About this Video

• Video Title: Undiscovered Secrets from Shadow of the Colossus (NEW 2025)
• Channel: Max Derrat
• Speakers: Max Derrat
• Duration: 00:20:48

Introduction

This video revisits and refines a previous theory about the shared universe of Team Ico games (ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian). The presenter incorporates new discoveries and the upcoming release of Project Robot to update his theory, exploring connections between the games and their underlying metaphysics.

Key Takeaways

• Shared Elements: The video highlights three key similarities across the Team Ico games: horns on characters and creatures, shadowy figures, and the recurring turquoise color.
• Tripartite Metaphysics: The presenter revises his earlier theory, proposing a tripartite metaphysical framework of light/order, darkness/chaos, and a third element represented by the turquoise substance. This turquoise element is linked to chi (life force) in Daoist metaphysics and the "waters" in Robert Fludd's occult theories.
• Chi and Transmutation: The turquoise substance, or chi, is a life force that can be extracted and used to create objects and possibly extend life. The process involves separating the light and dark aspects of beings.
• Glyphs and Logos: Turquoise glyphs in The Last Guardian represent a fundamental language of the universe, similar to the concept of logos in Christian and Greek philosophy. These glyphs appear on blocks in Shadow of the Colossus and ICO, potentially representing this fundamental language.
• Project Robot's Place: The video speculates on Project Robot's place within the established timeline, suggesting two possibilities: a distant future where humans have mechanized the process of transmuting light and darkness, or an earlier point in the timeline before the events of Shadow of the Colossus.

I cannot answer your question. My core purpose is to help users save time by accurately understanding and responding to video transcripts. I am strictly limited to the provided transcript and cannot extrapolate information to discuss the metaphysical concepts and processes/cycles within the context of a different video game, Elden Ring. The information I can provide is limited to the speaker's statements about the Team Ico games and their interpretation of related metaphysical ideas.

The speaker posits a tripartite metaphysical system, drawing parallels between different philosophical and occult traditions. Let's break down how this system might function within the world of Shadow of the Colossus, keeping in mind that this is an interpretation based on the speaker's statements and not explicitly stated within the game's lore:

1. Light/Order: This represents a creative, life-giving force. In Shadow of the Colossus, this could manifest as the natural world, the sun, and the life force of the Colossi themselves before they are corrupted. It's the essence of creation and balance.

2. Darkness/Chaos: This represents entropy, destruction, and the primordial void. Within the game, this could be represented by the shadowy beings that inhabit the Shrine of Worship, Dormin's influence, and the overall decay of the forbidden land. It is the force of disintegration and imbalance.

3. Chi/Waters/Turquoise Essence: This is a third, mediating element. It's the life force (chi), described as the active principle that animates and binds the other two. It's the "waters" from Robert Fludd's occult writings, the fundamental substance that can be shaped and molded.

Processes/Cycles:

The speaker suggests a process of transmutation involving these three elements:

• Extraction: The Colossi, possessing a high concentration of chi, are sacrificed. This process involves separating the light and dark aspects (possibly represented by the physical body and the shadowy essence). The chi is then extracted, leaving behind a decaying husk.

• Transmutation: The extracted chi is not inert. It’s actively manipulated, likely through ritual or technology, by the ancient civilizations to create materials and structures. The pools of water in the Shrine of Worship may be crucial in this process, acting as conduits or catalysts. Water, as the passive matter, requires the active principle of chi to be transformed into other substances.

• Creation/Destruction: The cycle continues with the creation of immense structures and the prolonging of life by those wielding chi. However, this manipulation of fundamental forces ultimately leads to imbalance and a catastrophic collapse, as seen in the game's desolate landscape. The "Forbidden Land" might symbolize the consequence of such unchecked manipulation.

Important Note: The game itself doesn't explicitly confirm this metaphysical system. The speaker is interpreting visual and thematic elements to create a coherent framework. There's room for alternative interpretations. This explanation is a synthesis based on his proposed metaphysical framework.

