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Magical Mystery Cure continuation?


ManaMinori

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So hey guys, I came across a theory on Starswirl's unfinished spell that I hadn't seen anyone put this spin on, and frankly, I think it's genius!

My Theory on Starswirl the Bearded's "Last Spell" in the Season 3 Finale

Hey everyone! I’m here again with another theory blog. Yeah, this one actually came to me right out of the blue, so to speak.

So, this theory of mine will be focusing on a little something in a certain episode in season 3 that has driven fans in the Brony community absolutely BANANAS. I mean, seriously, what’s with Starswirl the Bearded’s spell in the season 3 finale, eh? The whole thing just doesn’t make any sense, no matter how you look at it! ...or does it?


Mares and Gentlecolts, I hereby give you my solution to this very puzzling magical mystery! Ha, ha! You see what I did there? ‘Cause...‘cause this episode’s called “Magical Mystery Cure”?


...nevermind.

A Closer Look at Starswirl's Spell

Now, let’s look at the spell with the two parts combined, shall we?

“From one to another, another to one. A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled. From all of us together, together we’re friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there’s magic without end.”

...well, ain’t this a piece of work. :pensive: I mean, what does it all even mean, anyway? Something about destiny and friendship...maybe? It’s just all too abstract!


Well, when I looked at this spell in all of its parts, I wracked my brain trying to make sense of this weird, mysterious spell that didn’t seem to make more sense even WITH the other part added. Nor did I understand how Twilight would have “figured it out” the other part of the spell so quickly after she had changed back her friends’ “destinies”. Then, an...epiphany came to me in the form of a saying from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.

“Try thinking out of the box! Don't waste time doubting the facts. Think through it!” -- Mia Fey

So, I said to myself, “What the heck! Let’s do it! If it worked with Phoenix Wright, then it can certainly work for me!”

After trying to “turn the case upside down”, as defense attorneys in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney would frequently say, I finally discovered the solution. Maybe we were looking at it all wrong from the very start! What if we tweaked it a bit so that it looked more like this…?

“A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled: from one to another, another to one. With the marks of our destinies made one, there’s magic without end. From all of us together, together we’re friends.”


Does it make more sense now!?

*cricket*


Oh, right. We’re not done yet. Now, let’s put each part side by side.

“A mark of one’s destiny

singled out alone, fulfilled:

from one to another, another

to one.”

“With the marks of our destinies

made one, there’s magic without

end. From all of us together,

together we’re friends.”

Look at this not as a single spell, but as two separate “messages”. Are you beginning to understand now? No? Okay, let me explain further.

You see, this whole “spell” that we’re looking at here is actually a combination of a riddle and a two-way message between Twilight and some other pony, along with an actual spell. Now, I believe you’re probably thinking to yourselves...


“What in Equestria has Z-blade been smoking!?”

First of all, I don’t smoke...well, maybe only when I’m literally on fire.


Well, ain’t you a barrel of laughs, Z-blade... :pensive:
Now, let’s break this all down and analyze each of the two parts in more detail.

So, what makes this “spell” a riddle? Well, by itself without any changes to the spell’s wording in any way, it makes no sense whatsoever. However, if we tweaked it by moving the first sentence from the top to the bottom, it all of the sudden makes more sense. I mean, look at the first original part and then compare it with the edited version.

“From one to another, another

to one. A mark of one’s destiny

singled out alone, fulfilled.”

“A mark of one’s destiny

singled out alone, fulfilled:

from one to another, another

to one.”

Do you see the difference? Now, let’s look at the other part the same way.

“From all of us together,

together we’re friends.

With the marks of our destinies

made one, there’s magic without

end.”

“With the marks of our

destinies made one,

there’s magic without end.

From all of us together,

together we’re friends.”

Do both parts sound more "complete" compared to their original versions? I certainly think so!

So, when we essentially solve the riddle, what do these two parts mean? Well, if you try looking at in the context of Twilight and her friends alone, you will most likely get confused. But if you look at them in the context of Twilight and another pony, then it all starts to make sense. In a sense, these two parts are like two messages; hence, my “two-way message” idea. The first message is from this “other pony”:

“A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled: from one to another, another to one.”

