League of Romances: "Facts, Myths and Theories"

dialMARK4acti0n·10/29/2014, 10:54:10 PM·50 votes·70,945 views

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Welcome summoners, to yet another entry in the "Facts, Myths and Theories" franchise, that will hopefully never go all Jar Jar Binks on itself! This week, we have a pretty cool topic to talk about, which is very different than usual, so... get excited! Before we get started though, I'd just like to announce that I have now posted every previous discussion of the series on reddit, and will continue to do so with new discussions going forward. If you'd like to show your support for the series, please check "Facts, Myths and Theories" out over on reddit. Any support, feedback or advice you can give me regarding the future of the series would be awesome, since I do this series all by my lonesome. Really! All the help I can get is very much appreciated. Thank you for all your awesome support so far, because it has now been a month since the very first discussion. Last week was awesome, where I even got a reply from gypsylord on the thread. I hope we can continue to discuss lore together, until... who knows when! You guys are awesome!

Ok! Now that all the heartfelt statements are done with, let's get going with this discussion. First, let's just explain what "Facts, Myths and Theories" is to any fresh faces around here. This is a series where I talk about a Lore-related topic every week. I grab what we know, what we don't know and mesh these together to form - you guessed it - theories, to try and crack the lore wide open. Now, what are we waiting for?! Let's talk some lore.

This Week's Topic: League of Romances

http://i.imgur.com/wSFZhW7.jpg

Aaaah... Love... Whether you're a boy, a girl or a dog, you know this feeling. You hate it. You love it. You want it. And you loathe it. But, when it comes to love, we can always be sure of one thing... If it comes to someone else's love life... you want to know EVERYTHING! (Don't worry, it's human nature) Especially, when it comes to celebrities or fictional characters. And boy... does League deliver! We have confirmed relationships, hinted relationships, one-sided relationships, love triangles... When it comes to a pool of 120+ characters, some fan made art or fiction is just bound to happen. And we all know that, although most of us League players aren't girls (which doesn't really matter if you're a boy or girl, btw), we have emotional investment in these characters. And, like we would with any friend in real life, we would want to see them happy, together with someone that they love and that also loves them back.

So, this week in "Facts, Myths and Theories", we are going to talk about SOME of these romances. And I cannot stress enough that, unfortunately, I cannot talk about every single possible romance in League of Legends, in one discussion! I promise you though, that in due time, I will add this topic to the poll again and, if you so desire, make more of these. Anyway, since this topic is pretty different from the usual stuff, we're going to do things a little bit differently this time around. So, on today's discussion, instead of having 'the Facts', 'the Myths' and 'the Theories' sections, we'll have a section for each of the romances that we're going to discuss and go over the Facts, the Myths and the Theories for EACH relationship. You'll see what I mean in a sec.

Also, let's play a little game... For every relationship I mention, please post a comment of what you think their combined names should be (e.g. "Katagaren"). Sounds like fun right? :D

Now then, everyone understands the rules? You do? Good. Let's get started!

Garen X Kata

http://i.imgur.com/bjH0nWE.jpg

The romance between the Might of Demacia and the Sinister Blade is a very popular one! It's a very hinted relationship and is generally shipped by the community as a whole, so I thought these two lovebirds would be a great start!

The Facts

Well, it's no secret that both Garen and Katarina tend to spin2win. But, what is the connection between these two? Well, we know for a fact that they are somewhat of archrivals. It is mentioned in Garen's lore that when he first encountered the Sinister Blade on the battlefield that the soldiers who beheld this event commented the following:

"It seemed as though the two were locked in a mortal waltz set against a symphony of clashing blades."

Aaah, the waltz... one of the most romantic dances of all. When Garen returned from the battle, he was breathless... a first for the fearless leader of the Dauntless Vanguard! The soldiers from Demacia commented that his exhaustion wasn't just due to the combat... But, Garen knew they couldn't understand the feeling of finally finding a worthy opponent on the battlefield. After that battle, Garen always looked for Katarina on the battlefield... looking for just one more spar with the Noxian assassin, the reason for him to rise and fight each morning...