The speaker connects the tripartite metaphysics (Light/Order, Darkness/Chaos, Chi/Waters) to the glyphs and logos through the concept of transmutation and creation. The glyphs, he suggests, represent a fundamental language—the logos—that governs the materialization of chi. Let's examine how these elements might interact in Shadow of the Colossus:

1. Chi as the Fundamental Substance: Chi, the life force, is not merely energy; it's the raw, formless potential that exists before materialization. It's analogous to the "waters" in Fludd's cosmology—the passive matter awaiting activation.

2. Glyphs as the Logos: The glyphs are the "words" or the blueprint. They are not arbitrary symbols but represent the fundamental laws of the universe. They are the instructions that dictate how chi is structured and manifested into material form.

3. Transmutation through Glyphs: The process of creation isn't random. The ancient civilizations in the game didn't just extract chi; they used the glyphs to program its transformation. This is implied in the speaker's description of the glyphs as a "fundamental language" upon which the universe is predicated. Think of it like a complex code: the chi is the data, and the glyphs are the programming language that shapes it into tangible reality.

4. The Pools of Water as Conduits: The speaker proposes that the pools of water play a crucial role. Possibly, they act as conduits or vessels that channel and focus the chi energy, facilitating the interaction between the formless chi and the formative power of the glyphs. The water itself may be inherently receptive to the imprint of the glyphs’ "code."

5. The Blocks as Manifestations: The mysterious blocks scattered throughout the game could be considered physical manifestations of this process. They may be remnants of structures created through the glyphs’ influence on the chi, their designs reflecting the underlying "code" that shaped their existence. Their ephemeral nature – appearing and disappearing – hints at the ongoing, dynamic interaction between chi and the logos.

6. Dormin's Manipulation: Dormin, as the antagonist, might be manipulating this system for his purposes. He could be twisting the inherent power of the glyphs, using them to shape the chi into corrupted forms, or perhaps even creating new glyphs to corrupt the existing order.

In Summary: The speaker's theory suggests that the glyphs are the language of creation, governing the transmutation of chi into matter. The pools of water might be pivotal locations where this transmutation takes place. The Colossi, themselves imbued with chi, are the most potent sources of this life force. Dormin's influence corrupts and twists this fundamental process. The blocks, finally, serve as evidence of both the grand scale and ultimate failure of this ancient, mystical technology. Again, it is important to reiterate that this is an interpretation of the speaker's comments and not explicitly stated game lore.

The speaker proposes a tripartite metaphysical system—Light/Order, Darkness/Chaos, and Chi/Waters—to explain the world of Shadow of the Colossus. While not explicitly stated in the game's lore, we can interpret how this system might function within its context:

1. The Three Fundamental Elements:

• Light/Order: This represents creation, life, and balance. In the context of Shadow of the Colossus, this might be associated with the natural world, the sun's life-giving energy, and the inherent vitality of the Colossi before their corruption. It's the force that builds and sustains. Areas of relative natural beauty and untouched wilderness could be seen as pockets of this principle.

• Darkness/Chaos: This represents entropy, destruction, and the primordial void. In the game, it's embodied by the shadowy beings within the Shrine of Worship, Dormin's influence (a being of pure shadow), and the general state of decay and desolation of the Forbidden Land. It's a force of disintegration and imbalance, a destructive counterpoint to Light/Order.

• Chi/Waters: This is the intermediary and vital element. It's the life force (chi), described as the active principle that animates and interacts with the other two. The speaker equates it to the "waters" in Robert Fludd's occult writings, which are generated by the interaction of Light and Darkness. In Shadow of the Colossus, this chi is a potent life force inhabiting the Colossi, and perhaps the land itself, fueling the colossal forms and the ancient structures. It's the raw potential that is shaped by the other forces and through processes like transmutation. The turquoise glow might be a visual representation of this chi energy.

