How HUNTER Finds His Identity || THE OWL HOUSE Video Essay

[@golden-prism]

What do you think about Hunter's character arc?

[@amitysluzara2022]

My favourite on the show

[@arti_st]

Hunter reminds me abit of roxas from kh2

[@scooburst]

GENUIS.

[@SpoopTheArtist-ru1lb]

I really love how they did the arc as a whole, and especially love how while other shows I’ve seen that have time jumps, the characters with scars (especially facial scars) fade over time, while in toh, Hunters scars don’t fade or heal because the trauma and story that caused them will always be there

[@whatgsaid]

I like to think that Flapjack bonded with Hunter when he said “at least you can figure out your own” (future) because it may have mirrored both Caleb and Flapjack themselves: Caleb is implied to have felt compelled to be a witch hunter for the sake of fitting in and being able to support/take care of his younger brother, but finally got to choose his own future for himself when he made a life in the BI instead. Flapjack lost Caleb hundreds of years ago and was willing to wait all that time to find the right person before choosing another owner. Every time I remember that small exchange between Hunter and Luz, I think we don’t really talk about it as a fandom enough. It’s such a powerful exchange even if it’s brief.

[@golden-prism]

Agreed, this exchange definitely deserves more attention in the fandom, it was such an important insight regarding Hunter's feelings about his purpose and plans!

[@thecheck968]

Flapjack's death is kind of funny when you think about it. When Belos went back to the demon realm, for all he knew, he had killed Hunter and Flapjack, the last living proof of his brother. But after what Flapjack did, Hunter is his own person, who not only resembles Caleb' brother more closely than ever before, but now has magic and is basically a witch

[@CatKun10]

I honestly feel bad for Hunter also Hollow Mind is my favorite episode

[@golden-prism]

Definitely one of the best episodes!

[@maryshelley1438]

Something that really breaks my heart, is that all the adults in Hunter's life (except for Camila, whom he met while he was already in the process of healing) did him so, so, *so* dirty. Hunter was a child covered in scars, who was born without magic (the Boiling Isles equivalent of a disability, and essentially a death sentence before Luz rediscovered the glyphs), who got drafted into the military as a preteen and pushed into a job that was well known to be insanely stressful even for experienced adults, who folded like a paper napkin in front of authority figures and was openly obsessed with proving his worth and viscerally terrified of failing to do so. It was very, very obvious that he was being abused. He carried more red flags than a Chinese parade. And yet the adults in the Coven looked at him and went "he's getting special treatment!" Kikimora was flat out trying to murder him, but even the good adults were terrible. Lilith openly hated and name-called him, even though Dana's art shows that he was desperate for her approval. The Coven Heads push him out of the way so hard they nearly throw him to the ground, and pretend they can't see him while he desperately calls after them, after changing the meeting behind his back, which they know damn well Belos will blame and likely punish him for. Eberwolf growled at him every time Hunter approached him to ask questions. Darius eventually grows kind and protective towards him when he realises that Hunter is actually a lot like his mentor, but for *years* he coldly bullied him, taking out the grief for his mentor's death out on an abused child, making his already terrible situation even worse, and going so far as to reinforce his worst fears that he was a worthless half-a-witch and that he couldn't live up to expectations so he should be replaced (the very fears that drove him *to attempt suicide* at Eclipse Lake!). And no, sending him at Hexside was not an attempt to help him, Darius himself admits multiple times that he was just trying to get rid of Hunter by sending him on a wild goose chase. Even if they couldn't openly help him without defying Belos, they could have at least showed some sympathy, like Raine tried to do before Terra led them away. Instead they went out of their way to scorn him, and convince him that only Belos cared for him. They all owe him a huge apology.

[@haileymullican335]

Well Said.

