Can the Elements Of Harmony actually be destroyed?

[Zygen 6,066]

So I was just thinking about this in a post I made in another topic just recently, it concerns whether the elements of harmony can actually be destroyed.

 

I think they can't be personally, and I'll explain my reasoning why.

 

So first off, in the first episode of the series, the pilot, Nightmare Moon tries destroying what where apparently the Elements of Harmony, but she while apparently destroying them was told by Twilight soon after that she couldn't destroy the Elements of Harmony, because the spirits of the Elements where present. This makes me think that all it takes is the presence of the bearer's of the Elements in order for them to be basically indestructible. As we see that seems to be the case since in the presence of their bearer's they activate and are repaired and well, you know the rest I think.

 

Another scenario is involving Discord. When Discord first shows up in the S2 premier, he does infact realize the power that the Elements of Harmony posses, and thus in order to ensure his plan works he needs them out of the picture. However.. Despite all the power Discord posses, he does not destroy the Elements, but simply hides them. Now this seems silly for him to do, and maybe its just due to Discord liking to play games, but I think its because he knew they could not be destroyed, maybe he tried to destroy them back when Celestia and Luna overthrew him the first time, and was using his knowledge from his last encounter in hopes to finally succeed.

 

And if that isn't enough, yet again in "Keep Calm and Flutter on" he is freed, yet again even though he knows the power of the elements, and is apparently able to atleast take them from the mane 6, he still doesn't. Of course this instance is less supportive as he doesn't even try to hide them, but that might be due to them being worn, or he simply knows theres no way to destroy them, and hiding them might just waste time.

 

Finally on a less supportive note, the Elements are very very old,(Possibly dating to the creation of Equestria and all of the world the ponies live in) I imagine there have been attempts by Villains to destroy them. Yet they seem to have remained intact throughout the years, from any form of destruction. Doesn't it seem like they would've been destroyed by now?

 

Yet they haven't been. This is why I believe the Elements simply aren't able too be destroyed, or they can't be destroyed forever and are able to be rebuilt simply with the presence of the bearer's that are destine to use them.

 

So, after my long wall of text that you may or may not read all of, what do you think? Do you think the Elements are indestructible? Or do you think they are actually able to be destroyed? Or do you have some totally different theory? I wanna know your thoughts!

 

Looking forward to hearing what y'all have to say! And have a wonderful day! Later!

[~StatesTheOblivious~ 1,795]

You can't destroy what's not totally physical.

 

The orbs in the pilot were just representations of the Magic that the elements form. And the sixth appeared after Twilight realized the meaning of the "prophecy". They are bound to those who represent them. They are not just a tiara-crown-thingy and five necklaces. They are concepts, aspects of personality that are strong in those who bear them. How could they be destroyed, even if you would try to break the accesoires?

 

That's why Discord discorded them. It was his only chance to defeat them. They are the Elements.

Edited June 21, 2013 by StatesTheOblivious

[100 beasts kaidou 321]

My headcanon is that the elements of harmony Is the spirits of The former Queen of Equestria who is the princesses mother, the reason she was turned into the elements because she was defeated By her Brother in Law. So I think that The only creatures cable of destroying it is The King and His brother.

 

In canon I dont know

[Zygen 6,066]

You can't destroy what's not totally physical.

 

The orbs in the pilot were just representations of the Magic that the elements form. And the sixth appeared after Twilight realized the meaning of the "prophecy". They are bound to those who represent them. They are not just a tiara-crown-thingy and five necklaces. They are concepts, aspects of personality that are strong in those who bear them. How could they be destroyed, even if you would try to break the accesoires?

 

That's why Discord discorded them. It was his only chance to defeat them. They are the Elements.

Thats a good observation. I guess in reality it appears the elements only seem to be a way of channeling the magic of them.

 

The elements sorta seem to have their own mind in a way, which kinda makes them seem more like an essence then an actual physical being. 

 

But yeah I can agree with ya.

 

My headcanon is that the elements of harmony Is the spirits of The former Queen of Equestria who is the princesses mother, the reason she was turned into the elements because she was defeated By her Brother in Law. So I think that The only creatures cable of destroying it is The King and His brother.

 

In canon I dont know

Thats an interesting headcannon, I suppose with the very little background we really get on the elements anythings possible. And I guess if they have family who formed them, then I suppose they'd be the ones who have the power to destroy them.

