Symbols in the Kingdom Hearts series: Difference between revisions
(Undo revision 789074 by 91.171.62.75 (talk) Speculation. None of the chess pieces have been confirmed to represent a character.) Tag: Undo |
(changed info about Xemnas making the Nobody emblem based on Terra's Mark thanks to it appearing on Xehanort's keyblade armor in Dark Road. hopefully it's a basic retcon like Nobodies aging and we don't get an explanation like "Xemnas DID invent it based on Terra's Mark but baby Xehanort saw it in his empathy dreams when Player used a medal that featured one of the Nobodies so he decided to incorporate it in his armor". I think for now though game canon should take precedent over word of god) |
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{{Game|Real}} | {{Game|Real}} | ||
{{cleanup|KH3 gummi stickers give official names to many of these; add or identify room transitions for KH3}} | {{cleanup|KH3 gummi stickers give official names to many of these; add or identify room transitions for KH3; Add a section and image(s) for Xion's mask/mirrored crown symbol}} | ||
The ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series uses an extensive array of recurring symbols, some original and some derived from real-world sources, with deep significance to its story and characters. This page compiles the most important of these symbols and details their use in the series. | The ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series uses an extensive array of recurring symbols, some original and some derived from real-world sources, with deep significance to its story and characters. This page compiles the most important of these symbols and details their use in the series. | ||
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[[File:Symbol - Heart3.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Heart3.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Heart4.png|x64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Heart4.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Heart Mobile.png|64px]]<br> | [[File:Symbol - Heart Mobile.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Station Riku KHIIIRM.png|64px]]<br> | |||
<!--KH3 calls this "Kingdom Hearts"--> | <!--KH3 calls this "Kingdom Hearts"--> | ||
Hearts are some of the most recognizable and prominent symbols associated with the series; one type of heart symbol is featured on the series logo and, as a result, on the majority of real-world ''Kingdom Hearts'' merchandise. The symbol | Hearts are some of the most recognizable and prominent symbols associated with the series; one type of heart symbol is featured on the series logo and, as a result, on the majority of real-world ''Kingdom Hearts'' merchandise. The most recognizable heart symbol is depicted as the outline of a heart with tips that curl inward at its top. More simplified solid heart designs also appear in the series, although they are featured less prominently. | ||
The | The symbol appears on the back of every {{c|Card|com}}; on [[Limit Form]]'s outfit in [[Halloween Town]]; in several worlds, such as [[Hollow Bastion]], [[The World That Never Was]], [[Traverse Town]], and [[Radiant Garden]]; on [[Riku]]'s [[Dive to the Heart]] station in ''[[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]]''; and on several [[Keyblades]] and miscellaneous weapons. Simplified heart symbols appear less frequently, but are featured in [[Trinity Marks]], several Keyblades, [[Wonderland]] – typically with the [[Queen of Hearts]] – and the heart-shaped moon that is [[Kingdom Hearts]]. A few Pureblood Heartless have heart-shaped holes in their chests.<!--Auto-Life Gummi icon--> | ||
The transition symbols for [[Traverse Town]]{{KHc}}{{KHMoM}}, [[Hollow Bastion]]{{KHc}}, [[Radiant Garden]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHMoM}}, and [[The World That Never Was]]{{KHII}}{{KHD}}{{KH3D}}{{KHMoM}} are hearts. | |||
===Heartless=== | ===Heartless=== | ||
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[[File:Symbol Character - Riku.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol Character - Riku.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Χ-blade Keychain KHBBS.png|60px]] | [[File:Χ-blade Keychain KHBBS.png|60px]] | ||
[[File:Way to the Dawn Keychain KHII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Way to the Dawn Keychain KH3D.png|64px]] | [[File:Way to the Dawn Keychain KH3D.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Illusory Crystal KHIII.png|64px]]<br> | [[File:Illusory Crystal KHIII.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Station Olympus KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Riku Chess Piece (Art) KHIII.png|32px]]<br> | |||
The Heartless symbol is used, as its name suggests, to represent the [[Heartless]], specifically Emblem Heartless. The standard Heartless emblem is displayed on every single Emblem Heartless, as well as [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]'s chest and certain weapons related to Heartless, such as the [[Akashic Record]] and [[Precious Mushroom]]. In the [[End of the World]], the doorway leading to the Final Rest area is shaped like the Heartless emblem. The Heartless emblem without the | The Heartless symbol is used, as its name suggests, to represent the [[Heartless]], specifically Emblem Heartless. The standard Heartless emblem is displayed on every single Emblem Heartless, as well as [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]'s chest and certain weapons related to Heartless, such as the [[Akashic Record]] and [[Precious Mushroom]]. In the [[End of the World]], the doorway leading to the Final Rest area is shaped like the Heartless emblem. The Heartless emblem without the barbed "X" is commonly associated with Riku. When using [[Dark Mode]], Riku wears the symbol on his chest, and the aforementioned lack of a thorny cross symbolizes the fact he hasn't completely lost his heart to the darkness.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania]]''''', '''Tetsuya Nomura:''' "... and how the Heartless emblem on [Riku's] chest is missing the thorny cross because Riku's heart has not yet completely fallen to darkness." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/A-Look-Back-KINGDOM-HEARTS-Ultimania-Gallery-Comments-Part-1-15519 Translation via goldpanner].</ref> In ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'', the Station of Awakening for the facsimile of [[Olympus]] in [[The Final World]] bears the same symbol around the circumference of its design, as it is where Sora finds Riku's heart and rescues it from the [[Lich]]. Riku's [[Alba & Ater]] game piece features this symbol on the top as well. It is also the [[Keychain]] token of his main Keyblade, [[Way to the Dawn]]. In its appearances in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' and onwards, the token's design integrates elements of the recurring heart symbol, curling the tips of the Heartless emblem's red outline inward at the top. The Keychain token of the [[χ-blade]] is a black and red heart resembling the Heartless emblem, but with two [[Kingdom Key]]s crossed over it in place of the normal red design. In the [[World of Chaos]] fight, the arena is shaped like a blue Heartless insignia. | ||
The Heartless emblem is comprised of a heart with a ''fleur-de-lis'' at its base. It is typically black with a red outline and | The Heartless emblem is comprised of a heart with a ''fleur-de-lis'' at its base. It is typically black with a red outline and barbed "X" crossing through the heart in the symbol, which symbolizes the fact that Heartless act without emotions, hence their name. A common variation of the Heartless emblem is a completely black silhouette, lacking the cross over the heart. A third variation is simply a heart featuring the color scheme of the standard Heartless symbol, a black body and red outline, but also lacks the cross. | ||
===Bug Blox=== | |||
[[File:Bug Blox Symbol.png|x64px]]<br> | [[File:Bug Blox Symbol.png|x64px]]<br> | ||
The [[Bug Blox]] have symbols on each side of their bodies. They resemble circles connected by some lines, representing the corrupted nature of the digital bugs. | The [[Bug Blox]] have symbols on each side of their bodies. They resemble circles connected by some lines, representing the corrupted nature of the digital bugs. | ||
Similar markings appear on the [[Darkubes]]. | Similar markings appear on other Heartless associated with data, namely [[Flappy Bug]]s and the [[Darkubes]]. | ||
===Nobody=== | ===Nobody=== | ||
[[File:Nobody.png|x64px]] | [[File:Nobody.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Nobody Variation.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Nobody Variation.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol Character - Roxas.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Two Become One Keychain KHIIFM.png|64px]] | [[File:Two Become One Keychain KHIIFM.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Evanescent Crystal KHIII.png|64px]]<br> | [[File:Icon Mission 2.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Evanescent Crystal KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Organization emblem KHD.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Ordeal Badge KHD.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Unity Badge KHD.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Challenge Sigil KHD.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Icon Team Days KHMOM.png|64px]]<br> | |||
The {{nihongo|[[Nobody]] symbol|ノーバディのマーク}} is primarily associated with [[Organization XIII]] and the Nobodies it commands, and many of the members' weapons incorporate the symbol into their design. Every single lesser Nobody is emblazoned with the Nobody symbol, and a few are even shaped like it. The [[Proof of Nonexistence]], [[Challenge Sigil]], [[Unity Badge]], and [[Ordeal Badge]] all feature the symbol. Certain accessories with connections to Organization XIII, such as the [[Full Bloom]] and [[Shadow Archive]], also use the symbol. The symbol is featured countless times in the architecture and decorations of the [[Castle That Never Was]] and other areas related to the Organization. [[Two Become One]] is the only Keyblade to sport the full Nobody emblem in its design. A variant of the Nobody emblem based on the original's top half appears on several [[Nobody#Gummi Nobodies|Gummi Nobodies]]. | The {{nihongo|[[Nobody]] symbol|ノーバディのマーク}} is primarily associated with [[Organization XIII]] and the Nobodies it commands, and many of the members' weapons incorporate the symbol into their design. Every single lesser Nobody is emblazoned with the Nobody symbol, and a few are even shaped like it. The [[Proof of Nonexistence]], [[Challenge Sigil]], [[Unity Badge]], and [[Ordeal Badge]] all feature the symbol. Certain accessories with connections to Organization XIII, such as the [[Full Bloom]] and [[Shadow Archive]], also use the symbol. The symbol is featured countless times in the architecture and decorations of the [[Castle That Never Was]] and other areas related to the Organization. [[Two Become One]] is the only Keyblade to sport the full Nobody emblem in its design. A variant of the Nobody emblem based on the original's top half appears on several [[Nobody#Gummi Nobodies|Gummi Nobodies]]. | ||
