This was the last video that Athus shared before his passing... I may have not known him, but let his wings fly free with his new mask. Fly far and let your wings carry you, friend.
....who's Athus? This video was credited to a woman name Sushan Yue and all her information is even in the video's end cards, too. In fact, there's no one named Athus credited in the end cards, period. Nor is he mentioned in the video information.
Here I am 11 years later and I am still amazed and touched by the designs, musical score, and the simple ambiguous story this animation tells. This is still one of my all time favorite videos here and it still holds up over a decade later.
It reminded me of following Jesus. When the animal fell, the butterfly dragon saved her/him. Jesus will be there to save u if u fall. Also, the dragon butterfly gave him a mask that let's him bring the dragon butterfly into other people's lives. Jesus wants us to be kind to others and share the gosple to help others have a connection with him too
IT'S BEEN 9 FRIGGN YEARS HOW DID I ONLY FIND THIS NOW??????? nice animation tho congrats from 2019 2020 Edit: to everybody correcting me saying it's 2020 now, I KNOW, I commented this in 2019 and I don't want to edit it just to say that 2021 edit: ... I hate the fact I used to say "friggin" back then. Also, 2020 was 2021's trailer, and 2022 and 2023 are the sequels
I have seen this like...10 times or more and it always make me wanna cry. I think the little creature died when she jumps,and the dragon,as a spiritual creature, save her spirit and take her to the other side (the spiritual world) Years later she came back to visit her mother and say she is ok (that's why the mother looks so surprised to see her child again). And the mask is a gift,to never feel alone,because she know her child is with her,as a tiny beautiful white butterfly.
I think that when the butterfly dragon gave the little creature the mask, it wanted her to decorate it because the dragon wanted to share its light with others. It already experienced life as a dragon, and it wanted others to know what it was like. Unfortunately, there could only be one dragon in the world at a time... Maybe there's a limit like that in the animation's world? So to share its light with others, it wanted to find someone brave enough and kind enough to be worthy of being a dragon. When it found someone like that, it was happy. The dragon knew the only way to pass this on was to fuse with the mask, just as the dragon before it did for them. By fusing with the mask, it allowed whoever wore it to turn into a dragon. Unfortunately, when the previous dragon did this, it died, but its light and ability to transform into a dragon did not. It would, in a way, live on inside the new dragon. Also... After giving a mask to her companion at the end, the little creature turned into a dragon. Then, we saw some more pictures. They showed the new dragon and her companion, then only her companion, and so forth... What if she left him there for a little bit (with the new mask he will paint) so she could show other creatures the light? Then when she got back, she could have fused with the mask he painted and let him be a dragon, too. Wow, this animation is simply beautiful! I love animations like this, where you get really emotional at the end, and want to cry happy tears. Then later, once you've thought about it for a while, you understand it a little better. That, or your imagination can do wonders. ^-^ Thanks, Sushan Yu!
+Maha Baig Even if it is, it doesn't hurt to have a little imagination. It was a beautiful animation and if you only think about the bad things, you won't get anywhere.. Still, thanks for letting me know for future reference.
The butterfly dragon symbolizes imagination. The youngster follows it because it's a beautiful creature. Her mother doesn't understand because she is already grown up. However, the child tries its best to have that creativity for herself, jumping off the cliff. The dragon helps her back on track and gives her the power to create a work of art as well. He opens her eyes to possibilities because of that one moment she tried giving up her life to become something great.
Angelic Zeru I agree i dont think she qas giving up her life however. I just thought that her tring to chase after her dream got her into a tough situation but that same creativity got her out of it.
My grandmother passed away a few months ago and this meant a lot to me. She loved butterflies and even had a tattoo of two which resembled her and I. Every time I see a butterfly I can feel her love and laughter come back to me. Thanks for the animation and to all who put the effort into it, it’s very good. Also I’m sorry I’m so late only found this now. :)
back to see this wonderful animation once again. Still touches my heart. I’ve missed her every day since. And hopefully I’ll be back one day with a butterfly tattoo too
This is how I see it: The story follows a child (I don't know what kind of fantasy animal he/she is, he/she is a child). There is the mundane and normal (the real world) represented by dark and boring colors, and there is his (I'll assume its a he) imagination (bright white). I look at it as a charming and simple tale, showing just how wonderful and beautiful a childs imagination can be. Or imagination in general. At 00:40 his mother cant see the butterfly he is chasing, since it isn't real.She is a little annoyed about the rude awakening, but chooses to leave him to his fantasy. This is a key part. The gives hi the freedom to play and dream. As a child should. When he reaches the large hole in the ground (a crevice? dunno, I'm danish) He has to decide whether to turn around or take a chance and chase his dreams (by attepting to jump over). He chooses his dreams. He makes it, guided by his creativity and ingenuity (represented by the butterfly-dragon). As a result, even as he grows up, he is able to view the world through a childs eyes (the mask made from the scale of the butterfly-dragon). He becomes a creature of magnificent beauty. He finally return home to his mother, to show her the mask. To show her his creation. He even gives her a scale of her own. He shows his mother, (and maybe the rest of the world in time?) just how wonderful he is, and how beautiful his fantasy is. All because she gave him the freedom to dream. The freedom to live. ...Or am i just crazy? Let me know what you see! :)
That's a nice observation, however I think the creature is a female mainly because at 0:48 it is shown closeup with feminine-like eyes (with all the eyelashes) but all the rest you stated helps me understand it a bit more!
No you are not crazy I think you got something. I think it as like the butterfly dragon is the childs one true freind and the child will even jump over a clift because he will not let him go. The butterfly dragon is a light for the child in the dark. Something like that mixed with yours. I'm danish too. You can probably tell by my name and my last name (have).
That was an eloquent idea and I understand what you mean. I believe everyone should look through a child's eye. We become so used to a daily routine that we forget to have fun and be creative in our own way.
6 years later and I still happened to end up watching this every few months, this genuinely is one of those things that make me tingle with happiness. It's simply beautiful. I first came across it in year 5 in primary school, I liked it then because I could relate to it is some strange way. Now here I am in year 11 with my GCSEs just around the corner and I've come to appreciate this masterpiece for what it truly is, and I hold it very close to my heart.