 

Of course there isn't any real Cannon proof leading to it but yeah, It is a very interesting theory.

[100 beasts kaidou 321]

Thats a good observation. I guess in reality it appears the elements only seem to be a way of channeling the magic of them.

 

The elements sorta seem to have their own mind in a way, which kinda makes them seem more like an essence then an actual physical being. 

 

But yeah I can agree with ya.

 

 

Thats an interesting headcannon, I suppose with the very little background we really get on the elements anythings possible. And I guess if they have family who formed them, then I suppose they'd be the ones who have the power to destroy them.

 

Of course there isn't any real Cannon proof leading to it but yeah, It is a very interesting theory.

Its all headcanons until we finally get the princesses flashback episode and everything is cleared up and half of the headcanons are gone. But since that doesnt seem likely I say we should stick to our headcanons

[Zygen 6,066]

Its all headcanons until we finally get the princesses flashback episode and everything is cleared up and half of the headcanons are gone. But since that doesnt seem likely I say we should stick to our headcanons

Yeah, I do think we could use some(It would benefit the cannon and backstory surrounding Celestia and Luna and the such aswell.) but I agree that since its not a huge chance that it will happen we may be stuck on headcannons for now.

 

Although theorizing about stuff is enjoyable still .

[Pinkie4eeeever 38]

I think the elements of harmony could be destroyed in a way. If the necklaces and crown are just physical forms and the true power came from the spirits of harmony (the mane six) they what if the ponies remained Discorded forever. As the ponies were the opposite of their element the power became useless in a way destroying the elements of harmony leaving the necklaces just normal jewellery and probably easy to destroy if someone tried. So if someone broke the spirits of the wielders then that could be classed as destroying the elements of harmony. But this just my opinion.    

[Zygen 6,066]

I think the elements of harmony could be destroyed in a way. If the necklaces and crown are just physical forms and the true power came from the spirits of harmony (the mane six) they what if the ponies remained Discorded forever. As the ponies were the opposite of their element the power became useless in a way destroying the elements of harmony leaving the necklaces just normal jewellery and probably easy to destroy if someone tried. So if someone broke the spirits of the wielders then that could be classed as destroying the elements of harmony. But this just my opinion.    

I see what your saying kinda, but really I think that even while the mane 6 where in the state where they couldn't utilize them, they where still not truly destructible, because as soon as a bearer was present I assume they would be fixed or find there way to the bearer in some way.

 

I kinda think of the elements as the Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts, The keyblade chooses whos worthy of it, and it can not be taken from the bearer it chooses, and if the bearer dies or something then it chooses a new bearer I suppose.

 

I think the Elements find those who's destiny it is to wield them, and in their presence there is no way to really even destroy their physical forms. 

 

And their more spiritual forms are more or less indestructible in a way. I assume that maybe the spirits linger inside the bearer's but regardless they remain invincible I think.

 

I don't believe the elements had any less power when the mane 6 went Discorded, I think that the Elements just couldn't be utilized by them.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Zygen

[Scootalove 10,689]

They could probably be destroyed if, the Elements themselves were corrupted or if they still have a bit of Anti-Elements energy from Discord still in the Elements of the necklaces and the crown.

[Zygen 6,066]

They could probably be destroyed if, the Elements themselves were corrupted or if they still have a bit of Anti-Elements energy from Discord still in the Elements of the necklaces and the crown.

But that would still ponder the question to why Discord wouldn't destroy it if he had the power.

 

Maybe if the Elements where somehow destroyed it would throw everything way more out of wack then Discord wanted, or maybe he couldn't.

 

I guess there's not a sure way to know , most of this is somewhat headcannon. 

 

I wonder if Discord truly does have a form of Anti-Element energy, and whether he can inflict that upon non living beings. Or if he can only reverse the personality or something of the being he decides to.

 

Really theres a good bit of questions as how Discord's "Discording" process actually works, and what it really truly does, but since it hasn't been seen enough its hard to say(And with Discord being reformed even less likely for us to learn anything more on it.)

[SoarinBlue 202]

Not really, it would be like destroying the concept of loyalty or laughter or whatever.  The elements are more concepts that make up a strong and healthy friendship than actual physical things

[Argumedies 1,748]

My answer is no

 

Why?