The Nobody emblem resembles an upside-down Heartless emblem in shape, but with several circular notches taken out of its edges. The symbol's base is shaped like an upside-down heart, while its top is a thin, spiked cross. Spikes and sharp edges often evoke the Nobody emblem without the full symbol being displayed. The symbol is usually depicted as white or silver, like most Nobodies. [[Xemnas]] created the | The Nobody emblem resembles an upside-down Heartless emblem in shape, but with several circular notches taken out of its edges. The symbol's base is shaped like an upside-down heart, while its top is a thin, spiked cross. Spikes and sharp edges often evoke the Nobody emblem without the full symbol being displayed. The symbol is usually depicted as white or silver, like most Nobodies. Though it was stated in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]'' that [[Xemnas]] created the Nobody emblem based on [[Terra]]'s fragmented memories, thus its resemblance to [[Symbols in the Kingdom Hearts series#Eraqus|Terra's Mark]]<ref name="Terra">[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|'''''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' Ultimania''']], '''Interviewer:''' "Where did the Organization's coat and mark come from?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura:''' "One year after ''Birth by Sleep'', Xehanort, as well as five other apprentices toss aside their hearts. Then the Nobody Xemnas was born, and the Organization which he creates take a lot of things from his memories, as a human. But as Xemnas had two people who he was, Terra and Master Xehanort, he takes from both of their memories. [...] The Nobody mark used by the Organization is a similar shape to the mark Terra used." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/BBS-Ultimania-20-Mysteries-Solved-2546 Translation via Lissar].</ref>, the symbol can be seen incorporated in Xehanort's armor in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Dark Road]]'', decades before the birth of Xemnas. | ||
There is a simplified version of the Nobody symbol that only features the upper spiked cross section. This varation is primarily associated with Roxas: his Twilight Town outfit uses this symbol as a zipper pull, and it is found on the Keychain token of the [[Two Become One]] Keyblade. Roxas's Alba & Ater game piece also features this symbol on the top. Similar symbols are often used to evoke the Nobody sigil, such as in [[Saïx]]'s [[Lunatic]] Claymore and [[Larxene]]'s [[Foudre]] Knives. | |||
===Unversed=== | ===Unversed=== | ||
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[[File:Sweet Dreams Keychain KH3D.png|x64px]] | [[File:Sweet Dreams Keychain KH3D.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Knockout Punch Keychain KH3D.png|x64px]] | [[File:Knockout Punch Keychain KH3D.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Stats Ability Icon KH3D.png|x64px]]<br> | [[File:Stats Ability Icon KH3D.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Icon Team 3D KHMOM.png|x64px]]<br> | |||
The [[Dream Eater]] emblems appear on almost every Dream Eater.<!--do | The [[Dream Eater]] emblems appear on almost every Dream Eater.<!--Pets do not have it.--> | ||
The Dream Eater symbols are designed in the form of hearts with certain aspects that display whether they are Spirit or Nightmare. The Spirit variant is | The Dream Eater symbols are designed in the form of hearts with certain aspects that display whether they are Spirit or Nightmare. The Spirit variant is most of the time a faded pale peach fading to a deep hot pink with a dark purple border, the tail at the bottom of the heart-shaped is bowl-shaped. Its wings are shaped more like swirls as it is given a simplistic innocent look, compared to the Nightmare version. The Nightmare variant is always colored a deep navy fading into a bright neon purple with a thick white border, the tail at the bottom of the heart-shaped symbol is cone-shaped. Its wings are shaped like bat wings with small spikes in the center and growing larger near the sides. They bear a very vague resemblance to the Heartless symbol, specifically the Nightmare version. | ||
Due to his nature within [[Sora]]'s dreams as a Dream Eater, Riku has the Spirit emblem on the back of his vest during most of '' | Due to his nature within [[Sora]]'s dreams as a Dream Eater, Riku has a black-colored version of the Spirit emblem on the back of his vest during most of ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''. | ||
=== | ===Eraqus=== | ||
[[File:Symbol - Keyblade Master.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Keyblade Master.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Keyblade Master Emblem.png|x64px]] | [[File:Keyblade Master Emblem.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Keyblade Master2.png|x64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Keyblade Master2.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Master's Defender Keychain KHBBSFM.png|x64px]] | |||
[[File:Icon Team BBS KHMOM.png|x64px]]<br> | |||
This symbol, referred to as {{nihongo|"'''Terra's Mark'''"|テラたちのマーク|Tera-tachi no Māku|lit. "The Mark of Terra and his friends"}} in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]'', is an emblem of Keyblade Wielders. The earliest known appearance of this symbol is the Keychain token on [[Brain]]'s [[Master's Defender]] Keyblade. | |||
Keyblade Wielders often wear this symbol as part of their outfit. [[Master Odin]] and his pupils – [[Heimdall]], [[Helgi]], [[Hoder]], [[Sigrun]], [[Vala]], [[Vali]], [[Vidar]], [[Xehanort]], [[Eraqus]], [[Hermod]], [[Bragi]], [[Urd]], [[Vor]], and [[Baldr]] – all wear the emblem on their clothes and [[Keyblade Armor]]. Many years later, Eraqus's own pupils [[Terra]], [[Ventus]], and [[Aqua]] wear the mark as well. | |||
This symbol is incorporated into the architecture of [[Scala ad Caelum]]. It also appears on the walls of the [[Chamber of Waking]]. Aqua's [[Wayfinder]]s have the symbol in their centers, and the emblem is featured on several Dive to the Heart Stations, including two of Ventus's Stations and the character selection screen of ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''. In ''Kingdom Hearts III'', a Gummi Ship Sticker resembling this mark is titled [[Eraqus/S]]. | |||
The transition symbol for [[Land of Departure]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHMoM}} is this emblem. | |||
This symbol resembles the Heartless and Nobody symbols in shape; it is a heart with a sharp cross at its base. The symbol is very angular and squared, and the points of its cross are much more compact and close together than those of the Nobody symbol. The symbol appears in several different colors, such as gold and silver. | |||
===Crown=== | ===Crown=== | ||
[[File:Symbol - Crown.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Crown.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Oblivion Keychain KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Icon Crown.png|x64px]] | [[File:Icon Crown.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Limit Form Orb KHIIFM.png|64px]] | [[File:Limit Form Orb KHIIFM.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Other Emblem.png|x64px]]<br> | [[File:Other Emblem.png|x64px]] | ||
Crowns are another heavily featured symbol of the series and are part of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' logo along with the curled heart symbol. Sora notably wears a silver crown necklace in most of his forms and can in fact wear a [[crown]] in ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix''. [[Puzzle]] pieces and [[Mission Crowns]] are represented by golden crowns. Limit Form and, in Halloween Town, [[Final Form]], is represented by crowns. The tops of the cards used in [[Castle Oblivion]] are shaped like the standard crown, and are featured on the front of some cards. The [[Crown-G]], the Keychain token of the [[Oblivion]], accessories such as the [[Draw Ring]], the [[Save the King]] shield, and the [[Ultima Weapon]] all incorporate crowns into their designs. Every one of Sora's Dive to the Heart Stations feature crowns. A large, glowing crown appears underneath Sora when he unlocks a World [[Gate]] | [[File:Puzzle Pieces KHIIFM.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Treasure - Crown Sticker.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Mission Crown KHD.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Game Clear Data KHIIFM.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Game Clear Data KHD.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Game Clear Data KH3D.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Game Clear Data KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Royal Radiance Keychain KHBBSFM.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Kingdom Hearts Symbol SSBU.svg|64px]] | |||
[[File:Sora Chess Piece (Art) KHIII.png|32px]]<br> | |||
Crowns are another heavily featured symbol of the series and are part of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' logo along with the curled heart symbol. Sora notably wears a silver crown necklace in most of his forms and can, in fact, wear a [[crown]] in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]''. [[Puzzle]] pieces, [[Crown Sticker]]s and [[Mission Crowns]] are represented by golden crowns. Limit Form and, in Halloween Town, [[Final Form]], is represented by crowns. The tops of the cards used in [[Castle Oblivion]] are shaped like the standard crown, and are featured on the front of some cards. The [[Crown-G]], the Keychain token of the [[Oblivion]], accessories such as the [[Draw Ring]], the [[Save the King]] shield, and the [[Ultima Weapon]] all incorporate crowns into their designs. Both the [[Royal Radiance]] and the [[Unbound]] have a gold crown with a gold circle on each of its points as the tokens of their Keychains. Every one of Sora's Dive to the Heart Stations feature crowns. A large, glowing crown appears underneath Sora when he unlocks a World [[Gate]]. Sora's [[Alba & Ater]] game piece features a crown on the top. | |||
The most widely used crown symbol in the series is a flat, three-pronged crown that appears in a wide variety of colors, most commonly gold and silver. The shape of the crowns prongs | The transition symbol for [[Hollow Bastion]]/[[Radiant Garden]]{{KHII}}{{KHMoM}} is a crown. | ||
The most widely used crown symbol in the series is a flat, three-pronged crown that appears in a wide variety of colors, most commonly gold and silver. The shape of the crowns prongs creates a negative space silhouette of the Kingdom Key's teeth. Strategy guides for the series occasionally use a yellow symbol that could be a crown viewed from above. This symbol is a ring with spikes along its outer edge and an "X" in its center, and is used to represent characters and enemies that cannot be classified as Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed or Dream Eaters. | |||
In ''{{ssb|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate}}'', the crown symbol is used to represent the ''{{ssb|Kingdom Hearts (universe)|Kingdom Hearts}}'' series. | |||
===Keyhole=== | ===Keyhole=== | ||
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[[File:Symbol - Gate Keyhole.png|64px]]<br> | [[File:Symbol - Gate Keyhole.png|64px]]<br> | ||
Every world has a [[Keyhole]] that leads to its heart and can be locked by the Keyblade. Locking all of the Keyholes is Sora's primary objective in the original ''Kingdom Hearts''. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', Sora seeks out and unlocks [[Gate]]s, which are represented by large, glowing keyholes. When the χ-blade | Every world has a [[Keyhole]] that leads to its heart and can be locked by the Keyblade. Locking all of the Keyholes is Sora's primary objective in the original ''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]''. In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', Sora seeks out and unlocks [[Gate]]s, which are represented by large, glowing keyholes. The complete χ-blade is capable of summoning countless keyhole-shaped gates to anywhere in the realms. When the incomplete χ-blade is destroyed, it releases beams of energy which radiate keyhole-shaped symbols. | ||
The transition symbol for [[Twilight Town]]{{KHII}}{{KHD}}{{KHMoM}}, [[Destiny Islands]]{{KHc}}{{KHMoM}}, and [[System Sector]]{{KHMoM}} is a keyhole. | |||
The Keyhole symbol is normally depicted as a simple silhouette of an old-fashioned keyhole, one that a [[Kingdom Key|skeleton key]] could unlock. | The Keyhole symbol is normally depicted as a simple silhouette of an old-fashioned keyhole, one that a [[Kingdom Key|skeleton key]] could unlock. | ||
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[[File:Symbol - Keyblade1.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Keyblade1.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Keyblade2.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Keyblade2.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Keyblade3.png|x64px]]<br> | [[File:Symbol - Keyblade3.png|x64px]] | ||
[[File:Icon Attack KH3D.png|x64px]]<br> | |||
