Saiya Shade Singer
Introducing Luna’s dear friend, Saīya. Here’s a bit of the symbolism behind her name and character, as well as some sample animations of various states like idle, walking, and flying.
Silent and incredibly shy, Saīya is fiercely loyal to Luna and eager to assist however she can.
Saīya doesn’t speak aloud, so she finds other ways to communicate caution, tips, and unique insight.
Symbolism:
In Hindi, the name Saya means “shadow” or “shade.” The Hindu goddess, Sita, is also known as Siya; she is known for her dedication, self-sacrifice, courage, and purity.
In Persian, the word Siyāh means “black.”
Unlike the common trope of good vs evil, light vs dark, I wanted to explore a very different relationship. More like Yin & Yang, two halves of a whole. Perfect balance – not between good and evil – but more like the mathematical, cosmic dance of push and pull. Two that belong together.
The light and the shadow both tell us a little about the other. When light contacts an opaque object, a shadow is cast. Its sharpness or dullness is tied directly to the source of the light that cast it, illustrating this natural balance.
It’s true that Luna and Saīya must, together, face an ancient evil that takes the form of corrupted thorns and shadows. But I felt it was important to make a distinction between fighting against the corruption and not simply fighting “the dark.”
Together, Luna and Saīya contend against brutish violence and spreading corruption; against enemies of life and harmony.
What about The Shadow Self?
The concept of the “shadow self” is not inherently associated with evil tendencies, but – instead – might refer generally to hidden or repressed aspects of an individual’s personality.
These aspects may include traits, desires, or emotions that are less socially acceptable or that the individual finds uncomfortable. The term “shadow” in this context refers to the unconscious and often overlooked parts of oneself. It’s not about moral judgments but rather acknowledging and integrating the less visible aspects of one’s identity, which might include shyness, insecurities, etc. Embracing and understanding the shadow self can be a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Behind the Scenes:
Individual Elements
Take a spoiler-free look at Game Development so far, including Character Creation, Concept Art, Soundtrack Composition, Effects, Philosophy, and more....
