts. For Thematic Reasons & simplicity's sake, the New Princesses of Heart (dubbed "New" Princesses of Light in KH3) will henceforth be referred to as the "Seven Stars"... because that's what they ARE.

Stars in the KH setting: Paopu Fruit & Wayfinders

Stars are a consistent reference point in the KH series, sometimes in conjunction with the "One Sky (One Destiny)" arc words they're set in, but largely as symbols in their own right.

Stars are, of course, what the Paopu Fruit of Destiny Islands are shaped like: the legend that sharing Paopu Fruit with someone ties people together forever was one taught to Xehanort by [Player] and, likely through Eraqus, to Aqua & thus the Wayfinder Trio (whose star-shaped wayfinders DID, in the end, bring them back to each other). Riku and Selphie arr the first to bring up paopu fruit bringing "Romantic" Forevers: Riku very smoothly (/s) covers for his hopes of sharing one with Sora by distracting him with a competition and That Female Friend They Share with whom Heteroromanticism Can Be Achieved (rather than, say, certain silver haired dreameaters who have theme songs saying promises are for children & making an oath with sunrise-coloured rings...).

Kairi makes a star-shaped wayfinder from thalassa shells instead of helping Riku make his Dream Boat: she later "lends" this wayfinder to Sora, calling it "her Lucky Charm". In the original JP, using Kairi's token lets Sora use the [Promise Charm] Keyblade. While the ENG translation to "Oathkepper" IS a lot cooler sounding, it is Misleading: the lyrics of Chikai reference the distinction between "promises" and "oaths", specifically framed within vows of a wedding. Kairi is someone who makes Promises (her star-crossed sharing of paopu fruit with Sora, a goodbye to childhood): Oaths exist only in reference to Riku, especially when with regard to Sora.

Through Kairi & Riku, stars represent promises & oaths: childhood friendship & lifelong love. Through the Wayfinders (Kairi's but esoecially Aqua's), stars represent connection, return & reunions.

While Riku Is The Light (the story's "Sun"), Kairi is a Star: while they are the same thing, astronomically, the symbolism of "stars" differs due to that of "suns". There are many Stars, bright and gentle and distant. There is only one Sun*, blinding and personal.

The next part in this series of speculations will be on how Kairi & the Other Princesses are connected to stars.

*While Rapunzel also has sun imagery, its use in KH3 is largely in parallel with Riku: both are the metaphorical secret "suns" of their own worlds & stories, and "stars" in the context of each other's.

[gummi-ships]

[rhythmmortis]

flood rotation post

[somnimagus]

My page for @kairizine. It was such a huge honor to be part of this wonderful book with everyone, I had so much fun!

[id in alt!]

[rice-x2]

sea..shell…. falls over bleh

[hadesknockedupintheunderworld]

Every day I have to contend with how Soriku fandom just spoils me with in depth analysis about the series itself as much as it spoils me with analysis of characters and the ship

Reading stuff like necklace theory, "riku is the light", the sleeping realms theory, and just fan analysis and translations of the original jp version of kh changed my life man

[daylighteclipsed]

Bruh soriku got the floral arch, the dearly beloved wedding march, and the paopu fruit 💀

[zxal]

less than a shadow

[starfiresky]

“The Chain of Memories”

The pictures inside the chains are screenshots of cutscenes from the kh2 and kh3 openings. A few were also pulled from 358/2 Days to include Xion’s memories.

I just wanted to do a little tribute to Naminé 💕

[dominicsorel]

Sora (Sky) and Riku (the Shore)

[azurajae]

Thematically, I think Star Wars would be a great world for KH4. Not only just because of the whole Light vs Dark themes, but also mirroring Anakin's decent into darkness to what Sora is (possibly) going through. I know a lot of people wanna fight Dark Vader not befriend him, but hear me out.

Kingdom Hearts always liked to have "Disney" worlds connected thematically with a character's development or overarching plot (ex. KH3 Carribean connecting thematically with Sora's sacrifices in the end). People often talk about how they'd like worlds that theme with 'death' (ex. Coco, Soul) or worlds that give Sora therapy (ex. Encanto, Inside Out, etc), but what about a world that brings out his darkness? To emphasize his pain and isolation?