Keys are recurring symbols in the series, mainly through the use of the Keyblade by the main characters. The simplified key symbol is used to represent physical attacks with the Keyblade in the [[Command Menu]] and [[Command Deck]] and similar menus. | |||
The transition symbol for the [[Keyblade Graveyard]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHIII}}{{KHMoM}} is a Keyblade. | |||
Excluding the many different forms that Keyblades take, the common key symbol resembles a simplified Kingdom Key. The Kingdom Key, in turn, is modeled after a skeleton key, a type of key that was designed to open any lock. | Excluding the many different forms that Keyblades take, the common key symbol resembles a simplified Kingdom Key. The Kingdom Key, in turn, is modeled after a skeleton key, a type of key that was designed to open any lock. | ||
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Chi is the twenty-second letter in the Greek alphabet, from which the Latin letter "X" is derived. Master [[Xehanort]] can form a glowing, stylized version of the letter in his hand. According to him, χ is "a most ancient letter" that represents death and endings, and it can be pronounced "kye" or "key". The letter χ lends its name and form to the χ-blade, which features two Kingdom Keys crossed in an "X"-shape on the blade and Keychain token. | Chi is the twenty-second letter in the Greek alphabet, from which the Latin letter "X" is derived. Master [[Xehanort]] can form a glowing, stylized version of the letter in his hand. According to him, χ is "a most ancient letter" that represents death and endings, and it can be pronounced "kye" or "key". The letter χ lends its name and form to the χ-blade, which features two Kingdom Keys crossed in an "X"-shape on the blade and Keychain token. | ||
[[Xemnas]]<!--and the Master, per Back Cover prophecy--> adds a similar-looking "X" known as the {{nihongo|'''Recusant's Sigil'''|異端の印|Itan no shirushi|lit. "Mark of heresy"}} to the names of all members of Organization XIII. This is because he vaguely remembers Master Xehanort's fascination with the χ-blade.<ref>[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|'''''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' Ultimania''']], '''Interviewer:''' "Where did the Organization's coat and mark come from?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura:''' "One year after ''Birth by Sleep'', Xehanort, as well as five other apprentices toss aside their hearts. Then the Nobody Xemnas was born, and the Organization which he creates take a lot of things from his memories, as a human. But as Xemnas had two people who he was, Terra and Master Xehanort, he takes from both of their memories. [...] Xemnas gives Organization members names with an X in them. This has something to do with Master Xehanort's interest in the χ-blade." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/BBS-Ultimania-20-Mysteries-Solved-2546 Translation via Lissar].</ref> According to Young Xehanort, the Recusant's Sigil can be used to track a person's location once he or she has been marked with it. During his [[Mark of Mastery exam]] in the [[Sleeping Worlds]], | [[Xemnas]]<!--and the Master, per Back Cover prophecy--> adds a similar-looking "X" known as the {{nihongo|'''Recusant's Sigil'''|異端の印|Itan no shirushi|lit. "Mark of heresy"}} to the names of all members of Organization XIII. This is because he vaguely remembers Master Xehanort's fascination with the χ-blade.<ref>[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|'''''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' Ultimania''']], '''Interviewer:''' "Where did the Organization's coat and mark come from?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura:''' "One year after ''Birth by Sleep'', Xehanort, as well as five other apprentices toss aside their hearts. Then the Nobody Xemnas was born, and the Organization which he creates take a lot of things from his memories, as a human. But as Xemnas had two people who he was, Terra and Master Xehanort, he takes from both of their memories. [...] Xemnas gives Organization members names with an X in them. This has something to do with Master Xehanort's interest in the χ-blade." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/BBS-Ultimania-20-Mysteries-Solved-2546 Translation via Lissar].</ref> During the battle between the [[Guardians of Light]] and [[real Organization XIII]], Lea, Roxas, and Xion "take back what's theirs" by forcing three glowing χ symbols out of Xemnas. While Roxas states that the Recusant's Sigils will fade when Xemnas dies, he wanted to reclaim it and his identity for himself. The three repurposed the meaning of the Recusant's Sigil to represent their friendship. | ||
According to Young Xehanort, the Recusant's Sigil can be used to track a person's location once he or she has been marked with it. During his [[Mark of Mastery exam]] in the [[Sleeping Worlds]], Sora is marked with the Recusant's Sigil by [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]] so that the [[Real Organization XIII|other incarnations]] of [[Xehanort]] can keep an eye on him. The Recusant's Sigil appears on Sora's shirt in the form of a silver "X." | |||
The designs of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus's outfits were each inspired by the Latin letter "X."<ref>[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|'''''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' Ultimania''']], '''Interviewer:''' "Was it easy to decide on the design for the three main characters?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura:''' "No, it was actually pretty difficult. Especially since all three of them would change into armor, when I began to work on their design I had decided that they would hit a round device to change into the armor. But how I could incorporate that device into their clothing was pretty difficult to decide. Also, since one of the secret keywords in the story is "X", I decided that I had to put that somewhere in the design of their clothes." [https://forums.khinsider.com/kingdom-hearts-general/147012-ultimania-full-nomura-interview.html Translation via Lissar].</ref> | The designs of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus's outfits were each inspired by the Latin letter "X."<ref>[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|'''''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' Ultimania''']], '''Interviewer:''' "Was it easy to decide on the design for the three main characters?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura:''' "No, it was actually pretty difficult. Especially since all three of them would change into armor, when I began to work on their design I had decided that they would hit a round device to change into the armor. But how I could incorporate that device into their clothing was pretty difficult to decide. Also, since one of the secret keywords in the story is "X", I decided that I had to put that somewhere in the design of their clothes." [https://forums.khinsider.com/kingdom-hearts-general/147012-ultimania-full-nomura-interview.html Translation via Lissar].</ref> | ||
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===Stars=== | ===Stars=== | ||
[[File:Symbol - Lucky Charm.png|64px]] | [[File:Symbol - Lucky Charm.png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Symbol - Lux.png|64px]]<br> | [[File:Wayfinder Front (Artwork).png|64px]] | ||
[[File:Brightcrest Keychain KHBBS.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Symbol - Lux.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Lux KHX.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Wishing Star Keychain KH.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Golden Star Charm.png|32px]] | |||
[[File:Star Shard (Art).png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Starlight Keychain (Base) KHX.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Kairi Chess Piece (Art) KHIII.png|32px]] | |||
<br> | |||
Stars are frequently-seen symbols in the series and are often associated with the various Worlds in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe. [[Star]]s in the night sky are actually other, distant Worlds. Stars fade out when the corresponding world has been destroyed; the disappearance of many stars is what prompted [[Mickey Mouse]] to find a way to stop the Heartless, beginning the events of the original ''Kingdom Hearts''. | Stars are frequently-seen symbols in the series and are often associated with the various Worlds in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe. [[Star]]s in the night sky are actually other, distant Worlds. Stars fade out when the corresponding world has been destroyed; the disappearance of many stars is what prompted [[Mickey Mouse]] to find a way to stop the Heartless, beginning the events of the original ''Kingdom Hearts''. | ||
An artifact called the [[Star Shard]] allowed for transportation from one World to another, albeit randomly. Several accessories and Keyblades incorporate stars into their designs, such as the [[Star Seeker]]. [[ | An artifact called the [[Star Shard]] allowed for transportation from one World to another, albeit randomly. Several accessories and Keyblades incorporate stars into their designs, such as the [[Star Seeker]]. [[Paopu fruit]] are star-shaped fruit which supposedly create bonds between friends that can span many different Worlds. [[Wayfinder]]s, lucky charms modeled after paopu fruit, have a similar reputation. In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', as part of [[Marluxia]]'s plot to brainwash Sora, [[Naminé]] changes the appearance of [[Kairi]]'s Wayfinder to that of a simple star charm. The Wayfinders made by Aqua in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' manifest these bonds of friendship physically, in the form of the [[Dimension Link]] system. Paopu fruit and Wayfinders are featured in the designs of several important Keyblades, including the Ultima Weapon and [[Oathkeeper]]. A star is the Keychain token of the [[Wishing Star]]. [[Yen Sid]]'s powerful sorcerer's hat is adorned with several stars and moons. In [[The Final World]], those who linger there are represented by floating points of light arranged to form the shape of a star. Kairi's [[Alba & Ater]] game piece features a star on the top. | ||
In ''Kingdom Hearts χ [chi]'' [[Lux]], a form of light, is introduced that together with the related Crystals of Light are also star-shaped | In ''Kingdom Hearts χ [chi]'' [[Lux]], a form of light, is introduced that together with the related Crystals of Light are also star-shaped. Additionally, every Keyblade releases a unique star when hitting an object or enemy, and many avatar parts incorporate stars, with the crowns on the Sora themed boards being replaced by stars. | ||
The transition symbol for [[Daybreak Town]]{{KHx}} and [[Game Central Station]]{{Ux}} is a Lux icon. | |||
==Minor symbols== | ==Minor symbols== | ||
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Even in the real world, the ''{{w|fleur-de-lis}}'' is an extremely old and widespread symbol. It is a stylized flower, specifically a lily or iris, with a diverse range of meanings, but it has been most commonly associated with royalty or purity, and is the symbol of the French monarchy. Within the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, the ''fleur-de-lis'' appears on several accessories and weapons, such as the [[Master Ring]] and [[Midnight Roar]], the door to [[Timeless River]], various areas and uniforms in the [[Country of the Musketeers]] and two Dive to the Heart Stations: one of Ventus's Stations and the Station displaying silhouettes of three princesses. A standard ''fleur-de-lis'' is used to represent [[Valor Form]], while a stylized version of the symbol—one shaped like an "X"—represents [[Master Form]]. The [[Old Mansion]] features a unique symbol that combines the crown, heart, and ''fleur-de-lis'' symbols. In [[Traverse Town]], the ''fleur-de-lis'' symbol appears as a huge sign for the Accessory Shop. | Even in the real world, the ''{{w|fleur-de-lis}}'' is an extremely old and widespread symbol. It is a stylized flower, specifically a lily or iris, with a diverse range of meanings, but it has been most commonly associated with royalty or purity, and is the symbol of the French monarchy. Within the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, the ''fleur-de-lis'' appears on several accessories and weapons, such as the [[Master Ring]] and [[Midnight Roar]], the door to [[Timeless River]], various areas and uniforms in the [[Country of the Musketeers]] and two Dive to the Heart Stations: one of Ventus's Stations and the Station displaying silhouettes of three princesses. A standard ''fleur-de-lis'' is used to represent [[Valor Form]], while a stylized version of the symbol—one shaped like an "X"—represents [[Master Form]]. The [[Old Mansion]] features a unique symbol that combines the crown, heart, and ''fleur-de-lis'' symbols. In [[Traverse Town]], the ''fleur-de-lis'' symbol appears as a huge sign for the Accessory Shop. | ||