Night falls and father rests, and though the child was told to rest as well, she is still playful and alert. She sits bored until a beautiful butterfly catches her eye. She is unsure of what it is, and chases it, right over father, who awakens to find his child chasing and clutching something a few yards away. Aggravated, he sternly looks upon his child, but realizes, that children will be children, and lays his head back down to dream. In her hands, the child looks upon the beautiful creature; it's almost familiar to her. As the butterfly starts to fly off, she follows it, not wanting to lose that moment of comforting familiarity. The butterfly leads her off into the forest, and disappears for a moment, and as the child catches up, she finds a beautiful dragon; much like the ones her mother used to talk about before she died. The child tries to approach the dragon, which continues on into the woods until it appears on the other side of a ravine. The child observes the ravine, and looks at the dragon for a moment. Her heart sunk at the thought of losing the dragon so suddenly, and she thought back to losing her mother. This gave her the gumption to try to jump. She ran to the cliff as fast as she could and leapt, but could not make it across. The dragon had swooped down and rescued her in time, laying her on the ground on the other side. As the child looks up at the dragon, it continues to lead her forth. Finally they reach their destination; an open field where they can watch the stars dance. The child tilts her head, enjoying the spectacle until the dragon rubs something against her face, and for a moment, the child was annoyed until she saw that the dragon was offering her something. Taking the object, she observed it for a moment to find nothing significant about it until the dragon shows her how to draw on it, and the words her mother once said came to mind "Not everything is as it seems, love. Remember that." Delighted, the child draws a face, one which reminded her of her mother's likeness, and added a few leaved for her mother's mane. As she finished, the butterfly fuses with the mask, the words coming to the child once more, "not everything is as it seems. I am always with you." And the child puts on the mask, feeling the warmth of her mother's love through it. Excited, she finds another object similar to the one she was given, and brings the mask to show her father. She set his mask in front of him, "Here, Daddy," she says, waking him. Surprised to see this object, he looks at his daughter, wondering what it was. "Mom was right," she said, putting on her mask, a light changing her shape, forming her into a dragon, "they are real. And she's still with us. Do you believe me, now?" the father, who had forgotten how to love his daughter, who thought his beloved was gone forever, found happiness again in knowing anything was possible. They played the rest of the night.
Oh, thank you! I do, actually. Been working on some novels for some time, now, and I also write poetry. Someday, I intend to work with an animator and make great videos :3
I feel like this could be a friend chasing another - then reuniting only for the friend to die, or vanish. Then they find the friend lives on inside of them.
To me, this was about following your inspiration. If it's an art or a career and the risks you take to follow it. It's a very powerful story with such stunning imagery.
No more Man Dead You just sound mad about something. You can feel free to share with us; nice people. You won't get any chance like this again. On the internet, at least.
2010-no 2011-no 2012-nah 2013-no 2014-nope 2015-no 2016-nahhhh 2017-no 2018-NaHhHhhHhHHhHhH 2019- wait! Yeah, NOW let’s put it in their recommended! and fuck 2020 and 2021
I was 11 when I first watched this. Now I'm 24 and just had my senior show consisting of several ceramic masks I've made over the past 4 years. Cheers.
Not many people find themselves in this part of youtube. Most of them a too busy watching SkyDoesMinecraft (or SkyIsDumbness), or Venturian (can't really judge ppl for that one; I watch him too) and don't really look up things like this. I'm glad some people do though, or it would never have gotten around to me!
Emily Johnson No. I don't care. But then again you learn to find MineTubers stupid when they're all your cousin talks about. I mean seriously, nearly everything we say Matthew says "Oh Skydoesminecraft did a mod showcase for that where he blablabla I'm a stupid Minecraft obsessed cavity in my cousin and sister's lives" "Oh you're playing a Parkour map on ROBLOX? Stampylongnose plays lots of parkour maps on Minecraft!" "Are you playing Skyrim Mystic (he doesn't actually call me that)? You should go find that (insert something here...) because iBallisticSquid did a playthrough of Skyrim and he went and got that and it kills everything in one hit!' Me: "are you talking about Mehrunes' Razor?" Matthew: "No I'm talking about (insert whatever here again... :P) Me: "That's a mod, Matthew." Matthew: "Can you get that mod?" Me: "No. Dad doesn't want me getting mods." Matthew: "Woah! Serenanenapshb (He oretends he can't say the word Serana) just killed a wolf and it fell off a mountain" And thats when he starts doing this wierd stupid Zebra-on-Steroids-then-After-About-Thirty-Seconds-Turns-into-a-Spongebob-laugh. It's really dumb.
A long time ago, I actually found Sushan's old development blog for this project. The creatures depicted were actually a part of a race that, as they age, they lose their sight and with it, their memories. The story was originally very different fro mthe final project. The little one was named Dania who actually feared being forgotten. I honestly can't remember much more, and searching on google has proved fruitless, but I swear I remember this.
Because us humans ruin the several sights that could happen in such natural places. We destroy it, not thinking about the many good that could come from leaving these such places alone.
Agh my heart. I watched this when I was young and it made me cry. It’s so good and so smooth and one of the peak animations that convinced me to begin drawing. I still love it to this day.
Do NOT compare this to Disney, do NOT compare this to any other major animation studio. It would be an insult to this. This 4 1/2 minute animation blows the other animated major motion pictures out of the water. They only care about making money. They put no soul or heart into their movies. The creator has clearly put a lot of herself into this. This is honestly, the most beautiful animation I've ever seen in my 15 years of life.
The perfect predator. It never needs to put itself in danger when hunting its prey, since said prey is willingly consumed, and even aides in the finding of more food.
RiverGirl You're not a baby. You're just more sensitive to the deeper implications of things like this beautiful video. And that's a good thing, you're able to sense stuff other people can't see yet. Just because some people in society think emotions and feelings are weak, doesn't mean that they actually are. You don't need to justify your crying. People in society are slowly learning to let themselves feel, and just because not everyone knows emotions aren't weak, yet, doesn't mean that you have to be ashamed of talents like this. Sorry for the long comment, but I felt I had to let you know. :-)
I can't wrap my head around how amazingly flawless the animation was in this; so fluid, so pretty, so meaningful. The characters were so appealing to me, and I wish I could see more of this. Props to the creator for this masterpiece of animation and storytelling.