So, what does this part of the spell mean? Well, the way I see it, what this means is that somepony (don’t know who) is saying that Twilight has a special destiny to fulfill: “A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled.” But what does the next sentence mean, “...from one to another, another to one”? Combined with the previous sentence, this sentence is saying that this pony too is on a similar path, and that they need each other in order for both of their destinies to be fulfilled. In a sense, this part of the spell is saying, “You and I have similar destinies. We are special from the rest. If you help me fulfill my destiny, I can help you fulfill yours.”

Now you see what I’m seeing? Pretty cool, huh? Or you’re probably thinking that I’m just off my rocker right now. Well, maybe I am, but at least I have evidence to back it up, right? ;-)

Now on to the next part of the spell!

“With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end. From all of us together, together we’re friends.”

This is Twilight’s part in the spell, which to me means that this is like the “reply” to the message. Let’s break it down, shall we? The first sentence: “With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end.” To me, this means that Twilight is saying that with both of their (her and the other pony’s) destinies fulfilled or on the same path, there’s “magic without end”. Then, the last sentence: “From all of us together, together we’re friends.” To me, this signifies that Twilight understands that Friendship is the true magic, thus putting the spell into effect.


WelI, hope you got all of that, ‘cause that was alot! Whew!

Who Is Responsible for Twilight's Ascension Spell?

Okay, so alot of you are probably going to bring up a few points against this theory of mine. The first one is probably that since this is Starswirl the Bearded’s book of spells, it would make sense that this “last spell” would be HIS spell, right? Well, not necessarily. You see, here’s the problem. Starswirl the Bearded has been renowned as the greatest wizard ever lived. Therefore, it would make sense that his so-called “spells” would work in order for him to become as famous as he is now. So, my question is...why did he fail in his last spell of all his spells if he was THAT good? You’re probably going to point out further that it was his “unfinished masterpiece”. You’re also probably going to point out that Celestia herself even said that he himself wrote the spell and was “never able to get it right, and thus abandoned it”.

...so, there are a few questions that pop up in my mind due to these questions. Number one, why did Celestia send Twilight that spell knowing that it was incomplete and could potentially damage the fabric of time and ponies’ destinies forever? All just so that Twilight could become an Alicorn princess!? That doesn’t sound right, even for Celestia, I’m sorry! And even if that WAS the case, it doesn’t explain this line that she says during Twilight’s coronation:


“But today, Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary. She created new magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria’s newest princess.”

...wait...WHAT? What the heck does THAT mean? NEW MAGIC!?


To me, this sounds as if even Celestia herself was surprised by what Twilight did. So, if it was true that Celesta did send Twilight that “unfinished spell”, knowing that she would finish it and become an Alicorn princess, then why is Celestia seemingly surprised by what Twilight did? And what is this “new magic” that she’s talking about anyway? The whole thing seems very odd to me. Or is it…?

The explanation is simple. Celestia knew indeed that Twilight would one day fulfill her destiny, but she didn’t quite expect it to be fulfilled in that way or at that time. That’s why she said that Twilight created “new magic”. She was surprised by this “new magic” that Twilight had apparently discovered, despite knowing that she would one day be worthy to fulfill her destiny and become an Alicorn princess.


Now, the next thing you might be pointing out is that Starswirl himself wrote the spell and Celestia knew about it or was present when he wrote it. I must admit that that is a possibility. However, it’s also a fact that Starswirl the Bearded “didn’t understand Friendship as [Twilight did].” So, if that’s the case, why would Starswirl make this spell in the first place? Just because he felt like it? ...weird for a supposed “famous wizard” like Starswirl the Bearded to do that, in my opinion. And yes, I am aware that the comics portray him as this Pinkie Pie personality and that he could’ve made that spell “just because he felt like it.” However, if this is the case, then why the wording or the language in the spell? It’s one gigantic riddle, for crying out loud! So, why would he make a spell like this?