The transition symbol for [[Country of the Musketeers]]{{KH3D}}{{KHMoM}} is a fleur-de-lis. | |||
[[ | |||
===Hidden Mickey=== | |||
[[File:Symbol Character - Mickey.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Kingdom Key Keychain KHII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Kingdom Key D Keychain KHII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Victory Line Keychain KHBBS.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Braveheart Keychain KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Star Cluster Keychain KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Elemental Encoder Keychain KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Advent Red Keychain KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Game Clear Data KHREC.png|40px]] | |||
[[File:Station Kingdom of Corona KHIII.png|64px]] | |||
[[File:Mickey Chess Piece (Art) KHIII.png|32px]]<br> | |||
The silhouette of Mickey Mouse's head is frequently used to represent not only Mickey himself, but Disney as a whole. [[Disney Town]] and [[Disney Castle]] feature the symbol heavily, and three of the many craters in the [[Keyblade Graveyard]] form the silhouette as well. The symbol is also incorporated into the [[Trinity Limit]] circle, [[Gimmick Card]]s, and certain weapons such as the [[Dream Sword]]. It serves as the Keychain token for the Kingdom Key, [[Kingdom Key D]], [[Victory Line]], [[Braveheart]], and the [[Star Cluster]] Keyblades. King Mickey uses the symbol to seal all of his official letters.<!--Goofy: Gawrsh, that's the king's seal!--> In the Sleeping Worlds, [[La Cite Des Cloches]], [[The Grid]] and [[Prankster's Paradise]] are arranged to make up a Hidden Mickey. In ''Kingdom Hearts III'', the Station of Awakening for the facsimile of the [[Kingdom of Corona]] in The Final World bears the silhouette around the circumference of its design, as it is where Sora finds Mickey's heart and rescues it from the Lich. Mickey's [[Alba & Ater]] game piece features a Mickey head on the top. | |||
[[ | |||
[[ | |||
[[ | |||
The transition symbol for [[Disney Castle]]{{KHII}} and [[Disney Town]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHMoM}} is a Hidden Mickey. | |||
In '' | In ''Kingdom Hearts III'', the symbol appears across nearly all worlds in the form of [[Lucky Emblem]]s. While some are true Hidden Mickeys formed by items lining up properly into shape, others are simply the image of the symbol stamped onto the surroundings. | ||
In the real world, Disney places {{w|Hidden Mickey}}s in many of its properties, including Disney theme parks and scenes in many Disney movies. | In the real world, Disney places {{w|Hidden Mickey}}s in many of its properties, including Disney theme parks and scenes in many Disney movies. | ||
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[[File:Symbol - Book of Prophecies.png|64px]]<br> | [[File:Symbol - Book of Prophecies.png|64px]]<br> | ||
The symbol of the [[Book of Prophecies]] appears embossed on the cover of the titular book. Similar in design to Terra's mark and the Nobody symbol, it is an ornate heart with an elongated spiked cross at the bottom. | The symbol of the [[Book of Prophecies]] appears embossed on the cover of the titular book. Similar in design to Terra's mark and the Nobody symbol, it is an ornate heart with an elongated spiked cross at the bottom. | ||
A unique Dive to the Heart station in the menus of ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'' features the emblem. One of the chess pieces that appears in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' also bears this symbol. It can be seen drawn on a chalkboard in [[Yen Sid's Tower]] during the events of ''Kingdom Hearts III''. | |||
===Gazing Eye=== | ===Gazing Eye=== | ||
[[File:Symbol - Eye | [[File:Symbol - Gazing Eye.png|64px]]<br> | ||
The {{nihongo|'''Gazing Eye'''|見つめる目|Mitsumeru Me}} is a blue eye with a {{w|cymophane|cat's eye}} iris which belongs to the [[Master of Masters]]. He placed it within [[ | The {{nihongo|'''Gazing Eye'''|見つめる目|Mitsumeru Me}} is a blue eye with a {{w|cymophane|cat's eye}} iris which belongs to the [[Master of Masters]]. He placed it within the [[No Name]] Keyblade, then asked [[Luxu]] to pass it down from apprentice to apprentice, eventually reaching [[Xehanort]] in order to have it observe its surroundings throughout the eons and pass those back to the Master in his own era. Aside from the No Name, the Gazing Eye is also visible in its alternate form as [[Young Xehanort's Keyblade]], as well as his Clock, while the symbol appears on the Keyblades or Keychain tokens of his other apprentices, the [[Foreteller]]s, as well as those of [[Xehanort]]: Vanitas's [[Void Gear]], Terra's [[Chaos Ripper]] and [[Darkgnaw]], Riku's [[Soul Eater]] and [[Way to the Dawn]], Riku and Sora's [[End of Pain]], and [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]'s dual Soul Eater polearm. A red variation of the Gazing Eye is also present in the Fake Attack Card picture, dropped by {{ns|Game|Zexion}}. | ||
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | {|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | ||
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File:No Name Keychain KHBBS.png | File:No Name Keychain KHBBS.png | ||
File:Young Xehanort's Keyblade KH3D.png | File:Young Xehanort's Keyblade KH3D.png | ||
File:Clock KH3D.png | |||
File:End of Pain KH3D.png | File:End of Pain KH3D.png | ||
File:End of Pain Keychain KH3D.png | File:End of Pain Keychain KH3D.png | ||
| Line 188: | Line 254: | ||
File:Foreteller Aced's Keyblade Keychain KHX.png | File:Foreteller Aced's Keyblade Keychain KHX.png | ||
File:Foreteller Ava's Keyblade Keychain KHX.png | File:Foreteller Ava's Keyblade Keychain KHX.png | ||
File: | File:Fake Attack Card (card).png | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 205: | Line 271: | ||
[[File:Symbol Character - Vanitas.png|64px|Vanitas]]<br> | [[File:Symbol Character - Vanitas.png|64px|Vanitas]]<br> | ||
The Ultimania strategy guides use miscellaneous symbols not used anywhere else to represent certain important characters. | The Ultimania strategy guides use miscellaneous symbols not used anywhere else to represent certain important characters. Kairi's symbol is made of three small circles superimposed over a thin cross. Naminé is represented by a white flower superimposed over a black four-pointed star, and resembles Roxas's symbol. Both Donald and Goofy are represented by stylized crosses; Donald's is formed by four silhouettes of his mage's hat, while Goofy's seems to be based on the Hidden Mickey symbol on his shield. [[Jiminy Cricket]] and [[Pluto]]'s symbols are X-shaped and formed by crossed silhouettes of umbrellas and bones, respectively. [[Ansem the Wise]]'s symbol is based on the odd, squared cross shape formed by the front of DiZ's cloak. [[Pete]] is represented by a stylized silhouette of his own head, and [[Maleficent]]'s symbol is a cross formed by four silhouettes of her horned hood. | ||
[[Pete]] has an additional symbol, a coat of arms seen above his door to Timeless River. The coat of arms is a grayscale shield adorned by the same stylized symbol of Pete's head, two arms with closed fists along the top, a letter "P", a cigar, and another closed fist at its base. Vanitas's crest is depicted as two halves of a gear arranged in an "S" shape, and appears on his and Ventus's fused Dive to the Heart Station, as the Keychain token for both versions of the [[Void Gear]], and on the portal that initiates the battle with the [[Vanitas Remnant]]. | [[Pete]] has an additional symbol, a coat of arms seen above his door to Timeless River. The coat of arms is a grayscale shield adorned by the same stylized symbol of Pete's head, two arms with closed fists along the top, a letter "P", a cigar, and another closed fist at its base. Vanitas's crest is depicted as two halves of a gear arranged in an "S" shape, and appears on his and Ventus's fused Dive to the Heart Station, as the Keychain token for both versions of the [[Void Gear]], and on the portal that initiates the battle with the [[Vanitas Remnant]]. | ||
| Line 224: | Line 290: | ||
[[File:Roxas's Replica Data KHIIFM.png|64px|Roxas's Oblivion and Oathkeeper]]<br> | [[File:Roxas's Replica Data KHIIFM.png|64px|Roxas's Oblivion and Oathkeeper]]<br> | ||
Each Organization XIII member has a symbol displaying a black silhouette of his or her exclusive weapon. For members that carry multiple weapons, such as [[Xaldin]], only the silhouette of one weapon is shown. However, both of Roxas's Keyblades and three of Larxene's Knives are silhouetted on their personal panels. Xemnas is the only member whose primary weapons, the [[Interdiction]] Ethereal Blades, are not silhouetted. Instead, Xemnas is represented by the silhouette of the shield used by his dragon form. | Each [[Organization XIII]] member has a symbol displaying a black silhouette of his or her exclusive weapon. For members that carry multiple weapons, such as [[Xaldin]], only the silhouette of one weapon is shown. However, both of Roxas's Keyblades and three of Larxene's Knives are silhouetted on their personal panels. Xemnas is the only member whose primary weapons, the [[Interdiction]] Ethereal Blades, are not silhouetted. Instead, Xemnas is represented by the silhouette of the shield used by his dragon form. | ||
The symbols are used like tombstones to represent each member in [[Proof of Existence]] and the [[Garden of Assemblage]]. | The symbols are used like tombstones to represent each member in [[Proof of Existence]] and the [[Garden of Assemblage]]. | ||
==Real Organization XIII weapon symbols== | |||
[[File:Master Xehanort's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Master Xehanort's χ-blade]] | |||
[[File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Ansem's Heartless emblem]] | |||
[[File:Xemnas's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Xemnas's Interdiction]] | |||
[[File:Xigbar's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Xigbar's Sharpshooter]] | |||
[[File:Luxord's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Luxord's Fair Game]] | |||
[[File:Larxene's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Larxene's Foudre]] | |||
[[File:Marluxia's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Marluxia's Graceful Dahlia]] | |||
[[File:Saïx's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Saïx's Lunatic]] | |||
[[File:Terra-Xehanort's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Terra-Xehanort's No Name]] | |||
[[File:Dark Riku's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Dark Riku's Soul Eater]] | |||
[[File:Vanitas's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Vanitas's Void Gear]] | |||
[[File:Young Xehanort's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Young Xehanort's Keyblade]] | |||
[[File:Xion's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|64px|Xion's Replica Kingdom Key]]<br> | |||
Each [[real Organization XIII]] member has a symbol displaying a black silhouette of his or her exclusive weapon. Returning members from the original Organization XIII retain their symbols, with the exception of Xemnas, who acquires a new symbol representing his Interdiction. Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, who carries no weapon, is represented by the Heartless emblem instead. | |||
Like the original Organization XIII, the symbols are used to represent each member in the [[Garden of Assemblage]] [[datascape]]. | |||