The Myths

Now, Katarina's lore doesn't mention Garen at all, but the evidence doesn't stop there. As of Garen's visual update, in 2013, Garen has a couple of jokes directed toward the crimson-haired Noxian. One of which has him pretend that he's been doing some thousand one-handed stand pushups, mentioning how he 'didn't see her there.' This joke is obvious for anyone who watched cartoons in their youth. The other, more simplistic one has Garen say 'Demacia', albeit not in his usual patriotic tone, more like in a flirty tone. Another thing is a comment by a Rioter made during a Katarina AMA:

"Garen is a military leader and soldier and Katarina is an assassin. They aren't really rivals, as their roles are different. However, there is a romantic connection between the two, from times gone by. We are committed to preserving that."

So, the myths are actually facts in this case... Katarina and Garen have or had some sort of romantic relationship. Obviously, Garen still has some sort of feelings towards Katarina (Demaciaaa....). However, Katarina's side of things is yet to be explored.

Another thing to mention is that Blitcrank's "Fleshling Compatibily Service", from the good ol' Journal of Justice days, matched Katarina and Garen as a perfect pair. ^^

The Theories

Well, the theories are quite simple for Garen and Katarina's case. They both seem to be attracted to each other, especially because how both of them are dedicated to their city-states and to fight for them, and for finding a worthy opponent in each other. You may think this is an unhealthy start for a relationship. While probably right, you aren't taking to account how the opposites attract, which is proven for a fact. When you find your meaningful other, you tend to look to someone who compliments you, who completes you. I think this is the case for Garen and Katarina.

But, as we just read, it's also possible they had a relationship in the past... while we don't know the full details, it's possible that before they joined their countries' respective armies, they had met in a younger age and felt attracted to each other immediately, in a sort of Romeo and Juliet relationship. They got separated after they dedicated themselves to their armies but are able to be with each other again, in combat.

Honestly, I love how Garen and Kata complement each other in almost every way, so I here decree Garen X Kata:

SHIPPED

Zed X Syndra

http://i.imgur.com/OJlq5ld.jpg

Zed and Syndra look like a couple of loners at first glance, but... they have a very big "shipped" rate. Why is that? Let's find out! By the way, if you haven't read the Zed X Syndra comic, I highly suggest you do. It's not very faithful to the source material, but it's a very cool spin on League's lore, so make sure to check it out!

The Facts

Now, here comes one of the shortest Facts section... EVER!!! So, if you visit Zed and Syndra's champion profile pages, they are listed as friends. That's it! There's no other official statement regarding these two's relationship. Just to show you how creative the League of Legends community can get with just a itsy bit of information.

The Myths

One thing about both Zed and Syndra is how much their stories are connected. Well, they are totally separate from each other, but if you read both Zed and Syndra's lore entries, you'll quickly discover that their stories are absolute parallels. Both of them are orphans. Both of them were trained to use ancient special techniques. Both seek out to gain their powers' full potential. Both killed their master. And both use some kind of ancient forbidden way. Their story is pretty much identical.

They are also just two of three evil Ionian champions, as of now, Varus being the third. Varus' mission though, is more of a personal and individual one. While Varus seeks revenge, both Zed and Syndra seek to unlock their full potential and to change Ionia in some way or another. Of course, being two majorly sought out Ionian public enemies, they'd probably cross paths together. But, is their some sort of romantic tension to be found here?

The Theories

Well, as we have mentioned Zed and Syndra have pretty similar stories and due to their standings in the public's eyes, they'd probably cross paths. It's highly possible that they would form some sort of alliance to achieve their respective goals more easily, helping each other to unlock their full potential. But, Zed and Syndra would also finally find someone who truly understood them in each other.

