Turtle symbolism for new film

[Puddinpop]

I am fascinated by this films symbolism/mythology so far.. We keep seeing the same Turtle symbol in different promo.

Look at the tattoo on Mikey's left shoulder

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10334352_1453153568258140_938688134077294923_n.jpg

and now on Splinter's clothing

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10273949_1447445568827851_3005266768522857911_n.jp g

and again, in this early promo poster from Legacy Effects

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/1908237_1429136800659817_1863407635_n.jpg

Although the possibility remains that this could all be meaningless, I'd like to think otherwise. With the scroll and everything else.. I think we'll find out soon enough what this symbol symbolizes. My thoughts are that it has something to do with the Turtles we see in the scroll. For some reason this also makes me think of reincarnation and the IDW comic.

I did some searching around and found this cool little passage on Turtle lore,

http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens2187190_1227221446aborigturtle.gif Ancient Symbolism of The Turtle


The Turtle is an ancient symbol that represents creation, endurance, strength, stability, longevity, fertility, and innocence. The Turtle also provides protection, good fortune , and brings happiness and good omens.

One of the four Chinese sacred animals (among the dragon, the phoenix, and the unicorn), the ever adapting turtle is a creature of both land and sea and can thrive in any environment.

In Asian myth the turtle represents order and was thought to have created the entire universe from it's body parts. The heavens were formed from the shell, the earth was created from it's body and it's undershell was the underworld.

In American Indian culture, the turtle represents the caring wisdom of the ancient ones and is respected for it's protective strength.

The Turtle is considered to be the oldest, most sacred symbol of the Anishinabe and Haudenosaunee people. They believed that North America was created on the back of a turtle.

I thought it was kinda cool.. " creation, endurance, strength, stability, longevity, fertility, and innocence"
"the turtle represents the caring wisdom of the ancient ones and is respected for it's protective strength"

Any thoughts on what this turtle symbol might represent?

[Kanon]

One thing that bothers me all the time is, who the hell made the Tattoos?
Was it Raph?, or Don, or........Leo? :-?

[Puddinpop]

One thing that bothers me all the time is, who the hell made the Tattoos?
Was it Raph?, or Don, or........Leo? :-?

Not sure... but what do you think about the symbol? What do you think it could mean?

[Candy Kappa]

I hope it'll be something they explore, as you posted, turtles have a rich history with symbolism, folklore and mythology from many different places.

One thing that bothers me all the time is, who the hell made the Tattoos?
Was it Raph?, or Don, or........Leo? :-?

Well, since a tattoo isn't hard to do, all you need is a needle and some ink, and preferably something to clean the needle :lol:

Plenty of people that have made their own tattoos that way, especially sailors and people in prison.

[Puddinpop]

I hope it'll be something they explore, as you posted, turtles have a rich history with symbolism, folklore and mythology from many different places..

Agreed.. That is exactly what I am hoping for. I hope that scroll isn't just there for show.

[Donatello19]

Looks like he's got a tattoo on his arm, as well. Can anyone make out what that says?

[Fjaj]

Now the Great A'Tuin finally makes sense...

[GeneralTragg]

If I had to guess I'd say it a symbol pertaining to their home planet in the blue door script, and will never be mentioned in the film as anything significant...

[samxsteal]

If I had to guess I'd say it a symbol pertaining to their home planet in the blue door script, and will never be mentioned in the film as anything significant...
There not going to HEavily represent A symbol form a leaked Script get over it Already The BD script isn't the freaking BIBLE for this movie.


Personally i think this might prove a major aspect to the reincarnation/ history mythos and shredder, I think this movie is going to have a lot deaper Back story then Plenty of people are thinking.


Notice how those two symbols look very similar.


people say these guys did research or put time or thought into this movie. Seriously peoples perspective of this movie is blinded.

This is deep level stuff and to brush it off as OH THEY JUST FORGET TO REMOVE IT FROM THE LEAK SCRIPT PARTS is bull.

[SwiftNinjaFox]

"And lo doth the Blue Door state...." :lol:

[Galactus]

There not going to HEavily represent A symbol form a leaked Script get over it Already The BD script isn't the freaking BIBLE for this movie.