Oh wow.....It's been 5 years since i first saw this. It inspired me to take my own art seriously and to improve. I may still be no where near a professional artist but this made art more then just a hobby for me. It made art a way of life, made me strive for improvement so I could some day tell a story of my own. Thank you, sushan yue, for making this, I wouldn't be where I am now with out this existing and I am deeply greatfull.
This animation has a special place in my heart. I watched it over, and over as a child. 13 years later I still come back to it. It's beyond beautiful. 💜💜
Short, sweet and beautiful. Truly a masterpiece of real-life magic. The Butterfly Dragon has impressed me in both creativity and simplistic art. Indeed an award-winning animation.
Personally I think this is about the journey of an artist. You can see something nobody else can see, your artistic vision. Its often the case that parents see artistic pursuit as a waste of time. This is why the presumable parent creature looks annoyed. As you grow, so does your artistic intent. You imagine greater things, like from a butterfly to a dragon. You love art, but hesitate if its what you really want to pursue. You take the leap, in this case literally, and trust in your artistic intuition to keep you afloat. You make something beautiful to show the world what you see in your heart and you share it with the people you love. In some cases, this inspires them too, and they can see what you see in your art.
Oh my gosh I grew up on this animation. I’m so happy it came back to my recommendation; it’s such a beautiful and nostalgic piece of art that I will never get tired of watching.
thats just not fair my parents dont even know if i should go to a college i just want to get a great job! one where i can actually do stuff like animate or draw for a living, i dont want to end up working at a 711 or corner store i want to have fun!and not be bored.any way i really hope your parents change there mind about itt and that we can even possibly be classmates.
Diego Reyes-Crozier I'm from the Netherlands and everybody studies till they're at least 18 (it's the law). As a kid I wanted to study medicine on the university and this is what my parents want to. The change of becoming unimployed as a doctor is very small. And it's something I want to. So I'll just draw in my spare time~
I like that word. It looks like an awesome replacement for the word "Stupid" or "idiot" og something else insulting. Nuttbrain sounds like if youre upset, but not insulting. I like that.
This is the video that really got me into art as a kid. When I was just drawing my little ponies and stuff. This is what inspired me to actually learn the anatomy of animals other than horses and further my art. This right here was my childhood, my inspiration, and it brings back bittersweet memories of simpler times.
This has been the most smoothest animation I've ever watched. Ant talk about the anatomy! The animals move just as they would if they were in the real world. the dragon seems to 'strut' and the little dragon hops, just like a mouse. Bravo :)
I view the butterfly as a dream, one that one must pursue and work for in order to achieve. The elder creature cannot understand or see the younger's vision, as age and experience have replaced imagination. The younger however, pursues it's dream, even going so far as to take a leap of faith for it. The dragon form represents the true majesty and power behind the dream, and it rescuing the child shows that its leap was worthwhile. The mask is a product of the dream, something the child discovered after pursuing her ideal, and a physical representation of it. Through the mask it is able to show the elder what it had envisioned.
From silent night, from silent days, That all would dream and never stray. And fade converge beyond the deep, That none would feel a painful sleep. Stare beyond the skyward black, That forge a skin of masking track. Form to bloom of newer done, With final days of the dragon.
The breed of the two in the beginning is called the "faceless," and after making its face with the help of the butterfly dragon the faceless became what it wanted to be: a butterfly dragon.
The the creatures are called faceless,and the butterfly dragon helps them make a mask gets in the mask and the faceless puts the mask and become what the always wanted to be a butterfly dragon,and it goes over and over again!!!
I just want to say this now, I absolutely love it. The smoothness of the animation is stunning. The animals and the dragon looks gorgeous as well. I’d give this a 12/10 :3
Everybody here is talking about how this is a metaphor for death, and I can kind of see it, but could anybody please break it down for me? Like, point out the specific elements of the story and say how they translate into the literal death and acceptance?
I always thought it was about creativity and the trails of holding on to that as an adult. But then again everyone has different interpretations, and that’s what I love about this short :) .
So beautiful.. 4 years ago I discovered this animation. And I still in 2020 I watch it every once in a while, I’ve always been in love with the music and the animation itself, it’ll never get old
So touching I dont care if ppl call me a weirdo cuz they won't think it's touching and they think it's boring well they are wrong. This is epic I have always wanted to see a dragon my whole life. It just never comes true.
I remember watching this when I was around nine or ten or so; still today it brings me the same feelings of beauty and wonder. One of my favorite animations to date.
My guess is that the adult creature was dreaming the whole time, replaying the memory of her younger self being with the butterfly dragon. So at the end of the animation, when the younger creature gives the adult one a mask she was still dreaming, but then when the younger one turned into the dragon in a new form the adult woke up and the dragon was looking at her like: "Hey, remember me?" Thats my theory, I could be wrong
I used this music for a project in my old school, two and a half years ago. It really has a meaning to me.... I remember my dad downloading the music onto a usb drive and me being really happy with it. My father died two days ago. I’ll forever miss him.
I had no idea of what I wanted to be when I graduate high school, then is tumbled upon this. I've never felt so strongly pulled to a career so strongly. I plan on animating, but I don't want to join a company like Disney, id be freelance.
As a student of 2D animation I found this to be ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL❣️ Character design, expressions, background, story line... ALL simply BEAUTIFUL 💖 For some reason I only came across it now but it is a nice way to start the new year of 2022! Knowing it was uploaded/published in 2010 I am sure your skills have only skyrocketed. Wish I could see what you are doing now! 👏👍
This is so beautiful. The atmosphere, the music choice, the aesthetic of the creature smooth and soft movements, and the color choices are so well made that it just brings tears to my eyes. I really like that the animation lets the watcher or the audience create his or her own story of what's going in the animation. I wish there's more animation like this just cute, simple, and short. Makes you want more and it let your imagination runs wild. All in all its a masterpiece
My boys and I aren't together right now. But when I was visiting them last night,my oldest son who is 14 played this video for me. I could not help but to cry as them meaning for me was that... .I matter where we are,where we have been,and where we will be... We will always be ONE!! And we shall follow eachother in life,good times and bad,and always be there for one another. I miss and love my boys every moment we are apart. This is only temporary. You will come home because I love you!!
