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'''Rayman's symbol''' is the white ‘O’-shaped crest visible on the front of [[Rayman]]'s purple clothing, as well as various other locations throughout [[The Glade of Dreams|Rayman's world]]. The symbol holds mystical significance, and seems to be emblematic of Rayman's unique powers. It can be seen in every game in which the character of Rayman appears.
[[File:VIG PR1.png|frame|class=sprite|Three instances of Rayman's symbol can be seen on the stone supporting the [[Great Protoon]].]]


[[Image:VIG PR1.png|right|thumb|316px|Three instances of Rayman's symbol can be seen on the stone supporting [[the Great Protoon]]]]
'''Rayman's symbol''' is the white ‘O’-shaped crest visible on the front of [[Rayman]]'s purple clothing, as well as various other locations throughout [[Glade of Dreams|Rayman's world]]. The symbol holds mystical significance, and seems to be emblematic of [[Rayman]]'s unique powers. It can be seen in every game in which [[Rayman]] appears.
[[Image:RaymanLimbs.jpg|thumb|right|The symbol was present even in [[Michel Ancel]]'s very first sketches of the character]]
[[Image:BetillaTelescopicFist.png|thumb|316px|left|[[Rayman]] absorbs a [[Silver Lum]] given by [[Betilla the Fairy]] through the symbol on his chest, thus gaining a new power]]


==In ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]''==
==In ''[[Rayman 1|Rayman]]''==
In [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]], the significance of Rayman's symbol first becomes apparent in [[Pink Plant Woods]], where [[Rayman]] encounters [[Betilla the Fairy]]. Betilla grants Rayman [[telescopic fist|his first power]] by imbuing him with [[Silver Lum|silvery lights]] which are absorbed directly through the symbol on the front of his chest. The symbol glows briefly with several sparkles of light, which then sink back into it, completing Rayman's absorbtion of his new power. This exact process occurs three more times in the duration of the game, as Betilla grants Rayman the powers to [[grappling fist|grab]], to [[helicopter]] and to run. In the Atari Jaguar version of the game, the introductory sequence shows [[Rayman]] in a field, playing with [[Electoon]]s while [[the Great Protoon]] looms in the background. The Great Protoon is perched on top of a large ovular stone, which is engraved with three instances of Rayman's symbol. This suggests that there may be some connection between the symbol and the Great Protoon.
===[[Rayman (early production)|Pre-release]]===
[[File:RaymanLimbs.jpg|320px|thumb|right|The symbol was present in [[Michel Ancel]]'s very first sketches of the character.]]


The [[flying ring]]s which [[Rayman]] learns to [[grappling fist|grab]] also resemble Rayman's symbol, and form a sparkling bond of energy with him when he [[telescopic fist|punches]] them.
In 2010, it was revealed by the French retro-gaming magazing [[Pix'n Love]] that [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]] was [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)|initially developed for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)|This version of the game]] was never officially announced, and was cancelled when the decision was made to develop the game for more powerful systems such as the Atari Jaguar. Pix'n Love revealed several screenshots from [[Rayman (cancelled prototype)|this early prototype]], showing [[Rayman]] and a female companion not unlike the girlfriend character [[Simohne]] who was later planned to appear in [[Rayman Raving Rabbids (cancelled prototype)|the cancelled ''Rayman Raving Rabbids'']]. The companion would have been controlled by the second player – the game was originally planned to feature co-operative gameplay. In the screenshots, [[Rayman]] has a red body rather than a purple one, but the ‘O’-shaped symbol is still present, even at this early stage in the game's development. The female character does not appear to have the ‘O’-shaped symbol on her blue body; her symbol appears to be an exclamation mark, but the screenshots are too blurry to tell for certain.


{{clear}}


===[[Rayman 1|Final game]]===
[[File:BetillaTelescopicFist.png|frame|left|class=sprite|[[Rayman]] absorbs what is presumably a [[Silver Lum]] given by [[Betilla]] the Fairy through the symbol on his chest, thus gaining a new power.]]