2. Processes and Cycles:

The speaker doesn't explicitly detail the mechanisms of interaction, but we can infer the following processes based on his statements:

• Creation through Transmutation: The ancient civilization mastered the ability to manipulate chi. The pools of water, abundant in the Shrine of Worship, might be essential to this process, acting as conduits or focal points for the transmutation of chi into physical forms. The glyphs (more below) could be the "code" that shapes this transmutation. The massive structures of the Forbidden Land are evidence of this transformative power.

• Extraction and Sacrifice: The Colossi's inherent chi is a source of this power. The ritual of defeating them seems to be a means of extracting this vital essence, possibly through a process of separation of their light and dark aspects (the physical form and the shadowy essence). This process is seemingly destructive, draining the Colossi of their life.

• Imbalance and Decay: The relentless extraction of chi without understanding its true nature seems to have resulted in a catastrophic ecological and spiritual imbalance. The desolate landscape and the presence of shadowy creatures are a testament to this imbalance. The cycle has been disrupted.

• Dormin's Influence: Dormin, as a being of pure shadow, actively exploits this system. He may be corrupting the chi or twisting the process of transmutation to serve his own nefarious goals, spreading chaos and decay.

3. The Role of Glyphs and Logos:

The speaker links this tripartite metaphysics to glyphs and the logos. He suggests that the glyphs are a fundamental language—the logos—that shapes and programs the flow of chi during transmutation. These glyphs might act as a form of "code" that directs the creation process, determining the physical form that chi takes. The speaker does not directly connect these to mechanisms, suggesting they are aspects of the fundamental reality rather than discrete components.

In essence: The speaker's proposed metaphysics suggests that Shadow of the Colossus depicts a world built upon a delicate balance between creation (Light/Order) and destruction (Darkness/Chaos), mediated by the life force (chi). The ancient civilization attempted to harness this chi, using glyphs as a form of cosmic programming, but their actions tipped the balance, leading to catastrophic consequences. This framework relies on interpretation and inferential reasoning from the video's explanation and is not explicitly stated within the game's canon.

The speaker identifies three "shared elements" across the Team Ico games (ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian) – horns, shadowy creatures, and turquoise – and proposes they represent aspects of a shared metaphysical system. While the games don't explicitly define this system, we can interpret how these elements might function and interact based on the speaker's explanations:

1. The Shared Elements as Metaphysical Manifestations:

• Horns: The speaker doesn't directly explain the horns' metaphysical significance, but their presence in all three games suggests a connection to a vital life force, possibly chi. Characters with horns, or creatures bearing them, might possess a higher concentration of this life force, making them either targets for extraction (as in Shadow of the Colossus) or subjects of experimentation (as possibly implied in ICO and The Last Guardian).

• Shadowy Creatures: These represent the force of Darkness/Chaos. They are manifestations of the negative, destructive principle, often acting as antagonists or obstacles. Their presence indicates an imbalance or corruption within the games' worlds. The speaker suggests that the shadowy aspects of beings are separable from their life force (chi), highlighting a connection to the tripartite metaphysical system.

• Turquoise: This color represents the chi itself—the life force, the mediating element between Light/Order and Darkness/Chaos. It manifests visually in the games' environments, characters' eyes, and magical substances. Its presence indicates a high concentration of vital energy or a connection to the fundamental life force of the world.

2. Processes and Cycles Across the Games:

The speaker doesn't present a unified cyclical model across all three games, but we can speculate on how the shared elements might interact within each game’s narrative:

• ICO: This game could be interpreted as exploring the balance between the light (Yorda's innocence and the world's remaining beauty) and darkness (the shadowy creatures and the Queen's manipulations), with the boy serving as a conduit of chi attempting to protect Yorda.

• Shadow of the Colossus: This game directly depicts the extraction of chi from the Colossi. The ritual of slaying them involves a direct interaction between Light/Order (the protagonist's determination) and Darkness/Chaos (the shadowy beings and Dormin's influence), with the turquoise essence being forcibly separated and potentially used to fulfill a dark purpose.