:,) I have no idea what happened there. I guess everyone sees it as their own way, but I just don't simply see anything (or then I was too amazed by the awesome art style :DD)
ich habe jetzt diese video schon solange in meiner Playlist, ich hoffe es wird nie gelöscht. Die Musik und der Zeichenstil, beides passt perfekt zusammen und ich liebe es einfach. Hat mehr Aufmerksamkeit verdient.
The animation is just amazing and beautiful and also breath taking. This animation is so well done and I love how the way it flows and I love the idea for the title and the story, I originally saw this in 2012 and since I am somewhat of a talented artist to most people this art style actually inspired me to make animals like this. I'm really glad I saw this animation!
To this day, for at least a whole five years, this video has been my absolute favorite on RUclips. I love coming back to just listen to the music while I'm working, and when taking a break, to also watch the timeless and beautiful animation. Congratulations and thank you, Sushan Yue, for truly captivating me!
This is my childhood. Meaning this was one of the very first videos I watched on RUclips as a child.
Same. I still remember finding it many years ago as a child
I got an overdose of nostalgia while watching this
Same here bud!
Same. And I'm still crying because it's so beautiful. I'm just crying because I know whats going to happen xD
I drew dragons like this in elementary school lol, and everyone said they weren’t dragons.
the message I'm getting is, "we can be more than what we are, with a little help to guide our way"
+Pyrus Writing Amazing isn't it? How such a simple story can give such a powerful message?
Pyrus Writing thank you, i was wondering what this was about
i see it too
so we are good alone, but some times we need a push from some one else
Pyrus Writing thx for this :) means a lot
Yes, and we need to put on a mask to do that apparently too, then.
This was the last video that Athus shared before his passing... I may have not known him, but let his wings fly free with his new mask. Fly far and let your wings carry you, friend.
Who is Athus? I feel sorely misinformed.
@@flan2696 A Freind maybe?
Beautiful quote!
....who's Athus? This video was credited to a woman name Sushan Yue and all her information is even in the video's end cards, too. In fact, there's no one named Athus credited in the end cards, period. Nor is he mentioned in the video information.
@@RenAsterion Some people do not know the line between imagination and reality.
Here I am 11 years later and I am still amazed and touched by the designs, musical score, and the simple ambiguous story this animation tells. This is still one of my all time favorite videos here and it still holds up over a decade later.
A perfect depiction of a dragon. Both beautiful and dangerous looking at the same time.
animations like these make me see life in a new way.
exactly
+Rosie The Wolf many deepness in this @.@
So true
Ye
I know how you feel
Why does this make me feel safe- like everything is going to be okay some how?
Tania Wolfe same ??
I dunno, it makes me feel sad, wistful and bittersweet.
Because the butterfly dragon is protecting you
I feel really sad yet happy and safe at the same time i dont know why
It reminded me of following Jesus. When the animal fell, the butterfly dragon saved her/him. Jesus will be there to save u if u fall. Also, the dragon butterfly gave him a mask that let's him bring the dragon butterfly into other people's lives. Jesus wants us to be kind to others and share the gosple to help others have a connection with him too
IT'S BEEN 9 FRIGGN YEARS
HOW DID I ONLY FIND THIS NOW???????
nice animation tho
congrats from 2019
2020 Edit: to everybody correcting me saying it's 2020 now, I KNOW, I commented this in 2019 and I don't want to edit it just to say that
2021 edit: ... I hate the fact I used to say "friggin" back then. Also, 2020 was 2021's trailer, and 2022 and 2023 are the sequels
Super Galactic Kitty SAME, SERIOUSLY THIS WAS MADE SO LONG AGO! But loaf the animation :3
@@WaffleCloud-qk7tk same UwU
Lmao
Same ;v;
69 likes lmao
How can it be, that I found this beautyfull animation just now? 6 years later.
yea, why sad life!
I just found it today after watching Reversal of the Heart
DracoBuster I just found it 9 years later..
8 yEarS!!!!
9
I have seen this like...10 times or more and it always make me wanna cry. I think the little creature died when she jumps,and the dragon,as a spiritual creature, save her spirit and take her to the other side (the spiritual world) Years later she came back to visit her mother and say she is ok (that's why the mother looks so surprised to see her child again). And the mask is a gift,to never feel alone,because she know her child is with her,as a tiny beautiful white butterfly.
yes....
+maxi sarasa sasa crap. I cried. Did i lose? Cry wit me
TheRandomSandwich I cry with all....😢
123 mdlr *cries on your arm and blows on ur sleeve*
+maxi sarasa sasa this made me cry, what u said is so true.....
I remember watching this before i started my channel and i still love it ❤
Crystal Wish crystal wish :O
woah what
woAH
wOAH
WOAH
:0
I just love the flicky whippy tail--these characters are so expressive, and it's animated so fluidly. This is really, really well done.
This was so beautiful I was actually crying I am not joking..
You aren't alone!
Snoopy Woodstock I so get what you mean
same!!!!!!
Why tho?
As a dragonkin, this made me cry to a whole new level so if feel you @Wolfs Rain
I think that when the butterfly dragon gave the little creature the mask, it wanted her to decorate it because the dragon wanted to share its light with others. It already experienced life as a dragon, and it wanted others to know what it was like. Unfortunately, there could only be one dragon in the world at a time... Maybe there's a limit like that in the animation's world? So to share its light with others, it wanted to find someone brave enough and kind enough to be worthy of being a dragon. When it found someone like that, it was happy. The dragon knew the only way to pass this on was to fuse with the mask, just as the dragon before it did for them. By fusing with the mask, it allowed whoever wore it to turn into a dragon. Unfortunately, when the previous dragon did this, it died, but its light and ability to transform into a dragon did not. It would, in a way, live on inside the new dragon.
Also... After giving a mask to her companion at the end, the little creature turned into a dragon. Then, we saw some more pictures. They showed the new dragon and her companion, then only her companion, and so forth... What if she left him there for a little bit (with the new mask he will paint) so she could show other creatures the light? Then when she got back, she could have fused with the mask he painted and let him be a dragon, too.
