Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Spike

[cider float 2,538]

 

After watching this I thought yeah hey that does make sense. Applejack seems to practice loyalty more and Rainbow Dash is well honest for the most part. Spike seems to practice loyalty the most as he is always at Twilight's beck and call. Loyalty means always being there for others. Actually Spike has also been found to be brutally honest. When nobody would say there is a problem, Spike has to say it. So Spike actually deserves both Element of Honesty and Loyalty... well isn't that a hoot.

[Jeremiah 1,586]

that would make Spike too overpowered

Edited May 26, 2015 by SunsetMaster

[Megas 27,765]

oh boy here we go again

 

Yes lets forget all the times she's done everything for her friends

 

Lets forget the time she quit the Wonderbolts to do what is right

Lets forget the time convinced the CMC to go back for Scootaloo after their falling out in FttF

Lets forget the time she saved Rarity after nearly screwing her over in Sonic Rainboom

Lets forget the time she tried to do everything she could to reverse the trade after accidentally trading Fluttershy("but Megas, RD isn't allowed to make mistakes herherher")

Lets forget the time she tried to help and supported Fluttershy in Hurricane Fluttershy

Lets forget the time she attempted to stop winter itself so she wouldn't have to leave her pet

 

And tons more. Long story short, she does deserve and has shown it many times. And no, AJ is a fine Honesty, because she knows when to be honest

[Justin_Case001 4,903]

Wow.  That's an eye opener, actually.  I wouldn't call Rainbow disloyal, but I think I might have to agree that perhaps AJ and RD's elements should be switched.  Maybe.  It's a tough call.  It could go either way.  I mean, they all posess every element (except magic) to a degree.  They each just tend to show one a bit more than the others.  But I could definitely see AJ and RD being swapped.

 

Incidentally, I could also see Spike posessing both.  That's a really funny point, actually.

[The Awesome One 1,315]

Doesn't matter because it still doesn't out-weigh all the times she's shown loyalty to her friends.

[I used to be a stranger 7,994]

So what you're saying is Applejack and Rainbow Dash are fraternal twins and that they have a common mother somewhere out there.

 

Since Pinkie Pie is already a distant cousin of Applejack, I'm starting to wonder who isn't indirectly part of the Apple Family.

[colt .45 259]

"Congratulates Spike. You're the new Rainbow Dash" -Twilight Sparkle in s2 ep2 the return of harmony

[cider float 2,538]

"Congratulates Spike. You're the new Rainbow Dash" -Twilight Sparkle in s2 ep2 the return of harmony

That could be a hint on Spike being a candidate for loyalty. But since he doesn't get a pony card... tough break or lucky break.

[urapony 41]

Dash struggles with her loyalty, but she's not disloyal.

[SteveMorison 404]

oh boy here we go again

 

Yes lets forget all the times she's done everything for her friends

 

Lets forget the time she quit the Wonderbolts to do what is right

Lets forget the time convinced the CMC to go back for Scootaloo after their falling out in FttF

Lets forget the time she saved Rarity after nearly screwing her over in Sonic Rainboom

Lets forget the time she tried to do everything she could to reverse the trade after accidentally trading Fluttershy("but Megas, RD isn't allowed to make mistakes herherher")

Lets forget the time she tried to help and supported Fluttershy in Hurricane Fluttershy

Lets forget the time she attempted to stop winter itself so she wouldn't have to leave her pet

 

And tons more. Long story short, she does deserve and has shown it many times. And no, AJ is a fine Honesty, because she knows when to be honest

Tbf half of those are just common decency rather than loyalty.

[AmberDust 1,118]

Here's my headcanon.

 

You earn an element by representing it AGAINST ALL ODDS. Rainbow Dash isn't the element of loyalty because she's the most loyal--she's the element of loyalty because she's loyal despite the fact that its a challenge for her.

 

The element of honesty wouldn't be rewarded to someone who was honest about everything, but didn't care about how their honesty affected people.

The element of generosity wouldn't be awarded to a rich person who never had to work for their money.