In [[Rayman 1|the original ''Rayman'' game]], the significance of Rayman's symbol first becomes apparent in [[Pink Plant Woods]], where [[Rayman]] encounters [[Betilla]] the Fairy. [[Betilla]] grants [[Rayman]] [[Telescopic fist|his first power]] by imbuing him with [[Silver Lum|silvery lights]] which are absorbed directly through the symbol on the front of his chest. The symbol glows briefly with several sparkles of light, which then sink back into it, completing [[Rayman]]'s absorption of his new power. This exact process occurs three more times in the duration of the game, as [[Betilla]] grants [[Rayman]] the powers to [[Grappling fist|grab]], to [[helicopter]] and to [[Running|run]]. In [[Rayman (Atari Jaguar)|the Atari Jaguar version of the game]], the introductory sequence shows [[Rayman]] in a field, playing with [[Electoon]]s while the [[Great Protoon]] looms in the background. The [[Great Protoon]] is perched on top of a large ovular stone, which is engraved with three instances of Rayman's symbol. Perhaps suggesting that there may be some connection between the symbol and the [[Great Protoon]].


The [[flying ring]]s which [[Rayman]] learns to [[Grappling fist|grab]] also resemble Rayman's symbol, and form a sparkling bond of energy with him when he [[Telescopic fist|punches]] them.


{{clear}}


==In ''[[Rayman 2]]''==
In ''[[Rayman 2]]'', the symbol is given even more prominence. Whenever [[Rayman]] is given a [[Silver Lum]] – ability-granting orbs of light analogous to those created by [[Betilla]] the Fairy in [[Rayman 1|the previous game]] – he absorbs it directly through the symbol on the front of his chest, saying that he can feel its energy building up inside him.


===[[Four Masks of Polokus]]===
[[File:PolokusPillar-RR-TSOWAI.jpg|thumb|320px|right|[[Rayman]] approaches the pillar containing the [[Four Masks of Polokus|first Mask of Polokus]]. The engraved white ‘O’ symbol can be seen on its front side.]]


Rayman's symbol appears upon the stone pillars in which the [[Four Masks of Polokus]] are contained. When [[Rayman]] approaches a pillar, two streams of energy emerge from the symbol on [[Rayman]]'s chest and the upper symbol which is only engraved on the front side of the pillar. These streams of energy converge in the air and become what looks like a single bolt of lightning; the energy then vanishes and the pillar grinds open automatically, revealing the mask and sending [[Rayman]] to the dream world that [[Polokus]] slumbers in. Rayman's symbol appears to be strongly associated with both [[Polokus]] and his [[Four Masks of Polokus|Masks]], underlining its mystical significance. It acts as the ‘key’ by which the pillars are opened and the [[Four Masks of Polokus|Masks]] are retrieved.


<gallery widths="320px" heights="240px">
RaymanSymbolReaction-Chest-RR-TSOWAI.jpg|The symbol on [[Rayman]]'s chest reacting to the one on the pillar containing the [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask]].
PolokusPillarSymbolReaction-RR-TSOWAI.jpg|The symbol on the pillar containing the [[Four Masks of Polokus|Mask]] reacting to the one on [[Rayman]]'s chest.
O-SymbolBond-RR-TSOWAI.jpg|Shortly, a magical bond forms between them.
</gallery>


===[[The Knowledge of the World]]===
[[File:Rayman symbol flags.jpg|thumb|right|320px|The [[baby Globox]]es cheer [[Rayman]] on with flags bearing his symbol.]]


