My theory is - or at least my HOPE is - that the generic characters we are presented to in the trailer are your origin choices. The warden, the crow, the magister etc. I think it was a big misstep of Inquisition that the characters we created never had their “origin” portion of the game, as that bit in, erm, Origins is often quoted as the best and most inventive parts of the game. Sure, it’d lock us into certain paths/races but so did some of the origins in DAO. So, fingers crossed.
I agree, especially if you also consider that DA 2 also had an origin, even if you can't choose a different one it is still better than what DA: I did. Even if they don't make a playable origin like DA: O the most important thing is making that origin matter as much as possible during the game.
After this dragon age I’m really hoping they’ll remaster DA:O because I miss the darker side of dragon age. Inquisition was great but very watered down on the darkness of DA:O
This is what I believe they're doing because according to the trailer the new hero has to be a no one and by no one it means the hero can be anyone from anywhere. So having different choices does fit the current scenario as the hero could come from anywhere.
@@jf175 True.. and honestly, DAO was an actual dark fantasy like it was supposed to be, and DAI is just generic fantasy. They even got rid of the sexy desire demons smh
There are a few more details that need to be said, but as I found them from others breakdowns on the mural, I didn't want to plop it in a video that I'm monetizing. - The first is a post from tumblr (whose blog I really recommend) who talks about the composition of the mural. In short, the composition of the new mural is almost identical, except being upside down, of another mural from Trespasser. The mural from Trespasser (seen in the video) is assumed by fans to be the creation of the veil and locking away of the Golden City. This new mural is obviously showing the destruction of the veil. Just a neat artistic callback! Link to the blog: felassan.tumblr.com/post/637542668174491648/with-what-looks-like-either-the-sun-or-moon-behind - Second is from another RUclipsr, Ashe. She noticed that the strange sarcophagus from the new Blue Wraith comic series looks almost identical to the Bioware 25 concept of Moon-head. She will be making her own video on it, so I didn't want to steal her thunder because my video is coming out before hers. When the video is out, I'll be linking that here, but for now, here is the tweet she sent out about it: twitter.com/ladyinsanity/status/1340605005477265408?s=21 - 12/23 Edit: Ashe's Video is out! ruclips.net/video/_MyD4ZwnaQY/видео.html - 12/21 Edit: A lot of people are pointing out that the mosaics shown at 16:13 depict a figure that is similar to Beetle! (There have been many of you I can't possibly name you all sorry :( ) Not sure how I missed that, although I think I'm one of the few people that didn't see the 'horns' of the figure as horns. To give some background on the image, when you find that piece in the game, you are then told about the Evanuris, and how they were not gods, but just powerful mortals that can be killed. I'm not sure what that says if it is beetle, but given that we can figure out that is depicted in the rest of the mosaics, and that this one is a mystery, there is a real chance this could be him.
Just wanted to mention that when you turn the mosaics upside down, the face there looks like Beetle. Don't know if you missed that. The figure it is attached to has its stomach wrapped in chains, like a slave or a captive? The four heads all have this beetle-headed figure in chains under them, hanging upside down, so it's like they are victors over it? The three blue drops coming from it is maybe also lyrium, so maybe they bleed lyrium from it in its capitivity? Just a few thoughts
With regards to the 16:13 mosaics, something strikes me as odd. The Beetle-esque figure in the mosaic seems to be *chained* to the primary subjects of the image, and almost look like they're being hung upside down, with their arms dangling beside their head and the blue tear or raindrops falling below. I have no clue what this could *mean*, truth be told, but it definitely gives off a prisoner vibe - maybe even akin to one of the major arcana of tarot, the hanged man. Given that the murals seem to depict the elven pantheon (or at least I assume so, given the wolf visage), it's possible that these are representations of victims of the evanuris's lust for power.
It would be really cool if they would try to implement "origins" like in the DAO. I could see how Varric would function in the same way as Duncan did and how he visits many places to recruit agents (a Warden in Anderfels, a crow in Antive, etc.).
We also talked about this in the discord! And yeah, we settled on the fact that a pride demon has more eyes, and they're still symmetrical, unlike this mural.
Yeah, although not identical, it seems like the image is hinting at pride demons...maybe Solas starts to be consumed by his pride, but he's not quite there yet and can still be redeemed?
I think that moon-head might be Ghilan'nain. We’ve been seeing a weird amount of content about her lately and that eldritch moon-head creature looks like a terrible sea creature in part, which fits Ghilan'nain.
I agree, especially since the Ascension of Ghilan'nain codex mentions that the creatures of the deep (sea monsters) were her only creations that she didn't destroy because 'Pride' stayed her hand. Whether it was Solas stopping her because reasons of his own, or her going "... you know, I might need these to use against Solas at some point", we may not know til DA4 is out.
It would make sense because she is connected to guidance and navigation, so maybe she had a part in Meredith's turn? Guiding her down that specific path and such...just a theory. I love Ghilan'nain!
I was convinced it was Gillain'nain until I saw the full art work that shows the tentacles on her lower half, if you look at the art work for the old god's from Origins it shows the exact same image down to the crossed arms and tentacles ! It still could be Gillain'nain though and completely destroy the theory that the Evanuris and the old god's aren't connected, I've always believed they are 2 sides of the same coin, despite what Solas say about there not being any law connecting them. There is if you look close enough ! 👍😊
On the possible executor, is it possible they are Kossith, one of the descendants of the precursor people to the Qunari race? That would explain the horns and also why they look like no people we've ever seen before but vaguely like other peoples we have seen.
I thought the Kossith were killed in the first blight? Or are you suggesting that whoever kicked the Qunari out of the former home and now followed them to help wipe them out?
The changed concept art of the sea monster that now looks similar to Moon-head could relate to the story of Ghilan'nain, who had create creatures to impress Andruil and that she had created sea monsters and as Andruil was going to kill them "Pride stayed her hand". Could Moon-head be related to Ghilan'nain and she was saved by Solas (pride) who is using them now. That could mean Beetle is also somehow related back to Ghilan'nain and Solas. Which could explain why Ghilan'nain has shown up a lot recently in the stories, like in The Horrors of Hormak with her crazy monster-making goo. Also another interesting note I saw on the wiki for Ghilan'nain, Ameridan built a shrine dedicated to Andraste and Ghilan'nain inside of Razikale's Reach. Seemed kind of interesting since Moon-head possibly resembles an Old God, could be the monster created by Ghilan'nain (or a representation of Ghilan'nain herself), and the Temple of Sacred Ashes had tapestries that seem to resemble original concept for the form of the Old Gods. Bit of a tinfoil connection though.
I was thinking this ! Could the squiggles on Moon-head be seaweed ?? To imply a connection to the sea monsters ? The monster goo in HoH was also said to be more of a brine, like seawater.
@@rozenmaiden144 Seaweed would fit very well for the squiggles. I can imagine this giant sea monster rising out of the sea with a whole bunch of seaweed clumped up on it's moon-head as a boss battle kind of reveal. The concept art doesn't show any, but that could be because it was an idea that came up working on the mural. Bit of speculation, but we don't know when each piece was made in relation to each other.
I am surprised that people thought The Inquisitor was coming back for the next game? BioWare has deliberately made a new player character for each game. I swear I read somewhere that the developers said that was deliberate.
I guess ppl who thought that maybe didn't play trespasser and/or don't follow the devs or anyone else?? I mean the Inky says it outright in the scene where they stab the map - Or it was just wishful thinking as a lot of Solavellan fans still need closure? I for sure also need something for my Lavellan and Solas but I'M SO HYPED for a new main protag and all the new companions! (Pls let me romance an antivan crow x) )
@@YuenQestir well the inquisitor might still show up. And I think they will bc the decision you make when drinking or not drinking from the well of sorrows should matter. So that's why i believe they'll be in it.
Why is that shocking? Hawke came back in inquisition, so it’s really not that far fetched. I think trespasser heavily implies the inquisitor will be back in some regard, just not the protagonist obviously. There are many choices the inquisitor makes that will most likely have to be explored in the next game (such as drinking from the well, whether they decided to save redeem solas or kill him, etc.).. It’s also pretty obvious based on the fact they left the inquisitor open, they all have the same ending regardless of their choices. If the inquisitor was dead in games or was able to run off with solas I’d doubt they’d be back, but it seems they deliberately left their story open so that they can take on some sort of role in the next game. Whether that be big or small we don’t know.
Dragon Age always has protagonists that (while potentially tied together somehow in case of the Amell family) are one play only but pop up in conversation and their actions are felt as ripples. So I don’t understand why people thought we’d play as the inquisitor again. Consistent PCs are a trademark of Mass Effect with Shepard and (intended to be) Ryder not Dragon Age
@@maryanngonzalez1817 people didn't think that it would be a cameo. They thought the Inquisitor would be your player character in Dragon Age 4. That's the difference.
"many of you have sat down with something to eat, expecting an hour long video, but unfortunately..." you say this like i'm not about to scarf down my breakfast in 30 minutes lol wonderful video, as always!! the amount of work you put in is unbelievable, be it an hour long video or a much shorter one
Why do people keep thinking we gonna to be playing as a warden ?!? I honestly think we’re gonna to be playing as a inquisition agent if you didn’t disband or just a random new person who used to be part of the inquisition. If you had disband.
I am thoroughly impressed by all the research you put into your content Ghil Dirthalen, as try as I might to look for answers about the next game I always end up frustrated. Thank you so much for what you do.
The trailer gives me butterflies in my stomach. The music is so good in it to! Plus I'm so happy Varric is sticking around, he is a viscount afterall. Anyway, I don't have any amazing theories, I'm just excited!