Wow, this animation is simply beautiful! I love animations like this, where you get really emotional at the end, and want to cry happy tears. Then later, once you've thought about it for a while, you understand it a little better. That, or your imagination can do wonders. ^-^ Thanks, Sushan Yu!
Soaring Heart umm actually I think this is a metaphor for death
Soaring Heart This is a metaphor about death....
+Maha Baig Even if it is, it doesn't hurt to have a little imagination. It was a beautiful animation and if you only think about the bad things, you won't get anywhere.. Still, thanks for letting me know for future reference.
The butterfly dragon symbolizes imagination. The youngster follows it because it's a beautiful creature. Her mother doesn't understand because she is already grown up. However, the child tries its best to have that creativity for herself, jumping off the cliff. The dragon helps her back on track and gives her the power to create a work of art as well. He opens her eyes to possibilities because of that one moment she tried giving up her life to become something great.
Angelic Zeru
I agree i dont think she qas giving up her life however. I just thought that her tring to chase after her dream got her into a tough situation but that same creativity got her out of it.
My grandmother passed away a few months ago and this meant a lot to me. She loved butterflies and even had a tattoo of two which resembled her and I. Every time I see a butterfly I can feel her love and laughter come back to me. Thanks for the animation and to all who put the effort into it, it’s very good. Also I’m sorry I’m so late only found this now. :)
Ok that is amazing, (that you feel that way) sorry about you grandma though
I completely forgot about this video until now. Wow
back to see this wonderful animation once again. Still touches my heart. I’ve missed her every day since.
And hopefully I’ll be back one day with a butterfly tattoo too
This is how I see it: The story follows a child (I don't know what kind of fantasy animal he/she is, he/she is a child). There is the mundane and normal (the real world) represented by dark and boring colors, and there is his (I'll assume its a he) imagination (bright white). I look at it as a charming and simple tale, showing just how wonderful and beautiful a childs imagination can be. Or imagination in general.
At 00:40 his mother cant see the butterfly he is chasing, since it isn't real.She is a little annoyed about the rude awakening, but chooses to leave him to his fantasy. This is a key part. The gives hi the freedom to play and dream. As a child should.
When he reaches the large hole in the ground (a crevice? dunno, I'm danish) He has to decide whether to turn around or take a chance and chase his dreams (by attepting to jump over). He chooses his dreams. He makes it, guided by his creativity and ingenuity (represented by the butterfly-dragon). As a result, even as he grows up, he is able to view the world through a childs eyes (the mask made from the scale of the butterfly-dragon). He becomes a creature of magnificent beauty.
He finally return home to his mother, to show her the mask. To show her his creation. He even gives her a scale of her own. He shows his mother, (and maybe the rest of the world in time?) just how wonderful he is, and how beautiful his fantasy is.
All because she gave him the freedom to dream. The freedom to live.
...Or am i just crazy? Let me know what you see! :)
That's a nice observation, however I think the creature is a female mainly because at 0:48 it is shown closeup with feminine-like eyes (with all the eyelashes) but all the rest you stated helps me understand it a bit more!
Kim j yeah, I can see that. I think you're right.
No you are not crazy I think you got something. I think it as like the butterfly dragon is the childs one true freind and the child will even jump over a clift because he will not let him go. The butterfly dragon is a light for the child in the dark. Something like that mixed with yours. I'm danish too. You can probably tell by my name and my last name (have).
My feels are bleeding.
That was an eloquent idea and I understand what you mean. I believe everyone should look through a child's eye. We become so used to a daily routine that we forget to have fun and be creative in our own way.
6 years later and I still happened to end up watching this every few months, this genuinely is one of those things that make me tingle with happiness. It's simply beautiful. I first came across it in year 5 in primary school, I liked it then because I could relate to it is some strange way. Now here I am in year 11 with my GCSEs just around the corner and I've come to appreciate this masterpiece for what it truly is, and I hold it very close to my heart.
Night falls and father rests, and though the child was told to rest as well, she is still playful and alert. She sits bored until a beautiful butterfly catches her eye. She is unsure of what it is, and chases it, right over father, who awakens to find his child chasing and clutching something a few yards away. Aggravated, he sternly looks upon his child, but realizes, that children will be children, and lays his head back down to dream. In her hands, the child looks upon the beautiful creature; it's almost familiar to her. As the butterfly starts to fly off, she follows it, not wanting to lose that moment of comforting familiarity. The butterfly leads her off into the forest, and disappears for a moment, and as the child catches up, she finds a beautiful dragon; much like the ones her mother used to talk about before she died. The child tries to approach the dragon, which continues on into the woods until it appears on the other side of a ravine. The child observes the ravine, and looks at the dragon for a moment. Her heart sunk at the thought of losing the dragon so suddenly, and she thought back to losing her mother. This gave her the gumption to try to jump. She ran to the cliff as fast as she could and leapt, but could not make it across. The dragon had swooped down and rescued her in time, laying her on the ground on the other side. As the child looks up at the dragon, it continues to lead her forth. Finally they reach their destination; an open field where they can watch the stars dance. The child tilts her head, enjoying the spectacle until the dragon rubs something against her face, and for a moment, the child was annoyed until she saw that the dragon was offering her something. Taking the object, she observed it for a moment to find nothing significant about it until the dragon shows her how to draw on it, and the words her mother once said came to mind "Not everything is as it seems, love. Remember that." Delighted, the child draws a face, one which reminded her of her mother's likeness, and added a few leaved for her mother's mane. As she finished, the butterfly fuses with the mask, the words coming to the child once more, "not everything is as it seems. I am always with you." And the child puts on the mask, feeling the warmth of her mother's love through it. Excited, she finds another object similar to the one she was given, and brings the mask to show her father. She set his mask in front of him, "Here, Daddy," she says, waking him. Surprised to see this object, he looks at his daughter, wondering what it was. "Mom was right," she said, putting on her mask, a light changing her shape, forming her into a dragon, "they are real. And she's still with us. Do you believe me, now?" the father, who had forgotten how to love his daughter, who thought his beloved was gone forever, found happiness again in knowing anything was possible. They played the rest of the night.
that's sooooo nice
T_T And with the music ahhh so saad
Thanks :3
it's just my interpretation of it.
starshine94 beautifull interpretation. You should write more.