One of [[Rayman]]'s objectives in the game is to collect the [[Yellow Lum]]s – the thousand fragments of energy which formed the [[Heart of the World]], the mystical object which provides all the world's energy and is responsible for creating [[Polokus]]. As he gathers more [[Yellow Lum]]s, [[the Knowledge of the World]] is gradually unveiled to him. When [[Rayman]] has gathered at least 999 of the 1000 [[Yellow Lum]]s, the most profound secret of all is revealed to him: ‘Of all the inhabitants here, you are the only one whom [[Polokus]] did not dream. You are the only one to receive powers from the [[Fairy|fairies]]. Some see you as the chosen one of all the gods. Who knows...?’ This information draws a connection between [[Rayman]]'s status as the ‘chosen one of all the gods’, the fact that he was not created by [[Polokus]], and his apparently unique ability to gain powers from the [[Silver Lum]]s created by the [[Fairy|fairies]]. Since [[Rayman]] always absorbs [[Silver Lum]]s through the symbol on his chest when he receives them from the fairies [[Betilla]] and [[Ly]], this could indicate that Rayman's symbol is in some way related to his perceived role as the ‘chosen one’.


===In-game===
''[[Rayman 2]]'' also features two levels, [[the Walk of Life]] and [[the Walk of Power]], in which [[Rayman]] races against [[Ly]] the Fairy to earn more health and more [[magic fist]] power, respectively. In these races, [[Rayman]] in cheered on by [[baby Globox]]es, some of whom wave purple flags with white ‘O’ symbols on them. In [[Globox Village]], an area which appears only in the Dreamcast version of the game, more [[baby Globox]]es take out these flags and start waving them when they see [[Rayman]] approaching. These flags are all direct copies of the front of [[Rayman]]'s body; in this context, the symbol seems emblematic of [[Rayman]] himself, and is used by his supporters as his own personal ‘flag’.


As was the case with the [[flying ring]]s in [[Rayman 1|the previous game]], the [[Purple Lum]]s in [[Rayman 2|this game]] resemble Rayman's symbol, and form a sparkling bond of energy with him when he grabs them. It is possible that [[flying ring]]s and [[Purple Lum]]s are meant to be the same objects.


==In ''[[Rayman 3]]''==
In ''[[Rayman 3]]'', Rayman's symbol is not given the same prominence it enjoyed in previous titles. At one point in the game, [[Gumsi]], child-king of the [[Knaaren]], uses [[Sceptre of the Leptys|his Sceptre]] to invoke his god, the [[Leptys]], so that he gives [[Rayman]] [[Grimace|a new power]]. When the ritual is being performed, Rayman begins to levitate and becomes encircled by a ring of sparkling blue energy. Another energy ring, this one white, is then emitted from the symbol of [[Rayman]]'s chest, blowing away the blue one and knocking back [[Rayman]], who gently sinks to the ground. This scenario is very different from [[Rayman]]'s absorption of [[Silver Lum]]s in the previous games, but the emphasis on the symbol is still present.


In the first phase of [[the Summit Beyond the Clouds]], [[Rayman]] and [[Globox]] set sail across [[the Looming Sea]] to reach the snowy mountain range of the level's title. They received their ship from the three [[Teensie doctor]]s at the end of [[the Longest Shortcut]], the previous level. A close examination of the ship's mast reveals that the ship is flying under a purple flag with a white ‘O’ symbol on it – a copy of the front of [[Rayman]]'s chest, almost exactly like the ones carried by the [[baby Globox]]es in [[Rayman 2|the previous game]]. This is another instance of the symbol being used as an emblem of [[Rayman]] himself, signifying support of him and his endeavours.


Whenever [[Rayman]] uses a can of the [[Hoodlum]]s' [[Laser-Washing Powder]], he temporarily gains a new power. When this happens, he equips a new mechanical apparatus, such as a [[Heavy Metal Fist|metal fist]], some [[Throttle Copter|improved helicopter blades]], an [[LockJaw|electrified bear-trap attachment]] for [[Telescopic fist|his fist]], and more. Each of the [[Laser-Washing Powder]] power-ups also causes [[Rayman]]'s clothes to temporarily change colour, including the symbol on the front of his chest. These changes in colour are purely cosmetic and have no significant effect.


