Kingdom Hearts Theories: The Crown Necklace and a Promise to Protect

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Making a pinned cause someone pointed it out. No the kingdom key isn’t the only keyblade that can change with keychains. I should have worded my sentence as “keyblades are unique in that they can change form with a keychain”, but I said kingdom key instead and obv never caught it. Anyway making this pinned for anyone that might get confused.

[@artsworstenemy8956]

His keyblade is unique tho. His and mickeys are the two keyblades that can seal kingdom hearts(the door) soras is for the realm of light and mickeys is for the realm of darkness.

[@Fannintendociccio1]

Wanna add my favorite thing about this that makes it even more blatantly obvious. In Japanese, whenever Sora gets too close to the memory of the meteor shower that Naminè unearthed to manipulate Sora, he just starts to use the masculine rough pronouns to unfittingly refer to Naminè instead and doesn't even realize he's doing it. The first time he is recalling the promise in twilight town, he says "I let aitsu down", and right before the final battle with Vexen he yells aitsu out for Naminè. The memory of it is so strong he unconsciously recalls Riku through the pronouns almost immediately

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Ahhhh yess! Aitsu! I actually thought about mentioning that in this video, but I really feel aitsu deserves it’s own video lol!

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

Well, with Missing Link and the idea of capturing Memories and fight against Distortions on the Astral Plane in the Space between Existence and Non Existence, the idea that Namine created Distortion of Memories to Make herself "Riku " and "Sora" to each other in relation to her. She is distorting the Story of Sora and Riku to each other. Taking the Existance of Sora and Riku and Distorting it to Sora/Namine and Riku/Namine (Non-Existence)

[@kupotenshi]

When Sora asks Riku at the end of KH2 "what do you think it was, the door to the light" and Riku taps Sora's chest and Sora puts his hand over his necklace. I always thought that was weird because I assume Riku was talking about Sora's heart, but the animation doesn't correlate. The necklace theory makes sense.

[@SaltyCalhoun]

I've never questioned why Sora's necklace's shape perfectly fits into the Kingdom Key. It's always the most innocuous things in this series that lead you into interesting rabbit holes.

[@Niosai]

Whoa, a theory I've genuinely never heard before! I love this! I never considered that the meteor shower memory had to be based on a real memory based on Namine's explanation of her powers. Great stuff! Definitely subscribing!

[@fentasies]

you did a great job explaining the theory! necklace theory also drives me a lil insane bc of how much it makes sense lol, i feel like missing link will touch on the connection between the necklace and the kingdom key and maybe kh4 will outright confirm it

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Thankyouuuuu! And completely agree! I definitely think missing link and kh4 will just add more to the theory or just straight up confirm it.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

Here is an interesting point. When Sora meets Namine on the Illusion of Destiny Islands, she admits she "called out to Sora's Heart" to get him to come, but to his Heart, she had to_--- Something (Sora cuts her off). But with clues, you realized she implanted the "idea that Riku is in the Castle". On the first floor, Sora says he just knows Riku is there. And Marluxia used that idea to draw Sora up the Castle. Riku is the Precious Person lure. The Illusion of Aerith confirms this idea when Sora's Heart remembers for her that Sora's precious person is in "Traverse Town"/the Castle. Then Illusion of Aerith implies the lie( that Namine is that person) will lead him astray, and not to be distracted from what is truly important(that Riku is that person). Further, all the Disney Worlds in that Game are either parallels to Sora/Riku (Riku Replica) or tell you the Darkness (the power Namine uses) is deceiving You, and getting you to believe false things. Finally, the place Memory Namine stands in the Illusion of Destiny Island is the place Riku stands in the Real Version of Destiny before Ansem, Seeker of Darkness sends him to Maleficent. See Re Coded. And things Sora say to Namine mirror Sora reuniting with Riku in KH2. And would you look at that, Sora loves Namine's Smile because she did that in their "fake Memories". What's this? Riku thinks of Sora's smile at the smallest prompt. And what's this? Sora's smile is Riku's happy thoughts? Hmmmmmmm! So, Namine using the Crown Necklace and Riku with the Power of Darkness to shackle and control Sora's Heart makes perfect sense to me. The Dark Side of Love that the Master of Masters indirectly talks to Young Xehanort about.