Oh, thank you! I do, actually. Been working on some novels for some time, now, and I also write poetry. Someday, I intend to work with an animator and make great videos :3
Like this one~
I feel like this could be a friend chasing another - then reuniting only for the friend to die, or vanish. Then they find the friend lives on inside of them.
11 years and this animation still holds the spot for my favorite
To me, this was about following your inspiration. If it's an art or a career and the risks you take to follow it. It's a very powerful story with such stunning imagery.
Yep. This needs to be a short game too.
No
No more man dead, Sorry, but I think you misspelled 'yes.'
+Elyse Ricafort No, This needs to stay as an animation, not some retarded game that forms an cancerous fandom
No more Man Dead You just sound mad about something. You can feel free to share with us; nice people. You won't get any chance like this again. On the internet, at least.
No more Man Dead According to your name, you don't want me to :C
2010-no
2011-no
2012-nah
2013-no
2014-nope
2015-no
2016-nahhhh
2017-no
2018-NaHhHhhHhHHhHhH
2019- wait! Yeah, NOW let’s put it in their recommended!
and fuck 2020 and 2021
i've seen this somewhere
Yep :w;
stop
*lmao*
OMG for real sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on stuff in life.
Who else is watching this in 2019? Just curious :3
Btw 10/10 animation :D
Its meeeeeeee
I'm watching in 2019
Ello
the creater died recently
Yup, that would be me...
I was 11 when I first watched this. Now I'm 24 and just had my senior show consisting of several ceramic masks I've made over the past 4 years. Cheers.
Amaze
*Should definitely have more views*
Not many people find themselves in this part of youtube. Most of them a too busy watching SkyDoesMinecraft (or SkyIsDumbness), or Venturian (can't really judge ppl for that one; I watch him too) and don't really look up things like this. I'm glad some people do though, or it would never have gotten around to me!
I actually love skydoesminecraft and this sort of stuff I'm guessing you do.t care but he is a person and you should respect that
Emily Johnson No. I don't care. But then again you learn to find MineTubers stupid when they're all your cousin talks about. I mean seriously, nearly everything we say Matthew says "Oh Skydoesminecraft did a mod showcase for that where he blablabla I'm a stupid Minecraft obsessed cavity in my cousin and sister's lives" "Oh you're playing a Parkour map on ROBLOX? Stampylongnose plays lots of parkour maps on Minecraft!" "Are you playing Skyrim Mystic (he doesn't actually call me that)? You should go find that (insert something here...) because iBallisticSquid did a playthrough of Skyrim and he went and got that and it kills everything in one hit!'
Me: "are you talking about Mehrunes' Razor?"
Matthew: "No I'm talking about (insert whatever here again... :P)
Me: "That's a mod, Matthew."
Matthew: "Can you get that mod?"
Me: "No. Dad doesn't want me getting mods."
Matthew: "Woah! Serenanenapshb (He oretends he can't say the word Serana) just killed a wolf and it fell off a mountain" And thats when he starts doing this wierd stupid Zebra-on-Steroids-then-After-About-Thirty-Seconds-Turns-into-a-Spongebob-laugh. It's really dumb.
Mystic Ninetales yes i can see how that can get annoying
Emily Johnson Eesh. You have no idea.
A long time ago, I actually found Sushan's old development blog for this project. The creatures depicted were actually a part of a race that, as they age, they lose their sight and with it, their memories. The story was originally very different fro mthe final project. The little one was named Dania who actually feared being forgotten. I honestly can't remember much more, and searching on google has proved fruitless, but I swear I remember this.
why do beautiful things like this make me feel bad?
because we are human
At least we aren't as bad as the humans that own those big industries.
Because us humans ruin the several sights that could happen in such natural places. We destroy it, not thinking about the many good that could come from leaving these such places alone.
I watched this 5 years ago. But, I never really understood it, and couldn’t see the beauty in it.
Rewatching it, I realize how Incredible it is.
Agh my heart. I watched this when I was young and it made me cry. It’s so good and so smooth and one of the peak animations that convinced me to begin drawing. I still love it to this day.
This is clearly an unknown and unappreciated animation-this was beautiful and amazing overall.
The music...ugh it so pretty...
Do NOT compare this to Disney, do NOT compare this to any other major animation studio. It would be an insult to this. This 4 1/2 minute animation blows the other animated major motion pictures out of the water. They only care about making money. They put no soul or heart into their movies. The creator has clearly put a lot of herself into this. This is honestly, the most beautiful animation I've ever seen in my 15 years of life.
The perfect predator. It never needs to put itself in danger when hunting its prey, since said prey is willingly consumed, and even aides in the finding of more food.
What???
One of the things that motivated me to wanna become an animator/artist/character designer as a kid. Now I’m gonna study concept art in university
Why can't I like this twice?
because RUclips wants you to suffer
D=
:o
Bria Nonya nu!!
Blizzard Star/Fur I feel yo pain :'(
I cried and it wasn't even sad. I'm such a baby but this is beautiful.
RiverGirl You're not a baby. You're just more sensitive to the deeper implications of things like this beautiful video. And that's a good thing, you're able to sense stuff other people can't see yet. Just because some people in society think emotions and feelings are weak, doesn't mean that they actually are. You don't need to justify your crying. People in society are slowly learning to let themselves feel, and just because not everyone knows emotions aren't weak, yet, doesn't mean that you have to be ashamed of talents like this. Sorry for the long comment, but I felt I had to let you know. :-)
I can't wrap my head around how amazingly flawless the animation was in this; so fluid, so pretty, so meaningful. The characters were so appealing to me, and I wish I could see more of this. Props to the creator for this masterpiece of animation and storytelling.
9 years?! This was something I watched every day as a kid. One of the reasons I started drawing.
My gosh, I am blown away. What a gorgeous use of motion and music, not to mention the deep, beautiful background. Keep up the lovely work.
xx
There are no words to express this. It's just perfect.