Caitie saves us again with another lore dump that we will ration for another two years since that's when Bioware will probably give us more da4 news lol
Thank you for your videos! Varric has a gritty, melodramatic storytelling style. It's a lovable consistent trait. I've been suspicious of Bioware hyping up Solas as a villain, and using Varric as the voiceover just proves to me that it's a red herring. Solas has plans alright. But how have his plans worked out for him thus far? He will probably accidentally introduce something worse, be immediately remorseful and if he survives his mistake, he'll spend the rest of the game trying to help. ...Besides, if his main goal is to bring together the spirit world and physical world, well, Korra did it 🤷 Maybe the blue eyes are for the Avatar State 🤣
Thank’s for this video ! I’m not this knowledgeable in DA lore, but Beetle and Moon Face actually make me think of the different moon phases. Or, at least some kind of astral representation. Beetle would represent something full, that is « complete ». I feel like it would be some kind of a good representation for Lusacan (The night, full moon, something that is kind of complete). But it can also go with Elgar Nan and something mor absolute like the mighty sun. I believe it’s more of the first kind of thing, and the use of the orb like something that is round, whole might be another part that is important. Corypheus was an absolute vilain in the story and it goes with this... On Moon Head I would see it as quite something opposite as an absolute night. Like when you don’t know if it’s day or night, going with twilight or down. This imagery goes pretty well with the one in BioWare book « a time of uncertainty in the day ». For this, I would really think it’s linked to Razikale, were things, because of the light can appear really different on the way you look at them. I’m not really sure about it’s elven equivalent, but if you see it as being an intermittent moon phase Mythal can just be represented. She represent a large variety of emotions and scenery, always acting like a vilain or a savior depending the way you look at her. This also pretty much the case when you see Meredith. She can be an allied most of the game, and your perception of her actions is way more blurry than that of Corypheus. In all case, I do believe this moon phase thing also because they act in contrast / reflection of the sun which is the final imagery. Maybe the sun being the maker ? And them just, as the chantry / legends say being the first sons of the maker and acting in his will ?... don’t know. Confusing stuff :p There is another part here that might be of some sense, even if I’m not sure. Both Corypheus and Meredith have their tools that are fading away on this depiction. It might be a sign of strength for the Dread wolf ? Still, thank you very very much for your video :) can’t wait to see more !
I initially thought that the magical lights that we saw dancing around the Antivan city were just that, magical lights, and it would make some sense given the fact that Antiva is supposed to be a place of beauty and wonders so they could just hire mages to create these magical spectacles (kinda like what they do sometimes in Orlais?) . It would cost less power than to maintain a giant magical barrier and it would explain why isn't the Crow character more worried and agitated :)
The way "the city" is positioned around the Dread Wolf's mouth, almost makes it seems as though he's taken a bite out of it (metaphorically). If so, was he/his mouth infected by red lyrium before or after the bite (metaphorically or literally)? As in, was the Black City already corrupted by red lyrium thus corrupting the Dread Wolf or visa-versa? Also, are the eyes blue because his whole being hasn't been infected yet? Or does it represent blue lyrium? Hmm...
Between the Constellations of the Evanuris being tied to the Old Gods and both groups having the power to switch to a Dragon form at will, I'm seeing a lot of instances where the Old Gods are emulating the Evanuris. We even have a codex of Ancient Elven Writing where someone is put on trial for taking the form of one of them. With this in mind, are we seeing an Evanuris or simply a copy of one? Fascinating either way. Additionally, each of the Magisters Sidereal we've seen have gone against their God's element, with Corypheus making loud statements and making the Calling deafening, and the Architect making abominations and turning Wardens into pure Darkspawn. Razikale is the Old God of Mystery, so the Augur is likely to show up and explain a thing or two. Lusacan is the Old God of Night, so the Watchman is likely to bring a new dawn to the world, possibly destroying the darkspawn in the process somehow.
I hadnt gotten into dragon age lore in about 2 years. I even forgot some of the most hardcore lore and theories. But this video made me want to go back into it - thank you so much :))
I totally feel you on the mural of the two Elven gods. I thought it was the Elven twins and I also think it might be Mythal and Elgr'nan. Katie you have truly outdone yourself with it video absolutely fantastic! 😄🙏💙💛💖 P S. Thank you Sahre for the right spelling of their names. 😉👍
One thought on the horned helmet. I can see it being a Qunari, but it also could resemble Flemeth or even the headwear we see Vivienne wear. With the bow, maybe it's a kind of mixed class like knight enchanter or arcane warrior.
I was able to see a version of the mural that went above the wolf’s ears and it looks like both of the figures have the tentacles, so they seem to be the same kind of thing
One thing I haven't seen too many people comment on is the weapon used by the "Qunari lady" or Executor or whomever it is, outside of it being the weird triangles we saw in previous concept art. What interests me is the shape of the weapon - when the character is in the snow, it seems to be rod-like in shape, almost like a mage's weapon. But when facing the red lyrium(?) darkspawn creature, it becomes a bow. To me, this might suggest a new weapon or weapon class? Like maybe transforming weapons could be in the next game, or weapons with multiple functions, or classes which can manipulate the triangles in different ways, like mages can use staffs and bows, rogues can use bows and daggers and bowstaves, etc etc. Maybe it's something like in the FIre Emblem games, and when your character gets their specialization, they gain a new weapon/form they can use via the mystical triangles. It is also worth noting that Dalish in The Bull's Chargers claims to be an archer, but it is a running gag that she is actually a mage; she simply claims that the staff with a crystal on top is an old elven trick that humans wouldn't understand. Maybe she unwittingly was right? Or maybe she has been an Executor or some other kind of double-agent this entire time and wasn't actually lying? Like, maybe it IS an old elven trick to use a staff-bow as a way of tricking enemies - we already know that ancient elves used to be able to conjure spirit swords with magic, so maybe this is a spirit bow or something? (Plus in "Half Up Front," we get a scene of a mage using their staff as a physical weapon, so maybe this is a nod towards staves being used as actual weapons and not just magic conduits.) The point is, there is plenty of tinfoil to be had over this weapon, and I'm not claiming to know ANYTHING about it, BUT I think it is worth speculation, and I'm surprised by how little theorizing I've seen over it.
In Tevinter nights we see non mages use magic based weapons, so I assume this bow that shoots magic arrows is one of those. Could be a cool way to incorporate more magic into the rogue and warrior classes since mages have had arcane warrior and knight enchanters.
Maybe blue eyes are simply infused with lyrium? There was a theory about Evanuris hunting Titans to mine their bodies for lyrium (and foci?) and that's what gave them their godlike powers... Maybe Solas doesn't feel his power is enough for the task, so he's using lyrium in a similar way? Slowly becoming the same thing he once fought against.
Hope this game finally illuminates who the Old Gods are, how they’re related to the Evanuris if at all, and most importantly, WHAT IS THE BLIGHT? Great vid to come back to this week after the new trailers :)
It occurs to me that all the characters in the novel snippets have main characters that are in the background, in the shadows or otherwise just one in a group, a faction. While it probably was more obvious to others, I only realized this now and it is making me cautiously excited. Maybe there is more Joplin in Morrison than the word 'reboot' would imply. Edit: Also, Jinx!!!
I believe that moon-head is Mythal while Beetle is Elgar`narn since these two are the most important elves in the Pantheon. Also the head of Mythal staff has the same shape as moon-head.
I wanna say that Moon-Head and Beetle are two of the elven gods we get to meet/fight. As for the appearance, it could be because their bodies were tainted/corrupted from the same stuff that changed Correphios.
I wonder if the blue eyes on the Dread Wolf not so much lyrium but rather a spiritual source or spiritual essence. One of the things I've noticed throughout the games is how many times a thing or spell tied to a spirit or spiritual damage is depicted with the color blue. In Origins a lot of the spells from the spirit magic school produce a blue effect when cast and soulrot coating makes your melee weapons appear blue. In Dragon age 2 both the spirit and spirit healer trees have spells that yet again are depicted with a blue color and imbuing your weapons with spirit damage like the soul rot coating will make them appear blue. Moreover, some attacks made by Arcane Horrors and Pride demons, notably the latter's version of crushing prison, are also given a blueish hue. And then there's Anders who noticeably starts to crackle or erupt in the same blue color seen in a lot of the spirit related spells or weapons whenever Justice starts to get brought to the forefront. And then there's Inquisition and the only examples here that seem to tie spirit with the color blue is mostly fire. In the Fallow Mire, all the beacons that require you kill terror demons to becomes usable have a noticeable blue flame that turns to a normal flame color once the demons are no longer present. There's a crap ton of blue flames everywhere in the Solasan temple, a temple that is teaming with spirits inside. Then there are the flaming jars that appear in some of the tombs of fariel which are protected by spirits. Next, are the flames that the Augur from Jaws of Hakkon is standing around, likely to aid in communing with the spirits. We still don't exactly what these blue flames are or what makes them particularly special apart from other magic related fires like veil-fire or tainted flames but it would seem that they are connected to spirits or spiritual energy to a degree. Cleansing runes also produce a very bright blueish color and they require a spirit-possesed corpse to make. In noting these examples it seems to me that the developers have been tying some spirit related things with the color blue for sometime now and given that Solas has been using these blue flames in our talk after Haven's destruction, Skyhold, and for combat in Trespasser I have to wonder if this correlation points back to the idea that Solas was a spirit and if so, bringing it back to the blue eyes of the dread wolf, perhaps the asymmetry of the wolf's eyes is symbolizing that Solas' perspective is becoming increasingly twisted or skewed and the red teeth is merely a means of telling us that the method by which Solas is using to enact his plans is responsible for this disfigurement of his psyche.
Also it doesn't quite fit but I'd say the one other place where we might have seen the imagery of the sun with a circle in it is the painting of elves with holes in their faces and their chest with seemingly red lyrium markings all over them and in those painting the one image that sticks out like a sore thumb is a yellow circle surrounding a much a smaller one and the reason it stands out is that it doesn't seem to fit the theme of everything else in the painting. For some time, I just chalked it up to Elgar'nan or the idea of control or influence given that we've seen yellow circles being used to take hold of or control something in either Coryhpeus' mural or the Ancient Elven one of Mythal slaying a titan so I'm hoping if this is the same as the sun image we'll get some answers on that.