Come KH4, it seems like Sora is beginning his 'Dark Road', with most of the DS Saga only hinting and building the turmoil underneath, just like how Anakin's darkness had been throughout his life in the Prequels.

My dream scenario would be having the Prequels, specifically the Clone Wars era instead of the OT or Sequel era, just so Sora can physically interact with Anakin and have those parellels with him. Imagine Anakin talking with Sora about how he'd do anything for the people he loves, and Sora realizing he feels exactly the same. And while Sora isn't the typical 'Chosen One' like Anakin is, Sora was pushed into that role by circumstance and feels the stress all the same. Both these characters are pressured to repress their emotions/trauma, which often manifests as rage. Maybe some paralells could be drawn between between Obi-Wan, Padmé, Ahsoka, and Rex with Riku, Kairi, Donald, and Goofy.

Sora would leave the world before RotS happens, so he has no idea what kind of path Anakin was about to follow. He might even be happy that he finds someone who feels the same way as him, completely unaware that he's also spiraling into that same darkness that turned Anakin into Darth Vader.

If you wanna get into this idea even more, let's factor in the 'realm moves at different times', so by the time Riku and friends arrive in Quadratum, It's the OT era and their version of events is helping Obi-Wan or Luke deal with Darth Vader to coincide with Sora's Dark Road.

Honestly, It's more likely that the OT will be the focus if a Star Wars world appeared because its just overall more popular (and like how can you deny the suspiciously placed AT-ST foot on "Endor", which takes place in OT era), but can you imagine the parellels? A Darth Vader boss is scary, but Sora befriending a "Pre-Darth Vader" because they are on the same Dark Road feels a bit scarier, right?

I may also be putting all my chips on Sora becoming a boss down the line for Riku, Kairi, and/or Yozora to fight please

[hollowwhisperings]

KH Spec: Princess of Heart as Stars, part 5/?

Before looking into Belle & returning to Kairi, there are still aspects of Princess Jasmine that are hugely relevant to identifying how past & future members of the Seven Lights match up thematically. Part 4 began that process by establishing how the implicit themes within the stories of Snow White, Cinderella & Aurora were made explicit through Jasmine's ability to verbally express what they (due to the expectations of their then-contemporary audiences, due to their lack of consistent safety) could not.

Thusly, Jasmine establishes what themes tie the Seven Lights together & what to bear in mind when speculating on future candidates for the roles. Jasmine's unique ability to embody & express each of the following themes (a result both of the era she was conceived for & who Jasmine is as a character) is likely why Agrabah continues to play a role in each Kingdom Hearts game despite its World's "story" having been completed. Before returning to the remaining members of the "Original Seven" Lights, allow me to lay out the thematic patterns of ALL princesses.

The Themes that Connect the Seven Lights are the following:

the ability to Know One's own Heart, to Imagine the Impossible, to Dream: this is the theme of "Dreaming" and is often represented by Hearts.

the ability to Believe in those Impossiblities, to have Faith in others, to be Hopeful in even the most dire of circumstances: this is the theme of "Wishes" and its symbol is a Star.

the ability to remain Curious about the World & about other people with genuine interest, Without Ill Intent: this is a theme of both Innocence & Kindness but is ultimately one of "Curiosity". It is represented by having Animal Companions and by looking to the Stars of a Night Sky.

the capacity to Love Others wholly & truly, to Inspire Loyalty & love in turn: this is the theme of "True Love" and is represented by acts of Self-Sacrifice and Redemption.

the ability to achieve Miracles, through the strength of Love, Wishes & Dreams: "Miracles" are acts of Resurrection & Magical Transformation. The Power of Awakening is a form of "Resurrection".