You are totally right. This is brilliant. Thank you for sharing :)
I agree absolutely incredible
so there is A word to descibe it? perfect
I totally and absolutely mostly and thoughtfully think it's totally perfect, no mistakes, PERFECT!
Oh wow.....It's been 5 years since i first saw this. It inspired me to take my own art seriously and to improve. I may still be no where near a professional artist but this made art more then just a hobby for me. It made art a way of life, made me strive for improvement so I could some day tell a story of my own. Thank you, sushan yue, for making this, I wouldn't be where I am now with out this existing and I am deeply greatfull.
This animation has a special place in my heart. I watched it over, and over as a child. 13 years later I still come back to it. It's beyond beautiful. 💜💜
Repent and believe the gospel, this could be your last chance to be saved, God bless you
Short, sweet and beautiful. Truly a masterpiece of real-life magic. The Butterfly Dragon has impressed me in both creativity and simplistic art. Indeed an award-winning animation.
Amen to that. I couldn't help but cry.
Watch the channel for a new animation by the wonderfully talented Sushan Yue.
:)I love 😍
Amazing animation! Keep up the good work ♥♥♥
too beautiful
+AmaterasuNPro no its a million times to buttifull I think I died because is so beautiful
Sarah Strahmann we get rekt by the feels train
Daw I like this little creature that is with the butterfly dragon. Its cute.
Very nice animated aswell.
Personally I think this is about the journey of an artist. You can see something nobody else can see, your artistic vision. Its often the case that parents see artistic pursuit as a waste of time. This is why the presumable parent creature looks annoyed. As you grow, so does your artistic intent. You imagine greater things, like from a butterfly to a dragon. You love art, but hesitate if its what you really want to pursue. You take the leap, in this case literally, and trust in your artistic intuition to keep you afloat. You make something beautiful to show the world what you see in your heart and you share it with the people you love. In some cases, this inspires them too, and they can see what you see in your art.
Oh my gosh I grew up on this animation. I’m so happy it came back to my recommendation; it’s such a beautiful and nostalgic piece of art that I will never get tired of watching.
this is the college I want to go to after high school
You are welcome.
Diego Reyes-Crozier Same for me, but my parents won't allow it
thats just not fair my parents dont even know if i should go to a college i just want to get a great job! one where i can actually do stuff like animate or draw for a living, i dont want to end up working at a 711 or corner store i want to have fun!and not be bored.any way i really hope your parents change there mind about itt and that we can even possibly be classmates.
Diego Reyes-Crozier
I'm from the Netherlands and everybody studies till they're at least 18 (it's the law). As a kid I wanted to study medicine on the university and this is what my parents want to. The change of becoming unimployed as a doctor is very small. And it's something I want to. So I'll just draw in my spare time~
Cool ive always wondered what it would be like to be a doctor.
How are you even able to dislike this...
if you accidentally miss the like button
D:
By being a total nutbrain? (Yes, I say nutbrain. I write a lot, put that in one of my stories and been saying it ever since)
I like that word. It looks like an awesome replacement for the word "Stupid" or "idiot" og something else insulting. Nuttbrain sounds like if youre upset, but not insulting. I like that.
well thank you =3
+Artic The Wolf haha I use piece of pot, or you're a cake, or a carrot, or a goddamn lamp, helps a lot X3
This is the video that really got me into art as a kid. When I was just drawing my little ponies and stuff. This is what inspired me to actually learn the anatomy of animals other than horses and further my art. This right here was my childhood, my inspiration, and it brings back bittersweet memories of simpler times.
This has been the most smoothest animation I've ever watched. Ant talk about the anatomy! The animals move just as they would if they were in the real world. the dragon seems to 'strut' and the little dragon hops, just like a mouse. Bravo :)
I love the story, It's amazing. The art and song are so peaceful they could put me too sleep, And did the first Butterfly dragon die?
Caitlin Parker it is a metaphor for death, and acceptance.
chloe ellis Oh
Caitlin Parker Haha. It's a bit morbid, isn't it? but it's so beautiful.
chloe ellis Yeah
I know right?
I can't get over how smooth the animation is.
Yes, it is perfect in every way.
this video is literally the reason why im an artist today
i first watched it at around 6 and its always stuck with me
I wish I could print this animation and hang it on my wall. It's just so beautiful.
I view the butterfly as a dream, one that one must pursue and work for in order to achieve. The elder creature cannot understand or see the younger's vision, as age and experience have replaced imagination. The younger however, pursues it's dream, even going so far as to take a leap of faith for it. The dragon form represents the true majesty and power behind the dream, and it rescuing the child shows that its leap was worthwhile. The mask is a product of the dream, something the child discovered after pursuing her ideal, and a physical representation of it. Through the mask it is able to show the elder what it had envisioned.
From silent night, from silent days,
That all would dream and never stray.
And fade converge beyond the deep,
That none would feel a painful sleep.
Stare beyond the skyward black,
That forge a skin of masking track.
Form to bloom of newer done,
With final days of the dragon.
that's a beautiful poem - did you write it yourself?
Tieshaunn Tanner
Yep
awesome work
This is pure magic...
Daniel Bremmer
No. And your welcome
As a kid, this animation changed my brain chemistry and life trajectory. Im so glad it’s still here
The breed of the two in the beginning is called the "faceless," and after making its face with the help of the butterfly dragon the faceless became what it wanted to be: a butterfly dragon.
Thx loved it but kind of didn't get it know I do!!! XD
The the creatures are called faceless,and the butterfly dragon helps them make a mask gets in the mask and the faceless puts the mask and become what the always wanted to be a butterfly dragon,and it goes over and over again!!!
***** Why do you think bad thoughts about animations like this?
***** Everyone have different imagination ;)
Hanna Garp Very true!
I just want to say this now, I absolutely love it. The smoothness of the animation is stunning. The animals and the dragon looks gorgeous as well. I’d give this a 12/10 :3
Everybody here is talking about how this is a metaphor for death, and I can kind of see it, but could anybody please break it down for me? Like, point out the specific elements of the story and say how they translate into the literal death and acceptance?
I always thought it was about creativity and the trails of holding on to that as an adult. But then again everyone has different interpretations, and that’s what I love about this short :) .