Ok but I loved Jinx's cameo, haha - always assumed she was the classic beige corgi! :D Great video as always, I don't have many theories on my own, I enjoy hearing other's tho! Makes u pumped and hyped again :D
Same! I just hope we move out of Eastern Thedas. We have been all over Orlais, the Free Marches, and Fereldan. I want to go west or even north! Hoping we are in the Anderfells/Tevinter since we have heard so much but never seen
The barrier around the city in the mural make me think of the barrier around the castle in the trailer showing the Antivan Crow. Just an interesting parallel.
the fact that a double blight seems increasingly likely makes me think of solas’ line that goes something along the lines of “to actively seek out an archdemon out is madness” in reference to the grey wardens plan at adamant... what if waking them up restores them to their “true selves” and moon and beetle head are woken up and piiiissed at solas and join your side (perhaps after some conflict)
I can't wait to sieve through all the lore of the new DA with this channel, just as I did with 2 and inquisition. Wouldn't want it any other way, keep up friend 🖤
It could be possible that in Meredith turning into red lyruim that start moon head waking up. Same with corypheis and beetle. They might have messed with the fade just enough to start the processes to wake them up.
20:20 I have always believed the old gods were actually the fallen Evanuris, they were immortal shapeshifters who liked dragons, and since tevinter is built on the elves civilization I think they could have adopted their gods into a new pantheon.
A couple of things I noticed in the mural image around 13:00 in the video, is that Meredith and Corypheus’s opposing effigies reflect the same gender as well, Merediths is feminine and Corypheus’s is masculine, perhaps the dread wolf brings them back as demons, these beings are depicted as falling from the sky down upon the world. The second thing I noticed is that Merediths red lyrium and Corypheus’s explosive orb is used in the artistic expression in the destruction of the city , the red lyrium covering the city and the upward explosion backdrop behind the dread wolfs head is a reflection of the orbs design.
At 8:04 roughly. I think this character could just have an interesting hat like Vivienne from DAI. I originally thought she was qunari from the DAI trailer
I actually think the wolf is a spirit of the Fade one allied to Solas much like the demon to Corypheus, I got a vibe while reading Tevinter Nights the final story. But maybe is misunderstood this! But my theory is that Moonhead is an elven god who escaped or one that Solas allowed to be free to bog us down during one of Solas' attempts to break the vail and Beetle is a Qunari and that Solas intends to use their invasion into the mainland as a way to distract Thedas and the Qun while he works on ending the world. I think the sides doesn't really have much to do with anything? (but I could be wrong!) But can we take a moment to appreciate the art Solas does? Like dudes working on ending the world but still finds time to work on his hobbies! Lol love your videos so much been forcing my boyfriend to listen to my rambles and theories for the past few weeks and he blames you haha!
Whether the Forgotten Ones or the remaining Old Gods, I think the simplest interpretation of the mural is that Meredith and Corypheus were under the influence of the represented figure when they tried to break the Veil. Meredith was driven mad by a red lyrium idol of a figure as yet unidentified and, in her madness, tried to draw power to defeat Hawke. Granted the idol’s headdress shape is more associated with Mythal but there is some argument for Mythal being tied to Andraste either because the Chantry “borrowed” from Elven history or she (Andraste) was an Inheritor for her age. The tapestry may suggest the devs intended to draw further physical/antagonistic connections between Andraste and the Old Gods. Corypheus meanwhile was influenced by dead whispers whose source we also don’t know. My point being just because the pair (Meredith & Corypheus) are associated with specific characters (Dumat & Andraste) they could have been controlled by other forces. The lore, what little confirmed history we’ve pulled from Solas and ancient sources, and meta-concept art all suggest the creation of the Veil is tied to the imprisonment/sleep of the Evanuris & the Forgotten ones. Two groups with vested interests in being freed. Plus if the Abyss involves the Titans somehow, the fact Moonhead & Beetle are upside down could be tied to the location of the sky in a Titan’s...posterior or the way stuff floats in the Fade.
We've got your back, what if that means, all those factions really do have our backs, its one giant push to stop the big bad and no matter where we go, we'll have allies
Maybe the wavy lines are a stylized representation of the Veil. Moon-head tore though the Veil and has strands of it still stuck to the horns or it is an aspect of their being.
The executors symbol is like a different version of the gold symbol on the left side of the painting w solas and the black city except in the painting theres only one line and a circle, ifs rumored that represents the veil, maybe their purpose is to prevent the veil from being reopened or create a new modified veil of some sort or both maybe
Thank you for this video and for sharing your insights! I keep getting the feeling, or perhaps it’s wishful thinking, that Solas isn’t the villain we need to watch out for in the game. Certainly he won’t be the only one. In any case, we have plenty of time for conjecture lol. Until next time. Stay safe. ❤️
I don't know if anyone pointed this out or anything, but moon head might actually be Falon'din? The only statue of it in Trespasser (if my memory doesn't fail me) is in the old elven graveyard place in the lyrium mine. Anywayssss, I really love your videos and I can't wait for the next trailer to see what you think! 10/10, favourite DA channel ♡♡♡♡
every time you said BTS trailer it threw me for a loop and I had to remember that in this context it means behind the scenes and isn't referring to the group BTS
The Moonhead and beetle have me stumped. I feel like it's likely Some of the Evanuris or forgotten ones cause I can't imagine a DA4 without them rising. But on the other hand I can't imagine them only having showing 2 of that was the case.
I don't know if it has been mentioned, but in the imagery for Tarot reading (if I remember correctly) upside down figures usually have to do with death or someone/something dying. Maybe that imagery applies to moonhead and beetle, too. Maybe they have to die in order for that barrier to be breached? Idk :D
I would like to throw my hat into the ring while moon head and beetle would make sense to be the two living old gods and would make for a cool game I would like to propose this theory. Perhaps each tear or person is one that succeded; let me explain. Moonhead is, in fact, urthemiel or an old godlike described in the video but what if Beetle is a new god also known as the first qunari and the wolf would represent the current era where solas or the Wolf saw the failure of his predecessors and knew he would need help using that of the old and new gods. I also think that there is significantly more blood/corruption on Beetle than that of Moorhead or that of wolf.
My theory actually doesn't have much to do with the video but something ExaltedMarch said on the podcast. He said that he feels like they're setting up for the pc to be one of many. What if that's true but on a smaller scale than what he's referring to. What if you get 4-5 playable characters that you can interchange similar to the advisers in DAI. Varric is acting almost a spy master and hiring your characters as he find you or as his associates connect you. A theory that popped in my head as I was typing, what if the story is set in acts again but every act its a new playable character. Also while typing this, I realize this kinda sounds similar to Joplin like how it was suppose to be about a group of spies doing missions.
The first horns might be Flemeth headdress horns maybe? They have that backward curving pattern. Great breakdown :) Re: Red and Blue, I think you're onto something with the red lyrium corruption thought-line. Perhaps Solas' intent is originally pure in trying to break the barrier, but if/as he succeeds, he will be corrupted by what he unleashes? I think it's notable that both Meredith and Corypheus were physically corrupted by red lyrium, and we saw in the time travel timeline that Solas can be corrupted by red lyrium, and you mentioned the theory that Arlanthan was locked away because it had been corrupted by red lyrium, and now we see part of Solas's wolf form turning red. I think the corruption theme will play really strong in this game, and if we look at the magic barrier of blue light around likely-Antiva in light of that, maybe it's a barrier against the red lyrium corruption? Red vs blue keeps coming up in the trailer :)
My biggest theory in regards to DA4 ever since its announcement has always been centered on the legitimacy of the chantry and all breakdowns and fan theories I have seen all revolve around the elven pantheon. The trespasser DLC might have been a send off for the inquisitor but also the opening of a new chapter in Thedas. A world with or without the inquisition will still revolve around the events of DAI and the Dread Wolf. Either the Inquisition stays and become corrupted or it disbands and new or old threats take root or is relegated to a smaller organization under the chantry and Divine Victoria and influence DA4 events. The protagonist may be new but I have a feeling he/she will have inquisition backing or may even be blocked from acting. Another thing is the decisions on the fate of the inquisition were consequencial in the fight against Solas. A disbanded and lowkey inquisition was said to be able to fight Solas effectively and will be least susceptible to corruption. So either it will play a major role again but behind the scenes or passively be represented in terms of companions and contacts. All in all a huge revelation might happen with regards to the chant of light, Andraste, the Maker, Evanuris, the old gods and most of the belief system in Thedas. Honestly though my DA4 expections have been dashed with no prophecies and no magic hand line(not that I hoped for a return of the Inquisitor). I enjoy the mythical plots of DA and the character build up into the legend created around the PC.
I've been patiently waiting for your breakdown. I know one interesting theory about the two is that it is a Qunari and the Archon. I also like Jackdaw and Saria's theory of it being Ghilinan (sp) and Dirthamen (again sp). Hope the baby is doing well. I had one a few months after you myself.
OH!!!! Maybe Solas is coming out of the fade, smashing the vale, and the city is the antivan one from earlier in the trailer, like theres the second barrier like the one the Crow is watching, if you look at the rest of the mural as well, there are more spires, like its the rest of the city!!!! Beetles head also looks somewhat like the symbol of the circle of Magi, just food for thought. With all its arms, Moon Head looks a bit like a brood mother, it could be one of those "Titular" Titans......... I'm not sure if this would ever apply to anything, has any precident, or anything like that, but maybe there is an opposite to the taint, like there could be an "enriched" uranium that could cure the blight/the old/elvhen gods, maybe, probably not tho, just going of the huge contrast with the wolves eyes? Feel free to call me a turkey though.
Theory Time! Maybe Moon-Head is connected to Meredith. Perhaps Moon Head is the female figure depicted on the red lyrium idol. Since the circular halo on the idol could represent the halo seen in the mural or the crescent moon headdress being bent or pulled by the two figure grasping to the female figure on the idol. The idol also has some tentacle-esque parts that might support a connection between mural Moon-Head, the statue, DA:O concept art, art book, and red lyrium idol. This might be why Moon-Head is placed directly above Meredith as if to imply some sort of connection. However, Beetle I’m not so sure about. Perhaps he had a hand in creating the blight, which would connect him to Corypheus, but since there isn’t any real evidence to support that I can only guess. Perhaps this figure represents the being that called Corypheus to the black city and thus, by extension, set the events of Inquisition in motion (and perhaps started the blights). I do think that they are all connected however considering their placement above both Corypheus and Meredith, respectively, as well as their inverted orientation above them. (Perhaps similar to how inverted tarot cards can imply different meanings 🤷♂️) There’s a lot to ponder in this trailer. PS: Thanks for reading my disorganized tangent, have a great day!