The element of kindness wouldn't be awarded to someone who's kind because they're afraid of being yelled at for rudeness.

The element of Laughter wouldn't be awarded to someone who gets laughs from making fun of others' faults.

The element of loyalty wouldn't be awarded to the weakest member of a team who only stuck with them because it'd be dangerous for them not to.

 

 

To earn an element, it has to be a challenge for you. It has to be a decision you choose to make despite everything that pushes you away from it. You wield an element only if you COULD live life without it, but choose to represent it anyways because its the right thing to do.

 

In Rainbow Dash's case, she doesn't have to be loyal--she's the best at flying, and she can handle herself on her own. She's the first one picked for a team, and she's a natural leader. She doesn't need to be loyal to others, because she's the type of pony that other ponies are loyal to.

 

However, she chooses to be loyal to her friends. She allows herself to be held back for the greater good. She takes other ponies problems upon herself because she can, and therefore feels like she must. She chooses to stay with her friends even if it puts her in danger, because her friends need her more than she needs them.

 

That's why she's the element of loyalty.

Edited May 27, 2015 by AmberDust

[SteveMorison 404]

Here's my headcanon.

 

You earn an element by representing it AGAINST ALL ODDS. Rainbow Dash isn't the element of loyalty because she's the most loyal--she's the element of loyalty because she's loyal despite the fact that its a challenge for her.

 

The element of honesty wouldn't be rewarded to someone who was honest about everything, but didn't care about how their honesty affected people.

The element of generosity wouldn't be awarded to a rich person who never had to work for their money.

The element of kindness wouldn't be awarded to someone who's kind because they're afraid of being yelled at for rudeness.

The element of Laughter wouldn't be awarded to someone who gets laughs from making fun of others' faults.

The element of loyalty wouldn't be awarded to the weakest member of a team who only stuck with them because it'd be dangerous for them not to.

 

 

To earn an element, it has to be a challenge for you. It has to be a decision you choose to make despite everything that pushes you away from it. You wield an element only if you COULD live life without it, but choose to represent it anyways because its the right thing to do.

 

In Rainbow Dash's case, she doesn't have to be loyal--she's the best at flying, and she can handle herself on her own. She's the first one picked for a team, and she's a natural leader. She doesn't need to be loyal to others, because she's the type of pony that other ponies are loyal to.

 

However, she chooses to be loyal to her friends. She allows herself to be held back for the greater good. She takes other ponies problems upon herself because she can, and therefore feels like she must. She chooses to stay with her friends even if it puts her in danger, because her friends need her more than she needs them.

 

That's why she's the element of loyalty.

This theory does make some sense, Fluttershy is the element of kindness even though her shy personality has often left her being pushed around/bullied, so it would be excusable for her to "put her hoof down" (though as that episode shows, it's not pleasent). Pinkie Pie is the element of laughter despite having a very boring and likely sad childhood.

 

However, I don't see many reasons why AppleJack would struggle with honesty more than any of the other ponies, and Rarity looks decently well off so shouldn't struggle with being generous (maybe it contradicts her fashionista personality however). Twilight is a very powerful unicorn now alicorn, so magic is definitely not something she usually struggles with, and certainly not more than anypony with less or zero magic (Cadance even said Twilight was the pony if anypony who could eventually control having Celestia's, Luna's and Cadance's magic on top of her own due to being the element of magic). I think the show makes it clear that the bearers of each element should be the best at representing their element, regardless of any struggles.

[AmberDust 1,118]

This theory does make some sense, Fluttershy is the element of kindness even though her shy personality has often left her being pushed around/bullied, so it would be excusable for her to "put her hoof down" (though as that episode shows, it's not pleasent). Pinkie Pie is the element of laughter despite having a very boring and likely sad childhood.