[@The_Violet_Howler]

Fantastic explanation of the Necklace Theory!

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Thank you!!!

[@robTCGZ]

I like this theory, A LOT!! It does not contradict anything established by the games, so until proven otherwise, I'm sticking this into my head canon of the story.

[@jthecryptid]

The meteor shower memory only makes sense if its between Sora and Riku. The censorship of Soriku romantic subtext in ENG makes it seem like a crack theory at first glance, but if you also know about the "aitsu theory" (a consistent detail in every CoM entree) and Sora's unique use of aitsu for Riku and OOC use of aitsu for Namine in the meteor shower memory scene, it all makes sense

[@saravelasco5807]

I am so glad that my real first Kingdom Hearts game was Chain of Memories. The Meteor Promise was always on my mind through all the games and while I watched and played I was surprised that despite how important Naminé claims it to be, Sora never really brings it up. It being a suppressed or forgotten memory makes total sense. The Meteor Promise also fills in a lot of what we thought was unspoken story behind Riku’s devotion and willingness to help and protect Sora. Sure, him, Sora, and Kairi have been described as best friends and a potential love triangle, but it is definitely clear that Sora is the one Riku is most dedicated to in every game these two go through. 🌊💫 🗝🗡

[@Okami82]

I didn't think of the fact that Sora might have forgotten who gave him his necklace, but it would make sence if he did since Sora seems to forget a lot of things. It would also make sence that Riku will be the one who will help Sora unlock his true memories, since rn Sora forgot about Riku's sacrifice (which, Riku doesn't seem to remember it either but he could make Sora remember it without realizing it) and it wouldn't be surprising if Sora also forgot about other things revolving Riku anyway, I can't wait to see Sora deal with his emotional baggage, cus this boy really needs to sit down and think about everything that has happened to him

[@gabbyvillarreal1062]

It might not fit or make sense with the real Kingdom Hearts, but, in my AU, Sora’s dad gave him the necklace before he went off to the military, because he was “his little king”, he never made it home, and, because of that, he never took it off.

[@calyppy]

Aahhh I just finished playing DDD and it totally showed how much Sora and Roku are each other’s strength. I love this theory because it feels so right!!

[@kefkaexdeath]

love the theory and this video, i'm just commenting to point out an incredibly minor nitpick like the nerd i am. the scene with baby sora and riku saying "we'll go on real adventures" and "the girl at the mayor's house" etc. wasn't added to Final Mix, it's in the original ps2 version. i can say that with certainty because i'm actually playing that version right now while watching this video lol. it MAY have been added to the ps2 international version, along with a few other things we got before japan like Kurt Zisa and the first secret trailer, so it might get lumped in with "final mix" content from japan's perspective. anyway this affects nothing in the video but thank u for reading anyway

[@kefkaexdeath]

(side note WOW it is weird seeing the kh1 scenes in this video in such high quality after playing on ps2 lmfao)

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Weird I don’t remember that scene being on the ps2 version at all, but it’s also been years since I played the original ps2 version so my memory could be wrong. I’ve been playing the final mix on ps4 recently cause I’m on a mission to just replay everything. 😂

[@liryoliv2742]

This theory drives me crazy, I love it so much ❤ and I really hope that ML provides some more evidence for it

[@ari_doll_]

You're pointing out stuff I never thought about 😮

[@Greeneyegirl_20]

Omg! I’m late to watching but I loved this video. The necklace theory is one of my favorite theories. I think it’s just super sweet. Being a new hardcore shipper of soriku definitely has made me think of this theory and Riku is light a lot as I’m still watching Peachy’s videos on the sleeping realm theory. I think you’ve done a great job explaining this theory. It’s always so nice to see you and listen to you discuss sora and Riku and kh as a whole. Love you Cat see you around the gayblade guild server! 🌈🩷🩷🩷

[@quicksam9941]

this is definitely my headcanon now. it fits so nicely with my soriku related kh theories. we see sora wearing a crown in kh art all the time, as if he were a king. if riku gives him the crown necklace, could this symbolically represent sora and riku being king and consort? king of what? kingdom hearts? all crazy theories. but i just cant help myself.