I'm excited to hear your analysis as more information comes out. Regarding the title, perhaps they just have chosen to not release it yet. All the trailers we've had so far are labeled as "teaser." So I think it's safe to assume they simply are waiting to show the actual game title until they drop a full fledged trailer.
Has no one realized that statue (which is Mythal . I thought it was common knowledge ) is in the temple of sacred ashes. Two of them right next to the first side room? That and the fact the picture of Sharan look exactly like Solas and Andraste looks almost like a young Flemeth lead me to believe Andraste had Mythal in her and Solas waking up and seeing the horrible plight of his people wanted to free them from Tevinter
I have a theory about the mural: The architecture strikes me more as what we suspect is Antiva, minus the floating. Potentially the castle in Antiva is some sort of link to The Black City, or maybe there are multiple links which is why there are multiple different highlighted locations. I noticed that there are only three blue eyes in the trailer, maybe each represents a spot that is crucial to the structure of the veil? Especially since there are three highlighted locations in the trailer. It would make sense that Solas would spread out multiple supporting areas when creating the veil, and maybe even in the fade there are distinct sections that are sealed off and each section holds one or more of the old gods/Evanuris/Evanuris-who-are-actually-old-gods/something else that would stand in the way of Solas's plan for a healed world (for ease of typing I'm just going to refer to them as figures)? Because it would seem unwise to lock EVERYONE together when creating the veil, it makes sense that he wouldn't want them to combine their power to take down the veil. If we follow the theory that The Black City is Arlathan and the theory that the Evanuris are old gods then it would also explain why it's abandoned, the Evanuris are forcibly separated and unable to return. It would also explain why some elves believe their connection to the Evanuris is lost. That would also tie in the old god theory regarding the blue eyes because maybe the reason the blue eyes are tied to Solas is that as he defeats each figure/old god he absorbs them as he did with Mythal. His plan could be to go through and absorb the figures he deems the biggest threat so that they can never regenerate or stand in his way and then take down the veil. This could also tie in with parallels of pride with Solas and then the red teeth, he could believe that he is right, he is strong, and he is powerful enough to absorb them all and make the best choice for that fate of the world, and then he ultimately is corrupted by his pride and destroys the world, perhaps because he's absorbed too many figures and they overtake him? Which could potentially cause him to turn to red lyrium, which he normally wouldn't do? This would further push the whole "biggest threat of all time" because he's literally an amalgamation of everything the world has never seen before. This also ties in with the wolf imagery and different stories about wolves, both in the DA universe and in real life. Y'know, the wolf in Little Red Riding hood swallows grandma whole, The Dread Wolf is a betrayer that manipulates people to fit his needs, that sort of thing., plus there already is a precedent of Solas absorbing other beings into himself and the flash of blue eyes after it. So basically, my theory is that there are several specific locations acting as primary supports for the veil, and in each of those sections there is a corresponding being that could be an old god/Evanuris/both if you think the Evanuris and old gods are the same/something else sealed within. As each eye is illuminated that means a figure is absorbed from Solas. The three eyes illuminated in the trailer could signify ones that are potentially already absorbed at the beginning of the game in Antiva, The Anderfels, and Minrathous. Perhaps the next spot is where the hunter is going? And the objective of the game is to find each area he's going to target next and attempt to stop him before he absorbs some/all of the figures and rips down the veil.
Oh bear with me for a moment, I think the mural depicts a few things. Primarily Solas will break the vail in tavinter. if you look at the cinematic trailer the red lirium corrupted city is hovering above an uncorrupted city, Like that ring in the trailer hovering above Minrathous. Tavinter is interested in red lirium, and could easily get a shard from Meredith, and it would make sense that it would be researched in a circal for mages. (that is an assumption on what ti it in the trailer.) We know we will be going to tavinter. I think beetle head / or an qunari shows a full-scale war breaking out, Black powder and all, (the chaos would help solas a man well versed in small operations and gorilla warfare accomplish his goals as well as stop large scale organised opposition in the area.) as the dread wolf Beatle head and moon head are all descending, so perhaps all of them are contributing Knowingly or unknowingly to his plans. Meredith was the templar of an old tavinter city and coriphius is self-explanatory. (just a side note it could be that he gets into the black city the same way that the magisters did before. as doing that would weaken the vail in a certain place perhaps making it easier to do again.)
I'm gonna go off on a limb and say that Urthemiel may have been the blighted/fallen form of Falon'Din bc it always stood out to me how he was the friend of the dead, something that comes off as inherently selfless, yet the defining trait Solas gives him is vanity. Maybe when Solas cast the veil and he locked the Evanuris (sans Mythal) away, their beings were sundered and thus fully became the dragons we know as archdemons? This could explain why Mythal is/was present. The chantry's version of the old gods' origin is awfully similar to the Evanuris' war. We also know that Solas specifically is a dreamer, maybe that attribute was shared by his peers, which could explain how the old god religion started and also the wardens having dreams about the active archdemons. It's 3 am tho and I'm on nyquil
Solas accesses the red lyrium idols secret blade, stabs Katie and starts an elfy blood magic ritual. Katie's last words: "I still don't believe Solas would use the red lyrium idol".
This might be a wild long shot but a glimpse of the gloves made me think of Red Jenny. I wonder if this Tevinter rogue works for Red Jenny?? dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Red_Jenny_Seekers?file=Red_Jenny_Seekers.png
my take on the wolf eyes is that Solas is an abomination of some sort (certainly not the normal type) the body was taken from another demon perhaps and she was burnt out in the process, if you look at the image in 12:20 upside down the wolf looks like a pride demon with the implication of some connection we still don't clearly have defined. i heard someone else's theory about how the original (immortal) elves might have all originally been spirits or demons and then took on bodies creating the elven race. maybe this artwork is simply indicating how solas gained his body. probably not a new take but i haven't heard any one else say it so there ya go, enjoy friends
I'm super late and this is small but the "reverse blight" pic with the two dragons.. The left has those green vine-like horns that from a certain angle could match the shape of Beatle's horns. And the dragon on the right's tongue looks more like a bunch of tentacles, so maybe it's referencing Moon Head?
On the off chance ghil sees this, about the statue with the eyes wide open and arms crossed shut. Reminds me of what flemeth says when you meet her on origins. Eyes wide open and or arms closed shut. Either way one is a fool
I'm by no means well-versed in DA lore, so feel free to correct me. Just a thought about the eclipse idea. I think it's rather interesting that Mythal was believed to come from the sea and was creator of the moon ("Moon-Head" appears to have seaweed on her head?), and Elgar'nan represents the sun and in a sense wields it- two opposing forces that would create an eclipse. Whether that means anything towards Moon-Head and Beetle idk.... And Beetle looks like he's wearing a cape resembling folded dragon wings tbh. Also (after watching the Morrigan and son's meeting with Flemeth in DAI) Flemeth says that Mythal was betrayed as she was. Noting that, Andraste's story is also rather similar to them both. There's definitely some kind of connection there, maybe we'll get more info in the next game, especially with all the DAI Mythal mentions.
Pretty sure the two "gods" in this mural are Ghilain'nain and most likely Falon'din (Beetle thing). I think Jackdaw in one of his episodes talks about latest trio of books/comics (?) where Varic is one of the major characters. There is a picture of a mural in that book showing "Moonhead"/Ghilain'nain and what looks like to me Andruil interacting. Jack thought that it was a moment of Mythal's murder, but I disagree. The headdress doesn't match Mythal's. It looks like Andruil, so maybe Ghilain'nain was helping Andruil to go into Uthenera. At least that is how I read it. May be Solas duped the Evanuris to go into hibernation first before he trapped them in the Fade. It would make sense since it would be easier to trap all of them at once if they are asleep.
My theory is - or at least my HOPE is - that the generic characters we are presented to in the trailer are your origin choices. The warden, the crow, the magister etc. I think it was a big misstep of Inquisition that the characters we created never had their “origin” portion of the game, as that bit in, erm, Origins is often quoted as the best and most inventive parts of the game. Sure, it’d lock us into certain paths/races but so did some of the origins in DAO. So, fingers crossed.
I agree, especially if you also consider that DA 2 also had an origin, even if you can't choose a different one it is still better than what DA: I did. Even if they don't make a playable origin like DA: O the most important thing is making that origin matter as much as possible during the game.
I agree
After this dragon age I’m really hoping they’ll remaster DA:O because I miss the darker side of dragon age. Inquisition was great but very watered down on the darkness of DA:O
This is what I believe they're doing because according to the trailer the new hero has to be a no one and by no one it means the hero can be anyone from anywhere. So having different choices does fit the current scenario as the hero could come from anywhere.
@@jf175 True.. and honestly, DAO was an actual dark fantasy like it was supposed to be, and DAI is just generic fantasy. They even got rid of the sexy desire demons smh
There are a few more details that need to be said, but as I found them from others breakdowns on the mural, I didn't want to plop it in a video that I'm monetizing.
- The first is a post from tumblr (whose blog I really recommend) who talks about the composition of the mural. In short, the composition of the new mural is almost identical, except being upside down, of another mural from Trespasser. The mural from Trespasser (seen in the video) is assumed by fans to be the creation of the veil and locking away of the Golden City. This new mural is obviously showing the destruction of the veil. Just a neat artistic callback! Link to the blog: felassan.tumblr.com/post/637542668174491648/with-what-looks-like-either-the-sun-or-moon-behind
- Second is from another RUclipsr, Ashe. She noticed that the strange sarcophagus from the new Blue Wraith comic series looks almost identical to the Bioware 25 concept of Moon-head. She will be making her own video on it, so I didn't want to steal her thunder because my video is coming out before hers. When the video is out, I'll be linking that here, but for now, here is the tweet she sent out about it: twitter.com/ladyinsanity/status/1340605005477265408?s=21
- 12/23 Edit: Ashe's Video is out! ruclips.net/video/_MyD4ZwnaQY/видео.html
- 12/21 Edit: A lot of people are pointing out that the mosaics shown at 16:13 depict a figure that is similar to Beetle! (There have been many of you I can't possibly name you all sorry :( ) Not sure how I missed that, although I think I'm one of the few people that didn't see the 'horns' of the figure as horns. To give some background on the image, when you find that piece in the game, you are then told about the Evanuris, and how they were not gods, but just powerful mortals that can be killed. I'm not sure what that says if it is beetle, but given that we can figure out that is depicted in the rest of the mosaics, and that this one is a mystery, there is a real chance this could be him.