 

However, I don't see many reasons why AppleJack would struggle with honesty more than any of the other ponies, and Rarity looks decently well off so shouldn't struggle with being generous (maybe it contradicts her fashionista personality however). Twilight is a very powerful unicorn now alicorn, so magic is definitely not something she usually struggles with, and certainly not more than anypony with less or zero magic (Cadance even said Twilight was the pony if anypony who could eventually control having Celestia's, Luna's and Cadance's magic on top of her own due to being the element of magic). I think the show makes it clear that the bearers of each element should be the best at representing their element, regardless of any struggles.

 

Applejack might struggle with Honesty because she is a kind and caring pony, and doesn't want to hurt those around her when the truth is too much to bear. I know personally that being honest can sometimes do more harm than good, and AJ wants to avoid such situations. Look at the second Flim/Flam episode, for example.

 

Rarity deserves her element because she is incredibly busy. She runs a business making custom outfits which--and everyone who's ever made a costume knows this--costs a lot in time and energy. However, she still sets time aside for her friends and for her sister. Her element isn't about money--it's more about personal sacrifices of things like time, energy, and sometimes, success.

 

Twilight's elements is called "Magic", but we all know that magic = friendship. She even stated in the show (Magical Mystery Cure, I think) that THAT'S what her element represented. The Magic of Friendship.

Despite her introverted attitude, and general aura of being busy, she showed a willingness to make friends. This is most evident in the first season.

[AmberDust 1,118]

...and that's a case closed, I guess.

[SteveMorison 404]

...and that's a case closed, I guess.

You do make good points but I still feel the general dialogue of the show suggests that bearers of the elements should be the best representitives of their elements, Twilight the most powerful unicorn in equestria, Applejack the pony anyone can trust etc.

[AmberDust 1,118]

You do make good points but I still feel the general dialogue of the show suggests that bearers of the elements should be the best representitives of their elements, Twilight the most powerful unicorn in equestria, Applejack the pony anyone can trust etc.

Yes, but you see, honesty, laughter, and kindness are things that you deal with on a daily basis. Loyalty, generosity, and "magic" (willingness to make/keep friends) are not. It's not every day that my life tests my loyalty to others, so it's not something I really have to radiate on a regular basis, you know? Same goes for the other two.

Loyalty, generosity and magic are reserved for special cases. They only come out in the thick of things. Rarity isn't generous in every line she speaks, but she is when it matters. Rainbow isn't loyal every second of every day, but she is when it matters. Twilight isn't always giving speeches about friendship, but--well, you get the idea.

 

Some things are tested everyday, some aren't.

[SteveMorison 404]

Yes, but you see, honesty, laughter, and kindness are things that you deal with on a daily basis. Loyalty, generosity, and "magic" (willingness to make/keep friends) are not. It's not every day that my life tests my loyalty to others, so it's not something I really have to radiate on a regular basis, you know? Same goes for the other two.

Loyalty, generosity and magic are reserved for special cases. They only come out in the thick of things. Rarity isn't generous in every line she speaks, but she is when it matters. Rainbow isn't loyal every second of every day, but she is when it matters. Twilight isn't always giving speeches about friendship, but--well, you get the idea.

 

Some things are tested everyday, some aren't.

I don't think the element of magic and the compound of friendship is the same thing. The element of magic is at the centre but the compound of friendship is the combination of all the mane 6's elements. Twilight is the element of magic, her special talent is magic, she is the centre of a group of friends who combine to make the elements of harmony. Take for example Return of Harmony, it was such a shock to see the mane 6 acting as they were because they are supposed to be the best representatives of the elements they've now abandoned. Take this example...

TS: Rainbow Dash won't let us down

AJ: Well looky there, Rainbow Dash is flying away, she's abandoning us

TS: Now I know that's a lie

 

Yeah I doubt any of the others would usually let the group down either, but I think Twilight's seemingly extra disbelief that Rainbow Dash would not let the group down communicates to the audience that Rainbow Dash is supposed to be the best representative for loyalty. Bearing elements may also imply other things, but the general theme of the show appears to be that the bearers of elements are in fact or at least should be the best representatives of their elements.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

None of the Mane 6 are supposed to be perfect representations of their element; they're characters with flaws and they'll exhibit a trait that may work against their element from time to time. I really can't say that Dash is the most loyal or AJ is the most honest in all of Equestria; but they exhibit these traits in a way that singles them out among the crowd.

