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Subject: The Secrets to Bungie's Symbols Uncovered?

@Helveck

Just an Average Joe...

As some of you may be aware, I had originally created this thread with the intent to share the observation that was a repetitive formula seen within multiple symbols throughout the course of Bungie's numerous titles. But what had started off as a mere observation has now evolved into a search for answers that may help to provide insight as to what all these symbols may very well mean. Now I need to be clear, and you all need to understand as well, that there is nothing definitive about this thread. It is only MY speculation that I have developed by tying certain clues together that may or may not provide insight into what we are looking for, or at least I am trying to uncover.

As well, it may appear that my own opinion or speculation in regards to certain meanings may not be accurate, or may not be what you perceive. This is expected, as many people will begin to form opinions and thoughts of their own for which I encourage you all to share if that is the case.

Now to get things started, I will post the original forum post as was:

" I know this sounds like a massive jump, but hear me out...

After reading this thread, and its several links that lead to a lot of speculation, as well as a few other articles I found online that draw a lot of parallels between previous Bungie titles, and the Halo universe as well as what may come... I couldn't help but be drawn to the symbolism that's been staring at us in the face since it was unveiled.

The Marathon symbol is the symbol that represents the Marathon series and Mjolnir Recon number 54 as well. The Marathon symbol was then carried over to the Halo universe where we see it used many times in our travels, but it also serves to represent the "Reclaimers".

You're all familiar with both symbols I would imagine, and while this is purely speculation from my end, it would appear that this symbol in many ways is representative of human life and quite possibly how we are to destined to protect it. The circular part in the Marathon/Reclaimer symbol can be perceived as a head, that may represent the human mind and or life in general. And then we have the curves around it which could symbolize protective arms or even arms coming together to unite.

Now if you are to take the Marathon/Reclaimer symbol, and twist a few of its curves, but keep the overall intended imagery intact, you may very well wind up with the symbol that is, the Destiny symbol.

The Destiny symbol seems to serve the same or very similar meaning behind the Marathon symbol from my speculation, as the shapes of their symbols seem to follow the same "formula", if you will. Though of course now we now see more of a body shape with the Destiny symbol, and still a head portion to go along with it.

Both symbols somehow still seem to strongly imply some sort of importance of humanity and its need protect it as well as its position within universe. It may also continue to implicate that by some form or another, the Universes of Marathon, Halo, and Destiny, are all somehow distantly, yet closely connected.

Oh and fun fact, Google the United Way symbol and notice what is in the center of it? They claim they chose this symbol because it represents "humanity". Just figured I'd add that in for fun.

So, what do you guys think? Is there a creative correlation here that Bungie intended to have in order to secretly tie their many separate worlds together? Is there an even deeper meaning to the symbol than we can currently understand or know?

UPDATES:

Possibly Clues,
I did a bit of looking into symbols that represent humanity. I came up with the Vitruvian man, the famous creation of da Vinci. It can be seen here on Wikipedia. The article notes: "He believed the workings of the human body to be an analogy for the workings of the universe." I found this interesting, while at the same time I'm aware it's still hard to connect the relevance of that quote to something within one of or all of Bungie's universes. But also note that you may even seem the shape of the Destiny symbol in the image of the Vitruvian man.

Additional Findings,
Foman was quick to remind us that the Noble 6 emblem follows the same formula of arms surrounding what could be perceived as a head. - Click

EDIT 2: Sonic John has seen this pattern before. - Click"

After reading some comments, and seeing that I was not the only one to realize the consistency of this symbol throughout Bungie titles, I honestly could not stop asking myself, "Why? What does it all mean?" So I decided to feed my curiosity by doing a little bit of searching online to see what I could dig up. And now I'll share that journey with you.