You put way too much effort in for the amount of views you get, keep on the good work G
Thank you for making this video, you deserve so much more recognition, But seriously THANK YOU FOR THIS
Just wanted to mention that when you turn the mosaics upside down, the face there looks like Beetle. Don't know if you missed that. The figure it is attached to has its stomach wrapped in chains, like a slave or a captive? The four heads all have this beetle-headed figure in chains under them, hanging upside down, so it's like they are victors over it? The three blue drops coming from it is maybe also lyrium, so maybe they bleed lyrium from it in its capitivity? Just a few thoughts
@@DerMunger Yes I was really surprised that was missed
With regards to the 16:13 mosaics, something strikes me as odd. The Beetle-esque figure in the mosaic seems to be *chained* to the primary subjects of the image, and almost look like they're being hung upside down, with their arms dangling beside their head and the blue tear or raindrops falling below. I have no clue what this could *mean*, truth be told, but it definitely gives off a prisoner vibe - maybe even akin to one of the major arcana of tarot, the hanged man. Given that the murals seem to depict the elven pantheon (or at least I assume so, given the wolf visage), it's possible that these are representations of victims of the evanuris's lust for power.
It would be really cool if they would try to implement "origins" like in the DAO. I could see how Varric would function in the same way as Duncan did and how he visits many places to recruit agents (a Warden in Anderfels, a crow in Antive, etc.).
i always though the the wolf's eyes were shaped and places like a pride demons due to them have many eyes. and solas means pride.
We also talked about this in the discord! And yeah, we settled on the fact that a pride demon has more eyes, and they're still symmetrical, unlike this mural.
@MrMilesLego but what about the back of the head?
Yeah, although not identical, it seems like the image is hinting at pride demons...maybe Solas starts to be consumed by his pride, but he's not quite there yet and can still be redeemed?
Solas actually is the Irish word for Light, probably not relevant but interesting nonetheless
Where did you steal this from?
If you turn the mosaics at 16:00 upside down you can see a figure that looks like Beetle, connected to the other shapes via wrapped chains.
Who else is here after the DA:TV gameplay reveal to remember who the two figures are lol
I think that moon-head might be Ghilan'nain. We’ve been seeing a weird amount of content about her lately and that eldritch moon-head creature looks like a terrible sea creature in part, which fits Ghilan'nain.
I agree, especially since the Ascension of Ghilan'nain codex mentions that the creatures of the deep (sea monsters) were her only creations that she didn't destroy because 'Pride' stayed her hand. Whether it was Solas stopping her because reasons of his own, or her going "... you know, I might need these to use against Solas at some point", we may not know til DA4 is out.
It would make sense because she is connected to guidance and navigation, so maybe she had a part in Meredith's turn? Guiding her down that specific path and such...just a theory. I love Ghilan'nain!
I was convinced it was Gillain'nain until I saw the full art work that shows the tentacles on her lower half, if you look at the art work for the old god's from Origins it shows the exact same image down to the crossed arms and tentacles ! It still could be Gillain'nain though and completely destroy the theory that the Evanuris and the old god's aren't connected, I've always believed they are 2 sides of the same coin, despite what Solas say about there not being any law connecting them. There is if you look close enough ! 👍😊
On the possible executor, is it possible they are Kossith, one of the descendants of the precursor people to the Qunari race? That would explain the horns and also why they look like no people we've ever seen before but vaguely like other peoples we have seen.
I think there is a lot of merit in that theory
It reminds me how Flemeth shaped her hair. It may just be a homage to Flemeth though I would like to be wrong
I thought the Kossith were killed in the first blight? Or are you suggesting that whoever kicked the Qunari out of the former home and now followed them to help wipe them out?
Tal-vashok?
I love listening to your thoughts and theories, I smiled when I got the notification for it!!
Agreed 😄👍
Weridos
The changed concept art of the sea monster that now looks similar to Moon-head could relate to the story of Ghilan'nain, who had create creatures to impress Andruil and that she had created sea monsters and as Andruil was going to kill them "Pride stayed her hand". Could Moon-head be related to Ghilan'nain and she was saved by Solas (pride) who is using them now. That could mean Beetle is also somehow related back to Ghilan'nain and Solas. Which could explain why Ghilan'nain has shown up a lot recently in the stories, like in The Horrors of Hormak with her crazy monster-making goo.
Also another interesting note I saw on the wiki for Ghilan'nain, Ameridan built a shrine dedicated to Andraste and Ghilan'nain inside of Razikale's Reach. Seemed kind of interesting since Moon-head possibly resembles an Old God, could be the monster created by Ghilan'nain (or a representation of Ghilan'nain herself), and the Temple of Sacred Ashes had tapestries that seem to resemble original concept for the form of the Old Gods. Bit of a tinfoil connection though.
I was thinking this ! Could the squiggles on Moon-head be seaweed ?? To imply a connection to the sea monsters ? The monster goo in HoH was also said to be more of a brine, like seawater.
@@rozenmaiden144 Seaweed would fit very well for the squiggles. I can imagine this giant sea monster rising out of the sea with a whole bunch of seaweed clumped up on it's moon-head as a boss battle kind of reveal. The concept art doesn't show any, but that could be because it was an idea that came up working on the mural. Bit of speculation, but we don't know when each piece was made in relation to each other.
I am surprised that people thought The Inquisitor was coming back for the next game? BioWare has deliberately made a new player character for each game. I swear I read somewhere that the developers said that was deliberate.
I guess ppl who thought that maybe didn't play trespasser and/or don't follow the devs or anyone else?? I mean the Inky says it outright in the scene where they stab the map - Or it was just wishful thinking as a lot of Solavellan fans still need closure? I for sure also need something for my Lavellan and Solas but I'M SO HYPED for a new main protag and all the new companions! (Pls let me romance an antivan crow x) )
@@YuenQestir well the inquisitor might still show up. And I think they will bc the decision you make when drinking or not drinking from the well of sorrows should matter. So that's why i believe they'll be in it.
Why is that shocking? Hawke came back in inquisition, so it’s really not that far fetched. I think trespasser heavily implies the inquisitor will be back in some regard, just not the protagonist obviously. There are many choices the inquisitor makes that will most likely have to be explored in the next game (such as drinking from the well, whether they decided to save redeem solas or kill him, etc.).. It’s also pretty obvious based on the fact they left the inquisitor open, they all have the same ending regardless of their choices. If the inquisitor was dead in games or was able to run off with solas I’d doubt they’d be back, but it seems they deliberately left their story open so that they can take on some sort of role in the next game. Whether that be big or small we don’t know.
Dragon Age always has protagonists that (while potentially tied together somehow in case of the Amell family) are one play only but pop up in conversation and their actions are felt as ripples. So I don’t understand why people thought we’d play as the inquisitor again. Consistent PCs are a trademark of Mass Effect with Shepard and (intended to be) Ryder not Dragon Age
@@maryanngonzalez1817 people didn't think that it would be a cameo. They thought the Inquisitor would be your player character in Dragon Age 4. That's the difference.
"many of you have sat down with something to eat, expecting an hour long video, but unfortunately..." you say this like i'm not about to scarf down my breakfast in 30 minutes lol
wonderful video, as always!! the amount of work you put in is unbelievable, be it an hour long video or a much shorter one
Why do people keep thinking we gonna to be playing as a warden ?!? I honestly think we’re gonna to be playing as a inquisition agent if you didn’t disband or just a random new person who used to be part of the inquisition. If you had disband.
Ok, just gonna point this out there, a Rogue with Templar abilities sounds pretty fucking dope if that is Tarquin
Could prove really useful in Tevinter, hehe! But not so much against the Qunari invasors...
@@YuenQestir I mean, the Qunari have mages turned into chained up magic artillery, so...
I am thoroughly impressed by all the research you put into your content Ghil Dirthalen, as try as I might to look for answers about the next game I always end up frustrated. Thank you so much for what you do.
The trailer gives me butterflies in my stomach. The music is so good in it to! Plus I'm so happy Varric is sticking around, he is a viscount afterall. Anyway, I don't have any amazing theories, I'm just excited!
Caitie saves us again with another lore dump that we will ration for another two years since that's when Bioware will probably give us more da4 news lol
Not wrong there!
Thank you for your videos!
Varric has a gritty, melodramatic storytelling style. It's a lovable consistent trait. I've been suspicious of Bioware hyping up Solas as a villain, and using Varric as the voiceover just proves to me that it's a red herring.
Solas has plans alright. But how have his plans worked out for him thus far? He will probably accidentally introduce something worse, be immediately remorseful and if he survives his mistake, he'll spend the rest of the game trying to help.
...Besides, if his main goal is to bring together the spirit world and physical world, well, Korra did it 🤷 Maybe the blue eyes are for the Avatar State 🤣
*4:09* That Antivan Crow is VERY tipsy right about now (X"D) LMFAOO!
Thank’s for this video !
I’m not this knowledgeable in DA lore, but Beetle and Moon Face actually make me think of the different moon phases. Or, at least some kind of astral representation.
Beetle would represent something full, that is « complete ». I feel like it would be some kind of a good representation for Lusacan (The night, full moon, something that is kind of complete). But it can also go with Elgar Nan and something mor absolute like the mighty sun. I believe it’s more of the first kind of thing, and the use of the orb like something that is round, whole might be another part that is important. Corypheus was an absolute vilain in the story and it goes with this...