Personally i think this might prove a major aspect to the reincarnation/ history mythos and shredder, I think this movie is going to have a lot deaper Back story then Plenty of people are thinking.


Notice how those two symbols look very similar.


people say these guys did research or put time or thought into this movie. Seriously peoples perspective of this movie is blinded.

This is deep level stuff and to brush it off as OH THEY JUST FORGET TO REMOVE IT FROM THE LEAK SCRIPT PARTS is bull.

I think you misunderstand.

No one is suggesting they forget to remove something from the Blue Door script but rather something that's been kept in either an easter egg or because it has been kept in because it's still relevant to their story.

I've said it before but I wouldn't be too surprised if the turtles were still aliens in some round-a-bout fashion. I could see a scenario that while not explicitly said to be of extra terrestrial origin but they are from an ancient race of turtle people that existed in Japan, Splinter is their protector and that the mutant aspect is like it is in the Marvel comic based work were they are simply born mutants and Sachs is hunting them to get the mutagen in their blood.

Let's please not act like major aspects of that Blue Door script aren't still present. It was an earlier draft of what they have now so is it outlandish to suspect there's other elements still present?

Also let's not act that people involved in this movie haven't been creative with the truth in the past. So is it that outlandish not to necessarily take all they say on face value?

[slingtheory]

There not going to HEavily represent A symbol form a leaked Script get over it Already The BD script isn't the freaking BIBLE for this movie.


Personally i think this might prove a major aspect to the reincarnation/ history mythos and shredder, I think this movie is going to have a lot deaper Back story then Plenty of people are thinking.


Notice how those two symbols look very similar.


people say these guys did research or put time or thought into this movie. Seriously peoples perspective of this movie is blinded.

This is deep level stuff and to brush it off as OH THEY JUST FORGET TO REMOVE IT FROM THE LEAK SCRIPT PARTS is bull.

how do we know for sure sam. as of now we're just speculating and we have no clue if that symbol has any deeper relevance in the film at all. for all we know maybe that was the symbol of the turtle warriors of dimension x in the old draft and they could've left it in after they altered the story because they thought it looked cool. or maybe it doesn't even play a role anymore because like alpha mentioned you cant really see it in the more recent stuff. either theory would be a good explanation for why that teaser poster never really got around

[samxsteal]

I think you misunderstand.

No one is suggesting they forget to remove something from the Blue Door script but rather something that's been kept in either an easter egg or because it has been kept in because it's still relevant to their story.

I've said it before but I wouldn't be too surprised if the turtles were still aliens in some round-a-bout fashion. I could see a scenario that while not explicitly said to be of extra terrestrial origin but they are from an ancient race of turtle people that existed in Japan, Splinter is their protector and that the mutant aspect is like it is in the Marvel comic based work were they are simply born mutants and Sachs is hunting them to get the mutagen in their blood.

Let's please not act like major aspects of that Blue Door script aren't still present. It was an earlier draft of what they have now so is it outlandish to suspect there's other elements still present?

Also let's not act that people involved in this movie haven't been creative with the truth in the past. So is it that outlandish not to necessarily take all they say on face value? the only"major " aspect of blue for is the snowy escape that's about it people like to portent there is about more but really that's about it and I seriously doubt they're still aliens after everything they went through the backlash, all that I doubt they would.

how do we know for sure sam. as of now we're just speculating and we have no clue if that symbol has any deeper relevance in the film at all. for all we know maybe that was the symbol of the turtle warriors of dimension x in the old draft and they could've left it in after they altered the story because they thought it looked cool. or maybe it doesn't even play a role anymore because like alpha mentioned you cant really see it in the more recent stuff. either theory would be a good explanation for why that teaser poster never really got around
I mean why put those marketing's all over the place and not have meaning to them and the whole blue door blue door thing people keep holding that as the end all be all reference of this movie and it's not.

[Galactus]

the only"major " aspect of blue for is the snowy escape that's about it people like to portent there is about more but really that's about it and I seriously doubt they're still aliens after everything they went through the backlash, all that I doubt they would.

Kind of like how the people behind Star Trek: Into Darkness swore blind Benedict Cumberbatch was not Khan.

Or how Michael Bay kept saying that Megatron was not in Revenge of the Fallen.