So beautiful.. 4 years ago I discovered this animation. And I still in 2020 I watch it every once in a while, I’ve always been in love with the music and the animation itself, it’ll never get old
So touching I dont care if ppl call me a weirdo cuz they won't think it's touching and they think it's boring well they are wrong. This is epic I have always wanted to see a dragon my whole life. It just never comes true.
I remember watching this when I was around nine or ten or so; still today it brings me the same feelings of beauty and wonder. One of my favorite animations to date.
This was so beautiful! The animation was so smooth and the story was amazing! I really wish the best to the animator with her career!
It's been 12 years now and I still admire these kinda of animations. I fell in love with this dragon so long ago
This is the best Pokemon ever
Eyia the cat Jedliczko He meant it as a joke. At least i hope so.
YES
CuteyCat565 it's obviously a Fairy/Dragon type 😋
XD!!!!!
IM NAMING IT FLUTTERGON
This brought tears to my eyes, for some reason.
Me too, I think it pulled at everyone's heart strings ;)
Me 21
This is amazing, especially the animation; it's incredibly smooth and natural in all of its pretty simplicity.
it's rare you find something like that's so meaningful that has such a high quality in animation
That ending
This is a BEAUTIFUL animation!!
This is a wonderful animation and i think it deserves a like!
I have seen this so many times but EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE IT I CRY
EVERY TIME UGH
SO MUCH FEELS
MY HEART WHYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
My guess is that the adult creature was dreaming the whole time, replaying the memory of her younger self being with the butterfly dragon. So at the end of the animation, when the younger creature gives the adult one a mask she was still dreaming, but then when the younger one turned into the dragon in a new form the adult woke up and the dragon was looking at her like: "Hey, remember me?"
Thats my theory, I could be wrong
I used this music for a project in my old school, two and a half years ago. It really has a meaning to me.... I remember my dad downloading the music onto a usb drive and me being really happy with it. My father died two days ago. I’ll forever miss him.
I had no idea of what I wanted to be when I graduate high school, then is tumbled upon this. I've never felt so strongly pulled to a career so strongly. I plan on animating, but I don't want to join a company like Disney, id be freelance.
Two words
STUDIO
GHIBLI
Amanda Rodriguez omg yes
Amanda Rodriguez FUCK. YES. become the next miyazaki!!
Amanda Rodriguez Sorry to burst your bubble but the japanese don't allow americans to work or create manga and anime series in Japan.
Mr. jack they do because mark crilly has his own manga and he is in the prossess of making a anime
After all these years :´) It´s still so fucking beautiful...
As a student of 2D animation I found this to be ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL❣️ Character design, expressions, background, story line... ALL simply BEAUTIFUL 💖
For some reason I only came across it now but it is a nice way to start the new year of 2022! Knowing it was uploaded/published in 2010 I am sure your skills have only skyrocketed. Wish I could see what you are doing now! 👏👍
This animation finds it's way back to my home feed every couple of years, and it's a treat every time
This is so beautiful. The atmosphere, the music choice, the aesthetic of the creature smooth and soft movements, and the color choices are so well made that it just brings tears to my eyes. I really like that the animation lets the watcher or the audience create his or her own story of what's going in the animation. I wish there's more animation like this just cute, simple, and short. Makes you want more and it let your imagination runs wild. All in all its a masterpiece
this deserves a like. almost made me cry
My boys and I aren't together right now. But when I was visiting them last night,my oldest son who is 14 played this video for me. I could not help but to cry as them meaning for me was that...
.I matter where we are,where we have been,and where we will be...
We will always be ONE!! And we shall follow eachother in life,good times and bad,and always be there for one another.
I miss and love my boys every moment we are apart. This is only temporary. You will come home because I love you!!
Still working hard in everything I do, everyday to bring my boys home. The struggle is real in entry moment but I will not give up on us.
RUclips has been recommending me this the second january each year for a decade now. It still feels the same, watching it again every time.
Whoa! So GORGEOUS, and so bittersweet, too! Nice!
:,) I have no idea what happened there. I guess everyone sees it as their own way, but I just don't simply see anything (or then I was too amazed by the awesome art style :DD)
Northflower Oh you're here! I am a subscriber from your channel and I really like this video aswell
That's the charm. All we know about the story is what Sushan said in her own channel. Everything else is interpretation.
how, ONLY 12 LIKES IN 2 YEARS!?!?! You deserve more than 12 (P.S) I gave you the 12th one =3
The illustrations are so beautiful
ich habe jetzt diese video schon solange in meiner Playlist, ich hoffe es wird nie gelöscht. Die Musik und der Zeichenstil, beides passt perfekt zusammen und ich liebe es einfach. Hat mehr Aufmerksamkeit verdient.
I found this years later after I used to watch it all the time when I was younger. Still as good as I remember it :)
This made me cry..
DANG EMOTIONS
Nobody:
Absolutely nobody:
Not the whole universe:
RUclips: *Lets put this on their recommended now!*
I remember when my simple journeys as a younger soul took me to places like this- found. Not shown.
Memories that were mine to make- not an algorithm.
RUclips recommended this to me today.....
Wat the hek
I've come back once again near this date, now 6 years later, to pay respect to Athus for bringing this wonderful video into my life
I have 10 copies of this video in case it get deleted by a dumb decision of youtube. This is something i'll never lose, never
The animation is just amazing and beautiful and also breath taking. This animation is so well done and I love how the way it flows and I love the idea for the title and the story, I originally saw this in 2012 and since I am somewhat of a talented artist to most people this art style actually inspired me to make animals like this. I'm really glad I saw this animation!
this will never get old
this is just beautiful
Omg coincidence I found u here XDD
The description says it was done by only one animator! It's so smooth and beautiful. Tremendous amount of work. Amazing.
such a beautiful fusion
This. Is just awesome - o God I'm crying now- this is just wholesome if you think about it...
Best animation I've seen on RUclips.
To this day, for at least a whole five years, this video has been my absolute favorite on RUclips. I love coming back to just listen to the music while I'm working, and when taking a break, to also watch the timeless and beautiful animation. Congratulations and thank you, Sushan Yue, for truly captivating me!