On Moon Head I would see it as quite something opposite as an absolute night. Like when you don’t know if it’s day or night, going with twilight or down. This imagery goes pretty well with the one in BioWare book « a time of uncertainty in the day ». For this, I would really think it’s linked to Razikale, were things, because of the light can appear really different on the way you look at them. I’m not really sure about it’s elven equivalent, but if you see it as being an intermittent moon phase Mythal can just be represented. She represent a large variety of emotions and scenery, always acting like a vilain or a savior depending the way you look at her.
This also pretty much the case when you see Meredith. She can be an allied most of the game, and your perception of her actions is way more blurry than that of Corypheus.
In all case, I do believe this moon phase thing also because they act in contrast / reflection of the sun which is the final imagery. Maybe the sun being the maker ? And them just, as the chantry / legends say being the first sons of the maker and acting in his will ?... don’t know. Confusing stuff :p
There is another part here that might be of some sense, even if I’m not sure. Both Corypheus and Meredith have their tools that are fading away on this depiction. It might be a sign of strength for the Dread wolf ?
Still, thank you very very much for your video :) can’t wait to see more !
The Queen has finally posted about the trailer 🤗
I initially thought that the magical lights that we saw dancing around the Antivan city were just that, magical lights, and it would make some sense given the fact that Antiva is supposed to be a place of beauty and wonders so they could just hire mages to create these magical spectacles (kinda like what they do sometimes in Orlais?) . It would cost less power than to maintain a giant magical barrier and it would explain why isn't the Crow character more worried and agitated :)
I love how deep you dig! Also, no one else ive noticed the crows in the trailer shot. Thank you for the video.
Omg I love your puppy.
The way "the city" is positioned around the Dread Wolf's mouth, almost makes it seems as though he's taken a bite out of it (metaphorically). If so, was he/his mouth infected by red lyrium before or after the bite (metaphorically or literally)? As in, was the Black City already corrupted by red lyrium thus corrupting the Dread Wolf or visa-versa? Also, are the eyes blue because his whole being hasn't been infected yet? Or does it represent blue lyrium? Hmm...
Between the Constellations of the Evanuris being tied to the Old Gods and both groups having the power to switch to a Dragon form at will, I'm seeing a lot of instances where the Old Gods are emulating the Evanuris. We even have a codex of Ancient Elven Writing where someone is put on trial for taking the form of one of them. With this in mind, are we seeing an Evanuris or simply a copy of one? Fascinating either way.
Additionally, each of the Magisters Sidereal we've seen have gone against their God's element, with Corypheus making loud statements and making the Calling deafening, and the Architect making abominations and turning Wardens into pure Darkspawn. Razikale is the Old God of Mystery, so the Augur is likely to show up and explain a thing or two. Lusacan is the Old God of Night, so the Watchman is likely to bring a new dawn to the world, possibly destroying the darkspawn in the process somehow.
I hadnt gotten into dragon age lore in about 2 years. I even forgot some of the most hardcore lore and theories. But this video made me want to go back into it - thank you so much :))
The grey wardens rasing two old gods to fight the dread wolf as two army clash and the previous PCs Rocking in like Gandalf would be pretty sweet
I totally feel you on the mural of the two Elven gods. I thought it was the Elven twins and I also think it might be Mythal and Elgr'nan. Katie you have truly outdone yourself with it video absolutely fantastic! 😄🙏💙💛💖 P S. Thank you Sahre for the right spelling of their names. 😉👍
Mythal and Elgar'nan 😊
@@DewelynC I appreciate you friend! 😉👍
The two headed dragon just adds to the two blight theory.
One thought on the horned helmet. I can see it being a Qunari, but it also could resemble Flemeth or even the headwear we see Vivienne wear. With the bow, maybe it's a kind of mixed class like knight enchanter or arcane warrior.
I was able to see a version of the mural that went above the wolf’s ears and it looks like both of the figures have the tentacles, so they seem to be the same kind of thing
One thing I haven't seen too many people comment on is the weapon used by the "Qunari lady" or Executor or whomever it is, outside of it being the weird triangles we saw in previous concept art. What interests me is the shape of the weapon - when the character is in the snow, it seems to be rod-like in shape, almost like a mage's weapon. But when facing the red lyrium(?) darkspawn creature, it becomes a bow. To me, this might suggest a new weapon or weapon class? Like maybe transforming weapons could be in the next game, or weapons with multiple functions, or classes which can manipulate the triangles in different ways, like mages can use staffs and bows, rogues can use bows and daggers and bowstaves, etc etc. Maybe it's something like in the FIre Emblem games, and when your character gets their specialization, they gain a new weapon/form they can use via the mystical triangles.
It is also worth noting that Dalish in The Bull's Chargers claims to be an archer, but it is a running gag that she is actually a mage; she simply claims that the staff with a crystal on top is an old elven trick that humans wouldn't understand. Maybe she unwittingly was right? Or maybe she has been an Executor or some other kind of double-agent this entire time and wasn't actually lying? Like, maybe it IS an old elven trick to use a staff-bow as a way of tricking enemies - we already know that ancient elves used to be able to conjure spirit swords with magic, so maybe this is a spirit bow or something? (Plus in "Half Up Front," we get a scene of a mage using their staff as a physical weapon, so maybe this is a nod towards staves being used as actual weapons and not just magic conduits.)
The point is, there is plenty of tinfoil to be had over this weapon, and I'm not claiming to know ANYTHING about it, BUT I think it is worth speculation, and I'm surprised by how little theorizing I've seen over it.
In Tevinter nights we see non mages use magic based weapons, so I assume this bow that shoots magic arrows is one of those. Could be a cool way to incorporate more magic into the rogue and warrior classes since mages have had arcane warrior and knight enchanters.
Maybe blue eyes are simply infused with lyrium? There was a theory about Evanuris hunting Titans to mine their bodies for lyrium (and foci?) and that's what gave them their godlike powers...
Maybe Solas doesn't feel his power is enough for the task, so he's using lyrium in a similar way? Slowly becoming the same thing he once fought against.
Hope this game finally illuminates who the Old Gods are, how they’re related to the Evanuris if at all, and most importantly, WHAT IS THE BLIGHT? Great vid to come back to this week after the new trailers :)
Videos like this one has been like a food to my Dragon Age hunger. Thanks for taking the time to dissect the teaser. 🙂
It occurs to me that all the characters in the novel snippets have main characters that are in the background, in the shadows or otherwise just one in a group, a faction.
While it probably was more obvious to others, I only realized this now and it is making me cautiously excited.
Maybe there is more Joplin in Morrison than the word 'reboot' would imply.
Edit: Also, Jinx!!!
I believe that moon-head is Mythal while Beetle is Elgar`narn since these two are the most important elves in the Pantheon. Also the head of Mythal staff has the same shape as moon-head.
Haha I love you were like ITS NOT MORRIGAN GUYS HAHAAHHA
I’m really glad you pointed out that we shouldn’t be surprised by the new player character. We get a new player character every game!
When you talked about the possibility of our player character raising two Old Gods to help us fight Solas...wow, that would be so cool
I wanna say that Moon-Head and Beetle are two of the elven gods we get to meet/fight. As for the appearance, it could be because their bodies were tainted/corrupted from the same stuff that changed Correphios.
I got so excited when I saw this was done
I wonder if the blue eyes on the Dread Wolf not so much lyrium but rather a spiritual source or spiritual essence. One of the things I've noticed throughout the games is how many times a thing or spell tied to a spirit or spiritual damage is depicted with the color blue.
In Origins a lot of the spells from the spirit magic school produce a blue effect when cast and soulrot coating makes your melee weapons appear blue.
In Dragon age 2 both the spirit and spirit healer trees have spells that yet again are depicted with a blue color and imbuing your weapons with spirit damage like the soul rot coating will make them appear blue. Moreover, some attacks made by Arcane Horrors and Pride demons, notably the latter's version of crushing prison, are also given a blueish hue. And then there's Anders who noticeably starts to crackle or erupt in the same blue color seen in a lot of the spirit related spells or weapons whenever Justice starts to get brought to the forefront.
And then there's Inquisition and the only examples here that seem to tie spirit with the color blue is mostly fire. In the Fallow Mire, all the beacons that require you kill terror demons to becomes usable have a noticeable blue flame that turns to a normal flame color once the demons are no longer present. There's a crap ton of blue flames everywhere in the Solasan temple, a temple that is teaming with spirits inside. Then there are the flaming jars that appear in some of the tombs of fariel which are protected by spirits. Next, are the flames that the Augur from Jaws of Hakkon is standing around, likely to aid in communing with the spirits. We still don't exactly what these blue flames are or what makes them particularly special apart from other magic related fires like veil-fire or tainted flames but it would seem that they are connected to spirits or spiritual energy to a degree. Cleansing runes also produce a very bright blueish color and they require a spirit-possesed corpse to make.
In noting these examples it seems to me that the developers have been tying some spirit related things with the color blue for sometime now and given that Solas has been using these blue flames in our talk after Haven's destruction, Skyhold, and for combat in Trespasser I have to wonder if this correlation points back to the idea that Solas was a spirit and if so, bringing it back to the blue eyes of the dread wolf, perhaps the asymmetry of the wolf's eyes is symbolizing that Solas' perspective is becoming increasingly twisted or skewed and the red teeth is merely a means of telling us that the method by which Solas is using to enact his plans is responsible for this disfigurement of his psyche.
Also it doesn't quite fit but I'd say the one other place where we might have seen the imagery of the sun with a circle in it is the painting of elves with holes in their faces and their chest with seemingly red lyrium markings all over them and in those painting the one image that sticks out like a sore thumb is a yellow circle surrounding a much a smaller one and the reason it stands out is that it doesn't seem to fit the theme of everything else in the painting.
For some time, I just chalked it up to Elgar'nan or the idea of control or influence given that we've seen yellow circles being used to take hold of or control something in either Coryhpeus' mural or the Ancient Elven one of Mythal slaying a titan so I'm hoping if this is the same as the sun image we'll get some answers on that.
