#izzyyappin

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I'm having Nine(tm) thoughts.

I feel like an idiot, because I just thought of an easy way to explain his foil relationship to Tails.

They are opposing Mirrors. One needs to learn to believe in himself, and act independently. The other needs to learn to believe in others, and that it's okay to depend on others.

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A thought, I like how, intentional or not, Tails has many Traits shared with the Mythological Kitsune.

Let's start with his Japanese Name, In Japanese he is マイルス・パウアー (Miles Prower) or テイルス キツネ (Tails the Kitsune(Fox))

Which in a moment I will explain is a double entendre in Japanese. Given that the Word for Fox and Kitsune (Mythological) are the same. I will from here on be using the term Fox to refer to non-magical foxes, and Kitsune to refer to the Magical ones.

So first we have Traits, well, Kitsune in myth are most well known for their multiple tails, often up to nine. However it's not required for them to have nine tails to qualify. They can have as few as one, but if a fox as more than one that's a sure sign it's a Kitsune.

Another sign is their prodigious intelligence. Kitsune are often portrayed as incredibly intelligent, smarter than most humans. This plays into their often trickster nature. However not all Kitsune are tricksters or decievers. Some are guides, guardians, and allies. In fact, several Shintō deities are associated with the Kitsune, namely Amaterasu and Inari.

Speaking of Tricksters, Tails is well known to be mischievous, and deceptive. Often crafting sneaky traps or tricks for foes, and pranks for friends.

Another trait that some Kitsune show is their compassion and affinity with nature. Kitsune are sometimes associated with Inari a deity of agriculture and (responsible) industry. Though that's not all, several myths describe a Kitsune falling in love with a mortal, and caring for them. Often protecting them from other harms. Kitsune of all kinds are sometimes depicted as the wise and compassionate guardians of shrines and holy locations.

Further, when Kitsune appear, and take on human form, they often choose to appear as a child. Inari in particular has a notable Myth where they appear as an ambiguously gendered youth who assists a blacksmith in crafting his masterpiece. Which adds yet another layer. Kitsune are sometimes associated with craftsmanship and creation.

Kitsune are also often shown wielding, or surrounded by 狐火 (kitsunebi, Foxfire). Magical fire often associated with Inari and used by Kitsune for a variety of purposes. Combat is one of those purposes. Which brings to mind Tails in Tails' Adventure. Where he uses a variety of explosives and specifically the incendiary napalm bombs as his method of fighting.

Then comes the final layer. It's known in myth that the Kitsune are magical, but what's the difference between magic and sufficiently advanced technology? Well, as science fiction often shows, very little. As technology advanced enough that people would struggle to understand is effectively Magic. This is actually a phenomenon active today, with many not actually understanding or aware of how much of their technology actually functions. Just that it does.

So, back to the beginning. Tails the Kitsune or Tails the Fox, his name has two meanings, one could read it as him being a True Kitsune, or just him being a normal fox with an odd mutation. The thing is, since the word is the same in Japanese, there's a layer of humor in ambiguity. Which one is he? The humor lies in the fact that he could very well be either one, but will never be explicitly said to be one or the other. Which I find neat.

These are just some parallels and thoughts that I find interesting. Is he a Kitsune? Maybe. Is he just a fox? Maybe. Does it matter? Nope.

(Some final notes: This is just from my personal knowledge. I am not an expert on Japanese mythology and may have accidentally misremembered or mischaracterized some points unintentionally. If I got something wrong, or missed some nuance or detail, please let me know. Otherwise, enjoy my little ramble.)

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My brain wants me to consider Sonic and co in the star wars universe.

Which has me thinking... Would Sonic, and his friends make good Jedi?

My answer for Sonic is actually yes. Though he'd definitely be on the Council's shitlist because he never listens to them. He'd ironically be one of the most popular and well known Jedi because of his tendency to just show up and help people. The Jedi Order never kicks him out, because #1 they doubt that would even slow him down, and #2 at least with him in the order they can somewhat nudge him in certain directions and keep an eye on him. He'd probably be similar to Jedi Anakin. Independent, good natured and quick to action.

As for Tails, he'd also make a good Jedi. Given his kind, compassionate nature he'd fit pretty good with him. His big hurdles as a Jedi would be his lack of self-confidence, and his anxiety. Though, they would probably be able to help him with those. Unlike Sonic he'd probably be much more cooperative with the order, though he'd also probably ignore the Council sometimes too, when he disagrees with their decisions. He'd probably not be as free wheeling as Sonic, but I still see him spending most of his time helping normal people as best he can with his skills and abilities. Which sets him apart from your typical Jedi. He shares a lot if traits with Obi-Wan and would definitely be the most patient of the three.

Now for everyone's favorite Red Echidna... He'd unironically fit right in with the order. He'd be the most orthodox of the three mentioned here, though he'd struggle with his temper and tendency towards simple blunt action. His sense of Duty meshes well with Jedi values, as does his tendency for justice and dedication to helping others. He'd probably be very similar to Mace Windu and Anakin in temperment.

In summary, yeah... the main three would fit pretty good. Even if the council would collectively sigh anytime Jedi Knight Sonic, and his Padawan Miles Prower are brought up.

I can definitely talk so much more about this, but I think this is good enough for now.

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It my birthday. Happy birthday me.