spoiler What exactly does Sunburst's job entail?

[ggg-2 3,552]

The main job of a Crystaller is to perform the Crystalling, a ceremony celebrating a new life in the Crystal Empire, which can be sporadic and completely random. (and this being MLP. they wouldn't cover all the unfortunate complications that can be a tragic part of real life pregnancy) and according to the synopsis of season 7 episode 3, A Flurry of Emotions, Crystaller does not seem to equate to permanent foalsitter or godparent.

[Jeric 46,848]

Well, it could very well be something we don't have a analog for in reality. I mean, Godparent would work if Sunburst is supposed to be Flurry Heart's magical tutor. We don't have that explicitly stated though. So the closest I see is basically a Sikh priest and their role in presentation of a new baby to the community (a huge deal for the Sikh) and more community inclusive than a Baptism.

 

Question. What about the synopsis states Sunburst doesn't have an ongoing role in Flurry Heart's life?

[snowflame 189]

The main job of a Crystaller is to perform the Crystalling, a ceremony celebrating a new life in the Crystal Empire, which can be sporadic and completely random. (and this being MLP. they wouldn't cover all the unfortunate complications that can be a tragic part of real life pregnancy) and according to the synopsis of season 7 episode 3, A Flurry of Emotions, Crystaller does not seem to equate to permanent foalsitter or godparent.

Chrystal Empire seems a rather big place so many foals should be born every day. He has some studies he did previously too.

[ggg-2 3,552]

Well, it could very well be something we don't have a analog for in reality. I mean, Godparent would work if Sunburst is supposed to be Flurry Heart's magical tutor. We don't have that explicitly stated though. So the closest I see is basically a Sikh priest and their role in presentation of a new baby to the community (a huge deal for the Sikh) and more community inclusive than a Baptism.

 

Question. What about the synopsis states Sunburst doesn't have an ongoing role in Flurry Heart's life?

 

It doesn't outright say he doesn't, but if he does, it's strange that Twilight would be watching Flurry Heart if Sunburst was available.

[cmarston1 5,958]

I kinda just assumed he did become Flurry Heart's godfather.

[Jeric 46,848]

 

 

It doesn't outright say he doesn't, but if he does, it's strange that Twilight would be watching Flurry Heart if Sunburst was available.

 

No it's not strange at all, they are related. Aunts watch nieces all the time when parents have other options that would be convientent for both parties. It's a family thing.  It even happens for those that have an actual nanny. 

[Fhaolan 4,475]

The Crystalling does resemble the strict Catholic version of Baptism as far as I can tell, where the Crystaler takes the position of Godparent. In this system, the Godparent is specifically there as a Witness (I capitalized it, as the role is a touch more than just standing there are watching. Supposedly they are there to make sure the Baptism takes place properly, including in very old traditions dealing with anything that might try to interrupt the ceremony, spiritually or temporally. Many old traditions in several religions include ceremonial defenders who were supposed to be armed for that purpose (but aren't anymore). For example, the Best Man at weddings. )

 

Once the ceremony is over, the Godparent is (in the eyes of the church) the 'in loco parentis', meaning they are the parent of the child in any situation where the actual parent is not available. Including taking over as full parents if at any point the original parents die. They are supposed to teach the child the ways of the church as well as be a paragon of churchly behavior for the benefit of the child. They are also required to intervene if at any time the child falls into un-churchly ways. Again, they are to act like a parent if the real parent can't.

 

Of course, these traditions are rarely if ever followed now-a-days, and the term 'Godparent' is just a title handed out to friends and family with little or no requirements or duties.

 

In Crystal Pony terms, I figure it's much the same. There *were* strict traditions around the role of Chrystaler, but those are rarely followed now. The role now being just a facilitator of the ceremony and they only get involved with the foals life afterwards based on the whim of the Chrystaler themselves.

[ggg-2 3,552]

The Crystalling does resemble the strict Catholic version of Baptism as far as I can tell, where the Crystaler takes the position of Godparent. In this system, the Godparent is specifically there as a Witness (I capitalized it, as the role is a touch more than just standing there are watching. Supposedly they are there to make sure the Baptism takes place properly, including in very old traditions dealing with anything that might try to interrupt the ceremony, spiritually or temporally. Many old traditions in several religions include ceremonial defenders who were supposed to be armed for that purpose (but aren't anymore). For example, the Best Man at weddings. )

 

Once the ceremony is over, the Godparent is (in the eyes of the church) the 'in loco parentis', meaning they are the parent of the child in any situation where the actual parent is not available. Including taking over as full parents if at any point the original parents die. They are supposed to teach the child the ways of the church as well as be a paragon of churchly behavior for the benefit of the child. They are also required to intervene if at any time the child falls into un-churchly ways. Again, they are to act like a parent if the real parent can't.

 

Of course, these traditions are rarely if ever followed now-a-days, and the term 'Godparent' is just a title handed out to friends and family with little or no requirements or duties.

 

In Crystal Pony terms, I figure it's much the same. There *were* strict traditions around the role of Chrystaler, but those are rarely followed now. The role now being just a facilitator of the ceremony and they only get involved with the foals life afterwards based on the whim of the Chrystaler themselves.

 

I get that. But in my experience, chosen godparents are people a family knows particularly well, not complete strangers.

[Jeric 46,848]

I get that. But in my experience, chosen godparents are people a family knows particularly well, not complete strangers.

Most times that is the case or at the very least what is preferred. My oldest kid's Godfather was the father of a kid my mother-in-law watched on occasion, so he was a stranger to me and a really not much more than a passing aquintance to most of the family. There is a significant lack of male Confirmed Catholics in both our families. So, it does happen ... ish.

 

Of course, in Sunburst's case, his role in saving the day may have elevated him beyond a mere stranger.

[BlinkZ 1,151]

His job is a glorified babysitter lolz / gardiain who knows

[Hierok 11,831]

I was wondering it myself. But it is a big responsibility, like he said.

[Malcontent 196]

Seems like they wrote him into a corner. Honestly id love to know why his special talent is..filing...and how that is useful xD 

[Ganondorf8 11,241]

I wonder if he will be tasked by Cadance and Shining Armour to serve as Flurry Heart's magic teacher since the two of them have to rule over the Crystal Empire and therefore wouldn't be able to do anything of the sort. Or perhaps they might hire someone else--or ask Twilight whenever she is available--and have Sunburst handle something else related to Flurry Heart.

[Goat-kun 2,527]

In a practical sense, he's the Equestrian version of a Westerosi Maester.

[Brainstorm 4,098]

So, the Crystaler is a Godparent?

[Castle Bleck 19,291]

He's basically the Empire's vice-president (under Cadance and Shining) now.

[Brainstorm 4,098]

I think being a Crystaller is a Teacher.