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Information in this article may not be canonical to the storyline of the games or any other Sonic continuity. |
The Giant Owls are creatures that appear in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series produced by Paramount Pictures and its spin-offs. They were an alien species of anthropomorphic owls from Mobius. Existing as a heroic order, they would fight the echidnas for centuries after taking the Master Emerald from them in order to keep this weapon's power from being used. However, their kind would dwindle in numbers over the years until only Longclaw remained, who would fall defending Sonic.
Description[]
Anatomy[]
The owls were large anthropomorphic owls, albeit notably more realistic in appearance than any of the other known anthropomorphic animals from Mobius.
Characteristics and culture[]
The owls were known for wearing golden armor with notable details (shaped like an owl) engraved on it that covered the front of their torsos.
The owls were described as an order heroes who protected the galaxy from the forces of evil. One particular extension of their philosophy was that some powers were too great for anyone to possess and should thus never be used. This brought them into conflict with the echidnas, another heroic order who had no qualms about using such powers.
The owls seemingly had access to highly advanced, if not mystical, technology that allowed them to attach hidden holographic recordings to papers. They were also capable of building numerous temples filled to the brim with traps and puzzles to ensure the safety of the objects they sought to protect.
Powers and abilities[]
Owls were known to be able to fly using their wings. Additionally, as shown during the Master Emerald's backstory, they seem to possess enhanced strength as one was able to knock the Master Emerald out of the Echidna using it.
History[]
Film series[]
Past[]
Ages ago, the owls were a order of heroes who protected the galaxy. When the echidnas, another order of heroes, forged the Master Emerald, the most powerful weapon ever created, however, the owls took this negatively. Believing no one should wield such power, the owls took up arms against the echidnas. After a great battle with the echidnas, the owls managed to steal the Master Emerald and escape with it. The owls would subsequently hide the Master Emerald away on Earth, sealing it away inside a undersea temple labyrinth filled to the brim with traps, which was near a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, they hid the compass that would lead to the Master Emerald's hiding place away inside a temple in Siberia. However, the owls' actions made them sworn enemies of the echidnas, whom they would fight against for centuries.
Over ten years ago, only one owl warrior remained, who served as the guardian of the Master Emerald and the keeper of its secrets: Longclaw. She would live peacefully with her apprentice, Sonic the Hedgehog, on a distant island on Mobius. However, after Sonic unintentionally revealed his presence by recklessly running across the island, the echidnas managed to locate Longclaw, whom they would launch a vicious attack upon in order to get her Master Emerald secrets and seize Sonic for his powers. After getting shot down by Pachacamac, Longclaw made Sonic leave Mobius through a Ring while she faced the echidnas. While the outcome of this battle is unknown, it is known is that Longclaw passed away, along with the echidna warriors, thus leaving the owl species extinct, and the echidnas with only one of themselves left.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2[]
The legacy of the owls would live on with Sonic, who kept a feather from Longclaw in his room in the Wachowski house and sought to make Longclaw proud by becoming a hero. When Knuckles later came after Sonic, he and Tails looked for a connection between him, the owls and the Master Emerald in a map of safe worlds that Longclaw had left Sonic. Upon taking a look at it, Sonic triggered a holographic message from Longclaw in the map that she had left for Sonic in case of her passing. In that message, Longclaw told Sonic about the Master Emerald and how to find it, and that she would now entrust him with the task of safeguarding the relic.
The owls' ancient temple in Siberia was soon after visited by Sonic and Tails. This temple revealed the past history of the species. The duo also found an owl-shaped statue with slots on it that Sonic used to unlock the owls' compass to the Master Emerald. However, the temple was soon after destroyed by Dr. Robotnik. He and Knuckles later went to the owls' holding place for the Master Emerald, getting past its traps and making it to the Emerald, only for Sonic to come and get in their way. The owls' temple labyrinth soon after got destroyed too when Robotnik stole the Master Emerald. After getting the Master Emerald back later on, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles paid tribute to both the owls and echidnas by forming a new order to safeguard the Emerald.
Comics[]
Sonic the Hedgehog: The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord[]
On Mobius, an owl named Longclaw served as the sensei of Sonic the Hedgehog, living with him on a distant island. She always told Sonic to keep his extraordinary powers a secret. One day however, power-hungry bad guys came to their island, and Longclaw gave her life in order to send Sonic to Earth. Before parting ways with Sonic though, Longclaw gave Sonic her bag of Rings and instructed him to stay hidden and to use a Ring to flee to another world if he was ever discovered.[1]
Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill[]
Longclaw's memorial, from Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill.
After Longclaw fell, the place where the owl died, Green Hill Zone, became sacred ground, which no one would visit for years out of respect. In addition, a memorial to Longclaw would be set up in the now-abandoned home where she raised Sonic.[2]
TV shows[]
Knuckles[]
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Game appearances[]
Sonic Dash[]
In Sonic Dash, Longclaw makes an appearance as one of the game's playable characters.
Sonic Forces: Speed Battle[]
In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, Longclaw appears as a playable character.
List of known Giant Owls[]
- Longclaw †
Trivia[]
- In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the Siberian temple contained Babylonian calligraphy as seen in the Sonic Riders games, implying that the owls could be connected to the Babylonian race in the film series. Tyson Hesse stated that this was added as a deep cut and for a fun connection.[3]
References[]
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog: The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord, "The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord"
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill, "Two For The Road"
- ↑ Ultima (@UltimaShadowX) on Twitter. Twitter (6 April 2022). Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved on 8 April 2022.