 

The real elements of harmony are not just objects. They are the ethics that lives within each character.

 

Discord was able to manipulate the ethics of each character so in a short sense they could be considered "changed" by making each character reevaluate their own moral judgments.

 

But their ethics still rested within them buried beneath the surface

[Zygen 6,066]

Not really, it would be like destroying the concept of loyalty or laughter or whatever.  The elements are more concepts that make up a strong and healthy friendship than actual physical things

 

 

My answer is no

 

Why?

 

The real elements of harmony are not just objects. They are the ethics that lives within each character.

 

Discord was able to manipulate the ethics of each character so in a short sense they could be considered "changed" by making each character reevaluate their own moral judgments.

 

But their ethics still rested within them buried beneath the surface

I think you both have good points that more or less lead to the same thing that the Elements are more then just objects, but the actual embodiment of the Elements of Friendship, which are contained within the Mane 6 ponies who represent each.

[Cwanky 17,588]

The artifacts themselves can be destroyed but the virtues they represent can't be destroyed, only neutralized. Its like the Four Horsemen. You can't destroy abstract forces and concepts like War, Famine, Conquest and Death. Do you know how absurd that sounds destroying War, a concept that is the embodiment of destruction. And killing Death? I don't even need to explain that one.

 

As we saw in The Return of Harmony arc the Elements of Harmony are only as strong as their users. When Discord corrupted the Mane 6, they no longer represented that and became little less than accessory jewelry, valuable only to perhaps Rarity (no offense Lady Rarity ). Likewise in Friendship is Magic Part 2, the elements were little less than round stones until their wielders claimed them. 

 

So remember, its not the objects but rather the wielders who represent the virtues the objects stand for that make the Elements of Harmony indestructible. Those virtues were always in the Mane 6.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Cwanky

[NavelColt 22,881]

I highly doubt it. Nightmare Moon tried, and they rebuilt themselves into a modern form to match the current wielders. Discord, a seemingly all-powerful being, didn't do anything to them but hide them, and as others have said, resorted to discording the ponies themselves. The elements are not just the artifact necklaces/Big Crown Thingy, nor are they just the ponies. They're a seemingly omniscient force that is apart of Equestria, which is channeled through friendship, and certain artifacts. Since this omniscient force can obviously not be removed or destroyed, the artifacts will always rebuild themselves, and new ponies/beings that represent the core values of harmony will continue to inherit their power.

[Zygen 6,066]

The artifacts themselves like can be destroyed but the virtues they can't be destroyed, only neutralized. Its like the Four Horsemen. You can't destroy abstract forces and concepts like War, Famine, Conquest and Death. Do you know how absurd that sounds destroying War, a concept that is the embodiment of destruction. And killing Death? I don't even need to explain that one.

 

As we saw in The Return of Harmony arc the Elements of Harmony are only as strong as their users. When Discord corrupted the Mane 6, they no longer represented that and became little less than accessory jewelry, valuable only to perhaps Rarity (no offense Lady Rarity ). Likewise in Friendship is Magic Part 2, the elements were little less than round stones until their wielders claimed them. 

 

So remember, its not the objects but rather the wielders who represent the virtues the objects stand for that make the Elements of Harmony indestructible. Those virtues were always in the Mane 6.

I think you explained some of what I was trying to say better then me with the fact that the wielders are what make the Elements indestructible, so yeah thanks for that , and I totally agree. The Elements took on their bearers in a sense and gained their power through the bearer's.

 

I highly doubt it. Nightmare Moon tried, and they rebuilt themselves into a modern form to match the current wielders. Discord, a seemingly all-powerful being, didn't do anything to them but hide them, and as others have said, resorted to discording the ponies themselves. The elements are not just the artifact necklaces/Big Crown Thingy, nor are they just the ponies. They're a seemingly omniscient force that is apart of Equestria, which is channeled through friendship, and certain artifacts. Since this omniscient force can obviously not be removed or destroyed, the artifacts will always rebuild themselves, and new ponies/beings that represent the core values of harmony will continue to inherit their power.

I totally agree. The Elements are like the embodiment's of those forces that are existent in Equestria, which have chosen to be wielded by the group who represents them the most. 

 

And I think the cycle has, and will continue throughout generations for Equestria.

