I’ll start with a (big) off-topic aside in answer to Latecomer, because that’s an idea I don’t mind sharing.
@Latecomer
I dabble in video editing from time to time and as I gave more attention to the crystal ponies, I was inspired (without success so far) to make a video with
Iroh’s speech about the four nations, but with the four pony tribes instead.
“Ambitious” can be used to describe basically any main unicorn from Twilight and Rarity to Sunset, Starlight and Tempest—whereas Rainbow Dash is the only one out of the other four Mane 6 who wasn’t content with what she already had—so they certainly “have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want.”
Not sure about “diverse,” but ‘strong, resistant and enduring’ is basically the earth ponies down to a T.
The similarity with Air Nomads relies more on headcanon and personal interpretations than actual facts if I remember correctly, but ‘detaching themselves from worldly concerns and finding peace and freedom’ can easily describe pegasi.
And what tipped me off in the first place… It’s only half—maybe even only a third—of Iroh’s description of the Water Tribes, but “they have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything” immediately brought to my mind the folks from the frozen north whose racial hat literally is love.
This concept as a whole was inspired by the old video
Tribute to the Four Nations. Here’s an
updated, high res version for those interested.
Looking back at the original inspiration, I wouldn’t actually need to make my little video main character-free, but that’s a personal choice. Also brings some (thematically appropriate) balance, considering the whole ‘no crystal pony protagonist’ deal.
Sorry for the big off-topic aside, but again, that’s an idea I’m happy to share. And
now, the actual topic…
@GoodVibesGorgeous
Ah, I wasn’t complaining, just explaining why G5 felt off to me: I’m always reminded of
another show whenever I look at it. Wholly subjective, just like me seeing
Totally Spies’ Clover and
Soul Reaver’s Raziel every time I look a little too closely at
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’s Adora and Shadow Weaver. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Huntara somewhere in some Dragon Ball, too!
@doloresbridge
I’ll always consider Lauren Faust’s greatest contribution to G4 to be, not the universe or the characters, but these
gorgeous art style and character designs.