I mean, Zed and Syndra had never met anyone that actually understood what they had to go through and what their objective in life was. Naturally, you tend to seek for someone that truly understands you and loves you for what you are in a meaningful other. Thusly, they'd most likely develop feelings for each other in due time.

I love Zed and Syndra's been carrying me ever since Bronze through ranked play. I think they make a perfect pair for the reasons I just stated above. Thusly, Zed X Syndra is:

SHIPPED

Ezreal X Lux

http://i.imgur.com/iq4QK5o.jpg

Boy... Here comes one of the cutest... if not the cutest..... couples in League of Legends........... it breaks my heart 'cause I thought Lux was so cute and perfect and... anyway.

The Facts

This was one that started with that picture that was "leaked" in Aatrox's 'Ancient Mystery of Runeterra' teaser. It was a pretty cool event all-in-all, and it showed a picture of these two hanging out and blushing. Ezreal seemed pretty nervous when talking about this picture and he had it on his desk so... It's pretty easily deduced that something's fishy going on!

The Myths

Another thing, is that Ezreal and Lux are listed as friends in both their champion profile pages. Now, if you can't add 2 and 2 than tell me why you're even here. x) If a guy has a picture of him with a friend of his that happens to be a girl on his desk and is embarrassed when people see it then, it probably mean he has a crush for said girl. It's Guys 101, ladies!

The Theories

After all this considered, it seems pretty obvious that Ezreal and Lux are indeed in a relationship, but how did they meet? Well, Ezreal - being the blond Indiana Jones and all - travels all around Valoran, in search of artifacts and for his research. Maybe, during a travel to Demacia he met the lovely Luxxana Crownguard. I mean, who wouldn't want to ask her out?!

Anyway, Ezreal and Lux, being both young and blonde, would probably get along well. Lux is a nice girl. Ezreal is a nice guy. They're... perfect together. And believe me, it pains me to have to say this, so it's definitely true or I wouldn't say it.

I'd ship these guys, if Ezreal didn't totally ruin all my fantasies of Lux being real and being the perfect girlfriend, so... Ez X Lux is:

NOT SHIPPED

Veigar X Lulu

http://i.imgur.com/i8wAIbe.jpg

So, here comes an interesting one. The two yordle outcasts? In love? Well, this was actually a suggestion by a summoner and after going through their lore entries I found some interesting stuff.

The Facts

So, what do we know about Lulu and Veigar's relationship? Well, not much. We know that they are both yordle outcasts. That is, they used to be citizens of Bandle City, but left for different reasons and then, wouldn't be able to return, due to whatever happened during their isolation. Because, remember:

"Isolation is very dangerous for yordles"

Taken from Veigar's lore entry. Thusly, Veigar and Lulu kind of share a similar fate. Having been isolated for quite a long while from Bandle City, they decided or weren't able to return, at least not with the city having open arms.

The Myths

So, in a similar fashion to most of the other couples mentioned, Lulu and Veigar are listed as friends in the LoL website. This makes sense, them being bot yordle outcasts and all. Veigar was imprisoned in Noxus and became twisted by the time he came out. While, Lulu is kind of crazy and spent a couple of centuries with her friend Pix. Now, both of them being magicians is also a point towards their friendship and it making sense.

The Theories

Well, the theory is that, although they are a pretty popular couple, I don't think either of them have a romantic interest in each other. I mean, sure Lulu likes to play with others, but she's a crazy lady. Just look at her! She has crazy eyes... Also, I don't believe that Lulu would even think about someone romantically, due to her largely jovial nature. She acts like a little girl.

Veigar on the other hand was isolated for years and became twisted. Maybe he'd feel attracted to someone who also went through what he went trough. But, in the end, Veigar is kind of super evil now. His mastery over dark sorcery is also incompatible with Lulu's whimsical magic.