==In ''[[Rayman Origins]]'' and ''[[Rayman Legends]]''==
[[File:RaymanOrigins 015.png|400px|right|thumb|Rayman's symbol can be seen on an enormous [[Rayman]] statue, in an [[Rayman Origins (early production)|early screenshot]] from ''[[Rayman Origins]]''.]]


Not much prominence is given to Rayman's symbols in these games, however, statues representing [[Rayman]] and thus, his symbol can be seen populating various areas of the [[Glade of Dreams]].


 
[[ru:Символ Рэймана]]
 
 
==In ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape]]''==
 
 
[[File:PolokusPilar-RR-TSOWAI.png|thumb|316px|right|[[Rayman]] stares at [[Polokus]]' pillar, containing the "O" symbol.]]
 
In ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape]]'', the symbol is given even more prominence. Whenever [[Rayman]] is given a [[Silver Lum]] – ability-granting orbs of light analogous to those created by [[Betilla the Fairy|Betilla]] in [[Rayman 1|the previous game]] – he absorbs it directly through ths symbol on the front of his chest, saying that he can feel its energy building up inside him.In addition to this, Rayman's symbol appears upon the stone pillars in which the [[Four Masks of Polokus]] are contained. These masks were created by [[Polokus]], the near-omnipotent god who brought [[the Glade of Dreams]] into being through his power. [[Rayman]] must travel to four ancient Sanctuaries and recover the four Masks; only when they are reunited will Polokus we reawakened, so that he can use his power to destroy the [[Robo-Pirate]] infestation. Each Mask is contained within a four-sided pillar, protected by a powerful Guardian; each side of each pillar bears two instances of the symbol – a larger symbol near its middle and a smaller one near its top. When Rayman approaches a pillar, two streams of energy emerge from the symbol on Rayman's chest and the upper symbol on the nearest side of the pillar to him. These streams of energy converge in the air and become what looks like a single bolt of lightning; then the energy vanishes and the pillar grinds open automatically. When Rayman grabs the Mask that emerges, he is teleported into a dreamworld in which he meets the god Polokus, who congratulates Rayman before taking the Mask and fixing it to one of the middle symbols on the pillar upon which he stands (which is similar to the other Mask pillars, except that lower section is completely missing, and its upper symbols are instead downwards-pointing crescents with three arrows radiating from them; several more pillars like this can be found in [[the Hall of Doors]], but do not seem to be of any import). Rayman's symbol appears to be strongly associated with both Polokus and his Masks, underlining its mystical significance. It acts as the ‘key’ by which the pillars are opened and the Masks are retrieved; presumably no one but Rayman could have performed this heroic deed.
 
[[File:Rayman'sSymbolReaction-Chest-RR-TSOWAI.png|thumb|316px|left|[[Rayman]]'s symbol in his chest starts to react to [[Polokus]]' pillar "O" symbol...]]
 
[[File:PolokusPilarSymbolReaction-RR-TSOWAI.png|thumb|316px|left|[[Polokus]]' pillar starts to react to [[Rayman]]'s symbol in his chest...]]
 
[[File:O-SymbolBond-RR-TSOWAI.png|thumb|316px|left|... and creates a magical bond between them.]]
 
Three of the four Mask Guardians – [[Axel]], [[Foutch]] and [[Grolem 13]] – have multiple instances of Rayman's symbol emblazoned on their own chests. The second Guardian, [[Umber]], does not – he also looks drastically different from the other Guardians, and helps Rayman rather than attacking him. Strangely, the pillar containing the fourth Mask has no symbols engraven on it, and looks irregular, or melted. The fourth Mask does not have a Sanctuary of its own, instead being found in [[the Pirate Mines]] by a [[baby Globox]], who then gives it to Rayman; it is only in the PlayStation 2 remake, ''[[Rayman Revolution]]'', that the fourht Mask is found inside a pillar, and protected by a Guardian, Grolem 13.
 
