Delving into Syndra's lore

Overlord Forte·Dec 20, 2015·9 votes·1,240 views

I was poked a little to open a discussion up here on my latest Syndra-related entry. It is essentially a break down and top-down analysis, taking a wide camera look at who Syndra is, and the role she fulfills in the narrative. I've been troubled by seeing many regard her lore as dumb or simply childish, when I've never seen her anyway like that.

Anyway, you can find it here. I'd cross post the text to this thread, but the formatting would get shotgunned to death if I did. Along with losing the pictures ... hmm.

While we're all on the subject, I'm curious to others' thoughts about her.

13 Comments

NúllDec 20, 20153 votes

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Overlord ForteDec 20, 20152 votes

The duality of her nature against Karma's is intense enough I can't imagine it to be by chance. Their interactions will shape a lot of what Ionia may eventually end up being, given their relative importance to the nation as a whole.

In fairness to new Karma's lore (a point of contention all of its own), Karma is more "Peace and balance, except when we need to otherwise". She has a willingness to break tradition in order to protect said tradition, rather than question/seek its removal as Syndra does.

GenoXxDec 20, 20151 votes

Syndra is one of my favorite champions. She was also my first main. I'm just waiting on the part where Sydra reveals herself to the said elders and see what they have actually created. I wonder how Karma and Irelia would be prepared for something liker her.

Overlord ForteDec 20, 20151 votes

It's not quite clear where Syndra actually sits in current storylines with Ionia. We've never had the opportunity to witness interactions, so it would definitely help clear up the picture there.

Captain AishiDec 20, 20151 votes

that was an exceptionally well written article on one of my favorite champions, and I must say I do share quite a few of the interpretations you bring up in it I did relish in the chapters about how Ionia might be changing though, since it's not something i've given much thought before

also concerning the betrayal part I always perceived some of her in-game quotes as having a sort of longing to them, like the irony in her jokes, to me feel as if a part of her wishes things could have turned out differently

Overlord ForteDec 20, 20151 votes

In all respects, I feel Syndra is actually a traditional Ionian save her rebellion from the Elders and society's ruling dogma. That is to say, she probably meditates, self-reflects, and otherwise pursues familial practices (botany, writing, etc) because that is part of her non-violated upbringing. The differences emerge in the aftermath of her teacher's betrayal, so bitterness at how her life turned out isn't entirely unreasonable. Even the 'worst rebels' still carry on legacies from their host culture since it's so apart of them.

RalanrDec 20, 20151 votes

Syndra raises an interesting question about magic in Runeterra. Is it learned or innate? Syndra was obviously innate, but was Lux innate or was it learned? Did she learn magic in the army or did she get sent to the army because she had magic?

I would love a Rioter's thoughts on this.

Overlord ForteDec 20, 20151 votes

The suggestive hints point towards both. Ryze is another indication of someone who is so close to magic, he is considered a 'creature of magic'. Xerath is literally bounded magical sapience, so there is that. I've a suspicion Syndra is a rare example of perfect synchronization between a living soul and magical essence, thus she can tap into it without the same strains as other mages. It would definitely lend credibility to her limitless potential.

Another way to think about it, I believe, is: Everything has 'magical potential', some are more in tuned naturally, others require training, and further still some can only use it through focuses.

Maple CrusaderDec 20, 20152 votes

[{quoted}](name=Overlord Forte,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=tYpWJZ93,comment-id=00030000,timestamp=2015-12-20T22:54:09.552+0000)

The suggestive hints point towards both. Ryze is another indication of someone who is so close to magic, he is considered a 'creature of magic'. Xerath is literally bounded magical sapience, so there is that. I've a suspicion Syndra is a rare example of perfect synchronization between a living soul and magical essence, thus she can tap into it without the same strains as other mages. It would definitely lend credibility to her limitless potential.

Another way to think about it, I believe, is: Everything has 'magical potential', some are more in tuned naturally, others require training, and further still some can only use it through focuses.

So its like the Force then.

Overlord ForteDec 20, 20151 votes

I suppose. The Force is essentially science fiction magic. Gravity, as a concept, is not too far removed from it either. Magic is simply a force (hue) of nature in Runeterra.

Maple CrusaderDec 20, 20151 votes

Syndra having the title as "Dark Sovereign" raised a few questions for me. Does she rule over anyone or a territory? Does she have servants or does she is completely independent in her floating bastion?

Overlord ForteDec 20, 20151 votes

It is not clear, though the words alone indicate a degree of rulership. Given Ionia's lack of traditional Western-style governments, a singular leader such as Syndra would be atypical in the extreme. I suspect she has followers of some description, though whether or not anyone is in her Celestial Fortress is up for interpretation really.

CasterGilgameshDec 21, 20151 votes

i love Syndra's personality i love the thought that she wants to shatter the chains her society placed on her.I also love discussion on her lore in that site and it has very well been informative.