My theory is that Starswirl the Bearded was not the one who made this particular spell. Here’s the reason why. One, Starswirl could not have known or even cared about Twilight Sparkle. If Celestia herself was responsible for Twilight rising into “Alicornhood” through this spell, then how did she know that Starswirl’s spell would actually make Twilight become an Alicorn princess in the first place? For all she knew, it could have just made pigs fall from the sky or something! This implies that she knew all along what this spell would do...even though it was one of Starswirl’s incomplete and seemingly "useless" spells to begin with. Nope!


All of this leads me to believe that Celestia only knew that Twilight was destined for something great but didn’t know when or how that would be accomplished. I would guess that this “worthiness to ascend into Alicornhood” is only achieved by accomplishing some “extraordinary feat”. In this case, it was Twilight discovering this “new magic”.

New Magic!?

“But what IS this new magic?” you might be asking. *chuckle* Good question! Well...it would seem to me that whatever this “new magic” is, it resulted in Twilight fulfilling her destiny or something like that. It seems to me that this magic that made that happen, as well as the magic that made the Mane 5 switch Cutie Marks, is somehow time-based. Remember what Starlight Glimmer did on the season 5 finale? What if that was an explicit example of what was going on with Twilight and her friends in the season 3 finale?

Right when Twilight recited the spell, her friends’ “destinies” were altered, causing an “alternate timeline” in which (like the season 5 finale) only Twilight remained unaffected. Why was that? In the season 5 finale, it’s more likely that it was because that Twilight followed Starlight into the time spell portal. But in the season 3 finale, it’s a different story. The change was more subtle than what Starlight did. In fact, it was so subtle that no pony, including we the audience in a way, realized what exactly was happening...as if everything was normal. I mean, didn’t you notice how no pony pointed out or were even surprised that the Mane 5 were doing a bad job in their specific “jobs”? It was as if all that was normal...like the alternate timelines in the season 5 finale.


Now you see what I’m getting at here? What happened in the season 3 finale was similar as what happened in the season 5 finale, only it was more subtle and smaller scale. Then, when Twilight was “zapped” into the netherworld and transformed into an Alicorn, the timeline was “fixed”, along with Twilight getting a new pair of wings in the process.


So, who could’ve caused this very subtle change in the timeline through this spell? You’re probably thinking that it was Starswirl the Bearded, since it was his “spellbook” and Starlight Glimmer also used a similar spell of Starswirl’s to jump between timelines. But I’m still not convinced. I mean, if we count the comics as canon, Starswirl was staunchly AGAINST changing the timeline in any way. He was fine visiting the past and other alternate universes and timelines, but he made absolutely sure not to meddle with them in any way. So, why would he intentionally create a spell that would do just that...meddle with the timeline. And if you’re thinking that Starswirl would bend his own rules this one time, here's one thing I would like to bring up. Remember in the IDW comic "Reflections" when Celestia meets an alternate "good" Sombra and falls in love with him? Well, you would also remember how Starswirl was very upset when he found out, so much so that he sealed the portal into the alternate world. This was because he didn't want Celestia to mess up the timeline by meeting with the alternate Sombra so much.


So, I doubt that a pony like Starswirl would bend his own rules for anypony. “Well, then who is this mysterious pony, then?” you might be wondering. My theory is that it was never Starswirl the Bearded who wrote that last spell but an imposter POSING as him! But to what end? Why would somepony want to pose as Starswirl the Bearded? Answer: So that they could get to Twilight so that she could “fix” that spell and, in turn, become an Alicorn princess. But to what end?

More Than Just a Spell?

You see, my theory is that this so-called “spell” that Twilight supposedly fixed wasn’t just a spell nor was it just a riddle for Twilight to solve. It was a contract -- a contract between two ponies, in this case Twilight and this other mysterious pony! What were the terms of this so-called “magical contract”? Well, let’s look at it closer.

“A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled: from one to another, another to one.”

This section is from the mysterious pony. It says in effect, “We both have similar destinies. We both are destined to be something greater than the rest. So, here’s the deal. I will help you achieve your destiny if you will help me achieve mine at a future time.” Hence the phrase: “from one to another, another to one” = “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”

“With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end. From all of us together, together we’re friends.”