[@mnbvgt]

I just rewatched Any Sport in a Storm and my god Darius was so much worse than I remembered. He downright says that Hunter doesn't deserve to be the golden guard because he has no magic. That's messed up. And then Hunter desperately asks how he can prove himself which is a massive red flag Darius should have picked up on, Darius just tells him to go find recruits to get his cloak back in the bitchiest, most sarcastic tone ever. And even though he sort of took what he said back at the end of the episode, it's still not an excuse. This is why I hope that Hunter goes with Camila at the end of the show, although I don't think it will happen.

[@midnights2631]

I agree, that's why I think he should be adopted by Camilla. If we got a full season, we probably would have seen her help him through tough times along with his friends.

[@Lost_Eclipse]

This video and this comment are the main reasons why I resonate and relate A LOT with Hunter. No questions asked.

[@DragonGoddess18]

​@@mnbvgt You're right about all of it. Darius was....not pleasant

[@scooburst]

Dana knew what she was doing with Hunter. The whole crew put so much time into it, really making a fantastical world so relatable and connecting. I’ll always be a Disney kid, but I won’t forget that WHY TF DID THEY CANCEL THIS? I also find it hilarious that in S3 Dana said “What will you do? Cancel it more?” And went all out on everything that was restricted. I love hunters character, he’s just so well crafted and as a psychology student he’s such a good one to research and learn from.

[@sparxstreak02]

22:26 To me, Hunter’s arc (similar to characters like Zuko from ATLA & Catra from SPOP) was more about finding yourself & transformation, as while all these characters do bad & immoral things in the beginning, their stories aren’t really about just making up for their past but building the future they want & finding who they want to be as people for themselves & who they love.

[@dragonboardsworkshop]

I can relate to Hunter. It’s why I like his character so much and how the team portrayed him. How can you not enjoy Hunter as a character?

[@MidgardMadness]

I find Hunter AND Lilith to fall into these aspects of identity, something that I, intentionally or unintentionally, touched on in my videos. Belos has warped the perceptions of Lilith and Hunter to be so defined by him, the hierarchy of the coven system, and what is demanded of you as person, that they never did or would fall into the circumstance of asking who they are *truly*, because throughout a majority of their lives, aspects of Belos and the standards he introduced to society; what is respected or honorable, have always been a key player to the environment that they were raised and grew up in. Their identity wasn't something they already had and Belos and his ways just so happened to be a part of it, it WAS their identity. He warped the world in a way that many aspects of it that revolve around the characters would make up a majority of their personality, their motives, who they are and what they would/want to do with their lives, and for Lilith and Hunter, that was pleasing Belos regardless of what he asked, and Belos viscously put it into their heads that that's all that matters. Hence why it's so satisfying to see them defy what Belos placed on them mentally as the show goes on; We have scenes like Lilith struggling to find out who she is without a coven and Hooty being a supportive friend on that journey, along with her taking the opportunity to reconnect with her mother after their many years apart, and Hunter finding out who he is without the title of the golden guard with Flapjack, Gus, and Willow at his side, all of which is a joy for us, the audience, to watch as they learn who they truly are as people. It is forever unfortunate that the show won't get more episodes that the creators originally wanted to tell the stories they intended to tell that would further explore topics or themes like this, but it continues to do a great job of exploring these aspects relating to the characters as they continue to learn who they really are, SUPER powerful writing Also, good work on the video! You did a great job covering this aspect of Hunter's character!

[@MatchGirl]

I'm thrilled you touched on the lore surrounding red cardinals. They're so deeply symbolic. This is a lovely video and hits on a lot of things I've thought on as well.