I mean why put those marketing's all over the place and not have meaning to them and the whole blue door blue door thing people keep holding that as the end all be all reference of this movie and it's not.

I could go either way on this. It could either be a symbol of some stupid convoluted plot point or not be a symbol of anything and just something they all thought looks cool.

[The Boston Ninja Turtle]

Or how Michael Bay kept saying that Megatron was not in Revenge of the Fallen.

yup.....i remember when he swore up and down that Megatron was not in there and would never show up again

only to be foiled by toy releases


ok now on topic...and people are going to hate me for this


It would not surprise me in the slightest...if all that turtle symbolism and imagery is there because they want people to remember that Leo and the Gang are turtles.

and yes hollywood does think people are that dumb

[samxsteal]

Kind of like how the people behind Star Trek: Into Darkness swore blind Benedict Cumberbatch was not Khan.

Or how Michael Bay kept saying that Megatron was not in Revenge of the Fallen.



I could go either way on this. It could either be a symbol of some stupid convoluted plot point or not be a symbol of anything and just something they all thought looks cool.But really thats a different situation The reasoning behind trying to keep those thing a secret as to surprise fans, JJ is known for it Mystery box "theory"

And Michael Bay was again trying to surprise fans with megatons revival

This totally different then saying that an older script that leaked has been reworked or thrown out, what would he have to gain just keeping that script and telling everyone that is wasn't being used.

Especially after postponing the movie about a year Specifically for rewrites to then just keep the script especially something like that, While ONE aspect is still in the movie Everything else seen so far is almost completely different.

yup.....i remember when he swore up and down that Megatron was not in there and would never show up again

only to be foiled by toy releases


ok now on topic...and people are going to hate me for this


It would not surprise me in the slightest...if all that turtle symbolism and imagery is there because they want people to remember that Leo and the Gang are turtles.

and yes hollywood does think people are that dumb

This i could believe but I think something this Predominant I doubt. Only because splinter Has it as his Kimono Crest and I will tell you right know those mean something My grand father was stationed over in japan(were my mom was born) He was an air force minister So they have him a Kimono with a cross as a symbol of who he was and what his station was. My grandmother kimono is technically meant for someone similar in station as royalty ( her kimono was very long Because she was tall the longer the Kimono the higher your station was)

[The Boston Ninja Turtle]

This i could believe but I think something this Predominant I doubt. Only because splinter Has it as his Kimono Crest and I will tell you right know those mean something My grand father was stationed over in japan(were my mom was born) He was an air force minister So they have him a Kimono with a cross as a symbol of who he was and what his station was. My grandmother kimono is technically meant for someone similar in station as royalty ( her kimono was very long Because she was tall the longer the Kimono the higher your station was)

my grandfather was stationed there too as well as my 2 of my nest friends one as a marine and one as a minister


Turtles in japanese culture turtles are the symbol for longevity

thats why turtle soup and turtle esq symbols are found


ever wonder why master roshi was called the turtle hermit?

[samxsteal]

my grandfather was stationed there too as well as my 2 of my nest friends one as a marine and one as a minister


Turtles in japanese culture turtles are the symbol for longevity

thats why turtle soup and turtle esq symbols are found


ever wonder why master roshi was called the turtle hermit?

Oh i know, im just saying there maybe be a bit more to it then just longevity though, that could be a clue as well if reincarnation in involved

[Pondslider]

In this movie the turtles symbolize giant transforming robots. And Michael Bay symbolizes man's inhumanity to man.

[Refractive Reflections]

We can only hope for so much symbolism and depth when the movie superficially made these Turtles' appearances to fit with their personalities, and their gear so impractical.

[GeneralTragg]

This is deep level stuff and to brush it off as OH THEY JUST FORGET TO REMOVE IT FROM THE LEAK SCRIPT PARTS is bull.

And I think you give these people more credit than they're worth, bay is a hack, all he cares about is satiating his giant hard on for the military, it's not going to be deep it's going to be loud...