This next section is Twilight’s “response” to the contract. In essence, she’s saying, “Yes, I accept. After all, I have learned that helping other ponies and making friends along the way is what makes our destinies become reality. With both of us accomplishing our destinies through our friends, we will make the Magic of Friendship thrive in Equestria forever. Through our friends, may we both also become friends.”

Now, I don’t believe that she knew she was “saying” that as she was completing the spell. She probably didn’t know that this so-called “spell” was actually a kind of “contract” in the first place. So, why would this other pony essentially trick Twilight into a deal that she had no knowledge of?


What I’m trying to say is...this “other pony” isn’t a good pony. In fact, what if it’s a really bad VILLAIN? This would make this particular villain the best villain in MLP because of this devious set-up on Twilight alone. Why do I think that this particular pony would be a villain? Because this particular villain’s “destiny” is probably to take over and rule over Equestria one day! This so-called “spell/contract” would ensure that Twilight wouldn’t even THINK about trying to stop them because she made a deal with them not to do so! Not only that, she would even be OBLIGATED to help the villain to achieve his or her “destiny”...to conquer Equestria!


YIKES!

You know...I don’t know about you, but I would LOVE to see this kind of thing actually happen in the series. It would make MLP interesting to the max!

“But wait, Z-blade!” you’re probably pointing out. “Why are you saying that this ‘other pony’ is a villain when, for all we know, he or she could be good?” Well, the problem with that is it wouldn’t make the situation interesting. Besides, why would a good pony go through all this trouble with a riddle within an unfinished spell, messing up the timeline only to have Twilight “fix” it, etc. just to ensure that Twilight would become an Alicorn princess when Twilight could’ve become worthy to become one on her own? I mean, we all thought that Princess Celestia was the mastermind behind Twilight’s ascension, but even SHE was surprised by how it was all accomplished.

Summary and Conclusions

So, let’s recap. Somepony (the Villain) poses as Starswirl the Bearded and writes Starswirl’s “last spell” in his book, possibly adding a note that would say something like “I give up! I can’t figure it out!” or something like that. All of this the Villain does knowing that Twilight would one day receive it and try to solve it. Then, Celestia finds Starswirl’s book and notices the final spell. She gives it to Twilight, probably out of Twilight’s obsession of Starswirl the Bearded and such, thus issuing a challenge to Twilight to finish what Starswirl supposedly could not. As Twilight reads the “unfinished” spell, it subtly creates an alternate timeline in which her friends’ “destinies” are swapped and no pony in Equestria seems to know the difference at all. Twilight despairs over what she has done to make this situation happen and Spike reminds her of the key to “fixing” the timeline (actually, he just reminds Twilight that she and her friends have fixed things like this in the past and the magic from the spell that affected Twilight and her friends nudges her to go on from there = stars in eyes--you know what I mean, right?). She restores her friends’ memories and their “destinies”, and thus figures out “how to fix the spell”. She then inserts the second portion (her part in the “contract”) and the “actual” spell is in effect. She then becomes an Alicorn princess, thus permanently “fixing” the timeline, and the rest of the series goes on from there. However, there is a possibility that the Villain will one day come to “fulfill [his or her] destiny” (to conquer Equestria), and that they will succeed due to Twilight’s part in the “magical contract” disguised as Starswirl’s last spell.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, Mares and Gentlecolts, I will proceed to officially geek out in 3...2...1…


...goodness...GRACIOUS! This--this is MLP!? This show--THIS show--is for little girls!?” *rapidly shakes head in disbelief and lets out a shocked huff* “My perception of My Little Pony has been completely TRANSFORMED! My mind has been BLOWN into smithereens, THROWN out into space and HURLED into the Sun from this one episode alone! I will never look at this episode the same way ever again. I mean, this ONE episode has changed my life...FOREVER.


Ha, ha! :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: Okay...joking aside, isn’t all this just absolutely wild!? And all from an episode that even the MLP’s writing staff wasn’t very proud of! Who would’ve thought?

