The Mane 7 as Crystal Guardians: A Deep Dive into DeviantArt Creations
The Equestria Girls franchise, a spin-off from the My Little Pony series, has captivated fans with its combination of magical adventures, friendship, and the ever-growing world of fan art. The Mane 6 characters, initially familiar from the original My Little Pony series, are reimagined as human versions in this alternate universe. However, the introduction of the “Mane 7” in Equestria Girls: Friendship Games added a new layer to the dynamic, bringing in the character of Sunset Shimmer as the seventh member.
Among the various fan interpretations of these characters, the Crystal Guardians concept has gained significant traction on platforms like DeviantArt. Here, the Mane 7 are often envisioned as powerful protectors of mystical crystals, each embodying unique abilities or traits. These fan artworks provide a glimpse into the creative minds of the fandom and showcase how Equestria Girls can evolve beyond its original concept.
This article will explore the portrayal of the Mane 7 as Crystal Guardians in fan art, specifically on DeviantArt. We will delve into the character designs, backstory creation, and the ways in which the fandom reinterprets the iconic group through this new lens.
1. The Rise of the Mane 7 in Equestria Girls
Before diving into the concept of Crystal Guardians, it’s important to understand the foundation of the Mane 7 characters in Equestria Girls. The original Mane 6—Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy—were familiar to fans from the My Little Pony franchise. Their human counterparts were introduced in Equestria Girls in 2013.
However, the addition of Sunset Shimmer as the Mane 7 in Equestria Girls: Friendship Games in 2015 introduced a new dynamic. Sunset Shimmer was initially a villain but evolved into a hero with a strong sense of redemption. Her inclusion in the Mane 7 team reflected her growth as a character and her integral role in the group’s adventures.
Sunset Shimmer’s introduction was met with enthusiasm by fans, especially as she had a distinct storyline that set her apart from the original Mane 6. This allowed for a unique spin on their collective dynamic and provided a fertile ground for fan creations, particularly on platforms like DeviantArt.
2. The Concept of Crystal Guardians
The idea of Crystal Guardians draws inspiration from various fantasy genres, where crystals are often depicted as powerful objects that are central to the plot’s magic or mystery. In fan art, the Mane 7 are often reimagined as protectors or warriors who guard these powerful crystals. Each character is linked to a specific crystal with unique magical properties, which corresponds to their own personal traits and abilities.
This concept allows the Mane 7 to take on more complex roles than just being friends who learn lessons about teamwork. They are now seen as warriors or magical protectors, tasked with defending the balance between light and dark, good and evil, using the power of their assigned crystals.
The Crystal Guardians motif resonates with fans due to its deep connections to the themes of friendship, power, and personal growth, all of which are central to the Equestria Girls narrative.
3. Character Designs as Crystal Guardians
One of the key aspects of fan art on DeviantArt is the visual representation of the Mane 7 as Crystal Guardians. Each artist brings their own flair to the character designs, but certain elements remain consistent across the board. Below is a breakdown of how each Mane 7 character is often portrayed as a Crystal Guardian.
Twilight Sparkle – The Guardian of Knowledge
Twilight Sparkle is often depicted as the Guardian of Knowledge, with her crystal representing wisdom and magic. Her design usually incorporates deep purples and sparkles that evoke a sense of mystical power. Fans frequently depict her with an aura of stars or books floating around her, symbolizing her intelligence and magical prowess.
Twilight’s crystal is often portrayed as a glowing purple gem that resonates with her deep connection to magic and her analytical mind. As the leader of the group, she is seen as the one who understands the significance of the crystals and ensures that they are kept safe.
Rainbow Dash – The Guardian of Courage
Rainbow Dash is typically depicted as the Guardian of Courage. Her crystal is often fiery or lightning-themed, emphasizing her adventurous and bold nature. The designs of her character incorporate vibrant rainbow hues, evoking both speed and bravery. Fans often create powerful action shots of Rainbow Dash, highlighting her ability to protect the crystals with determination and courage.