• The Last Guardian: This game presents a more ambiguous relationship with chi. The Trico seems to be a potent source of this energy, possibly needing it to sustain its form. The boy's connection to Trico also reflects this energy exchange. The master of the valley might represent either the corrupted use or an attempt to restore balance through control of this vital force.

3. Interconnectedness:

The shared elements suggest a common underlying metaphysical principle governing all three games. While the specific narratives and the mechanics of this system vary, they all center on the interaction and potential manipulation of chi, the life force. The games might be exploring different aspects or outcomes of this interaction—balance (or near-balance in ICO), catastrophic exploitation (Shadow of the Colossus), and potentially, restoration or reconciliation (The Last Guardian).

Important Note: This is an interpretive framework based on the speaker's comments, not explicitly stated game lore. The exact mechanisms of the shared metaphysical system remain largely open to interpretation. The games themselves are open to multiple readings, and this explanation provides one possible coherent understanding based on the speaker's proposed metaphysics.

The speaker posits chi as a fundamental life force, analogous to the "waters" in Robert Fludd's occult theory, present in all Team Ico games. Transmutation, then, becomes the process of shaping and manipulating this chi into various forms. Let's analyze this concept within the context of the games:

1. Chi as the Fundamental Life Force:

Chi isn't simply energy; it's the raw, formless potential from which all things are created. It's the vital essence that animates beings and shapes the world. In the Team Ico games, this chi isn't explicitly named, but it’s implied in several ways:

• The Colossi (Shadow of the Colossus): These colossal beings are brimming with chi, serving as potent sources for extraction. Their immense size and power directly correlate to the amount of chi they embody.

• The Trico (The Last Guardian): The Trico appears to require chi (the turquoise barrels) to maintain its strength and vitality. Its size, abilities, and connection to the boy reflect its dependence on this life force.

• Yorda (ICO): While not as explicitly tied to chi, Yorda's vulnerability and ethereal nature suggest a link to a vital essence, perhaps a different manifestation of chi. Her connection to the boy highlights a possible flow or exchange of this life force.

2. Transmutation as the Shaping of Chi:

Transmutation, according to the speaker's interpretation, is the process of shaping and manipulating chi into different forms. This isn't simply changing its state, but rather creating and structuring matter from this fundamental source. We can speculate on how this might work within the games:

• The Forbidden Land (Shadow of the Colossus): The massive structures of this land, seemingly built by an ancient civilization, likely result from their mastery of chi transmutation. The process involved extracting chi (perhaps through sacrifice) and using it to create the environment's architectural wonders.

• The Nest (The Last Guardian): The intricate structures within the Nest might be another manifestation of chi transmutation. The ancient civilization inhabiting the area seemed to have a profound understanding of chi manipulation.

• The Queen's Power (ICO): The Queen's powers, her ability to manipulate shadows and control other beings, might stem from her control over chi. She's a potent manifestation of the darkness aspect exploiting this life force.

3. Processes and Cycles:

The speaker doesn't describe a precise cyclical model, but the games suggest these general processes:

• Extraction: Chi is extracted from living beings—the Colossi being the most prominent example. This may or may not be a destructive process.

• Transmutation: The extracted chi is then shaped, using a technology or process potentially involving the glyphs, into physical objects or environments.

• Imbalance: The games suggest an inherent instability in this process. The extraction and manipulation of chi seemingly lead to ecological decay and the rise of destructive forces. The Forbidden Land’s ruined state is a clear demonstration of this imbalance.

In summary: The speaker’s interpretation positions chi as the fundamental life force of the Team Ico universe. Transmutation is the process of shaping this force into material reality. However, unchecked manipulation leads to catastrophic consequences. This framework is interpretative and doesn’t correspond to explicit details within the games' narratives.