Can't believe I haven't Ceadeus posted at all but man, Ceadeus is one of my absolute favourite monsters. The design, music, and regard Moga Village has for it. It is a creature from a different age, an age of an ancient civilization that was sunken through some great calamity (likely Dire Miralis attempting to baptize the world in fire, since it can fire huge meteors out of its back, it stands to reason a consistent assault from it would sink a city. There is also a theory that this is the castle you fought Lao in FU). And its design supports this, it's white, glowing, almost like a ghost. Its horns constantly growing until they blind the beast. Similarly to how Hunter Hubs grow endlessly until they are blinded by their own progress. The theme being called "Moonquake" also makes sense, as it is similarly coloured to the moon, and is likely large enough to affect the tides in its immediate surrounding. Or, it's simply a reference to a possible belief held by the people of Moga.
"We ask of the meaning of life
We ask of the image of life
Now, let us give birth to a new song
The sound of the sea is the chain of life
Resonating with life, hailing the earth
The liberty of life, the harmony of the sun
It is the song that connects us all
This voice of the sea is the melody of life
The tune of life, the beat of the earth
The breath of life, the harmony of the sun
It is the song that we all sing
All will chant
Wishing for will and heart
All will raise their instruments
Imagination, desire, and thought
A new song, birthed within us."
I also think the lyrics lend credence to the idea that Ceadeus is a deity to the people of Moga, the voice of the sea. Which makes sense, because when the quakes happen, they describe hearing this groaning, thumping sound from the depths. This creature is a god, an Elder Dragon, and it demands respect.
It just is such good, subtle writing. Monster Hunter always has some pretty barebones and honestly, poorly written storytelling when it's NOT subtextual, but man, when it is, it's great. The developers really have a strength for leaving small hints that contribute to the greater whole.
And Ceadeus is so interesting to me because he isn't even the final boss, but he is treated like a king in both song and environment. The Ruins are his "castle". His horns, his crown.
Just. GAH. I love MH3U

