[Puddinpop]

In this movie the turtles symbolize giant transforming robots. And Michael Bay symbolizes man's inhumanity to man.
O god lol.. I knew it was only a matter of time before this thread digressed into meaningless nonsense like this. There are plenty of other threads for you to kick and scream over Michael Bay..
And I think you give these people more credit than they're worth, bay is a hack, all he cares about is satiating his giant hard on for the military, it's not going to be deep it's going to be loud...

And I think these people are worth way more than you give them credit for. I think that just bc you don't enjoy Bays films and think he's a " hack" means jack snot to people like Sam and I. And next time you see him " bc you seem to know him so well".. tell him I said keep up the good work lol. Forget about Liebesman.. It's not his movie anyways so why even remind you that it actually is lol. I like my movies loud and entertaining. I don't wanna pay 11 bucks to take a snooze ya know. Even though you seem to be intentionally ignoring all of the possible signs "literally" that give you reason to believe we could get a rich back story, mythology etc. Rather than participating in an intelligent discussion posters like you want to turn this into another " I hate Michael Bay he has explosions " thread. I guess it's asking for to much now. My apologies.

[Kanon]

I think it´s just a random tribal.
Mikey thought it looks cool and one of his brothers (didn`t think Splinter would make such stuff) made it.

On the mikey-costume picture you can see it a little clearer, but not his forearm.

http://nerdreactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tmnt-movie-costume-michel-530x1024.jpg

[The Boston Ninja Turtle]

And I think you give these people more credit than they're worth, bay is a hack, all he cares about is satiating his giant hard on for the military, it's not going to be deep it's going to be loud...

it is true and i agree with this


Remember Bay and co are the ones who changed Bumblebee from a bug to a camaro because a bug is not a "cool" car

now don't get me wrong i love camaro Bee, but there really was no reason to change him other than money talks...and bays roots are in car commercials


Bay and Co also gaves us the Twins...The most controversial Characters in film since Jar Jar Binks...Characters Bay himself admits he loves over Prime and the Others . that he wanted to keep in the franchise

[Glados]

Deeper mythology, plays into a legacy angle. I'm all for it, but that aspect to the designs might've been dropped. I didn't see tats in the trailer, and even in the promotional art in my sig I don't see them either

Dang, you're right! The tattoo's are gone, just like the shell bridges we can see on some of the turtles in the concepts. Goes to show that one shouldn't assume concept art or early merch is 100% representative of the final product. Good news for me tho, I didn't like the tats (just added to the clutter) and I'm glad they're erased.

[Glados]

Wait... now I'm unsure. Looking at the gif where Mike tightens his bandanna or something and I'm not sure if I'm seeing something on his shoulder there... Anyone else seeing things? The tattoo might still be there, just smaller and more subtle.

[samxsteal]

I think it´s just a random tribal.
Mikey thought it looks cool and one of his brothers (didn`t think Splinter would make such stuff) made it.

On the mikey-costume picture you can see it a little clearer, but not his forearm.

http://nerdreactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tmnt-movie-costume-michel-530x1024.jpg
In the Concept he has both Shoulder bicep and Forearm in the Its just a mask scene you can make out the line of the bicep and shoulder tattoo but not his forearm (different angle?) And again IN the the scene where he puts his mask on but again the forearm is covered or a weird angle to see.

Dang, you're right! The tattoo's are gone, just like the shell bridges we can see on some of the turtles in the concepts. Goes to show that one shouldn't assume concept art or early merch is 100% representative of the final product. Good news for me tho, I didn't like the tats (just added to the clutter) and I'm glad they're erased.
He definitely has the Bicep and shoulder tattoo
Wait... now I'm unsure. Looking at the gif where Mike tightens his bandanna or something and I'm not sure if I'm seeing something on his shoulder there... Anyone else seeing things? The tattoo might still be there, just smaller and more subtle.
Its just alot light then in the concept which a real tattoo would be

[Chris_a_Bunga]

I am a little surprised nobody has made this connection yet, but in the TMNT Classics Volume 1 (I haven't seen any of the others, but I am sure its an opening page there too, keeping them consistent) graphic novel that IDW has out, there is a VERY similar turtle symbol on the opening page. Maybe they pulled some inspiration from those comics? Or just wanted it to be a sort of Easter egg :o

[pennydreadful]

:ohwell:

On the subject of the tattoos, I definitely hadn't noticed the one on his forearm before. I'd really be interested to know whether he did them himself, or whether maybe Splinter did them for him in a more traditional style? (I'm kind of a tattoo geek LOL).