[@Maverick55Moose]

You did an excellent job with this theory. Can't wait to see more of your content!

[@maliaspoto992]

I don't ship Sora and Riku, but I love how deeply they care for each other. Until otherwise disproved, this theory is also canon in my heart ❤

[@claudiaprince7258]

I agree and I think Sora and kirari are more of love Interest to ship together. Also, I think probably Riku would either be love Interest between Xion or Namine. But, I would ship Riku and Xion.😊

[@mulletman9570]

​@claudiaprince7258 do you mean Xion?

[@Xxandrew01]

Same. I always thought Sora and Riku had a brotherly type of relationship.

[@claudiaprince7258]

@@mulletman9570 oh! Yes I mean Xion thank for than I have a bit of typo problem

[@lulu_TheWitchBoy]

⁠​⁠@@claudiaprince7258lmao why? Riku has shown no interest towards those 2. Sora has shown more affection towards Riku than Kairi. Y’all make no sense, but whatever

[@Rose-SunG524]

Good explanation of the theory! Nice & easy to share around ^^b There's just. So much around just this 1 theory. Like, ppl will go "oh, it's just a design choice that the necklace & keyblade fit together" when Sora's (technically Riku's) keyblade is already a mystery on its own. It's treated different than the others, & Mickey found a similar keyblade on the same island we 1st find it. The crown necklace theory just has too much backing it up that even if the necklace itself, the thing the theory is named after, turns out not to be from Riku somehow, that STILL doesn't dismiss all of the theory. It's crazy

[@CocoaCatniptv]

I’m constantly seeing people notice new things that back this theory, it’s honestly so huge! I truly believe that the necklace came from Riku though. I mean the whole Repliku and Sora both sharing a memory is just too..odd. I mean especially when Namine uses already existing memories and just mixes things around. Not to mention all the evidence found in the com novel (and I think 358/2 days) that hint that she wasn’t just inserting herself in Kairi’s place.

[@Rose-SunG524]

@@CocoaCatniptv yes exactly!! Drives me CRAZY that there's this whole bg arc going on that we're supposed to "pretend" not to see. Nomura, we see you! Can't hide all this subtext anymore!

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

My personal take is that Riku is of the Bloodline of Ephemera that was set up by the Master of Masters so he can have the Child of Destiny (Sora and Riku) by making Two become One. The take would be Love is the Key to "God" /Kingdom Hearts, and Sora and Riku are the Vessel of that. Thus, Riku gave his Crown to "Protect" his King, and then Sora gave it back, and now they will truly become One, and both have it.

[@Rose-SunG524]

@@Fragmentsinfractals488 yea, I think that's what's being set up too. It just fits too well

[@forgotten_lumis5595]

​@@Fragmentsinfractals488Lol yeah, I was literally showing my mom (who doesn't really know all that much besides what I have ranted about lol) the Kh characters randomly one day and we got to Ephemer and she was like "Is that like... another Riku clone or something?" when we got to him, and I hadn't even mentioned Riku in the whole conversation yet. Like, if it's that clear to someone who doesnt even play the games and hadn't seen the character before, surely it could mean theres possibly something weird going on, no?

[@KHGuides]

This is a fascinating theory! Thanks for making this video to outline it! 👑

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Thanks! It’s one of my favorite theories so it was a lot of fun covering it! :)

[@KewlImp]

It's an overall interesting theory.

