Why the lion?

#1
TheLastArchivist

Posté 29 décembre 2014 - 06:15

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883 messages

Alright. I'm going to ask a rather stupid question, but this is something which has been puzzling me for a while and for which I have so far found no answers.

Nowadays, Orlais uses a lion as its national symbol. In the past, it used to be the dragon. After two princes fought and one of them, Drakon, lost the right to rule, the dragon was replaced by the lion, the symbol of the victorious prince (The full detailed explanation is in the Codexes, if anyone wishes to know more about it).

It so happens that Commander Cullen uses a lion-themed armor. We all know the animal represents strength and bravery. It also represents dominion over the negative aspects of the ego, as shown in the 12 labours of Hercules. The greek hero wears the lion skin after a hard won battle, symbolizing the prevalence of reason over instinct.

So here's my question: does the Commander's armor have anything to do with Orlais? Or was it intended to have anything to do with the chevaliers (in an early concept of the game, perhaps)? We know Inquisition is set in two countries and Cullen moved from commanding templars to a regular army in between the crisis in Kirkwall and the Conclave.

Therefore, was his choice of armor intended to make him look like an orlesian commander or is the lion leitmotif purely symbolic (of bravery and strength)?

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#2
Cantina

Posté 29 décembre 2014 - 06:17

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2 210 messages

Alright. I'm going to ask a rather stupid question, but this is something which has been puzzling me for a while and for which I have so far found no answers.

Nowadays, Orlais uses a lion as its national symbol. In the past, it used to be the dragon. After two princes fought and one of them, Drakon, lost the right to rule, the dragon was replaced by the lion, the symbol of the victorious prince (The full detailed explanation is in the Codexes, if anyone wishes to know more about it).

It so happens that Commander Cullen uses a lion-themed armor. We all know the animal represents strength and bravery. It also represents dominion over the negative aspects of the ego, as shown in the 12 labours of Hercules. The greek hero wears the lion skin after a hard won battle, symbolizing the prevalence of reason over instinct.

So here's my question: does the Commander's armor have anything to do with Orlais? Or was it intended to have anything to do with the chevaliers (in an early concept of the game, perhaps)? We know Inquisition is set in two countries and Cullen moved from commanding templars to a regular army in between the crisis in Kirkwall and the Conclave.

Therefore, was his choice of armor intended to make him look like an orlesian commander or is the lion leitmotif purely symbolic (of bravery and strength)?

I too was wondering this. However I believe it comes down to symbolizing Bravery and Strength. Thus nothing to do with Orlais.

The Baconer et TheLastArchivist aiment ceci

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#3
LightningPoodle

Posté 29 décembre 2014 - 06:29

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20 468 messages

The lion reflects everything within Cullen.

The lion is a symbol command over the subconscious. It is a nocturnal animal and night symbolises the subconscious, the dream state. Similar to the fade. He is/was a Templar who deal in suppressing magic, magic linked to the fade.

It is also a symbol of authority. Cullen commands the troops of the Inquisition. He is an advisor to The Herald. He has authority.

The lion shares the world of both day and night. The message here is that you should not overdo in certain areas, you must strike a balance in life. This reflects his issues with Lyrium. He manages to deal with withdrawal and still commands loyalty within his men. He does a good job off it.

Among other things which I can't be bothered to detail. Basically, BioWare have his armour reflect everything about him, the same way every other character is outfitted - companion and advisor alike.

Cantina, TheLastArchivist, Boomshakalakalakaboom et 4 autres aiment ceci

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#4
Precursor Meta

Posté 29 décembre 2014 - 06:31

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907 messages

Why the lion?

Because The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe of course.

TheLastArchivist aime ceci

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#5
Lady Artifice

Posté 29 décembre 2014 - 06:31

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7 234 messages

The lion reflects everything within Cullen.

The lion is a symbol command over the subconscious. It is a nocturnal animal and night symbolises the subconscious, the dream state. Similar to the fade. He is/was a Templar who deal in suppressing magic, magic linked to the fade.

It is also a symbol of authority. Cullen commands the troops of the Inquisition. He is an advisor to The Herald. He has authority.

The lion shares the world of both day and night. The message here is that you should not overdo in certain areas, you must strike a balance in life. This reflects his issues with Lyrium. He manages to deal with withdrawal and still commands loyalty within his men. He does a good job off it.

Among other things which I can't be bothered to detail. Basically, BioWare have his armour reflect everything about him, the same way every other character is outfitted - companion and advisor alike.