and, finally, to be one of the Seven Lights is to be in a state of "Hoping": to continue "Dreaming" and otherwise hold close those seemingly impossible "Wishes"; for that "Curiosity" to go unsated; to "Love & be Loved" with all the potential needed to achieve "Miracles"... the Lights must remain in states of "Hoping", continuously channeling their faith and Love but the realization of their Penultimate Shared Theme out of reach. This "Hoping" manifests as Light and is the guiding Theme for this series of speculation.

this is the theme all others lead to, the theme that all others seek to achieve: "Freedom". While many of the Princesses needed Literal Freedom of Movement, the thematic "Freedom" is one of Leaving Childhood: this is symbolized by "Happily Ever After". Visually, "Freedom" is symbolised by Awakening, Weddings, "riding into the sunset" or otherwise Crossing The Horizon.

The Light of "Hoping"

Without going down the Rabbit Hole of MoM's Mysterious Black Box (which I have previously speculated on), "Hope" is considered both a Gift & Curse in the myth of Pandora's Box.

It is a Gift: it allows people to continue trying in the face of failure & adversity.

It is a Curse: it is an ongoing, thankless effort that can lead to self-destruction.

The Seven Lights are key to the continued existence of the KH Universe in the absence of Kingdom Hearts: the Lights act as Seven "Substitute" Stars for that single, all-powerful and Absent "Sun" (though it DOES look more like a "Moon" in box art).

A Relationship With Time?

To be a host for Pure Light seems to require one's life to be suspended from change: in the case of the Disney Princesses from the Original set of Seven, their Stories & entire Worlds seem to have looped over & over, even before KHX, to keep these Primcesses ever between "Doom" & "Happily Ever After".

Assuming that this was deliberately achieved, the Static Worlds of the Disney Princesses served to protect the Worlds at large to remain in the Realm of Light... at the expense of the Seven Lights themselves, & their respective Worlds with them. This is only speculation: Melody of Memory introduced the concepts of "Unreality" and "Realms of Fiction", while the Mass Crossover nature of the KH series enables many versions of reality to exist simultaneously & in each other's stead: I have assumed the Princesses were kept in timeloops because cutscenes from KHUX seemed to imply that Maleficent became self-aware of such a phenomena & because none of the Disney Princesses met in BBS seemed any younger than they were in KH1. This could just as easily a result of their Worlds falling to Darkness shortly after BBS & by the methods Maleficent employed to capture them. Time Dilation or Time Travel outright are other plausible explanations.

"Passing The Torch"

With this idea of Lights being contingent on "Hoping" as an ongoimg effort, it makes sense that Six of the Original Seven Lights could (& would want to) "pass on" their roles: it was not that their natures changed, it was their circumstances that did. With the Princesses now Self-Aware, the threat of Maleficent gone, the Worlds regaining a Kingdom Key-Wielding Hero... the Princesses Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Alice, Jasmine & Belle could move on with their lives past their Stories.

It is also this theme of "Hoping", something present & ongoing rather than the "Freedom" that their hopes build up to, that explains why characters that otherwise "match" the qualities shared by the Seven Lights (such as Ariel, Aerith, & Sally from Halloween Town) are not Lights themselves: their Worlds continued to experience "time" and their "Hope" could transform into "Freedom", the theme all Lights ultimately hope for.

In Part 6, the conjecture on time & "hoping" will finally address that Belle I've been neglecting and, assuming I do not again become Distracted, the nature of Kairi as "Once & Present Princess" will be explored. Part 7, hopefully, will tie everything together and let me finally share my theories on who could join Kairi, Rapunzel & Anna as the "New Lights".

[gummi-ships]

Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Link Attack - Lucky Dice

[retrogamingblog2]

Legend of Zelda Lamps made by theBKPKshop

[somnimagus]

My page for @destinytriofanzine! I drew something about kids always dreaming of far off places

[id in alt!]

[thefreshprinceofjunes]

realized that all of the ultima weapons (besides bbs) have the ‘crown on top of a heart’ imagery once in their designs... except for ddds. ddd has it twice.

you know. sora and rikus symbols. :^)

(yes the teeth are actually the dream eater symbol + a crown on the ddd version but w/e. its shaped like a heart [and also represents riku] so it counts)