[@bellharper1889]

Awesome video. Learned so much with this video. Thank you so much of your videos :) Really appreciate them. :)

[@maykupi4147]

Amazing Video :) Love Your Videos :) Love Your Thoughts For KH4 For Sora To Look At These Memories He Has Deep In His Heart Like The Meteor Shower And Memories He Shares With Riku Like The Crown Necklace And Other Ones Too :) Love That You Mention Of Both Sora And Riku Are Each Other's Strength And They Help Each Other Grow :)

[@tsoontoon7961]

What if "Passing Memories" was foreshadowing for khIII when Sora forgot Riku's sacrifice? Which feels like a bit of a stretch but... what if?

[@evaundertale2247]

This made me squeal when I saw it in my notifications

[@imaniscott8535]

I think its accurate, if the necklace isn't from Riku then Sora is related to Riku through some time nonsense related to KHx. I believe this because Riku (no doubt in my mind) is related directly to MoM, so if Sora didn't get the necklace from Riku, then Sora got it some other way from people from the time of KHx!

[@saiyanelitegaming]

Subbed because I'm also a kingdom hearts super fan. Enjoy your takes

[@K-C-D-A]

Wait... Is the keychain changing how the Keyblade looks (and acts) really exclusive to the Kingdom Key? What about the other keychains that Terra, Aqua, and Ventus get during Birth By Sleep? ...What about the keychains Riku gets during Dream Drop Distance? (Next is the most speculative however, the player's other Keyblades in Union X / "Whatever Tetsuya Nomura Wants It To Be Called Today" X? Are those more Keyblades the player has access to, or just keychains? I don't think we have proof one way or the other for X tho?)

[@CocoaCatniptv]

You’re right, thanks for catching that! I should have worded it more like “keyblades are unique” vs just the kingdom key. 😅

[@K-C-D-A]

@@CocoaCatniptv To be fair, the actual lore on keychains is super muddy, outside of a few examples, it's easy to assume they're gameplay only. Honestly, only examples of a keychain being mentioned are in KHI. Tarzan specifically hands the Jungle King keychain to Sora after sealing the Keyhole, and I specifically remembered that the Spellbinder keychain is given by Merlin. (Oathkeeper is a weird one, since well, Kairi didn't intentionally use magic on it? Sora just decided to use it as a keychain and it worked. Ultima(s) confirm that keychains can be explicitly crafted at least?)

[@enas7547]

This is so unlikely but then again there’s Yozora’s likeness to Riku. Verum Rex means true king.

[@emohabibi]

This is one of my favorite KH theories and your explanation links all of its core parts, as well as additional aspects (such as the novels) so amazingly amazing!!! 🩷🩷🩷

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Wow, thanks!

[@tigerlight3930]

Honestly, it's not a bad theory about the promise, but that doesn't necesarily mean he gave Sora the necklace, since Namine could have just combine two complete different memories in to one. Though, the detail of the Oblivion keyblade it's definitely interesting. Even if he gave it to him, I'm surprised he didn't start using it inmediately after the meteor shower, considering who are we talking about here xd. Honestly, considering that simbol appears in the design of the two keyblades that are the only ones able to close the door betwen realms, in the design of the X-blade (the only one that gives you the power to control Kingdom Hearts) and on top of the logo of the game that represents this damn moon-heart... I'm more curious as to where the heck did Riku obtain that godamn necklace XD

[@Kira-lp3um]

Nah u actually COOKED. GREAT Theories :D

[@ggdynfytugfy6892]

The idea that Sora’s friends are so completely his power that even the fact that Sora is the Chosen One Keyblade Wielder has actually been because his friends love him the entire time🔛🔝🔥💯🔥

[@skylerthacreator]

the opposite the crown is a jester hat, too, as if to say his inverse is a jester; jester's privilege king

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Ohhhi interesting take!