[NavelColt 22,881]

I think you explained some of what I was trying to say better then me with the fact that the wielders are what make the Elements indestructible, so yeah thanks for that , and I totally agree. The Elements took on their bearers in a sense and gained their power through the bearer's.

 

I totally agree. The Elements are like the embodiment's of those forces that are existent in Equestria, which have chosen to be wielded by the group who represents them the most. 

 

And I think the cycle has, and will continue throughout generations for Equestria.

 

At the very most, I can see the Elements going into a sort of 'hibernation', if there didn't happen to be any beings that were pure enough, and didn't represent any of the Elements well enough. At that point in time, I would imagine the artifacts would be useless, and could be destroyed. But, as soon as beings -do- show up that represent all the elements, the artifacts would immediately pick up again and rebuild themselves. That's what happened in the pilot, anyway. Celestia disinherited them after Luna was banished, so they fell into a comatose hibernation for a thousand years. Then, boom, they get activated by the Mane Six and spring to life.

[Zygen 6,066]

At the very most, I can see the Elements going into a sort of 'hibernation', if there didn't happen to be any beings that were pure enough, and didn't represent any of the Elements well enough. At that point in time, I would imagine the artifacts would be useless, and could be destroyed. But, as soon as beings -do- show up that represent all the elements, the artifacts would immediately pick up again and rebuild themselves. That's what happened in the pilot, anyway. Celestia disinherited them after Luna was banished, so they fell into a comatose hibernation for a thousand years. Then, boom, they get activated by the Mane Six and spring to life.

Yeah, I get what your saying, they could become useless if nobody was worthy of their power or could posses their power.

 

Although didn't Celestia use the Elements to banish Luna or something? Or defeat Nightmare moon? If so that makes me wonder why they'd be inactive then. Maybe I am remembering wrong though and I need to watch the pilot again .

 

But I do assume that it would make sense for them to go into hibernation, given the correct circumstances with no rightful bearer.

[NavelColt 22,881]

Although didn't Celestia use the Elements to banish Luna or something? Or defeat Nightmare moon? If so that makes me wonder why they'd be inactive then. Maybe I am remembering wrong though and I need to watch the pilot again .

 

Celestia and Luna originally wielded them three each; that's how they stoned Discord the first time around and saved Equestria from chaos. I don't know the specifics of -how-, but Celestia was able to use all six by herself to banish Nightmare Moon. My assumption is that, that was a one-time deal that she only got away with for being an alicorn in a desperate situation or whatever. Afterwords, the elements couldn't be used because Luna was gone. Which caused there to be no bearers, which meant hibernation.

[DiscordAnarchy 770]

Celestia and Luna originally wielded them three each; that's how they stoned Discord the first time around and saved Equestria from chaos. I don't know the specifics of -how-, but Celestia was able to use all six by herself to banish Nightmare Moon. My assumption is that, that was a one-time deal that she only got away with for being an alicorn in a desperate situation or whatever. Afterwords, the elements couldn't be used because Luna was gone. Which caused there to be no bearers, which meant hibernation.

 

 

It could be like this:

 

The sister held 3 elements each. Going with Discord's Quote "I forgot how Grim you could be", it is safe to assume that Celestia did not have the elements of Laughter, Generosity, or Kindness. So that leaves her with Magic, Loyality, and Honesty.

 

Luna has Laughter, Generosity, and Kindness but after she and Celestia take over Equestria, Luna begins to feel ignored and shunned during the night whereas Celestia begins to enjoy the company of ponies during the day. Ergo, it is safe to believe that the more Bitter Luna became, the less she represented her 3 elements. At the same time, Celestia, being praised and adored, would slowly relax from a more tense persona to a more cheerful one.

 

So when Nightmare Moon turns completely, Celestia has already learned the powers of Laughter, Generosity, and Kindess. Once those elements are lost to Luna, they go to Celestia. Ergo allowing her to banish her sister.

[NavelColt 22,881]

It could be like this:

 

The sister held 3 elements each. Going with Discord's Quote "I forgot how Grim you could be", it is safe to assume that Celestia did not have the elements of Laughter, Generosity, or Kindness. So that leaves her with Magic, Loyality, and Honesty.