==Additional world symbols== | ==Additional world symbols== | ||
Whole Worlds are represented by simple symbols of their own that appear in the screen fade when transitioning from one room to the other in the appropriate World, first introduced in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. | Whole Worlds are represented by simple symbols of their own that appear in the screen fade when transitioning from one room to the other in the appropriate World, first introduced in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. | ||
[[File:Symbol - Alba & Ater.png|40x40px]]The '''Alba & Ater''' symbol references the game that Xehanort and Eraqus played in their youth. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Scala ad Caelum]]{{RM}}. | |||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
[[File:Symbol - Apple.png|40x40px]][[File:Symbol - Apple2.png|40x40px]] The '''Apple''' symbol references the poisoned apple [[The Queen]] gave to [[Snow White]]. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Dwarf Woodlands]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHx}}{{KHMoM}}. It also appears on the [[Treasure Trove]]'s carousel. | |||
{{-}} | |||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Baymax.png|40x40px]] The '''Baymax's face''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[San Fransokyo]]{{KHIII}}{{KHMoM}}. | ||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Bell.png|40x40px]][[File:Guardian Bell Keychain KH3D.png|40x40px]] The '''Bell''' symbol references the bells within the Notre Dame. It is used as the transition symbol for [[La Cité des Cloches]]{{KH3D}}{{KHMoM}}, and as the Keychain of the [[Guardian Bell]]. | ||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Cheshire Cat.png|40x40px]] The '''Cheshire Cat's face''' is used as the transition symbol for [[Wonderland]]{{KHx}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Chinese Ornament.png|40x40px]] The '''Chinese pattern''' symbol references latticework windows in Chinese architecture. It is used as the transition symbol for [[The Land of Dragons]]{{KHII}}{{KHMoM}} | ||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Circle.png|40x40px]] The '''Circle''' symbol references an {{w|iris shot}}, a technique used in early Disney cartoons. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Timeless River]]{{KHII}}{{KHMoM}}.<!--Ultimania calls it pin spot - ピンスポット ?--> | ||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Data.png|40x40px]] The '''Corrupted Data''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[System Sector]]s{{KHc}}.<!--Not sure what this looks like.--> | ||
File: | {{-}} | ||
File: | [[File:Symbol - Cy-Bug.png|40x40px]] The '''Cy-Bug''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Cy-Bug Sector]]{{Ux}}. | ||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Feather.png|40x40px]][[File:Fairy Harp Keychain KH.png|40x40px]][[File:Pixie Petal Keychain KHBBS.png|40x40px]] The '''Feather''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Neverland]]{{KHD}}{{KHMoM}}, and as the Keychain of the [[Fairy Harp]] and [[Pixie Petal]]. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Fishes.png|40x40px]] The '''Fishes''' symbol consists of two fishes with five air bubbles. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Atlantica]]{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Glass Slipper.png|40x40px]] The '''Glass slipper''' symbol references [[Cinderella]]'s glass slipper. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Castle of Dreams]]{{KHBbS}}{{Ux}}{{KHMoM}}, as the Keychain of the [[Stroke of Midnight]], and on the Stroke of Midnight's carousel. | ||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
File: | [[File:Symbol - Hammer.png|40x40px]] The '''Hammer''' symbol references [[Fix-It Felix, Jr.]]'s hammer. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Niceland]]{{Ux}}. | ||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Honey Pot.png|40x40px]][[File:Hunny Spout Keychain KHIII.png|40x40px]] The '''Honey Pot''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[100 Acre Wood]]{{KHII}}{{KHIII}}, and as the Keychain of the [[Hunny Spout]]. | ||
File:Symbol - Note (SoS).png| | {{-}} | ||
[[File:Symbol - Identity Disk.png|40x40px]][[File:Symbol - Identity Disk2.png|40x40px]][[File:Photon Debugger Keychain KHII.png|40x40px]][[File:Dual Disc Keychain KH3D.png|40x40px]] The '''Identity Disk''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Space Paranoids]]{{KHII}}{{KHMoM}} and [[The Grid]]{{KH3D}}{{KHMoM}}, and as the Keychain of the [[Photon Debugger]] and [[Dual Disc]]. | |||
File:Symbol - | {{-}} | ||
[[File:Symbol - Pumpkin.png|40x40px]][[File:Pumpkinhead Keychain KH.png|40x40px]] The '''Jack o' Lantern''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Halloween Town]]{{KHII}}{{KHD}}{{KHMoM}}, and as the Keychain of the [[Pumpkinhead]]. | |||
{{-}} | |||
File:Symbol - | [[File:Symbol - Lightning.png|40x40px]][[File:Olympus Stone KHII.png|40x40px]][[File:Herc's Shield KH.png|40x40px]][[File:Olympia Keychain KH.png|40x40px]][[File:Hero's Crest Keychain KHII.png|40x40px]][[File:Mark of a Hero Keychain KHBBS.png|40x40px]][[File:Hero's Origin Keychain KHIII.png|40x40px]] The '''Lightning Bolt''' symbol consists of a cloud with a lightning bolt striking from it, and is associated with [[Zeus]]. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Olympus Coliseum]]{{KHII}}{{KHD}}{{KHBbS}}{{KHc}}{{KHx}}{{KHMoM}} and [[Olympus]]{{KHIII}}. It also appears on the [[Olympus Stone]], [[Herc's Shield]], as the Keychain of the [[Olympia]], [[Hero's Crest]], [[Mark of a Hero]], and [[Hero's Origin]], and on the Olympia's carousel. | ||
<!--no khbbs mirage arena, kh3d dtth, khc dtth, 0.2, khc castle oblivion, khx graveyard | {{-}} | ||
[[File:Symbol - Lion.png|40x40px]] The '''Lion''' symbol resembles [[Rafiki]]'s painting of a young [[Simba]]. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Pride Lands]]{{KHII}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Lamp.png|40x40px]][[File:Symbol - Lamp2.png|40x40px]][[File:Three Wishes Keychain KH.png|40x40px]][[File:Wishing Lamp Keychain KHII.png|40x40px]] The '''Magic Lamp''' is an item that houses a [[Genie]]. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Agrabah]]{{KHII}}{{KHD}}{{KHc}}{{KHx}}{{KHMoM}}, as the Keychain of the [[Three Wishes]] and [[Wishing Lamp]], and on the Three Wishes's carousel. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Monsters, Inc..png|40x40px]] The '''Monsters, Inc. Logo''' is used as the transition symbol for [[Monstropolis]]{{KHIII}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Monstro.png|40x40px]] The '''Monstro'''-shaped symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Monstro]]{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Note.png|40x40px]][[File:Symbol - Note (SoS).png|40x40px]] The '''Musical Note''' symbol comes in two variations. One variation consists of a large {{w|eighth note}} and a smaller group of two {{w|sixteenth note}}s, and is used as the transition symbol for [[Atlantica]]{{KHII}}{{KHMoM}}. The second variation consists of a large eighth note and a small four-pointed star, and is used as the transition symbol for [[Symphony of Sorcery]]{{KH3D}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Imprint.png|40x40px]] The '''Paw Print''' symbol references [[Experiment 626]]'s handprint, and is used as the transition symbol for [[Deep Space]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Pinocchio.png|40x40px]] The '''Pinocchio''' symbol, first seen on a book in the {{w|Pinocchio (1940 film)|original film}}, is used as the transition symbol for [[Prankster's Paradise]]{{KH3D}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Raid Boss.png|40x40px]] The '''Raid Boss''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Raid Boss]]es in the [[Realm of Darkness]]{{Ux}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Reaper.png|40x40px]] The '''Reaper's Logo''', originally from ''{{w|The World Ends with You}}'', is used as the transition symbol for [[Traverse Town]]{{KH3D}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Rose.png|40x40px]][[File:Divine Rose Keychain KH.png|40x40px]][[File:Rumbling Rose Keychain KHII.png|40x40px]] The '''Rose''' symbol references the Beast's enchanted rose, which is important for breaking his curse. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Beast's Castle]]{{KHII}}{{KHD}}{{KHx}}{{KHMoM}}, as the Keychain of the [[Divine Rose]] and [[Rumbling Rose]], and on the Divine Rose's carousel. A rose also appears on [[Belle]]'s station in the [[Dive to the Heart]]. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Sheriff Star.png|40x40px]] The '''Sheriff's badge''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Toy Box]]{{KHIII}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Skull Rock.png|40x40px]] The '''Skull Rock''' silhouette is used as the transition symbol for [[Neverland]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Skull & Crossbones.png|40x40px]][[File:Symbol - Skull & Crossbones KHIII.png|40x40px]] The '''Skull & Crossbones''' symbol is commonly associated with pirates. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Port Royal]]{{KHII}}. A different version is used as the transition symbol for [[The Caribbean]]{{KHIII}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Snowflake.png|40x40px]] The '''Snowflake''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Arendelle]]{{KHIII}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Magic Hat.png|40x40px]] The '''Sorcerer's Hat''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for the [[Mysterious Tower]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Spade.png|40x40px]] The '''Spade''' is one of the four suits of cards. It is used as the transition symbol for [[Wonderland]]{{KHD}}{{KHc}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Sun.png|40x40px]] The '''Sun''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Kingdom of Corona]]{{KHIII}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Whirl.png|40x40px]][[File:Symbol - Whirl2.png|40x40px]] The '''Swirl of Darkness''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for the [[Dark World]]{{KHBbS}}{{KH0.2}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Book.png|40x40px]] The '''Thorn-covered banner''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Enchanted Dominion]]{{KHBbS}}{{KHx}}{{KHMoM}}. | |||
{{-}} | |||
[[File:Symbol - Trophy.png|40x40px]] The '''Trophy''' symbol is used as the transition symbol for [[Candy Kingdom]]{{Ux}}. | |||
<!--no khbbs mirage arena, kh3d dtth, khc dtth, 0.2, khc castle oblivion, khx graveyard transitions--> | |||
==Compilations== | ==Compilations== | ||
| Line 282: | Line 406: | ||
[[File:Young Xehanort's Spell Circle KHBBS.png|x128px|Young Xehanort's spell circle from ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'']] | [[File:Young Xehanort's Spell Circle KHBBS.png|x128px|Young Xehanort's spell circle from ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'']] | ||
[[File:Armor of Eraqus's Spell Circle KHBBSFM.png|x128px|Armor of Eraqus's spell circle from ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix'']] | [[File:Armor of Eraqus's Spell Circle KHBBSFM.png|x128px|Armor of Eraqus's spell circle from ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix'']] | ||
[[File:Master Xehanort's Spell Circle KHIII.png|x128px|Spell circle used by Master Xehanort and the Replica Xehanorts from ''Kingdom Hearts III'']] | |||
[[File:Double Form Spell Circle KHIII.png|x128px|Spell circle used by Sora during the Double Form finisher ''Kingdom Hearts III'']] | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
The Trinity Limit circle is a compilation of small heart symbols, ''fleur-de-lis'' symbols, and Mickey Heads. | The Trinity Limit circle is a compilation of small heart symbols, ''fleur-de-lis'' symbols, and Mickey Heads. | ||
| Line 288: | Line 414: | ||
==Notes and references== | ==Notes and references== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Symbol images]] | [[Category:Symbol images]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:34, 6 November 2024
Oh no! The water! I'm in big trouble if I don't fetch it!