[@ZeroXLuck]

The crown shows up in the book of prophecy’s and no where else in the series so the necklace is important im not entirely sure that the blade riku was meant to summon would have been the kingdom key it’s self I think that blade specifically came to sora when he touched the light and yes the kingdom key is unique even tho it’s said to be the most basic aside from the replicas there are only 3 keys like this light seeker kingdom key D and the kingdom key it’s self out of the countless key blade users that have use a blade these are the only 3 that take this particular form soras crown symbol showing up in the book is also important and we know luxu completed his goal cause the book exists the master wanted to see what came after and that’s the anomaly that is sora some one who had no business wielding a key blade he’s the boy that shouldn’t be the one that can connect hearts and worlds and even give hearts to those who never had one to begin with he bends the rules and does what he sees fit because he is not a master or an ordinary wielder he’s a KING more then that sora is the TRUE KINGDOM HEARTS it’s self ….and I wouldn’t be surprised if the MoM turns out to be Loki xD

[@sabieleclipse5799]

Apologies in advance for my atrocious grammer, I don't sleep nearly enough, and my brain doesn't english right at the best of times, but I'd like to offer a different perspective that may tie into the necklace theory with one exception I've loved the games from day one, but I just can't get behind the shipping of soriku. In large part due to the fact that the other mcs from the various games are also trinitys, each possibly acting as a love triangle, but with one boy in each grouping acting more as the protective big brother figure. Roxas/Xion -Axel, Ventus/Aqua - Terra, Sora/Kairi -Riku/Namine being the only seemingly cannonical deviation from this pattern, where two seperate halves become whole as one 'found family', not just one half (referring to Axel & Terra not having a potential s/o outside of their respective trinities, at least to my current knowledge). That also brings to mind KH1s trinity mechanic, which never made it to KH2, possibly acknowledging the fact that the three had found the fourth member of their destined group in Namine, which could also help explain why sora & repliku both had different versions of the same memory, because she had to understand which of their hearts truly resonated with hers. As Kairi's nobody, it'd make sense for her to feel a strong pull towards Sora, while also being able to understand that he wasn't the one that was meant for her. Keep in mind, I never completed the union x story before it got nixed & have only seen the various cutseens from MoM without actually being able to afford the game, so I'm mostly drawing off information either presented or implied during KH3 & remind as my most recent canonical source, so I'm open to the possibility that I'm entirely wrong.

[@sabieleclipse5799]

Majorly unrelated theory, but what if the reason that characters directly from older final fantasy games have made their way into the universe of Kingdom hearts, is simply because attaining kingdom hearts is literally their final fantasy, but from the quadratum side? Could go at least a bit of the way to explaining why Yozura is almost identical to Noctis in FFXIII, even the that way Yozura manifests his keyblade is pretty similar to Noctis manifesting a sword

[@CocoaCatniptv]

I want to thank you so much for being respectful in your reply, so many come in and are condescending just because I ship SoRiku. We should all be able to be respectful toward each other’s interpretations, so thank you! I do see what you’re trying to say about the trinitys..but I disagree. With Axel, Roxas and Xion you’re correct in that Axel is an older brother figure to Roxas and Xion. Axel does have someone outside the group though..Saix (isa) who we find out in bbs he was friends with before becoming a nobody. It’s even discovered in kh3 that these two also had a female friend who disappeared and they were trying to find. Then Axel became friends with Roxas and xion and Saix felt abandoned. This being very similar to Sora Riku and Kairi. With Terra, Aqua and Ventus though..Aqua and Terra are both quite a bit older than Ventus and are both older siblings to him. With Sora, Riku and Kairi..Riku is older..but only by a year. This is pretty different than the other two trios. They also don’t at all seem to share the same bond the other trios share, it’s either Sora and Kairi or Sora and Riku. Kairi often being the one left behind, this shown again in melody of memory when it’s Riku who’s going to save Sora while Kairi stays behind. What this says to me is that regardless of shipping, the story is focused on Sora and Riku and as I say in my video..the necklace theory can still exist and be a purely platonic thing between two best friends. Okay saving Namine for last.. She’s got connections to the trio for sure, but there’s no evidence that she’s part of that group in a found family way as of now. Repliku has canonical romantic feelings toward her, but this doesn’t mean Riku does since they’re seperate from each other. Also even if she was now part of that group..it doesn’t make it a unique situation. I mean Axel, Roxas and Xion have grown to include Saix and also the twilight town gang: That’s just my take though and thanks so much for sharing your own. :)

[@axlclockworker1364]

Hermana, la teoría es correcta, y ya la vimos hace rato al final del opening de kh bbs, son gays!