Thusly, all things considered, Veigar and Lulu definitely need to find a girlfriend and a boyfriend, respectively! I just don't believe that they're each other's soulmate.

NOT SHIPPED

Teemo X Tristana X Rumble

http://i.imgur.com/sxHCo4Z.jpg

Oooooh! Our last romance for the day is a love triangle!! So, ultimately, this one's more about which one will Tristana pick. I'm a big Rumble fan and I'm looking forward to this one in particular. You should too, because the ammount of furry cuteness kawaii yordleness is great within this week's post!

The Facts

So, this one's really interesting. So, let's start with my single favorite lore trivia ever! Did you know that Rumble calls his mech "Tristy"? Yep! True story. You would've learned that from reading the Journal of Justice if you knew that already. Well, turns out that Rumble apparently has a HUGE crush on Tristana. If you have Super Galaxy Rumble (which I do) and you recall next to Tristana (which I have), you'd be aware of this by now, since he has special interactions with there like: "Let's make fireworks, baby!" or "How do you like me now, Tristana?". But, does Tristana feel the same towards Rumble, is the question of the day.

Well, reading through both Teemo's and Tristana's lore entries, you'll find a very similar last paragraph, where it mentions that both have developed a 'very close friendship' and that others have rumored they are having a romantic relationship, although these rumors are usually avoided by both Tristana and Teemo. Also, both lore entries end with a quote from the other, saying how much they enjoy being friends with one another. Both Teemo and Tristana are soldiers, while Rumble isn't. So, what can we take from all this?

The Myths

Well, before answering that question, there's some other things we need to go over. So, as I mentioned earlier, Super Galaxy Rumble has a special line for when Rumble recalls next to Tristana:

"How d'ya like me now, Tristana?"

So, this quote sort of implies that Tristana doesn't feel the same way about Rumble than he feels about her. Maybe, Tristana friend zoned him. After all, they are listed as friends in their champion profile pages.

Another interesting detail, is that Teemo and Rumble are listed as rivals in their champion profile pages, which is very interesting. This whole love triangle thing seems to make sense after all. It appears as though Teemo and Rumble both, have a thing for Tristana.

The Theories

Now, Tristana's lore entry does mention that Tristana avoids talking about any romantic relationship she may have with the Swift Scout. What can we learn from this? Well, maybe she doesn't feel anything for Teemo and avoids the question, because she thinks it's ridiculous. Or maybe, she does feel something about him and that is why she avoids talking about it.

Rumble and Teemo however, seem attracted to Tristana, in very obvious ways. Rumble is obviously attracted to Trist, while Teemo hides this, but probably bickers about it with Rumble in the sidelines. Tristana do have a 'close friendship', so maybe this is indication she'll go towards Teemo. However, Rumble's a pretty standup guy, so maybe she'll lean towards Rumble. Or maybe, she doesn't feel anything for neither! It's also very possible!

In the end, it all comes down to EVERYBODY HATES TEEMO, so Teemo X Tristana is:

NOT SHIPPED

While, Rumble is a pretty cool guy and honestly, when you give a robot a girl's name, you're in serious need of a girlfriend my friend! Thusly, Rumble X Tristana is:

SHIPPED

But who knows? Girls do like them bad boys...

It's all just a theory though... Thanks for reading!

Boy was that a different discussion to write! I hope you all enjoyed this very different entry to the "Facts, Myths and Theories" series!! If you didn't like it or want to suggest a change, please do! Your opinions are welcome! Please tell me if you ship/unship some of these relationships and any other relationships I may have missed. I really hope to do one of these again. It was pretty fun but didn't include some of the best romances (Orianna X Viktor ^^). But, we can't have everything on one discussion! As always make sure to upvote this discussion if you enjoyed it and want others to see it, share your thoughts in the comments down below and, as always, vote in the poll for next week's topic! Also, feel free to check any other comments by others over on the reddit post and show your support there by upvoting. Have a good one. ;)