Her crystal is often shown surrounded by lightning bolts or flames, emphasizing her role as the team’s protector against threats that come with intense power.
Applejack – The Guardian of Strength
Applejack, as the Guardian of Strength, is depicted with earthy tones and rugged designs. Her crystal usually resembles a powerful, durable stone like amber or jade, representing her determination and hard-working nature. Fans frequently include her in protective poses, using her natural strength to defend the crystals from harm.
Her design often incorporates elements of agriculture, like apples, as a nod to her roots, while her crystal is embedded in the ground, symbolizing her connection to nature and physical endurance.
Rarity – The Guardian of Beauty
Rarity’s crystal is often a gem like diamond or sapphire, reflecting her refined taste and sense of beauty. As the Guardian of Beauty, her design focuses on elegance, often showcasing elaborate gowns or sparkling accessories. Her power is often linked to the ability to protect the crystals through charm and grace, while her crystal has an inherent allure that can mesmerize her enemies.
Rarity’s fan art often captures her in regal poses, surrounded by radiant lights that highlight her importance within the group as someone who brings balance through beauty.
Pinkie Pie – The Guardian of Joy
Pinkie Pie is frequently depicted as the Guardian of Joy, her crystal embodying happiness and lightheartedness. Her character design is playful and whimsical, with bright colors and bubbly expressions. Her crystal is often shown as a radiant pink gem that releases bursts of confetti or party streamers, symbolizing her ability to spread joy and laughter in any situation.
Her role as a Crystal Guardian is to keep the spirits of the team high and maintain positivity, even during dark times.
Fluttershy – The Guardian of Compassion
Fluttershy is often envisioned as the Guardian of Compassion, with her crystal being a calming, soft-colored gem like aquamarine or rose quartz. Her design typically reflects her gentle, caring nature, with her crystal often surrounded by soft, glowing light. As the team’s nurturer, Fluttershy uses her crystal to heal wounds and protect her friends from harm with love and empathy.
In fan art, Fluttershy is frequently shown in serene, peaceful environments, where her crystal resonates with healing energy.
Sunset Shimmer – The Guardian of Redemption
Sunset Shimmer’s crystal is often a combination of fiery hues, symbolizing her journey of redemption and the balance of light and dark. Her design incorporates elements of both elegance and strength, as she is seen as a protector who has learned from past mistakes. Sunset’s crystal, often glowing with both golden and red tones, represents her role as a bridge between the worlds of light and shadow.
Her character design in fan art highlights her transformation, with an emphasis on her strength, resolve, and commitment to protecting her friends and the crystals.
4. The Role of DeviantArt in the Crystal Guardians Fandom
DeviantArt has played a significant role in the Mane 7 Crystal Guardians fandom. Artists from all over the world share their renditions of these characters, often portraying them in highly detailed, dynamic ways. The platform allows for creativity and storytelling, as many fan artists also write backstories for their Crystal Guardians interpretations.
Many DeviantArt users join Equestria Girls and Crystal Guardians groups, where they can share their art, participate in challenges, and collaborate with other artists. This sense of community fosters a rich exchange of ideas, leading to the development of unique character designs and expansive world-building.
5. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Crystal Guardians
The Mane 7 as Crystal Guardians is a brilliant example of how fandoms breathe new life into beloved characters. Through fan art on platforms like DeviantArt, these characters are reimagined with deeper layers of meaning, power, and purpose. As protectors of mystical crystals, the Mane 7 showcase their individual strengths and talents, adding complexity to their personalities and enhancing the overall Equestria Girls universe.
This fan-driven reinterpretation speaks to the creativity of the Equestria Girls community and highlights the lasting appeal of the characters, even as they evolve and grow. The concept of Crystal Guardians allows fans to explore new ways of seeing these characters, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging for both old and new audiences alike.