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This article requires cleanup or improvement.
Please help out by editing this page. Please see the Manual of Style and editing help before getting started. Issues: KH3 gummi stickers give official names to many of these; add or identify room transitions for KH3; Add a section and image(s) for Xion's mask/mirrored crown symbol |
The Kingdom Hearts series uses an extensive array of recurring symbols, some original and some derived from real-world sources, with deep significance to its story and characters. This page compiles the most important of these symbols and details their use in the series.
Main symbols[edit]
Heart[edit]
Hearts are some of the most recognizable and prominent symbols associated with the series; one type of heart symbol is featured on the series logo and, as a result, on the majority of real-world Kingdom Hearts merchandise. The most recognizable heart symbol is depicted as the outline of a heart with tips that curl inward at its top. More simplified solid heart designs also appear in the series, although they are featured less prominently.
The symbol appears on the back of every Card; on Limit Form's outfit in Halloween Town; in several worlds, such as Hollow Bastion, The World That Never Was, Traverse Town, and Radiant Garden; on Riku's Dive to the Heart station in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind; and on several Keyblades and miscellaneous weapons. Simplified heart symbols appear less frequently, but are featured in Trinity Marks, several Keyblades, Wonderland – typically with the Queen of Hearts – and the heart-shaped moon that is Kingdom Hearts. A few Pureblood Heartless have heart-shaped holes in their chests.
The transition symbols for Traverse Town[KH coded][KH MoM], Hollow Bastion[KH coded], Radiant Garden[KH BbS][KH MoM], and The World That Never Was[KH II][KH Days][KH 3D][KH MoM] are hearts.
Heartless[edit]
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The Heartless symbol is used, as its name suggests, to represent the Heartless, specifically Emblem Heartless. The standard Heartless emblem is displayed on every single Emblem Heartless, as well as Ansem, Seeker of Darkness's chest and certain weapons related to Heartless, such as the Akashic Record and Precious Mushroom. In the End of the World, the doorway leading to the Final Rest area is shaped like the Heartless emblem. The Heartless emblem without the barbed "X" is commonly associated with Riku. When using Dark Mode, Riku wears the symbol on his chest, and the aforementioned lack of a thorny cross symbolizes the fact he hasn't completely lost his heart to the darkness.[1] In Kingdom Hearts III, the Station of Awakening for the facsimile of Olympus in The Final World bears the same symbol around the circumference of its design, as it is where Sora finds Riku's heart and rescues it from the Lich. Riku's Alba & Ater game piece features this symbol on the top as well. It is also the Keychain token of his main Keyblade, Way to the Dawn. In its appearances in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and onwards, the token's design integrates elements of the recurring heart symbol, curling the tips of the Heartless emblem's red outline inward at the top. The Keychain token of the χ-blade is a black and red heart resembling the Heartless emblem, but with two Kingdom Keys crossed over it in place of the normal red design. In the World of Chaos fight, the arena is shaped like a blue Heartless insignia.
The Heartless emblem is comprised of a heart with a fleur-de-lis at its base. It is typically black with a red outline and barbed "X" crossing through the heart in the symbol, which symbolizes the fact that Heartless act without emotions, hence their name. A common variation of the Heartless emblem is a completely black silhouette, lacking the cross over the heart. A third variation is simply a heart featuring the color scheme of the standard Heartless symbol, a black body and red outline, but also lacks the cross.
Bug Blox[edit]
The Bug Blox have symbols on each side of their bodies. They resemble circles connected by some lines, representing the corrupted nature of the digital bugs.
Similar markings appear on other Heartless associated with data, namely Flappy Bugs and the Darkubes.
Nobody[edit]
The Nobody symbol (ノーバディのマーク) is primarily associated with Organization XIII and the Nobodies it commands, and many of the members' weapons incorporate the symbol into their design. Every single lesser Nobody is emblazoned with the Nobody symbol, and a few are even shaped like it. The Proof of Nonexistence, Challenge Sigil, Unity Badge, and Ordeal Badge all feature the symbol. Certain accessories with connections to Organization XIII, such as the Full Bloom and Shadow Archive, also use the symbol. The symbol is featured countless times in the architecture and decorations of the Castle That Never Was and other areas related to the Organization. Two Become One is the only Keyblade to sport the full Nobody emblem in its design. A variant of the Nobody emblem based on the original's top half appears on several Gummi Nobodies.
The Nobody emblem resembles an upside-down Heartless emblem in shape, but with several circular notches taken out of its edges. The symbol's base is shaped like an upside-down heart, while its top is a thin, spiked cross. Spikes and sharp edges often evoke the Nobody emblem without the full symbol being displayed. The symbol is usually depicted as white or silver, like most Nobodies. Though it was stated in the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania that Xemnas created the Nobody emblem based on Terra's fragmented memories, thus its resemblance to Terra's Mark[2], the symbol can be seen incorporated in Xehanort's armor in Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, decades before the birth of Xemnas.
There is a simplified version of the Nobody symbol that only features the upper spiked cross section. This varation is primarily associated with Roxas: his Twilight Town outfit uses this symbol as a zipper pull, and it is found on the Keychain token of the Two Become One Keyblade. Roxas's Alba & Ater game piece also features this symbol on the top. Similar symbols are often used to evoke the Nobody sigil, such as in Saïx's Lunatic Claymore and Larxene's Foudre Knives.
Unversed[edit]
The Unversed emblem is emblazoned at least once on every single Unversed, with the exception of the Flood. After Vanitas forcibly merges with Ventus, Ventus's Dive to the Heart Station changes appearance, incorporating Unversed emblems into Vanitas's half of the pillar. The black coat bears a silver Unversed symbol on its zipper.
The Unversed emblem is designed to resemble a heart expressing emotion. It uses sharp corners, deep curves, and straight edges to form a heart shape in its center. Certain parts of the Unversed symbol's design resemble some Unversed's eyes. The symbol is nearly always black.
Dream Eater[edit]
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The Dream Eater emblems appear on almost every Dream Eater.
The Dream Eater symbols are designed in the form of hearts with certain aspects that display whether they are Spirit or Nightmare. The Spirit variant is most of the time a faded pale peach fading to a deep hot pink with a dark purple border, the tail at the bottom of the heart-shaped is bowl-shaped. Its wings are shaped more like swirls as it is given a simplistic innocent look, compared to the Nightmare version. The Nightmare variant is always colored a deep navy fading into a bright neon purple with a thick white border, the tail at the bottom of the heart-shaped symbol is cone-shaped. Its wings are shaped like bat wings with small spikes in the center and growing larger near the sides. They bear a very vague resemblance to the Heartless symbol, specifically the Nightmare version.
Due to his nature within Sora's dreams as a Dream Eater, Riku has a black-colored version of the Spirit emblem on the back of his vest during most of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.
Eraqus[edit]
This symbol, referred to as "Terra's Mark" (テラたちのマーク Tera-tachi no Māku, lit. "The Mark of Terra and his friends") in the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, is an emblem of Keyblade Wielders. The earliest known appearance of this symbol is the Keychain token on Brain's Master's Defender Keyblade.
Keyblade Wielders often wear this symbol as part of their outfit. Master Odin and his pupils – Heimdall, Helgi, Hoder, Sigrun, Vala, Vali, Vidar, Xehanort, Eraqus, Hermod, Bragi, Urd, Vor, and Baldr – all wear the emblem on their clothes and Keyblade Armor. Many years later, Eraqus's own pupils Terra, Ventus, and Aqua wear the mark as well.
This symbol is incorporated into the architecture of Scala ad Caelum. It also appears on the walls of the Chamber of Waking. Aqua's Wayfinders have the symbol in their centers, and the emblem is featured on several Dive to the Heart Stations, including two of Ventus's Stations and the character selection screen of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. In Kingdom Hearts III, a Gummi Ship Sticker resembling this mark is titled Eraqus/S.
The transition symbol for Land of Departure[KH BbS][KH MoM] is this emblem.