[@Jaylobeans]

New Sub

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Thank-you!!!!

[@jooobie]

something about this video seems familiar..like its done by someone else..? idk i could be really wrong tho..

[@jooobie]

The youtuber Baloney also did a video on this and their topics are obviously the same so it confused me 😂😅 My bad

[@CocoaCatniptv]

@@jooobie Yeah Baloney did a vid on this theory ages ago, it’s a very popular theory with Soriku shippers so I wanted to do my own video.

[@captianbacon]

Its not even a theory it's facts. Namine doesn't invent memories she rethreads them and can change the faces. The kingdom key is not rikus keyblade. That is blatantly false. Riku has part of his keyblad in kh1. Soul eater is half of his way to dawn and all he can manage to summon while in darkness.riku can take the kingdom key from riku cause it was going to choose riku as it's weilder but riku fell to darkness so it choose sora. Riku is a keyblade weilder sora is the keyblades chosen cause until the end of kh3 he was never given the ritual to traditionally summon a keyblade.

[@hannahburke7328]

3:48 Yes and in that moment she created the meteor shower memory replacing herself with Kairi in that alternate memory.

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Except she didn’t replace Kairi because Kairi wasn’t there. Repliku and Sora both have a memory of a meteor shower and a promise being made would mean that it was actually a memory between Sora and Riku. Namine inserted herself so both Sora and repliku thought it was a memory with namine vs. with each other.

[@Rose-SunG524]

You'd think it was Kairi, but we were only given 1 meteor shower scene & it's with Sora & Riku, & it's the 1 Kairi comes in on, meaning this is most likely not Naminé replacing Kairi. & this isn't the only instance of this kind of weirdness happening in the bg of the narrative either. This wouldn't be the 1st time Nomura pulls the "you remember how weird this was years ago? Well, this is why" & throw in a plot twist, so this really isn't hard to believe. Just think about it. Why would we only been given 1 meteor shower memory so far in the story? Why haven't we been given or even just told a similar scene with Sora & Riku happened with Sora & Kairi? Repliku can't have that exact same memory if Riku wasn't there, ya kno?

[@CocoaCatniptv]

@@Rose-SunG524Exactly! KH is notorious for making you think one thing and then later adding more context that completely changes things.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

It is implied the Meteors themselves is Kairi in the Ark hitting the Wall of the World of Destiny Islands and causing Gummi blocks to fall, which means Kairi literally wasn't on the Island, and doesn't know Sora at all at that point. Riku, however, knew Sora deeply at that point, since they are Born of Destiny.

[@KrisHokan]

1 thing I’m pretty sure Sora got his keyboard because he had Ventus’ light inside his heart?

[@CocoaCatniptv]

Nope! Like I say in the video, Sora obtained the keyblade from touching the light in Rikus heart. Nomura has confirmed this. kh-ultimania.livejournal.com/3508.html? Here’s a link to the interview where he confirms it.

[@IsomerMashups]

Your Honour, Riku is gay and Sora is asexual.

[@the-birbo]

I think this is just fanfiction lmao

[@bosssavage3325]

Sora is the King of Kingdom Hearts Kairi will be the Queen of Kingdom Hearts This will allow Kairi to be a Disney Princess

[@dillonyoung5502]

i never noticed it till you mentioned it, but the kingdom key does share a color scheme with riku, doesn't it? lol

[@CocoaCatniptv]

It does indeed!!!!

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

It also has the Mickey Emblem, and Mickey is the closest to Riku.