It's funny, if I were going to pick the Turtle most likely to have ink, I would've said that it'd be Raph!

[Puddinpop]

I am a little surprised nobody has made this connection yet, but in the TMNT Classics Volume 1 (I haven't seen any of the others, but I am sure its an opening page there too, keeping them consistent) graphic novel that IDW has out, there is a VERY similar turtle symbol on the opening page. Maybe they pulled some inspiration from those comics? Or just wanted it to be a sort of Easter egg :o

Ding Ding Ding!!! Exactly the kind of post I was waiting for! Thank you for finding this! Now I definitely think this film will pull from the IDW series. Now I want to read everything IDW lol. I've only read a few myself which is a bad idea bc missing or skipping anything causes a lot of confusion imo. Great find dude

[tmntmikey23]

i like the sign on mikey and the turtles it makes the turtles more cooler to me :D

[ThatMarvelousGuy]

Leo also has that same tattoo on his forearm.

[Galactus]

Ding Ding Ding!!! Exactly the kind of post I was waiting for! Thank you for finding this! Now I definitely think this film will pull from the IDW series. Now I want to read everything IDW lol. I've only read a few myself which is a bad idea bc missing or skipping anything causes a lot of confusion imo. Great find dude

I'd noticed it too but brushed it off as coincidental. It's similar true but the likelihood of this movie pulling anything from IDW is so remote it's not worth giving serious consideration.

Not to mention that if in the unlikely event they did take things from that series then wouldn't it be just like the stuff they've pulled from the Fred Wolf show? Like making the questionable decision to include characters like Vernon and change them to the point you wonder...well why bother.

[pennydreadful]

Leo also has that same tattoo on his forearm.

Until we know more, my headcanon is that Leo's tat is an ancient Japanese haiku. :D

[Puddinpop]

I'd noticed it too but brushed it off as coincidental. It's similar true but the likelihood of this movie pulling anything from IDW is so remote it's not worth giving serious consideration.

Not to mention that if in the unlikely event they did take things from that series then wouldn't it be just like the stuff they've pulled from the Fred Wolf show? Like making the questionable decision to include characters like Vernon and change them to the point you wonder...well why bother.

Well i think they are pulling from all different iterations. I've noticed a few things that could be influenced by IDW. The stuff that Chris just pointed out.. the scroll could be IDW related.. The way they do Aprils dad could be IDWish.. Plus the fact that Kevin Eastman writes for IDW and has consulted Liebesman for the Film. I think one of the interviews " ill try to find it" Liebesman said he asked Eastman about the Mythology and where he was going with the story. So i think it is very likely we'll get some influence from IDW in this new iteration. So far I've seen a little bit of everything. I will say one thing.. i cant wait for this damn movie to come out so we'd just friggin know already. I know it's all discussion and everything but im tired of these question marks burning in my head lol. It's been nonstop for 5 years now. I want it to be over with already.

[jestermon]

I'm pretty sure it's just a cool turtle symbol don't think it's that involved.

[Chris_a_Bunga]

That image I posted from the comics was actually pre IDW (still Mirage), but just re released from IDW. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1613772343/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=185NSRN9RYKJYM7TCREG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

I don't think they should have tatoos in the movie though, Donnie has the symbol on his mask.. I think it would be color as a decoration like that not a full tattoo. We'll see though hard to make any assumptions about this movie at the current time... it is fun though haha

[Stugehen]

It definitely serves as a promotional logo for the movie. But I'm of the opinion that it will be referenced in the movie in some fashion. Maybe a symbol created by Splinter for the TMNT family. Or it could be related to some kappa lore that the narrative draws from. Perhaps they do take some IDW influence with some reincarnation.

[Puddinpop]

It definitely serves as a promotional logo for the movie. But I'm of the opinion that it will be referenced in the movie in some fashion. Maybe a symbol created by Splinter for the TMNT family. Or it could be related to some kappa lore that the narrative draws from. Perhaps they do take some IDW influence with some reincarnation.

I agree. 69 more days :D