This symbol resembles the Heartless and Nobody symbols in shape; it is a heart with a sharp cross at its base. The symbol is very angular and squared, and the points of its cross are much more compact and close together than those of the Nobody symbol. The symbol appears in several different colors, such as gold and silver.
Crown[edit]
_KHIII.png){kind=small}
Crowns are another heavily featured symbol of the series and are part of the Kingdom Hearts logo along with the curled heart symbol. Sora notably wears a silver crown necklace in most of his forms and can, in fact, wear a crown in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. Puzzle pieces, Crown Stickers and Mission Crowns are represented by golden crowns. Limit Form and, in Halloween Town, Final Form, is represented by crowns. The tops of the cards used in Castle Oblivion are shaped like the standard crown, and are featured on the front of some cards. The Crown-G, the Keychain token of the Oblivion, accessories such as the Draw Ring, the Save the King shield, and the Ultima Weapon all incorporate crowns into their designs. Both the Royal Radiance and the Unbound have a gold crown with a gold circle on each of its points as the tokens of their Keychains. Every one of Sora's Dive to the Heart Stations feature crowns. A large, glowing crown appears underneath Sora when he unlocks a World Gate. Sora's Alba & Ater game piece features a crown on the top.
The transition symbol for Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden[KH II][KH MoM] is a crown.
The most widely used crown symbol in the series is a flat, three-pronged crown that appears in a wide variety of colors, most commonly gold and silver. The shape of the crowns prongs creates a negative space silhouette of the Kingdom Key's teeth. Strategy guides for the series occasionally use a yellow symbol that could be a crown viewed from above. This symbol is a ring with spikes along its outer edge and an "X" in its center, and is used to represent characters and enemies that cannot be classified as Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed or Dream Eaters.
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the crown symbol is used to represent the Kingdom Hearts series.
Keyhole[edit]
Every world has a Keyhole that leads to its heart and can be locked by the Keyblade. Locking all of the Keyholes is Sora's primary objective in the original Kingdom Hearts. In Kingdom Hearts II, Sora seeks out and unlocks Gates, which are represented by large, glowing keyholes. The complete χ-blade is capable of summoning countless keyhole-shaped gates to anywhere in the realms. When the incomplete χ-blade is destroyed, it releases beams of energy which radiate keyhole-shaped symbols.
The transition symbol for Twilight Town[KH II][KH Days][KH MoM], Destiny Islands[KH coded][KH MoM], and System Sector[KH MoM] is a keyhole.
The Keyhole symbol is normally depicted as a simple silhouette of an old-fashioned keyhole, one that a skeleton key could unlock.
Key[edit]
Keys are recurring symbols in the series, mainly through the use of the Keyblade by the main characters. The simplified key symbol is used to represent physical attacks with the Keyblade in the Command Menu and Command Deck and similar menus.
The transition symbol for the Keyblade Graveyard[KH BbS][KH III][KH MoM] is a Keyblade.
Excluding the many different forms that Keyblades take, the common key symbol resembles a simplified Kingdom Key. The Kingdom Key, in turn, is modeled after a skeleton key, a type of key that was designed to open any lock.
Chi and the Recusant's Sigil[edit]
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- "As your flesh bears the sigil, so your name shall be known as that...of a recusant."
- —Xemnas to Sora, at the beginning of their battle.
Chi is the twenty-second letter in the Greek alphabet, from which the Latin letter "X" is derived. Master Xehanort can form a glowing, stylized version of the letter in his hand. According to him, χ is "a most ancient letter" that represents death and endings, and it can be pronounced "kye" or "key". The letter χ lends its name and form to the χ-blade, which features two Kingdom Keys crossed in an "X"-shape on the blade and Keychain token.
Xemnas adds a similar-looking "X" known as the Recusant's Sigil (異端の印 Itan no shirushi, lit. "Mark of heresy") to the names of all members of Organization XIII. This is because he vaguely remembers Master Xehanort's fascination with the χ-blade.[3] During the battle between the Guardians of Light and real Organization XIII, Lea, Roxas, and Xion "take back what's theirs" by forcing three glowing χ symbols out of Xemnas. While Roxas states that the Recusant's Sigils will fade when Xemnas dies, he wanted to reclaim it and his identity for himself. The three repurposed the meaning of the Recusant's Sigil to represent their friendship.
According to Young Xehanort, the Recusant's Sigil can be used to track a person's location once he or she has been marked with it. During his Mark of Mastery exam in the Sleeping Worlds, Sora is marked with the Recusant's Sigil by Ansem, Seeker of Darkness so that the other incarnations of Xehanort can keep an eye on him. The Recusant's Sigil appears on Sora's shirt in the form of a silver "X."
The designs of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus's outfits were each inspired by the Latin letter "X."[4]
Stars[edit]
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_KHIII.png){kind=small}
Stars are frequently-seen symbols in the series and are often associated with the various Worlds in the Kingdom Hearts universe. Stars in the night sky are actually other, distant Worlds. Stars fade out when the corresponding world has been destroyed; the disappearance of many stars is what prompted Mickey Mouse to find a way to stop the Heartless, beginning the events of the original Kingdom Hearts.
An artifact called the Star Shard allowed for transportation from one World to another, albeit randomly. Several accessories and Keyblades incorporate stars into their designs, such as the Star Seeker. Paopu fruit are star-shaped fruit which supposedly create bonds between friends that can span many different Worlds. Wayfinders, lucky charms modeled after paopu fruit, have a similar reputation. In Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, as part of Marluxia's plot to brainwash Sora, Naminé changes the appearance of Kairi's Wayfinder to that of a simple star charm. The Wayfinders made by Aqua in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep manifest these bonds of friendship physically, in the form of the Dimension Link system. Paopu fruit and Wayfinders are featured in the designs of several important Keyblades, including the Ultima Weapon and Oathkeeper. A star is the Keychain token of the Wishing Star. Yen Sid's powerful sorcerer's hat is adorned with several stars and moons. In The Final World, those who linger there are represented by floating points of light arranged to form the shape of a star. Kairi's Alba & Ater game piece features a star on the top.
In Kingdom Hearts χ [chi] Lux, a form of light, is introduced that together with the related Crystals of Light are also star-shaped. Additionally, every Keyblade releases a unique star when hitting an object or enemy, and many avatar parts incorporate stars, with the crowns on the Sora themed boards being replaced by stars.
The transition symbol for Daybreak Town[KH χ] and Game Central Station[KH Uχ] is a Lux icon.
Minor symbols[edit]
Fleur-de-lis[edit]
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Even in the real world, the fleur-de-lis is an extremely old and widespread symbol. It is a stylized flower, specifically a lily or iris, with a diverse range of meanings, but it has been most commonly associated with royalty or purity, and is the symbol of the French monarchy. Within the Kingdom Hearts series, the fleur-de-lis appears on several accessories and weapons, such as the Master Ring and Midnight Roar, the door to Timeless River, various areas and uniforms in the Country of the Musketeers and two Dive to the Heart Stations: one of Ventus's Stations and the Station displaying silhouettes of three princesses. A standard fleur-de-lis is used to represent Valor Form, while a stylized version of the symbol—one shaped like an "X"—represents Master Form. The Old Mansion features a unique symbol that combines the crown, heart, and fleur-de-lis symbols. In Traverse Town, the fleur-de-lis symbol appears as a huge sign for the Accessory Shop.
The transition symbol for Country of the Musketeers[KH 3D][KH MoM] is a fleur-de-lis.
Hidden Mickey[edit]
_KHIII.png){kind=small}
The silhouette of Mickey Mouse's head is frequently used to represent not only Mickey himself, but Disney as a whole. Disney Town and Disney Castle feature the symbol heavily, and three of the many craters in the Keyblade Graveyard form the silhouette as well. The symbol is also incorporated into the Trinity Limit circle, Gimmick Cards, and certain weapons such as the Dream Sword. It serves as the Keychain token for the Kingdom Key, Kingdom Key D, Victory Line, Braveheart, and the Star Cluster Keyblades. King Mickey uses the symbol to seal all of his official letters. In the Sleeping Worlds, La Cite Des Cloches, The Grid and Prankster's Paradise are arranged to make up a Hidden Mickey. In Kingdom Hearts III, the Station of Awakening for the facsimile of the Kingdom of Corona in The Final World bears the silhouette around the circumference of its design, as it is where Sora finds Mickey's heart and rescues it from the Lich. Mickey's Alba & Ater game piece features a Mickey head on the top.
The transition symbol for Disney Castle[KH II] and Disney Town[KH BbS][KH MoM] is a Hidden Mickey.
In Kingdom Hearts III, the symbol appears across nearly all worlds in the form of Lucky Emblems. While some are true Hidden Mickeys formed by items lining up properly into shape, others are simply the image of the symbol stamped onto the surroundings.
In the real world, Disney places Hidden Mickeys in many of its properties, including Disney theme parks and scenes in many Disney movies.
Book of Prophecies[edit]
The symbol of the Book of Prophecies appears embossed on the cover of the titular book. Similar in design to Terra's mark and the Nobody symbol, it is an ornate heart with an elongated spiked cross at the bottom.
A unique Dive to the Heart station in the menus of Kingdom Hearts Union χ features the emblem. One of the chess pieces that appears in Kingdom Hearts III also bears this symbol. It can be seen drawn on a chalkboard in Yen Sid's Tower during the events of Kingdom Hearts III.
Gazing Eye[edit]
The Gazing Eye (見つめる目 Mitsumeru Me) is a blue eye with a cat's eye iris which belongs to the Master of Masters. He placed it within the No Name Keyblade, then asked Luxu to pass it down from apprentice to apprentice, eventually reaching Xehanort in order to have it observe its surroundings throughout the eons and pass those back to the Master in his own era. Aside from the No Name, the Gazing Eye is also visible in its alternate form as Young Xehanort's Keyblade, as well as his Clock, while the symbol appears on the Keyblades or Keychain tokens of his other apprentices, the Foretellers, as well as those of Xehanort: Vanitas's Void Gear, Terra's Chaos Ripper and Darkgnaw, Riku's Soul Eater and Way to the Dawn, Riku and Sora's End of Pain, and Ansem, Seeker of Darkness's dual Soul Eater polearm. A red variation of the Gazing Eye is also present in the Fake Attack Card picture, dropped by Zexion.