 

Luna has Laughter, Generosity, and Kindness but after she and Celestia take over Equestria, Luna begins to feel ignored and shunned during the night whereas Celestia begins to enjoy the company of ponies during the day. Ergo, it is safe to believe that the more Bitter Luna became, the less she represented her 3 elements. At the same time, Celestia, being praised and adored, would slowly relax from a more tense persona to a more cheerful one.

 

So when Nightmare Moon turns completely, Celestia has already learned the powers of Laughter, Generosity, and Kindess. Once those elements are lost to Luna, they go to Celestia. Ergo allowing her to banish her sister.

 

That's the precise order I pegged her for, as well, actually. Lauren said she never thought about which ones applied to who, but that seems to be the most realistic assortment. And, interesting theory. I suppose then, the best explanation for how Celestia was unable to be the sole wielder of the Elements from then on, was because her sense of laughter, as well as other elements, may have widdled as she grieved over Luna's banishment. That, or, like I said, while she used them all herself once, that doesn't mean they can be continually wielded by just one pony.

[DiscordAnarchy 770]

That's the precise order I pegged her for, as well, actually. Lauren said she never thought about which ones applied to who, but that seems to be the most realistic assortment. And, interesting theory. I suppose then, the best explanation for how Celestia was unable to be the sole wielder of the Elements from then on, was because her sense of laughter, as well as other elements, may have widdled as she grieved over Luna's banishment. That, or, like I said, while she used them all herself once, that doesn't mean they can be continually wielded by just one pony.

 

 

Agreed. One of the things that always struck me as interesting is the sheer loathing Celestia seems to have for Discord during the first Return to Harmony episode. In my personal opinion, I would not doubt that Discord did something to somepony that Celestia cared for during his rule. Ergo her desire to take him down was a lot more personal than she lets on. This can explain why she was unable to have the elements of Laughter, Generosity, and Kindess...

 

But she WAS loyal to the one she lost

She WAS powerful in magic

and she WAS honest in her quest to destroy Discord...

[NavelColt 22,881]

Agreed. One of the things that always struck me as interesting is the sheer loathing Celestia seems to have for Discord during the first Return to Harmony episode. In my personal opinion, I would not doubt that Discord did something to somepony that Celestia cared for during his rule. Ergo her desire to take him down was a lot more personal than she lets on. This can explain why she was unable to have the elements of Laughter, Generosity, and Kindess...

 

But she WAS loyal to the one she lost

She WAS powerful in magic

and she WAS honest in her quest to destroy Discord...

 

Celestia is the single most harmonious character in the series, while Discord is the complete opposite. I think he bugs her just by general principle xP Though, who's to say something did or didn't happen, too.

[DiscordAnarchy 770]

Celestia is the single most harmonious character in the series, while Discord is the complete opposite. I think he bugs her just by general principle xP Though, who's to say something did or didn't happen, too.

 

 

She is the most harmounous...NOW. No pony knows what she could have been like when she was a lot younger. Ever wonder why ponies are so eager to please her but not other princesses? I wonder if there are those who have heard rumors of what she USED to be like

 

XD

[Wardaddy 470]

I see what your saying kinda, but really I think that even while the mane 6 where in the state where they couldn't utilize them, they where still not truly destructible, because as soon as a bearer was present I assume they would be fixed or find there way to the bearer in some way.

 

I kinda think of the elements as the Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts, The keyblade chooses whos worthy of it, and it can not be taken from the bearer it chooses, and if the bearer dies or something then it chooses a new bearer I suppose.

 

I think the Elements find those who's destiny it is to wield them, and in their presence there is no way to really even destroy their physical forms. 

 

And their more spiritual forms are more or less indestructible in a way. I assume that maybe the spirits linger inside the bearer's but regardless they remain invincible I think.

 

I don't believe the elements had any less power when the mane 6 went Discorded, I think that the Elements just couldn't be utilized by them.

That's quite a good analogy. When Discord discorded the Mane 6, the Elements didn't exactly discord with them, but simply couldn't be utilized, like if Sora was dealt with in a way similar to the discording of the Mane 6, then the Keyblade would lie dormant until its bearer was revived. If anything really, to destroy the Elements of Harmony would take a villain that existed since the birth of Equestria, similar to the devil. Killing the Mane 6 wouldn't destroy them either, so to repeat, it would take a wielder with enormous power to destroy them.