#magic lady

I think about which birds Betty’s magic birds are and a couple come to mind. I’d personally like to think they’d change form to the following:

1.) Canaries- for a multitude of reason 1.) being that they’re some of the most similar in terms of size and shape minus the beak, but i did want to bring up the phrase “canary in a coal mine"

1a.) “⁃A canary in a coal mine is an advanced warning of some danger. The metaphor originates from the times when miners used to carry caged canaries while at work; if there was any methane or carbon monoxide in the mine, the canary would die before the levels of the gas reached those hazardous to humans.” In terms of interpretation i think thats rather clear about Betty’s fate in terms of being digested with GOLB though its a reach, something something caged within GOLB something something dying with him and becoming rebirthed

1b.) - Extra info. Canaries are song birds and individualists in nature EXCEPT when mating- possibly playing on Betty’s recluse nature with the exception of magic man and Simon/IK.

2.) Nightingales- ANOTHER bird that looks very similar to those animated, this time the beak and tail-feathers match quite well. Matching the color scheme (in terms of their bellies being brighter!) and are overall very similar in nature!

2a.) Their symbolism- nightingales have been associated with a variety of themes, including "creativity, the muse, nature's purity, and, in Western spiritual tradition, virtue and goodness." the nightingale is deemed to be ”a prime example of poetic invention occurring naturally” Though not intrinsically related to Betty herself, it could be a representation of her usage of magic and how she’s becoming less and less human, and more in tune with the nature of Ooo around her. Though birds are also associated with magic man…

2b.) “A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square” - who doesn’t love some music symbolism coupled with bird symbolism! The song itself is about the power of love, and how the “whole damned world seemed upside down” - could easily be a representation of Betty’s love for Simon :)

2c.) In more literal interpretations of the nightingale, its seen as a sign of coming striping, it’s song ushering new leaves after the winter. It’s referenced in Homer’s odyssey when a nightingale sings in the woods, spring has just begun (Odyssey 19.519). Spring is often seen as a time of change, "Every one thousand years, the Catalyst Comet mysteriously reincarnates itself and collides with Earth, bringing with it an Agent of Change." It could be interpreted as such, that her nightingales were the first signs of HER change. Though it’s a reach considering the airing date of the episode, unless it was foreshadowed like crazy. Which is totally fucking possible. Also! This next one is just for fun.

3.) Toucans - Though not at all similar in shape or size, toucans have a very interesting meaning, as well as a quote directly from Ice King himself. Also they are quite cute…

3a.) This clip [season 9, episode 3 “Bespoken For” part 2 of 8 of the elements specials], the SAME episode as “Betty's birds”- as Ice King is going “bird watching” he refers to Betty as a Toucan- as seen in the clip below.

It’s a one off line, because on ice kings bird list, a Toucan is one of the things he needs to check off. Not to mention his later reference to Betty as an exotic bird to life giving magus!

3b.) Though the Toucan has interesting symbolism, Toucans are regarded as a bird with a sacred eye, they’re seen as conduits between the worlds of the living and the dead. Which could again play into her role as GOLBETTY, because of GOLBETTY’s omnipotent nature. It could easily be implied that she’s a conduit, but less of matters of the living of the dead and more so in regards to the antiverse and the multiverse.