[@Luzisaustralian]

It’s honestly so incredible to see abuse properly portrayed in media. I was a victim of child abuse and I managed to only have to deal with it for a year, but I HATED thinking about it. I kept idolizing my abuser and saying she was right. And then I found the owl house. I started watching WAY before hunter was introduced, mind you, but when he was, I found someone I could relate to. He made me more comfortable in my past, and more able to spot when something is wrong. This cartoon character somehow is therapy for me. (I know that amity also went though abuse, but the way she was abused was slightly different. Odalia was more passive aggressive and getting into her head. Belos was more straightforward and shouty)

[@golden-prism]

I'm really sorry it happened to you and I'm glad that The Owl House helped you recognise the abuse for what it is. We need portrayals like these in media, especially in media aimed at children, so that future generations know how to spot the warning signs and grow up with stories that tell them that they don't deserve this kind of treatment.

[@dylansharp8471]

Was Amity's abuse still portrayed pretty good tho?

[@allupalluart]

My favorite character from this show, I just want him to have happiness 😭

[@amitysluzara2022]

Hunters story is my favourite of the show and one of the most powerful. I just wish Hunter kept his hair from Thanks To Them that was really important so keeping it would've been really powerful

[@HazbinCovenWitch]

*Sobs.* I JUST WANNA WRAP HUNTER IN A BURRITO BLANKET AND HUG HIM AND GIVE HIM FOREHEAD KISSES!! 😭 HE'S MY FAVORITE CHARACTER!

[@golden-prism]

Honestly, don't we all 😭

[@jinorism]

this was an amazingly done video. i started tearing up when you started talking about the people that helped him through the abuse. i know someone who has been in an abusive situation and the signs are there. being shocked at the slightest, most bare minimum kindness, not knowing what to do when someone is not constantly threatening you. and sometimes a little relapse when in contact with the abuser. it’s all very very real and i’ve seen it all god i love the owl house

[@NicoMcWhorter]

You should do an episode on willow! She has much more depth now because of the newest episode

[@golden-prism]

She’s actually next on the list! A video on Willow should be out next week :D

[@neurodivergentlily]

Willow's my favorite character!!

[@golden-prism]

@@neurodivergentlily Stay tuned then :D

[@neurodivergentlily]

@@golden-prism oh I will!!

[@mnbvgt]

One thing that never fails to make me sad is at the end of Any Sport in a Storm Darius is about to attack Hunter and he just stands there because he is used to it with Belos.

[@yaellevi5448]

😭

[@jakupharrison8051]

Loved this almost as much as the Luz video. There's things about hunters characterisation that I just can't put into words. Looking forward to the Willow video.

[@midnights2631]

I wished we got more episodes and a full season 3 to expand more on everyone, including Hunter. I loved him instantly, doing his best to get approval from adults. I'm happy Luz realized when she met him that he can be good, that he's just being manipulated like Lilith was. Flapjack really helped Hunter out, I screamed when Flapjack got hurt and sacrificed himself to save Hunter.

[@dylansharp8471]

Expand more how?

[@midnights2631]

@Dylan Sharp Basically more what it's like to be a Coven Head and such. I know originally Luz was going to help the Head of the Builder Coven but it got scrapped.

[@qwefg3]

Hunter - the definition of being handed the short end of the stick and that problems can be far worse then what people think. Golden Guard? No trust, no life, very little hope, and most of his fear had sadly being proven right. He was replicable, the only role models he had were coven heads (best of the best) who gladly and freely betrayed one another. Without Luz his story would be a tragedy... Yet thankfully it was a chance for a new life, actual friends, and hope for a better future instead of a future he was told would be better than his current one.

[@RealGoldenGuard]

Well would you look at that! A Golden Prism video essay on the (former) Golden Guard? Well now I’ve seen everything!

[@ember-fire7583]

From the very beginning of his introduction Hunter has been one of my favorite characters in the show alongside others. Since the aura of mystery that surrounded him by being known as "The Golden Guard" during his first actual episode at the start of season 2, it's been interesting to see his journey as a character slowly shift and change, and how he was written overall. Although I think his arc could've and probably was supposed to be more fleshed out (along with other characters) and I feel a bit dissapointed with how it more or less ended in some places, I still like what the writers and creators chose to do with him and what path they had him go down as a character in general. I think you summed up his arc and moments from beginning all the way to the more recent episode fairly well, and really dived into the building blocks that makes Hunter well Hunter and explored him as a character very nicely.