Remember in my original post where I had said the Marathon/Reclaimer Symbol seemed to somehow represent humanity, or it was designed to "...strongly imply some sort of importance of humanity and its need protect it as well as its position within universe."? Well my first important clue that helped bring a possible partial meaning to the symbols was the Viturvian Man. I had mentioned him previously in the original OP, but hadn't really drawn a connection between the symbols and the Vitruvian Man at this time other than the fact that they as symbols seemed similar in shape (even if just at the most basic level). But then there was that quote that I had mentioned and seen on the Wikipedia page, "He believed the workings of the human body to be an analogy for the workings of the universe." I thought about this for a while, as it seemed to somehow relate to both Marathon and Halo, but I just couldn't put my finger on it.

It was then I realized the analogy referenced could easily relate to both our protagonists from Marathon and Halo. Both Master Chief and Mjolnir Recon number 54 have been augmented to what could be considered both human and technological perfection. They are the Vitruvian Man. It is with their bodies that we as a species prevail and with that, they have secured our presence in the Universe. Yet there is a dent to this theory, and that is The Officer from the Marathon series (Mjolnir Recon Number 54) is a cyborg. BUT from another perspective, he can still be perceived as symbol that represents our species, as he was made by us, and it could potentially be argued that as a result of what we made, that his existence is somehow representative of our entire advanced existence as a species and our place within the Universe.

Now while the "Vitruvian Man Theory" actually made some sense to me, I still felt like I was missing something. So I continued to dig.

I began searching sites for symbols, and anything that would closely resemble the appearance and geometry of all of our Bungie symbols that so closely follow the same formula. Now this is the part that might get you thinking...

One of the very first symbols I stumbled upon was the "Khanda". Khanda is the emblem of Sikh's and can be seen here. One site defined the Khanda as follows:

"The circle - the Chakra - refers to the unity of this God and people. Two single-edged swords frame the Chakra. They represent spiritual and temporal powers".

Clearly you can see the resemblance to the Marathon symbol. Other definitions make note that the circle shape represents God, or eternity. This could maybe then be correlated to the Marathon symbol with the meaning that quite possibly we are the primary species that will endure forever. That is just a wild guess, but circles typically symbolize "forever" or "eternal" so I don't suppose it's too far off now, is it?

Now it is important to note that the formula seen in the Bungie symbols I've been referring to as well as the Khanda symbol are NOT the only ones who have historically followed the format of having a middle figure or shape with two arms or objects coming up from either side. What's interesting to note then is that across the many different symbols that follow this format from all over the Earth, many of them posses the same meaning as well.

The one particular definition of Khanda intrigued me so I did a Google search for "Spiritual and Temporal Powers". I quickly found the following images:

The Papal Crest - This image was linked from a site that discusses the meanings behind the crest. It appears to me that the crest represents a few things, among those are both Spiritual and Temporal Authority as it is stated in the article. For those of you wondering what either of these mean, Temporal Authority or power is the power of the State or Nation. Spiritual Power is then the authority of Religion. Having both powers in one symbol could potentially imply that both most survive together, and or are needed in unison in order for whatever specific group to thrive. Attach that meaning to the circle, and what do you have as a summarized potential meaning for each Universe that Bungie has created that may all be ultimately be tied together?

"Humanity will always reassume the highest position within the Universe by balancing their power in regards to their Temporal Power in the structure of things like the UNSC that unites the entire species and by their Spiritual Power which gives them faith to fight through, persevere and win wars that have higher than unlikely odds for them, such as the Human-Covenant War."

[Edited on 12.05.2012 5:39 AM PST]

  • 12.04.2012 9:59 PM PDT

@Helveck

Just an Average Joe...

I'm aware at how far out there this speculation may seem to some of you, but I'm enjoying the digging, so I'll continue with more symbols I had found during my search.

Within the same site I had just referenced previously, I also found mention of Osiris, and this image in particular stood out quite a bit, as it follows the same formula of the Marathon symbol with its geometry, although it doesn't stand out quite clearly at first, you won't have a problem seeing it. The site describes the symbols inside the image,

"The shepherd's crook carried by Osiris and the Egyptian kings, and also metaphorically by Christ, denotes leadership and protection. The flail, another attribute of Osiris, symbolizes judgment..." Both of these symbols can in some form or another be tied into the stories we've seen come from Bungie. The leader is clearly the protagonist, and the judgement can be seen on how we react to our enemies. A very basic correlation to be made, but I think somewhat relevant nonetheless.

