#cuthbert calculus

Tintin

Let’s start with our main boi Tintin, the flowers I associate with Tintin would be the humble dandelion and the Himalayan poppy.

Both flowers symbolise resilience.

Dandelions are what I would affectionately call “the cockroaches of flowers”, as they are very difficult to kill and are often considered a nuisance weed by snobby homeowner associates and turf management professionals and Tin’s often considered a weed or foil to the crooks he goes against in canon.

Himalayan poppies are another flower that symbolise resilience as they endure the harsh elements of the Himalayan mountains― they are a nod to Tin being Belgian as poppies are the national flower of Belgium; they also symbolise intellect and creativity.

Both flowers are a nod to his iconic outfits, the dandelion being the yellow polo shirt he originally wore in the earlier comics while the Himalayan poppies which are a striking blue nods at his ever-iconic blue sweater/pullover.

Milou/Snowy

Milou would be a snowdrop; yes and it’s because his other name is Snowy, but I can back it up with more info, just wait.

Snowdrops symbolise resilience and endurance as they are one of the first flowers to sprout in late winter/early spring― and let’s just say… Milou has endured a lot during the comics because of his owner’s recklessness.

They literally sprout from the ground and push through the snow to lap up the first rays of sunlight that come when springtime rolls around.

They’re also used to externally treat headaches (you know, like, rubbing them on the temples); you know who else probably needs a cure from the constant headaches?

Yep, it’s Milou! Get this dog a gin and tonic he needs it.

Captain Haddock

Haddock’s a globe thistle― thistles are the national flower of Scotland, they symbolise fierce protection and endurance.

Another character who’s the victim of Tintin’s recklessness.

They are considered a weed and thus are another difficult plant to kill.

Their circular shape is in line with how Haddock’s friend-shaped but quite prickly as well.

It’s also a similar colour to his iconic turtleneck.

Chang

Green clematises are what I associate with Chang, they symbolise wit, cleverness and artifice; they’re also called the devil’s darning needle, perfect for someone who would not hesitate to deceive the cops hehe…

They’re another difficult plant to kill and are also considered a weed depending on the species; they’re also poisonous to cats, dogs, humans, and horses.

Another thing they symbolise is perseverance because of the plant’s amazing climbing ability and he was able to persevere in the mountains and in the streets before he got adopted.

Traveler’s Joy is a moniker given to the flower and I find that quite ironic because of the events in Tibet.

They also symbolise safe journeys as they are believed to protect travelers, God knows he needs that.

Professor Calculus

This one’s obvious, it’s sunflowers of course! And yes, it’s because of his surname in French which is Tournesol which means sunflower.

Sunflowers are the largest member of the Asteraceae or aster family, and asters symbolise wisdom and intellect, perfect for Marlinspike’s local inventor.

They symbolise optimism and positivity, and Calculus always tries to better the world with his inventions.

Adoration is another thing that they symbolise, and I connect that with how he just adores Bianca (to the point where cultivates a new type of rose and names it after her, like c’mon that’s adorable).

Sorry Haddoculus fans for shipping a straight ship they’re just so cute together.

Signora Castafiore

White roses and Madonna lilies; they’re both white flowers and are a nod to her name, Bianca, which means white.

White roses because of the ones the professor cultivates for her; in the opera they symbolise non-violent resistance and moral courage in the face of tyranny.

She was quite brave during her arrest during Picaros (which is my favourite album btw) and she was able to help Tintin and Haddock by tricking Colonel Sponsz during The Calculus Affair without the usage of violence.

Madonna lilies are the national flower of Italy.

They symbolise beauty, fertility, and wealth.