spoiler Desperation or Greed? (Lost Treasure of Griffonstone Spoilers)

[Shanks 10,816]

In the new episode Griffonstone is clearly not what it used to be, Rainbow Dash accurately described it as a "dump". It heavily implies in the episode that Griffinstone fell due to the unity of its citizens being shattered due to the Idol of Boreas being stolen and still missing after many years (though I am sure there were other factors at play as well). It said that this treason and the king who found it and passed it onto his successors was the "pride of Griffonstone." Before this it was said that the Griffons were "as greedy as the dragons" this of course in the ponies very biased opinions.

 

In the episode we see this greed though some argue that this greed is simply the result of desperation but the question is what caused the situation which could lead to said desperation? If history is our guide Griffonstone likely experienced a bloody civil war after the theft which has very likely left Griffonstone in shambles. There could still be warfare and conflict going on between the Griffons right now.

 

This is likely due to a case of history repeating itself, Rome united much of Europe under its empire and after the Roman Empire fell it caused a significant power vaccum which lead to centuries of violence. You had Slavic and Germanic tribes invading from the east, Muslims invading from the east and south, and the Vikings coming in from the north. 

 

We know that before the Idol of Boreas was found that the griffons were divided and is likely that they much like the ancient Greeks, Chinese and other peoples had city states that often fought with each other. So where does this bring us today?

 

Griffonstone is in dire poverty and desperation is quite high, there is no doubt of that. We saw that with Gilda trying to sell very bad tasting griffon scones so she could "get out of this dump". But we also saw some legitimate greed that seems to go beyond just mere desperation like when Rainbow Dash injured herself and needed a rope to help herself back up. The griffon's first response was "got any bits?"

 

And at the beginning of the episode Twilight did advise Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to "bring plenty of bits" which implies that the griffons former unity did not completely solve the greed problem. This of course didn't mean all griffons were greedy but does mean that it was and still is endemic in their culture. What irks me about that episode is that we saw plenty of greed but not that much desperation aside from maybe a hint of it with Gilda which is a bit unrealistic even with greed being so endemic in the culture.

Edited May 23, 2015 by Darth Bane

[Jeric 46,871]

I love the analogy of misplaced unity, The old Griffonstone was united because of a social bond created completely by an object of nationalism, not by individuality. Also a golden idol that symbolized false hope and unity. When it was lost there was no firm connection that the citizens made with one another so baser motives replaced them. Laziness, greed, anger, disconnection from each other caused all this even though the loss of the idol triggered it. Now there is a chance it will be replaced with a real unity, and one that allows the citizens to look at each other with empathy ... or friendship. 

 

To answer the question .... both. Greed and desperation were in play here. My views are evolving on this episode ... but that is where my stray thoughts are leading me. 

[The Awesome One 1,315]

I have to agree with Jeric here, it was a bit of both. Griffons only have themselves to blame for their poor economic status though due to them not being united and they became so obsessed with bits. Gilda is going to have a tough time getting all the Gryffons to unite once more without needing some gold idol. Let go of that greed and economic prosperity will come.

[colt .45 259]

When Twilight was giving the history lesson on the griffons she described them as being greedy. This was before the period of prosperity and eventual downfall. My first thought association was " oh, like the Ferangi from Star Trek". But yes, in their current situation it does seem motivated by desperation.

 

I could expand on these thoughts, ...but it will cost you.

[MLPFanatic34 3,241]

I do wonder how Gilda will go about creating friendship in Griffonstone since according to her griffons are mean and nasty even towards their own kind, but hopefully Gilda will get it all sorted out and spread friendship.

[colt .45 259]

I do wonder how Gilda will go about creating friendship in Griffonstone since according to her griffons are mean and nasty even towards their own kind, but hopefully Gilda will get it all sorted out and spread friendship.

She will go about spreading the magic of friendship in Griffonsrone by making delicious baked goods! I know Pinkie is kinda random, and it's sometimes hard to follow her logic. But here's how it worked (... at least this time) it goes like "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. And I threw this Party just for you!" Balloons, party cannon, confetti, etc. It's her standard go to, and for good reason, that usually works. If, for some reason, that dose'nt work, her contingency plan is a song ( likely the smile song). And if that dose'nt work, or as the case may be, against the law. Then the nuclear option of delicious baked goods is unleashed. Then when she wears you down balloons come into play, next thing you know it's a full blown party! Next is friendship, which of course is magic. Then your all in it, you give a smile, you get a smile... Soon all of Griffonstone is infected, like a zombie plague, with the magic of friendship. That's why Pinkie Pie is a genius! (Yeah,she hears that a lot)