Now for the really interesting part.

As I continued to search through images with the search criteria "spiritual and temporal powers", I was quick to notice the following image, to which I'm sure you will all recognize as being familiar...

Destiny? (Bungie logo added for comparison)

The image in red was taken from this site. The article title of course, is "Spirtual Authority And Temporal Power". The article partially discusses both powers in reference to a book that had a been written, and how they relate to one another and or function in unison as well as their affects on the world.

Now while there is no direct evidence to state something definitively within this last particular article, it seems VERY coincidental that symbols which very closely resemble the Marathon/Reclaimer Symbol as well as somewhat resemble other symbols including the Noble 6 symbol, symbolize Spiritual Authority and Temporal Power and when I continued to search for symbols under that EXACT search criteria, I was led to a symbol that very closely resembles the Destiny Symbol.
As I said when I began this thread, nothing here is certain, but it has been theorized in the past that each Universe Bungie has created, are in some form or another linked. Now if this is true, and each protagonist is tasked with saving Humanity, or ensuring their place in the Universe, then perhaps it is possible that these symbols that are all so very similar to one another represent the following...

The Destiny Symbol may be linked to the Vitruvian man drawing by Da Vinci. As the drawing is thought to represent our perfection, and acts as an analogy for how we function as the Universe does, it may be perceived that Protagonists in previous and future Bungie titles represent their own sort of Vitruvian man, and it is with their perfection that our place in the universe continues to endure just as the protagonist does. The Khanda symbol, the Papal Crest, and the Osiris image can all somewhat represent humanity, and what their purpose is within the universes that Bungie creates. It can be perceived the implication is that we are to be reoccurring and everlasting, as well as leaders that balance both spirituality and temporal powers.

So, I think I may have scratched the surface. What do you guys think of all of this? If anyone has any findings or anything to add, I'll be happy to add them in with the OP.

[Edited on 12.04.2012 10:03 PM PST]

  • 12.04.2012 10:00 PM PDT

@Vinyl_Hb

Reserved

  • 12.04.2012 10:00 PM PDT

Nice thread! Thanks Helv!

  • 12.04.2012 10:07 PM PDT
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  • Fabled Mythic Member

vanert says: Apparently he went to college with Stosh.
Killane says:
Stosh went to college?
Posted by: stosh
I'm a college dropout.

A Helveck thread again? Awesome.

  • 12.04.2012 10:16 PM PDT

DaWhistlesGoWoo - HR Pirate, The WorkPLace

Great theories! I love this kind of discussion and speculation, it is what brought me here in the first place with the Halo 3 ARG. Had you not pointed this out I don't think I would have ever noticed, you definitely are on to something!

  • 12.04.2012 10:33 PM PDT
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  • Fabled Mythic Member

R.I.P. DeathPimp. Never Ending Respect.

"Posted by: Kickimanjaro
I'm trying to become an '04, but it's not working too well."

Damn...

That was an awesome read.

[Edited on 12.04.2012 10:37 PM PST]

  • 12.04.2012 10:33 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
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Posted by: Violet
Posted by: x Foman123 x
Click
Reminds me of this.

  • 12.04.2012 10:37 PM PDT

Swag punks, fu­­ck off!

Very interesting Helveck.

[Edited on 12.04.2012 10:38 PM PST]

  • 12.04.2012 10:38 PM PDT

time to get it on.....

I quickly browsed through all of this and something was missing..

#DRAGONS!

  • 12.04.2012 10:49 PM PDT

Owning Noobs Since 05

"I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like his passengers."

Jim Harkins

I'll give this thread a go tomorrow. I'm posting more so I can get back to it easily.

  • 12.05.2012 12:18 AM PDT

Questions lead to learning, learning leads to kowledge, knowledge leads to understanding, understanding leads to peace.



"I would kill to get a killionaire... 10 times... digitally."

No Dragons? Helveck I am disappoint. But you make some pretty cool points I must admit.