One of [[Rayman]]'s objectives in the game is to collect the [[Yellow Lum]]s – the thousand fragments of energy which formed [[the Heart of the World]], the mystical object which provides all the world's energy and is responsible for creating [[Polokus]]. As he gathers more Yellow Lums, [[the Knowledge of the World]] is gradually unveiled to him. When Rayman has gathered at least 999 of the 1000 Lums, the most profound secret of all is revealed to him: ‘Of all the inhabitants here, you are the only one whom Polokus did not dream. You are the only one to receive powers from the [[fairy|fairies]]. Some see you as the chosen one of all the gods. Who knows...?’ This information draws a connection between Rayman's status as the ‘chosen one of all the gods’, the fact that he was not created by Polokus, and his apparently unique ability to gain powers from the [[Silver Lum]]s created by the fairies. Since Rayman always absorbs Silver Lums through the symbol on his chest when he receives them from the fairies [[Betilla the Fairy|Betilla]] and [[Ly the Fairy|Ly]], this indicates that Rayman's symbol is in some way related to the fact that he is the ‘chosen one’.
 
''Rayman 2'' also features two levels, [[the Walk of Life]] and [[the Walk of Power]], in which [[Rayman]] races against [[Ly the Fairy]] to earn more health and more [[magic fist]] power, respectively. In these races, Rayman in cheered on by [[baby Globox]]es, some of whom wave purple flags with white ‘O’ symbols on them. In [[Globox Village]], an area which appears only in the Sega Dreamcast version of the game, some more baby Globoxes take out these flags and start waving them when they see Rayman approaching. These flags are all direct copies of the front of Rayman's body; in this context, the symbol seems emblematic of Rayman himself, and is used by his supporters as his own personal ‘flag’.
 
As was the case with the [[flying ring]]s in [[Rayman 1|the previous game]], the [[Purple Lum]]s in [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|this game]] resemble [[Rayman]]'s symbol, and form a sparkling bond of energy with him when he grabs them. It is possible that flying rings and Purple Lums are meant to be the same objects.
 
==In ''[[Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc]]''==
In ''[[Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc]]'', Rayman's symbol is not given the same prominence it enjoyed in previous titles. At one point in the game, [[Gumsi]], child-king of the [[Knaaren]], uses [[the Sceptre of the Leptys|his Sceptre]] to invoke his god, [[the Leptys]], so that he gives [[Rayman]] [[grimace|a new power]]. When the ritual is being performed, Rayman begins to levitate and becomes encircled by a ring of sparkling blue energy. Another energy ring, this one white, is then emitted from the symbol of Rayman's chest, blowing away the blue one and knocking back Rayman, who gently sinks to the ground. This scenario is very different from Rayman's absorbtion of [[Silver Lum]]s in the previous games, but the emphasis on the symbol is still present.
 
In the first phase of [[the Summit Beyond the Clouds]], [[Rayman]] and [[Globox]] set sail across [[the Looming Sea]] to reach the snowy mountain range of the level's title. They received their ship from the three [[Teensie Doctor]]s at the end of [[the Longest Shortcut]], the previous level. A close examination of the ship's mast reveals that the ship is flying under a purple flag with a white ‘O’ symbol on it – a copy of the front of Rayman's chest, almost exactly like the ones carried by the [[baby Globox]]es in [[Rayman 2: The Great Escape|the previous game]]. This is another instance of the symbol being used as an emblem of Rayman himself, signifying support of him and his endeavours.
 
Whenever [[Rayman]] uses a can of the [[Hoodlum]]s' [[Laser-Washing Powder]], he temporarily gains a new power. When this happens, he equips a new mechanical apparatus, such as a [[Heavy Metal Fist|metal fist]], some [[Throttle Copter|improved helicopter blades]], an [[Lockjaw|electrified bear-trap attachment]] for [[telescopic fist|his fist]], and more. Each of the Laser-Washing Power power-ups also causes Rayman's clothes to temporarily change colour, including the symbol on the front of his chest. These changes in colour are purely cosmetic and have no significant effect.


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[[Category:Other]]
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