| Symbol | |
|---|---|
 Elena's symbol | |
|
VIZ Media name |
Symbol[1] (en-us) |
|
Variant |
Zeichen[2] (de |
|
Original name |
印[7] shirushi |
|
Type |
Defensive, offensive, special |
|
Description |
Unique symbol that identifies a Claymore warrior |
|
Current status |
Extant |
|
User |
Claymore warriors |
|
Quote |
When we're sent out to work, we're given an unique mark. It represents our name and identifies us within the Organization.[8] |
|
First mention |
|
|
First appearance |
|
Etymology[]
印 translates as "symbol."
Description[]
Function[]
Each symbol is a unique design that identifies the warriors of the Organization. The symbol appears on the following:
- Uniform—on a turtleneck dicky at base of throat
- Claymore sword—on the base of the forte
- Black card—kept in an envelope that is rolled-up inside the hilt[9]
Color[]
Anime[]
Red-colored symbols appear only in the anime, such as Clare's, Teresa's, Ilena's and Ophelia's in the opening credits. Anime symbols can also appear white and other colors. The same symbol will appear in different colors under different lighting conditions.
Manga[]
Anime colors have lead to speculation about color indicating type or rank. In colored manga illustrations, the symbols of Galatea (No. 3, defensive), Ophelia (No. 4, offensive) and Clare (No. 47, offensive) are white. In monochrome illustrations, the same symbols can appear either black or white.
Shape[]
Symbols often resemble a cross-guard, suggesting a medieval sword. But crosses similar to those in religion, heraldry, astrology and runic alphabet are also seen.
Astrology[]
symbol for Sagittarius: Rosemary. Symbol for Uranus: Yuma
Cross[]
Celtic[]
On a Celtic cross, a circle overlays intersection: Queenie (manga and en-us anime)
Crucifix[]
Simplest cross with one cross bar: Ilena
Eastern[]
Has three cross bars: Miata
Fourchee[]
Heraldry cross with forked ends: Yuliana. Also worn by Lily in anime[10]
Grapevine[]
The cross bar is V-shaped: Queenie (ja anime). Cross of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Resembles hilt of historic claidheamh dà làimh, Scottish version of medieval German big sword
Lorraine[]
Lorraine cross has two cross bars: Helen. Symbol of Joan of Arc
Runes[]
Symbols resembling runic letters appear: Audrey, Clarice, Cynthia, Nina, Ophelia. Rune-like letters also appear as the written language of the island world[11][12]
Sword-shapes[]
Resembles a cross-guard: Beth, Jean, Veronica, Deneve
History[]
In Mount Shire sequence, Clare explains the purpose of Elena's symbol on the black card.[13]
Manga vs anime[]
A symbol for a character may differ between the manga and anime. Also, the anime version of warriors may have two or three different symbols, as well as share them with other warriors.
References[]
Tankōbon Claymore volumes cited are VIZ Media (en-us) editions, unless otherwise noted. Manga scenes (chapters) not yet translated cite Shueisha tankōbon (ja) editions. Manga scenes not yet published in tankōbon form cite Jump SQ (ja) editions. Fragments of Silver Omnibus (総集編 銀の断章 Gin no Danshou) 1–3, Shueisha, are only available in Japanese. Anime scenes (episodes) cited are FUNimation (en-us) editions, unless otherwise noted.
- ↑ Claymore 1, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Tokyopop, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Ediciones Glénat España, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Star Comics, Scene 4, p. 169
- ↑ Claymore 1, Comix-ART, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Shueisha, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore 1, Scene 4, p. 171
- ↑ Claymore, Anime Scene 19
- ↑ Claymore 12, Scene 67, p. 106
- ↑ Claymore 14, Scene 75, p. 42
- ↑ Claymore 1, Scene 4, pp. 170–172; Claymore, Anime Scene 2