 

Not exactly sure how, but my point stands. They're flawed characters; not perfect representations.

[AmberDust 1,118]

Amen, . Its the way they represent their element that makes them deserving of it.

[SteveMorison 404]

I don't argue that the mane 6 never break their respective elements, but it is seen or should be seen as a shock when they do.

[cider float 2,538]

I understand what people are saying here. But when they didn't practice their element they could not use the Elements of Harmony.

 

Rainbow Dash's loyalty to Ponyville and her friends diminished to nothing due to Discord's meddling, Fluttershy became rude the opposite of kindness, Applejack kept on lying, Pinkie Pie was trying to make ponies cry, Rarity became very selfish and Twilight no longer believed Friendship was Magic.

 

That's when the Elements did not respond.

[Nav 13]

Rainbow Dash does deserve her element.

I agree she has ego and is unkind at times.

But think of the struggles she goes through, she chose her friends safety over becoming a wonder colt.

On 5/27/2015 at 8:32 AM, AmberDust said:

Here's my headcanon.

 

You earn an element by representing it AGAINST ALL ODDS. Rainbow Dash isn't the element of loyalty because she's the most loyal--she's the element of loyalty because she's loyal despite the fact that its a challenge for her.

 

The element of honesty wouldn't be rewarded to someone who was honest about everything, but didn't care about how their honesty affected people.

The element of generosity wouldn't be awarded to a rich person who never had to work for their money.

The element of kindness wouldn't be awarded to someone who's kind because they're afraid of being yelled at for rudeness.

The element of Laughter wouldn't be awarded to someone who gets laughs from making fun of others' faults.

The element of loyalty wouldn't be awarded to the weakest member of a team who only stuck with them because it'd be dangerous for them not to.

 

 

To earn an element, it has to be a challenge for you. It has to be a decision you choose to make despite everything that pushes you away from it. You wield an element only if you COULD live life without it, but choose to represent it anyways because its the right thing to do.

 

In Rainbow Dash's case, she doesn't have to be loyal--she's the best at flying, and she can handle herself on her own. She's the first one picked for a team, and she's a natural leader. She doesn't need to be loyal to others, because she's the type of pony that other ponies are loyal to.

 

However, she chooses to be loyal to her friends. She allows herself to be held back for the greater good. She takes other ponies problems upon herself because she can, and therefore feels like she must. She chooses to stay with her friends even if it puts her in danger, because her friends need her more than she needs them.

 

That's why she's the element of loyalty.

I agree with you. She has proved herself worthy so many times.

Like in this image.....

[Hierok 11,832]

I kinda agree with the notion. Rainbow let's her ego get the best of her too many times. 

[bluseymoe 258]

On 5/26/2015 at 2:48 AM, cider float said:

 

 

 

After watching this I thought yeah hey that does make sense. Applejack seems to practice loyalty more and Rainbow Dash is well honest for the most part. Spike seems to practice loyalty the most as he is always at Twilight's beck and call. Loyalty means always being there for others. Actually Spike has also been found to be brutally honest. When nobody would say there is a problem, Spike has to say it. So Spike actually deserves both Element of Honesty and Loyalty... well isn't that a hoot.

That video does not hold up well at all. It's clear this guy didn't watch the full episodes either. He missed so many important details of her loyalty.

13 hours ago, Hierok said:

I kinda agree with the notion. Rainbow let's her ego get the best of her too many times. 

That has nothing to do with whether or not she's loyal.

[Hierok 11,832]

49 minutes ago, bluseymoe said:

That has nothing to do with whether or not she's loyal.

Actually it does. She prefers to think of herself, instead of others, like is said in the video.  In most cases, primarily in the early seasons, that is. She came a long way.

Edited February 17, 2018 by Hierok