Ok but I loved Jinx's cameo, haha - always assumed she was the classic beige corgi! :D
Great video as always, I don't have many theories on my own, I enjoy hearing other's tho! Makes u pumped and hyped again :D
So excited! Feel like ive been waiting for forever for some Dragon Age!!!!
Same! I just hope we move out of Eastern Thedas. We have been all over Orlais, the Free Marches, and Fereldan. I want to go west or even north! Hoping we are in the Anderfells/Tevinter since we have heard so much but never seen
Ahhhhhhhh, You're KILLING me at 21:00. I NEED TO KNOW who those two Old Gods/Evanuris are!
Also, your corgi dog is ADORBS.
"I don't need to explain it for 30 minutes."
> video is over 30 minutes long
Ooh I've been looking forward to this one! But I'll have to save it for tomorrow morning
The barrier around the city in the mural make me think of the barrier around the castle in the trailer showing the Antivan Crow. Just an interesting parallel.
the fact that a double blight seems increasingly likely makes me think of solas’ line that goes something along the lines of “to actively seek out an archdemon out is madness” in reference to the grey wardens plan at adamant... what if waking them up restores them to their “true selves” and moon and beetle head are woken up and piiiissed at solas and join your side (perhaps after some conflict)
Thank you for taking your time to make this video ♥️
I can't wait to sieve through all the lore of the new DA with this channel, just as I did with 2 and inquisition. Wouldn't want it any other way, keep up friend 🖤
plot twist the horns are just a cool feature of the armor
Perhaps that is what the old gods look like in spirit form also you are awesome
It could be possible that in Meredith turning into red lyruim that start moon head waking up. Same with corypheis and beetle. They might have messed with the fade just enough to start the processes to wake them up.
20:20 I have always believed the old gods were actually the fallen Evanuris, they were immortal shapeshifters who liked dragons, and since tevinter is built on the elves civilization I think they could have adopted their gods into a new pantheon.
Love the old gods bit, the fact that they potentially could rise untainted kinda freaks me out tbh. Also loved seeing Jinx for the first time! 😍😇
A couple of things I noticed in the mural image around 13:00 in the video, is that Meredith and Corypheus’s opposing effigies reflect the same gender as well, Merediths is feminine and Corypheus’s is masculine, perhaps the dread wolf brings them back as demons, these beings are depicted as falling from the sky down upon the world. The second thing I noticed is that Merediths red lyrium and Corypheus’s explosive orb is used in the artistic expression in the destruction of the city , the red lyrium covering the city and the upward explosion backdrop behind the dread wolfs head is a reflection of the orbs design.
At 8:04 roughly. I think this character could just have an interesting hat like Vivienne from DAI. I originally thought she was qunari from the DAI trailer
I actually think the wolf is a spirit of the Fade one allied to Solas much like the demon to Corypheus, I got a vibe while reading Tevinter Nights the final story. But maybe is misunderstood this! But my theory is that Moonhead is an elven god who escaped or one that Solas allowed to be free to bog us down during one of Solas' attempts to break the vail and Beetle is a Qunari and that Solas intends to use their invasion into the mainland as a way to distract Thedas and the Qun while he works on ending the world. I think the sides doesn't really have much to do with anything? (but I could be wrong!) But can we take a moment to appreciate the art Solas does? Like dudes working on ending the world but still finds time to work on his hobbies! Lol love your videos so much been forcing my boyfriend to listen to my rambles and theories for the past few weeks and he blames you haha!
Whether the Forgotten Ones or the remaining Old Gods, I think the simplest interpretation of the mural is that Meredith and Corypheus were under the influence of the represented figure when they tried to break the Veil. Meredith was driven mad by a red lyrium idol of a figure as yet unidentified and, in her madness, tried to draw power to defeat Hawke. Granted the idol’s headdress shape is more associated with Mythal but there is some argument for Mythal being tied to Andraste either because the Chantry “borrowed” from Elven history or she (Andraste) was an Inheritor for her age. The tapestry may suggest the devs intended to draw further physical/antagonistic connections between Andraste and the Old Gods.
Corypheus meanwhile was influenced by dead whispers whose source we also don’t know. My point being just because the pair (Meredith & Corypheus) are associated with specific characters (Dumat & Andraste) they could have been controlled by other forces. The lore, what little confirmed history we’ve pulled from Solas and ancient sources, and meta-concept art all suggest the creation of the Veil is tied to the imprisonment/sleep of the Evanuris & the Forgotten ones. Two groups with vested interests in being freed. Plus if the Abyss involves the Titans somehow, the fact Moonhead & Beetle are upside down could be tied to the location of the sky in a Titan’s...posterior or the way stuff floats in the Fade.
The sun imagery has previously been used like this, at least the two circles with surrounding lines has been a motif
We've got your back, what if that means, all those factions really do have our backs, its one giant push to stop the big bad and no matter where we go, we'll have allies
Maybe the wavy lines are a stylized representation of the Veil. Moon-head tore though the Veil and has strands of it still stuck to the horns or it is an aspect of their being.
No matter what DA4 is gonna be like, for Fen'Harel's sake, please don't be a MMO, please don't be a MMO...
Great job as always, thanks Caitie!
The executors symbol is like a different version of the gold symbol on the left side of the painting w solas and the black city except in the painting theres only one line and a circle, ifs rumored that represents the veil, maybe their purpose is to prevent the veil from being reopened or create a new modified veil of some sort or both maybe
Thank you for this video and for sharing your insights! I keep getting the feeling, or perhaps it’s wishful thinking, that Solas isn’t the villain we need to watch out for in the game. Certainly he won’t be the only one. In any case, we have plenty of time for conjecture lol. Until next time. Stay safe. ❤️
I don't know if anyone pointed this out or anything, but moon head might actually be Falon'din? The only statue of it in Trespasser (if my memory doesn't fail me) is in the old elven graveyard place in the lyrium mine.
Anywayssss, I really love your videos and I can't wait for the next trailer to see what you think! 10/10, favourite DA channel ♡♡♡♡
every time you said BTS trailer it threw me for a loop and I had to remember that in this context it means behind the scenes and isn't referring to the group BTS
The Moonhead and beetle have me stumped. I feel like it's likely Some of the Evanuris or forgotten ones cause I can't imagine a DA4 without them rising. But on the other hand I can't imagine them only having showing 2 of that was the case.
The moon head monster thingy looks like a variation of the warden-centipede creature in the Tevinter Nights book.
thank you so much for this brilliant bit of work!
I hope your self, and your family, have an amazing holiday season.
Stay safe and be well
💜💜
I don't know if it has been mentioned, but in the imagery for Tarot reading (if I remember correctly) upside down figures usually have to do with death or someone/something dying. Maybe that imagery applies to moonhead and beetle, too.
Maybe they have to die in order for that barrier to be breached? Idk :D
Razikale = Ghilan'nain? I always thought they were connected but talked myself out of that idea years ago.
I would like to throw my hat into the ring while moon head and beetle would make sense to be the two living old gods and would make for a cool game I would like to propose this theory. Perhaps each tear or person is one that succeded; let me explain. Moonhead is, in fact, urthemiel or an old godlike described in the video but what if Beetle is a new god also known as the first qunari and the wolf would represent the current era where solas or the Wolf saw the failure of his predecessors and knew he would need help using that of the old and new gods. I also think that there is significantly more blood/corruption on Beetle than that of Moorhead or that of wolf.
My theory actually doesn't have much to do with the video but something ExaltedMarch said on the podcast. He said that he feels like they're setting up for the pc to be one of many. What if that's true but on a smaller scale than what he's referring to. What if you get 4-5 playable characters that you can interchange similar to the advisers in DAI. Varric is acting almost a spy master and hiring your characters as he find you or as his associates connect you. A theory that popped in my head as I was typing, what if the story is set in acts again but every act its a new playable character. Also while typing this, I realize this kinda sounds similar to Joplin like how it was suppose to be about a group of spies doing missions.
The first horns might be Flemeth headdress horns maybe? They have that backward curving pattern. Great breakdown :)
Re: Red and Blue, I think you're onto something with the red lyrium corruption thought-line. Perhaps Solas' intent is originally pure in trying to break the barrier, but if/as he succeeds, he will be corrupted by what he unleashes? I think it's notable that both Meredith and Corypheus were physically corrupted by red lyrium, and we saw in the time travel timeline that Solas can be corrupted by red lyrium, and you mentioned the theory that Arlanthan was locked away because it had been corrupted by red lyrium, and now we see part of Solas's wolf form turning red.
I think the corruption theme will play really strong in this game, and if we look at the magic barrier of blue light around likely-Antiva in light of that, maybe it's a barrier against the red lyrium corruption? Red vs blue keeps coming up in the trailer :)
My biggest theory in regards to DA4 ever since its announcement has always been centered on the legitimacy of the chantry and all breakdowns and fan theories I have seen all revolve around the elven pantheon. The trespasser DLC might have been a send off for the inquisitor but also the opening of a new chapter in Thedas. A world with or without the inquisition will still revolve around the events of DAI and the Dread Wolf. Either the Inquisition stays and become corrupted or it disbands and new or old threats take root or is relegated to a smaller organization under the chantry and Divine Victoria and influence DA4 events. The protagonist may be new but I have a feeling he/she will have inquisition backing or may even be blocked from acting. Another thing is the decisions on the fate of the inquisition were consequencial in the fight against Solas. A disbanded and lowkey inquisition was said to be able to fight Solas effectively and will be least susceptible to corruption. So either it will play a major role again but behind the scenes or passively be represented in terms of companions and contacts. All in all a huge revelation might happen with regards to the chant of light, Andraste, the Maker, Evanuris, the old gods and most of the belief system in Thedas. Honestly though my DA4 expections have been dashed with no prophecies and no magic hand line(not that I hoped for a return of the Inquisitor). I enjoy the mythical plots of DA and the character build up into the legend created around the PC.
I have a feeling they're showing different origin stories for different classes. But it's just a theory.
*A GAME THEORY*
Thanks for reading!
I've been patiently waiting for your breakdown. I know one interesting theory about the two is that it is a Qunari and the Archon. I also like Jackdaw and Saria's theory of it being Ghilinan (sp) and Dirthamen (again sp). Hope the baby is doing well. I had one a few months after you myself.