Let me know what you guys think about this theory of mine. Did it blow your mind the same way it blew mine? Did it make you think about the endless possibilities of MLP? Or did you feel absolutely disgusted by it and wanted to hurl ME into the Sun instead? Either way, let me know in the comments! ;-)
Also, next blog will be focusing on the origins of Equestria, more particularly on the origins of the MLP universe in general. So, keep an eye out for that next time!
 

This has been Z-blade. Keep being awesome!

 

http://aminoapps.com/page/equestria/7542553/my-theory-on-starswirl-the-beardeds-last-spell-in-the-season-3-finale

What do you guys think about Twilight, in short, unwittingly signing a contract with a villain who was impersonating/ possessing/magically forging the signature of Starswirl, to fix a brokenalternate timeline that they caused, and later having to uphold the terms of that MMC contract spell, by helping said villain imposter carry out their own evil destiny- and likely being turned to the dark side herself? I think that could be a really interesting and awesome (if done right) result from Twilight's MMC alicorn ascension from “fixing” the “Starswirl” “spell”.

My mind is blown! But what do you guys think about this possibility?

Edited by Nightmare Muffin
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How do we know it isn't someone who needs Twilight's help in a conflict that Twilight wouldn't want to get involved in in the first place? That would be more interesting than just having it be a villain.

 

But this is pretty stupid overall. He builds up this entire theory and then jumps to conclusions at the end.

Edited by Slashy
  • Brohoof 1
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Well, I've always thought the "mark of one's destiny" was obviously referring to Cutie Marks. Thus, "from one to another, another to one" means it swaps Cutie Marks.  The "singled out alone" part is why Twilight wasn't shifted.

 

As to the 2nd part being a contract with some unknown pony? Maybe.  You write it, I'll read it, we'll see.

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Well, I've always thought the "mark of one's destiny" was obviously referring to Cutie Marks. Thus, "from one to another, another to one" means it swaps Cutie Marks.  The "singled out alone" part is why Twilight wasn't shifted.

 

As to the 2nd part being a contract with some unknown pony? Maybe.  You write it, I'll read it, we'll see.

dstiny refer one's lot in life. Twilight was destined to be a princessof friendship. That has nothing to do with her cutie mark, which reresents her gift of magic
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A bit off topic but Twilight's Cutie Mark arguably does refer to her destiny. Remember the prophecy in the pilot?

... The stars will aid in her escape and

She will bring about unending darkness. (or something like that.  It's been awhile since I watched that episode)

 

Look at Twilight's Cutie Mark

Remember more than 1 her escaped that night -including Luna

Remember royalty often has a few meaningless but poetic titles

If you assume one of Luna's was "The Unending Darkness" (or "The Eternal Night" or whatever)

Then, the "She" in the prophecy was obviously referring to Twilight and the whole thing makes perfect sense + was completely accurate.

 

+ in Princess Twilight it was revealed that the main part of Twilight's Cutie Mark was on the Tree of Harmony.  The little stars clearly reference her connection to the other Element Bearers.

 

Still, a Cutie Mark shows what a Pony loves most & their special talent. This often, but not always refers to their job  This is why Rarity assumed Dash's mark is for weather working  (IMO, it is for Dash's love of speed (see The Cutie Mark Chronicles)).  IMO, the Mane 6 didn't exactly get their friend's Cutie Mark, they got what they thought their friend's  Cutie Mark was & their understanding wasn't always perfect.  For example, Pinkie thought AJ's mark was about the farm but IMO it is more her love of her family. 

 

Also, if you think about it they got the job they were LEAST qualified for.  For instance, Fluttershy is at least a good seamstress (Suited For Success) or could do weather work but she wound up as the Public Party Pony -her vision of Hell. Pinkie left her farm because she hated farm work.  Guess which job she got? Apple Jack hates that "fancy, frilly stuff" almost as much as Dash, etc. Either that was REALLY rotten luck, or something was guiding that choice.

 

I agree it doesn't always refer to their destiny.  To look at Rarity, you'd think "a jeweler, or maybe a gem hunter"  She sometimes uses gems in her work but her mark is only marginally connected to being a fashionista.  Still, I stand by my belief & I suppose you do, too.  We will have to agree to disagree.

Edited by sweetolebob18
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