  • 12.05.2012 1:35 AM PDT

Loving this thread Helveck! Brilliant read, good theories!

  • 12.05.2012 5:23 AM PDT

Just dance 4- Lindsey Stirling

Dead-body-ologist at The U.S. Army 18th Medical Command

Interesting.

  • 12.05.2012 5:29 AM PDT

My future is certain, I will one day fly away. All because I am saved from the penalty of sin. I know he lives.

Helveck, I believe that your post needs something. A few more words perhaps. Upon first scaning over the post, I was thinking in the back of my mind, needs a TLDR. But came back a while later a finished it. Good read if you need some time to kill.

Sadly, you covered everything so much, that I don't really have anything to add. Not that, that would bother you anyways.

[Edited on 12.05.2012 5:44 AM PST]

  • 12.05.2012 5:43 AM PDT

I am never late,Nor am I early; I arrive precisely when I mean to.
Also
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick -Potatoes!-... and I'm all out of bubblegum."

Check out this Thread on how to help new members here on Bungie.net

hmmm thats pretty interesting.. Its cool your thought process with this.

  • 12.05.2012 9:42 AM PDT

wow this is interesting, very well thought out excellent thread.

I never noticed that pattern in the symbols but once you showed it to me i immediately remembered this symbol

http://www.343industries.org/forum/uploads/profile/photo-1345 3.jpg?_r=1335302397

This was from a fan made halo 4 arg, but if you look at it you can see the 2 lines that stretch out like arms.

Surely thats just a coincidence but still follows the pattern.

[Edited on 12.05.2012 11:24 AM PST]

  • 12.05.2012 9:45 AM PDT

Hi I'm RT and I like to argue!

It seems to me that your central premise can be summed up as Bungie consistently uses symbols that have a "middle figure or shape with two arms or objects coming up from either side" and this may have some meaning.

I think that's just a common arrangement of shapes that you're going to be able find pretty much anywhere you look for it.

I mean, how many of that arrangment can you find here, especially if you take the same artistic license with the logos as was taken of Bungie logos in that image in the SonicJohn thread you linked?

  • 12.05.2012 9:59 AM PDT

nice find never noticed this before, you could be on to something.

  • 12.05.2012 11:26 AM PDT

“Oh, it’s a little bit of everything, it’s the mountains, it’s the fog, it’s the news at six o’clock, it’s the death of my first dog, it’s the angels up above me, it’s the song that they don’t sing, It’s a little bit of everything.”
- Dawes, A little bit of everything

Helveck is our Giorgio Tsoukalos and we appreciate that.



[Edited on 12.05.2012 11:45 AM PST]

  • 12.05.2012 11:28 AM PDT

you can also see the pattern here

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6wctvPjv71rnev0oo2_1280.jp g

  • 12.05.2012 11:49 AM PDT

@Helveck

Just an Average Joe...

Haha, this is awesome.
Posted by: adamj004
you can also see the pattern here

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6wctvPjv71rnev0oo2_1280.jp g

  • 12.05.2012 11:59 AM PDT


Posted by: Helveck
Haha, this is awesome.
Posted by: adamj004
you can also see the pattern here

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6wctvPjv71rnev0oo2_1280.jp g


lol, i also spotted this in the halo 2 trailer, its nothing really but ya never know

http://i.imgur.com/seqXr.png

  • 12.05.2012 12:12 PM PDT

In a time long past, the armies of the dark came again to the lands of men. Their leaders became known as the fallen lords, and their terrible sorcery was without equal in the west.
In 30 years they reduced the civilized nations into carrion and ash. Until the free city of Madrigal alone defined them. An army gathered there, and a desperate battle was joined against the fallen
Heros were born in the fire and bloodshed of the wars which followed and their names and deeds will never be forgotten

Destiny?

  • 12.05.2012 5:05 PM PDT

Graphic Design in Seattle.Not Pro.
All around nice guy.
Step 7=In Progress
My piece featured in the Mail Sack

I'm taking notes of your findings...

  • 12.05.2012 5:22 PM PDT

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