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Character symbols[edit]
The Ultimania strategy guides use miscellaneous symbols not used anywhere else to represent certain important characters. Kairi's symbol is made of three small circles superimposed over a thin cross. Naminé is represented by a white flower superimposed over a black four-pointed star, and resembles Roxas's symbol. Both Donald and Goofy are represented by stylized crosses; Donald's is formed by four silhouettes of his mage's hat, while Goofy's seems to be based on the Hidden Mickey symbol on his shield. Jiminy Cricket and Pluto's symbols are X-shaped and formed by crossed silhouettes of umbrellas and bones, respectively. Ansem the Wise's symbol is based on the odd, squared cross shape formed by the front of DiZ's cloak. Pete is represented by a stylized silhouette of his own head, and Maleficent's symbol is a cross formed by four silhouettes of her horned hood.
Pete has an additional symbol, a coat of arms seen above his door to Timeless River. The coat of arms is a grayscale shield adorned by the same stylized symbol of Pete's head, two arms with closed fists along the top, a letter "P", a cigar, and another closed fist at its base. Vanitas's crest is depicted as two halves of a gear arranged in an "S" shape, and appears on his and Ventus's fused Dive to the Heart Station, as the Keychain token for both versions of the Void Gear, and on the portal that initiates the battle with the Vanitas Remnant.
Organization XIII weapon symbols[edit]
Each Organization XIII member has a symbol displaying a black silhouette of his or her exclusive weapon. For members that carry multiple weapons, such as Xaldin, only the silhouette of one weapon is shown. However, both of Roxas's Keyblades and three of Larxene's Knives are silhouetted on their personal panels. Xemnas is the only member whose primary weapons, the Interdiction Ethereal Blades, are not silhouetted. Instead, Xemnas is represented by the silhouette of the shield used by his dragon form.
The symbols are used like tombstones to represent each member in Proof of Existence and the Garden of Assemblage.
Real Organization XIII weapon symbols[edit]
Each real Organization XIII member has a symbol displaying a black silhouette of his or her exclusive weapon. Returning members from the original Organization XIII retain their symbols, with the exception of Xemnas, who acquires a new symbol representing his Interdiction. Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, who carries no weapon, is represented by the Heartless emblem instead.
Like the original Organization XIII, the symbols are used to represent each member in the Garden of Assemblage datascape.
Additional world symbols[edit]
Whole Worlds are represented by simple symbols of their own that appear in the screen fade when transitioning from one room to the other in the appropriate World, first introduced in Kingdom Hearts II.
The Alba & Ater symbol references the game that Xehanort and Eraqus played in their youth. It is used as the transition symbol for Scala ad Caelum[KH III RM].
The Apple symbol references the poisoned apple The Queen gave to Snow White. It is used as the transition symbol for Dwarf Woodlands[KH BbS][KH χ][KH MoM]. It also appears on the Treasure Trove's carousel.
The Baymax's face symbol is used as the transition symbol for San Fransokyo[KH III][KH MoM].
The Bell symbol references the bells within the Notre Dame. It is used as the transition symbol for La Cité des Cloches[KH 3D][KH MoM], and as the Keychain of the Guardian Bell.
The Cheshire Cat's face is used as the transition symbol for Wonderland[KH χ][KH MoM].
The Chinese pattern symbol references latticework windows in Chinese architecture. It is used as the transition symbol for The Land of Dragons[KH II][KH MoM]
The Circle symbol references an iris shot, a technique used in early Disney cartoons. It is used as the transition symbol for Timeless River[KH II][KH MoM].
The Corrupted Data symbol is used as the transition symbol for System Sectors[KH coded].
The Cy-Bug symbol is used as the transition symbol for Cy-Bug Sector[KH Uχ].
The Feather symbol is used as the transition symbol for Neverland[KH Days][KH MoM], and as the Keychain of the Fairy Harp and Pixie Petal.
The Fishes symbol consists of two fishes with five air bubbles. It is used as the transition symbol for Atlantica[KH MoM].
The Glass slipper symbol references Cinderella's glass slipper. It is used as the transition symbol for Castle of Dreams[KH BbS][KH Uχ][KH MoM], as the Keychain of the Stroke of Midnight, and on the Stroke of Midnight's carousel.
The Hammer symbol references Fix-It Felix, Jr.'s hammer. It is used as the transition symbol for Niceland[KH Uχ].
The Honey Pot symbol is used as the transition symbol for 100 Acre Wood[KH II][KH III], and as the Keychain of the Hunny Spout.
The Identity Disk symbol is used as the transition symbol for Space Paranoids[KH II][KH MoM] and The Grid[KH 3D][KH MoM], and as the Keychain of the Photon Debugger and Dual Disc.
The Jack o' Lantern symbol is used as the transition symbol for Halloween Town[KH II][KH Days][KH MoM], and as the Keychain of the Pumpkinhead.
The Lightning Bolt symbol consists of a cloud with a lightning bolt striking from it, and is associated with Zeus. It is used as the transition symbol for Olympus Coliseum[KH II][KH Days][KH BbS][KH coded][KH χ][KH MoM] and Olympus[KH III]. It also appears on the Olympus Stone, Herc's Shield, as the Keychain of the Olympia, Hero's Crest, Mark of a Hero, and Hero's Origin, and on the Olympia's carousel.
The Lion symbol resembles Rafiki's painting of a young Simba. It is used as the transition symbol for Pride Lands[KH II][KH MoM].
The Magic Lamp is an item that houses a Genie. It is used as the transition symbol for Agrabah[KH II][KH Days][KH coded][KH χ][KH MoM], as the Keychain of the Three Wishes and Wishing Lamp, and on the Three Wishes's carousel.
The Monsters, Inc. Logo is used as the transition symbol for Monstropolis[KH III][KH MoM].
The Monstro-shaped symbol is used as the transition symbol for Monstro[KH MoM].
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The Musical Note symbol comes in two variations. One variation consists of a large eighth note and a smaller group of two sixteenth notes, and is used as the transition symbol for Atlantica[KH II][KH MoM]. The second variation consists of a large eighth note and a small four-pointed star, and is used as the transition symbol for Symphony of Sorcery[KH 3D].
The Paw Print symbol references Experiment 626's handprint, and is used as the transition symbol for Deep Space[KH BbS][KH MoM].
The Pinocchio symbol, first seen on a book in the original film, is used as the transition symbol for Prankster's Paradise[KH 3D][KH MoM].
The Raid Boss symbol is used as the transition symbol for Raid Bosses in the Realm of Darkness[KH Uχ].
The Reaper's Logo, originally from The World Ends with You, is used as the transition symbol for Traverse Town[KH 3D][KH MoM].
The Rose symbol references the Beast's enchanted rose, which is important for breaking his curse. It is used as the transition symbol for Beast's Castle[KH II][KH Days][KH χ][KH MoM], as the Keychain of the Divine Rose and Rumbling Rose, and on the Divine Rose's carousel. A rose also appears on Belle's station in the Dive to the Heart.
The Sheriff's badge symbol is used as the transition symbol for Toy Box[KH III][KH MoM].
The Skull Rock silhouette is used as the transition symbol for Neverland[KH BbS][KH MoM].
The Skull & Crossbones symbol is commonly associated with pirates. It is used as the transition symbol for Port Royal[KH II]. A different version is used as the transition symbol for The Caribbean[KH III].
The Snowflake symbol is used as the transition symbol for Arendelle[KH III][KH MoM].
The Sorcerer's Hat symbol is used as the transition symbol for the Mysterious Tower[KH BbS][KH MoM].
The Spade is one of the four suits of cards. It is used as the transition symbol for Wonderland[KH Days][KH coded].
The Sun symbol is used as the transition symbol for Kingdom of Corona[KH III][KH MoM].
The Swirl of Darkness symbol is used as the transition symbol for the Dark World[KH BbS][KH 0.2][KH MoM].
The Thorn-covered banner symbol is used as the transition symbol for Enchanted Dominion[KH BbS][KH χ][KH MoM].
The Trophy symbol is used as the transition symbol for Candy Kingdom[KH Uχ].
Compilations[edit]
Some important recurring symbols in the series are occasionally compiled into larger ones and used for a few specific events. A symbol from one of Naminé's drawings in the Old Mansion—a compilation of the Nobody, Heartless, and standard crown symbols—is used to gain access to Ansem the Wise's laboratory in the virtual Twilight Town. Two more compilations—one of the Nobody, Heartless, and "Other" symbols, the other of the standard crown and heart symbols, as well as the Nobody emblem and Roxas's zipper pull—are used in the Ultimania.
Uses in magic[edit]
The Trinity Limit circle is a compilation of small heart symbols, fleur-de-lis symbols, and Mickey Heads.
Notes and references[edit]
- ^ Kingdom Hearts Ultimania, Tetsuya Nomura: "... and how the Heartless emblem on [Riku's] chest is missing the thorny cross because Riku's heart has not yet completely fallen to darkness." Translation via goldpanner.
- ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, Interviewer: "Where did the Organization's coat and mark come from?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "One year after Birth by Sleep, Xehanort, as well as five other apprentices toss aside their hearts. Then the Nobody Xemnas was born, and the Organization which he creates take a lot of things from his memories, as a human. But as Xemnas had two people who he was, Terra and Master Xehanort, he takes from both of their memories. [...] The Nobody mark used by the Organization is a similar shape to the mark Terra used." Translation via Lissar.
- ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, Interviewer: "Where did the Organization's coat and mark come from?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "One year after Birth by Sleep, Xehanort, as well as five other apprentices toss aside their hearts. Then the Nobody Xemnas was born, and the Organization which he creates take a lot of things from his memories, as a human. But as Xemnas had two people who he was, Terra and Master Xehanort, he takes from both of their memories. [...] Xemnas gives Organization members names with an X in them. This has something to do with Master Xehanort's interest in the χ-blade." Translation via Lissar.
- ^ Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, Interviewer: "Was it easy to decide on the design for the three main characters?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "No, it was actually pretty difficult. Especially since all three of them would change into armor, when I began to work on their design I had decided that they would hit a round device to change into the armor. But how I could incorporate that device into their clothing was pretty difficult to decide. Also, since one of the secret keywords in the story is "X", I decided that I had to put that somewhere in the design of their clothes." Translation via Lissar.
