Equestria Flag Redesign: A WW2 Nazism Theme

Hey guys! Ever wondered what Equestria's flag might look like if it were reimagined through a World War II-era Nazism lens? It's a fascinating, albeit controversial, thought experiment that blends the whimsical world of My Little Pony with the stark historical backdrop of the Second World War. As both a dedicated MLP fan and a history enthusiast, particularly of the WW2 era, I've embarked on this unique design challenge. I’ve created two distinct flag designs, each drawing inspiration from the aesthetics and symbolism associated with Nazism, while attempting to retain a connection to the core elements of Equestria. Let’s dive into the creative process, the symbolism behind the designs, and ultimately, determine which of the two flags resonates the most. This is not about endorsing any ideology, but rather exploring a creative and historical what-if scenario. So, buckle up, history buffs and pony fans, as we delve into the intriguing world of alternative flag design!

Design 1: The Iron Pony

In my first design, I wanted to capture the authoritative and militaristic feel often associated with Nazi symbolism, while still incorporating elements that are unmistakably Equestrian. The primary colors are a stark black and white, reminiscent of the Nazi German flag, with a bold crimson circle at the center to add a touch of dramatic flair. Inside the crimson circle, instead of the swastika, I've placed a stylized iron horseshoe, symbolizing Equestria's equine heritage and the strength and industry of its pony citizens. The horseshoe is flanked by two wings, inspired by the winged ponies of Equestria, representing both freedom and aerial might. These wings, however, are designed with sharp, angular lines, evoking the aesthetic of the Nazi eagle, known as the Reichsadler. The overall impression is one of power and order, with a subtle nod to the fantastical elements of Equestria. The black and white create a severe and imposing visual, while the crimson circle draws the eye, making the central horseshoe emblem a focal point. The wings add a dynamic element, suggesting both flight and protection. This design aims to evoke a sense of disciplined strength, reflecting a hypothetical Equestria under a totalitarian regime.

The rationale behind using the horseshoe is multifold. Firstly, it's a direct reference to the ponies, the central characters of the MLP universe. Secondly, the horseshoe is a symbol of luck and protection, but in this context, it's been reinterpreted as a symbol of industrial might and the unwavering work ethic of the pony populace. The wings, traditionally associated with Pegasus ponies and their ability to fly, here represent the aerial prowess of Equestria's military might, suggesting a strong air force. The sharp angles and stylized design give the wings a more aggressive appearance, aligning with the militaristic theme. The color choices were also deliberate. Black and white are often associated with authority and starkness, while the crimson adds a visual punch, drawing attention to the central emblem and creating a sense of urgency. This design, therefore, is a blend of familiar Equestrian symbols with a militaristic twist, aiming to create a flag that is both recognizable and unsettling.

To further enhance the impact of this design, I considered the psychological effects of color and shape. The use of black and white, devoid of the vibrant hues typically associated with Equestria, is intended to create a sense of seriousness and severity. The symmetry of the design, with the horseshoe perfectly centered within the circle and the wings mirroring each other on either side, reinforces the idea of order and control. The sharp lines and angles, as opposed to the soft curves usually seen in MLP imagery, contribute to a more rigid and imposing aesthetic. Moreover, the placement of the iron horseshoe within the crimson circle is reminiscent of real-world fascist symbols, further grounding the design in the historical context of Nazism. However, the horseshoe itself serves as a crucial distinguishing element, preventing the flag from being a direct copy of Nazi symbols and retaining its connection to the world of My Little Pony. This careful balance between historical inspiration and fictional adaptation is what makes the design both intriguing and thought-provoking.

Design 2: The Shadowed Rainbow

For my second design, I took a different approach, focusing on a more corrupted version of Equestria's iconic rainbow. The rainbow is a central symbol in My Little Pony, representing friendship, harmony, and the magical elements that bind Equestria together. In this design, however, the rainbow is darkened and distorted, with muted colors and a jagged, almost fractured appearance. This symbolizes the tarnishing of Equestria's ideals under a hypothetical Nazi regime. In the center, instead of the traditional Cutie Mark, there is a stylized black sun, a symbol historically associated with esotericism and, more recently, with neo-Nazism. The black sun is surrounded by a wreath of thorns, representing the pain and suffering inflicted by the regime. The overall effect is unsettling and disturbing, suggesting a once-vibrant and harmonious society now shrouded in darkness and oppression. The muted colors of the rainbow evoke a sense of loss and decay, while the jagged edges create a feeling of unease and instability. The black sun, a stark and imposing symbol, dominates the design, representing the oppressive force of the regime.

The choice of the black sun as a central symbol was deliberate and significant. While the symbol has ancient roots, it has been appropriated by neo-Nazi groups in recent times, making it a potent and recognizable symbol of hate and oppression. In this context, it represents the darkness that has consumed Equestria, replacing the light of friendship and harmony with shadows of fear and control. The wreath of thorns further emphasizes the suffering and pain inflicted by the regime, acting as a visual representation of the oppression and violence that are often hallmarks of totalitarian states. The distorted rainbow, a symbol of hope and unity in the My Little Pony universe, is deliberately corrupted to highlight the devastating impact of Nazism on Equestria's core values. The muted colors and fractured appearance serve as a constant reminder of what has been lost, creating a sense of melancholy and despair. This design, therefore, is a powerful visual statement about the destructive nature of totalitarian ideologies and their ability to corrupt even the most cherished symbols.

Furthermore, the contrast between the original rainbow and its distorted version in this design serves to amplify the message. The rainbow in MLP represents the Elements of Harmony, the magical forces that protect Equestria and ensure balance. By twisting this symbol into a darkened, fragmented form, the design conveys the idea that these fundamental principles have been shattered under the Nazi regime. The use of a black sun, a symbol often associated with the occult and esoteric aspects of Nazism, adds another layer of complexity to the design. It hints at the ideological underpinnings of the regime, suggesting a worldview that is based on irrational beliefs and a distorted sense of reality. The overall effect is a flag that is not only visually unsettling but also intellectually stimulating, prompting viewers to consider the deeper implications of totalitarian rule and the corruption of cherished values. This design, with its layers of symbolism and its stark visual impact, aims to be a powerful commentary on the dangers of extremism and the importance of safeguarding the principles of freedom and harmony.

Conclusion: Which Design Resonates Most?

So, guys, we've explored two drastically different takes on what an Equestria flag might look like under a Nazi regime. Design 1, the Iron Pony, evokes a sense of militaristic strength and disciplined authority, while Design 2, the Shadowed Rainbow, presents a more somber and unsettling image of corrupted ideals and lost harmony. Both designs attempt to blend the symbolism of Nazism with elements from the My Little Pony universe, creating a thought-provoking and visually striking contrast. But now, I turn the question to you: which design do you find more compelling, and why? Is it the authoritative power of the Iron Pony, or the haunting symbolism of the Shadowed Rainbow? Your feedback and insights are invaluable in understanding the impact of these designs and the ways in which they resonate with different viewers. Let's discuss in the comments below, and continue this exploration of alternative history and flag design!