[@joeym1230]

14:09 make better choices “for the future” I caught that

[@neurodivergentlily]

LET'S GOOOOOO GOLDEN PRISM HUNTER VIDEOOOOO

[@Sparkle8205]

Hunter my beloved

[@sunnysducks]

ahhh another amazing analysis video on owl house? this is my new favorite channel LOL, here before you blow up!!

[@golden-prism]

Haha, that’s so kind 🙏♥️ Thank you!!

[@lilygamingtheories1410]

I love Hunter, I wish we had more time with these characters, I’m not ready for the show to end…

[@squidwardfromua]

"From the time we are born, the time we're alive, Waiting for our story to start, We practice all day, and we practice all night, But we're waiting for our story to start. Then we're taught what is true, we're taught what is right, We're taught not to follow our heart, And then the next thing we know - we're trapped in the place, Where the story will never start" The song is "The Story That Never Starts" by Abney Park, I love it

[@Barakon]

Hunter is what I wanted Raymesis to be when I was 6 lmao.

[@maxmorgan8736]

A thing that I find really interesting is that since Hunter is Caleb or a clone at least it technically means that the first person Belos wronged helped defeat him

[@superpaytonmars8852]

I sincerely hope you plan on covering Vee. She's my favorite.

[@ginocantatore4494]

good video

[@thomas-ux8co]

Yeah, hunters arc succeeded through the combined effort of a lot of other characters that contributed to it without expecting anything in return. It's good writing!

[@carolinalacerda3594]

Why am I crying?

[@existenceispain_geekthesiren]

I can't tell what accent you have (I'm incapable of knowing any that aren't American or British) but it's very pleasant :)

[@golden-prism]

Haha, thank you, I’m glad to hear that! It’s Polish :)

[@TobiasMercury]

Hunter didn't have anything to be redeemed for, he did learn, he did grow, he did have his eyes opened to the evil of a man he trusted But he never did anything that he himself had to be redeemed for

[@pauli-yochannel3814]

for me I'd rather hunter like principal character

[@Turai12]

Why do I feel like I'm the only one who dislikes Hunter? No, dislike isn't strong enough. He annoys me at every turn.

[@sonoio869]

I get the same feeling too. It's the mix of "everything is forgiven even tho you tried to kill us" with "if the title wasn't strait up taken away from you, you would still defend the main villain".

[@sonoio869]

I dont want to sound rude, i think your biases are influencing the video in a negative light since it harms its objective to critically analyze the character. Hunter' journey into becoming a better person is non existent since Hunter's redemption is influenced only by his traumatic experiences rather than a conscious effort to apologize or make reparations for his past behavior. There are majorly these important steps in writing that determine a character going through a redemption arc: *realization*, wich was when Belos told him he was going to kill him that Hunter magically understands that all of his plan was a lie. *Regret*, the only one i know of is when he was going to assign the characters palismen to Belos and not that other kids would get tortured in becoming part of the emperor's coven. *restitution*, throughout the series he never actively rebels against the emperor and or help the protagonist in any way. *reformation*, after all that happened he still blackmailed Luz into not revealing his backstory or he would reveal her friends that she helped Belos in the past. What an amazing person

[@lildrummerboy6242]

Sorry to burst your bubble but you are very incorrect. Throughout all of hollow mind he was struggling to accept Belos, and he probably wasn't going to accept him afterwards even if Belos didn't try to kill him. Secondly, we can see multiple times throughout the show Hunter flinching at Belos' consumption of Palisman souls, he clearly didn't like it but he was manipulated into thinking it was the only way. Third of all he never blackmailed Luz, he said "How would you feel if they found out you helped Belos" because he was reminding her that they both have secrets they'd rather keep. He wasn't blackmailing her.