I will die if the "Blightnado" happens 😂
That horned helmet on the bow wielding character has is the same kind that the Qunari archers wear in Trespasser
OH!!!! Maybe Solas is coming out of the fade, smashing the vale, and the city is the antivan one from earlier in the trailer, like theres the second barrier like the one the Crow is watching, if you look at the rest of the mural as well, there are more spires, like its the rest of the city!!!!
Beetles head also looks somewhat like the symbol of the circle of Magi, just food for thought.
With all its arms, Moon Head looks a bit like a brood mother, it could be one of those "Titular" Titans.........
I'm not sure if this would ever apply to anything, has any precident, or anything like that, but maybe there is an opposite to the taint, like there could be an "enriched" uranium that could cure the blight/the old/elvhen gods, maybe, probably not tho, just going of the huge contrast with the wolves eyes? Feel free to call me a turkey though.
Theory Time!
Maybe Moon-Head is connected to Meredith. Perhaps Moon Head is the female figure depicted on the red lyrium idol. Since the circular halo on the idol could represent the halo seen in the mural or the crescent moon headdress being bent or pulled by the two figure grasping to the female figure on the idol. The idol also has some tentacle-esque parts that might support a connection between mural Moon-Head, the statue, DA:O concept art, art book, and red lyrium idol. This might be why Moon-Head is placed directly above Meredith as if to imply some sort of connection. However, Beetle I’m not so sure about. Perhaps he had a hand in creating the blight, which would connect him to Corypheus, but since there isn’t any real evidence to support that I can only guess. Perhaps this figure represents the being that called Corypheus to the black city and thus, by extension, set the events of Inquisition in motion (and perhaps started the blights). I do think that they are all connected however considering their placement above both Corypheus and Meredith, respectively, as well as their inverted orientation above them. (Perhaps similar to how inverted tarot cards can imply different meanings 🤷♂️) There’s a lot to ponder in this trailer.
PS: Thanks for reading my disorganized tangent, have a great day!
Oh, and I'd LOVE (along with Tevinter and perhaps Seheron and/or Par Vollen) some of DA4 to take place in the Anderfels.
I'm excited to hear your analysis as more information comes out. Regarding the title, perhaps they just have chosen to not release it yet. All the trailers we've had so far are labeled as "teaser." So I think it's safe to assume they simply are waiting to show the actual game title until they drop a full fledged trailer.
People surprised about the Inquisitor not beeing the main char and I'm still sad about not beeing able to be the Warden again.
Has no one realized that statue (which is Mythal . I thought it was common knowledge ) is in the temple of sacred ashes. Two of them right next to the first side room? That and the fact the picture of Sharan look exactly like Solas and Andraste looks almost like a young Flemeth lead me to believe Andraste had Mythal in her and Solas waking up and seeing the horrible plight of his people wanted to free them from Tevinter
I have a theory about the mural: The architecture strikes me more as what we suspect is Antiva, minus the floating. Potentially the castle in Antiva is some sort of link to The Black City, or maybe there are multiple links which is why there are multiple different highlighted locations. I noticed that there are only three blue eyes in the trailer, maybe each represents a spot that is crucial to the structure of the veil? Especially since there are three highlighted locations in the trailer. It would make sense that Solas would spread out multiple supporting areas when creating the veil, and maybe even in the fade there are distinct sections that are sealed off and each section holds one or more of the old gods/Evanuris/Evanuris-who-are-actually-old-gods/something else that would stand in the way of Solas's plan for a healed world (for ease of typing I'm just going to refer to them as figures)? Because it would seem unwise to lock EVERYONE together when creating the veil, it makes sense that he wouldn't want them to combine their power to take down the veil. If we follow the theory that The Black City is Arlathan and the theory that the Evanuris are old gods then it would also explain why it's abandoned, the Evanuris are forcibly separated and unable to return. It would also explain why some elves believe their connection to the Evanuris is lost.
That would also tie in the old god theory regarding the blue eyes because maybe the reason the blue eyes are tied to Solas is that as he defeats each figure/old god he absorbs them as he did with Mythal. His plan could be to go through and absorb the figures he deems the biggest threat so that they can never regenerate or stand in his way and then take down the veil. This could also tie in with parallels of pride with Solas and then the red teeth, he could believe that he is right, he is strong, and he is powerful enough to absorb them all and make the best choice for that fate of the world, and then he ultimately is corrupted by his pride and destroys the world, perhaps because he's absorbed too many figures and they overtake him? Which could potentially cause him to turn to red lyrium, which he normally wouldn't do? This would further push the whole "biggest threat of all time" because he's literally an amalgamation of everything the world has never seen before. This also ties in with the wolf imagery and different stories about wolves, both in the DA universe and in real life. Y'know, the wolf in Little Red Riding hood swallows grandma whole, The Dread Wolf is a betrayer that manipulates people to fit his needs, that sort of thing., plus there already is a precedent of Solas absorbing other beings into himself and the flash of blue eyes after it.
So basically, my theory is that there are several specific locations acting as primary supports for the veil, and in each of those sections there is a corresponding being that could be an old god/Evanuris/both if you think the Evanuris and old gods are the same/something else sealed within. As each eye is illuminated that means a figure is absorbed from Solas. The three eyes illuminated in the trailer could signify ones that are potentially already absorbed at the beginning of the game in Antiva, The Anderfels, and Minrathous. Perhaps the next spot is where the hunter is going? And the objective of the game is to find each area he's going to target next and attempt to stop him before he absorbs some/all of the figures and rips down the veil.
Oh bear with me for a moment, I think the mural depicts a few things. Primarily Solas will break the vail in tavinter. if you look at the cinematic trailer the red lirium corrupted city is hovering above an uncorrupted city, Like that ring in the trailer hovering above Minrathous.
Tavinter is interested in red lirium, and could easily get a shard from Meredith, and it would make sense that it would be researched in a circal for mages. (that is an assumption on what ti it in the trailer.)
We know we will be going to tavinter. I think beetle head / or an qunari shows a full-scale war breaking out, Black powder and all, (the chaos would help solas a man well versed in small operations and gorilla warfare accomplish his goals as well as stop large scale organised opposition in the area.) as the dread wolf Beatle head and moon head are all descending, so perhaps all of them are contributing Knowingly or unknowingly to his plans.
Meredith was the templar of an old tavinter city and coriphius is self-explanatory.
(just a side note it could be that he gets into the black city the same way that the magisters did before. as doing that would weaken the vail in a certain place perhaps making it easier to do again.)
I'm gonna go off on a limb and say that Urthemiel may have been the blighted/fallen form of Falon'Din bc it always stood out to me how he was the friend of the dead, something that comes off as inherently selfless, yet the defining trait Solas gives him is vanity. Maybe when Solas cast the veil and he locked the Evanuris (sans Mythal) away, their beings were sundered and thus fully became the dragons we know as archdemons? This could explain why Mythal is/was present. The chantry's version of the old gods' origin is awfully similar to the Evanuris' war. We also know that Solas specifically is a dreamer, maybe that attribute was shared by his peers, which could explain how the old god religion started and also the wardens having dreams about the active archdemons.
It's 3 am tho and I'm on nyquil
Solas accesses the red lyrium idols secret blade, stabs Katie and starts an elfy blood magic ritual. Katie's last words: "I still don't believe Solas would use the red lyrium idol".
This might be a wild long shot but a glimpse of the gloves made me think of Red Jenny. I wonder if this Tevinter rogue works for Red Jenny??
dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Red_Jenny_Seekers?file=Red_Jenny_Seekers.png
It's fine Ghil. Your 30min lectures on red lyrium might come in handy if a corrupted Titan pops out of the ground beneath Orlais.
my take on the wolf eyes is that Solas is an abomination of some sort (certainly not the normal type) the body was taken from another demon perhaps and she was burnt out in the process, if you look at the image in 12:20 upside down the wolf looks like a pride demon with the implication of some connection we still don't clearly have defined. i heard someone else's theory about how the original (immortal) elves might have all originally been spirits or demons and then took on bodies creating the elven race. maybe this artwork is simply indicating how solas gained his body.
probably not a new take but i haven't heard any one else say it so there ya go, enjoy friends
I'm super late and this is small but the "reverse blight" pic with the two dragons.. The left has those green vine-like horns that from a certain angle could match the shape of Beatle's horns. And the dragon on the right's tongue looks more like a bunch of tentacles, so maybe it's referencing Moon Head?
Great work Caitie! And awwww Jinx💜
On the off chance ghil sees this, about the statue with the eyes wide open and arms crossed shut. Reminds me of what flemeth says when you meet her on origins. Eyes wide open and or arms closed shut. Either way one is a fool
I'm by no means well-versed in DA lore, so feel free to correct me.
Just a thought about the eclipse idea. I think it's rather interesting that Mythal was believed to come from the sea and was creator of the moon ("Moon-Head" appears to have seaweed on her head?), and Elgar'nan represents the sun and in a sense wields it- two opposing forces that would create an eclipse. Whether that means anything towards Moon-Head and Beetle idk.... And Beetle looks like he's wearing a cape resembling folded dragon wings tbh.
Also (after watching the Morrigan and son's meeting with Flemeth in DAI) Flemeth says that Mythal was betrayed as she was. Noting that, Andraste's story is also rather similar to them both. There's definitely some kind of connection there, maybe we'll get more info in the next game, especially with all the DAI Mythal mentions.
Pretty sure the two "gods" in this mural are Ghilain'nain and most likely Falon'din (Beetle thing). I think Jackdaw in one of his episodes talks about latest trio of books/comics (?) where Varic is one of the major characters. There is a picture of a mural in that book showing "Moonhead"/Ghilain'nain and what looks like to me Andruil interacting. Jack thought that it was a moment of Mythal's murder, but I disagree. The headdress doesn't match Mythal's. It looks like Andruil, so maybe Ghilain'nain was helping Andruil to go into Uthenera. At least that is how I read it. May be Solas duped the Evanuris to go into hibernation first before he trapped them in the Fade. It would make sense since it would be easier to trap all of them at once if they are asleep.