spoiler Griffonstone is a part of Equestria?

[colt_following 169]

Is it like calling the collective N. ,S. and Cnt. Americas "America"? Even though us Americans call the United States of America simply "America"?

[UnknownFry 169]

As a nation state the answer is a resounding no, as part of a landmass maybe,

[sweetolebob18 728]

As several others have mentioned Equestria is probably the name of the continent (or even the world) as well as the Kingdom.  It is like using America for the country as well as the continent.  Yes, it can be confusing although context usually makes it clear which one is meant.

 

As to Griffons taking bits, when I was young US dollars were eagerly accepted almost anywhere in the world.  This was because the US economy was strong (yeah, I'm that old).  The Kingdom of EQ is probably the same & bits are accepted, at least in nearby countries.

[thewookie5 11]

I theorize that Equestria is a collection of united realms rather than a single one, like a confederation, or like the Holy Roman Empire, or like city-state Leagues.

 

There are several things in the show that support this...

 

-The Crystal Empire is apart of Equestria and is ruled by its own Prince and Princess.

 

-The Flim Flam brothers mention a "Kingdom of Canterlot", and that could imply that Canterlot itself is a sub-realm of Equestria.

 

-Mrs.Harshwinny mentions that "every City and Empire wants to host the Equestria Games"

 

-Shining Armor mentions to who he thinks is Mrs.Harshwinny "I'd think in your line of work you meet Princes all the time"

 

Overall, I think its a pretty good guess that Equestria is a collection of sub-realms, and it seems the Griffons are one of those realms.

 

 

I like this idea a lot, gives the imagine of a Holy Roman Empire-esc Federation. I get the sense that the Kingdom of Canterlot and Equestria are somewhat synonymous in usage but is like a reverse of calling Great Britain, England. The Kingdom of Canterlot is likely by far the most powerful within this Confederation thus is also just merely called by said confederation name. This Griffon Kingdom, and the Crystal Empire are merely states within the confederation. However there are likely other small kingdoms within the confederation along with non-confederation states. 

[Singe 2,111]

With only 32 griffons, they wouldn't have the genetic diversity to keep the species going, or even really have a team for the equestria games.  There have to be other griffon areas both inside and outside equestria.  (I am figuring that map covers all areas that are part of equestria and with the globe showing more land than that, they would be on the globe but not that map.)

 

Also that they don't have any concept of friendship which would take love and marriage out. It leaves their mating and having children open to debate, likely how nature decides.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Singe

[sweetolebob18 728]

This also brings up the question "What does the map cover?"  Is it all the world (or at least all the continent) or just EQ?