hi! so i wanted to see if ais naming us sparrow was symbolic or not, so i did some research into japanese culture surrounding sparrows (since i’m pretty sure that’s where ais originates? we assume he is an oni, and they derive from japan)
so in japanese culture, sparrows are often associated with perseverance, resilience and adaptability because they can thrive in many climates and overcome different challenges.
mc does do that in every origin- oracle mc escaped the cult they were worshipped in, exile mc lived without civilisation for the majority of their life and alchemist mc fled a mage who saw them as a test subject and presumably experimented on them.
sparrows are also seen as messengers of joy and happiness, bringing good fortune to those who encounter them
this i’m not sure applies to ts mc. if we go down the LI’s routes successfully and save them, then it may apply, but the other four LI’s who we do not chase never find the answer to their problems- and in the worst case scenario, die.
if we think about this from ais’ point of view, then it may make sense why he named us sparrow. sparrows are associated with the arrival of spring and hope for the future, their cheerful presence believed to bring harmony to people's lives and bring community.
ais is LONELY. he wants community, people around him free of the sea springs grasp. conscious people who can form their own opinions.
in a way it is him hoping we stick around, as our first day in eridea already reunites the five main LI’s for the first time in who knows how long.
my last point is that having sparrows nest near your home (or garden) is considered auspicious. they are believed to protect against negative energies and bring you blessings from above.
i’ve seen some theories on here that say our touch can minimise the hold ocudeus has on ais for a short time, and i think it makes sense.
https://birdsandtrees.net/sparrows-symbolism-messages-interpretations/#:~:text=In%20Japanese%20culture%2C%20sparrows,bring%20blessings%20from%20above.
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