RWBY Theory - The Ace Ops and their Fables

The Ace Operatives are being set up to be a major part of Volume 7 and the overall arc of Atlas in the RWBY series. It has been theorized for a while now that they are based on some of Aesops Fables which does seem to be the case. Each character has varying levels of relation to their respective fable with their weapons and semblances but I also have a couple ideas that differ from the general consensus of which characters are based on which fable. let me know your thoughts in the comments below, I am really interested in seeing what all of you think!
Link to the Aesop's Fables:
fablesofaesop.com/perry-index

[@rix2367]

When he said Marrow isnt greedy... -Me:Remembers when he stole Jaunes coffee like 3 times-

[@tyroneguy1236]

Clover starts the morning with a “lucky catch” am I right

[@flipfreak14]

But do you remember when jaune brought marrow a coffee?

[@p3ach31]

@Spencer Augustine can’t tell if ur faking or an actual bot because ur @ isn’t working but also the link wasn’t given and plus I’ve never seen those bots ever say a curse word

[@pandorafox1071]

But Harriet is arrogant. She told Ruby "Oh, you have a speed semblance? Yeah well I think I'm faster." and then she was proven wrong when Ruby beat her to catching the dust crystal at the end.

[@i_forgot_my_lunch7362]

I like to think they have habits of their fables. Like Clover being a patient leader, Harriet being competitive in some sense, Marrow having some what greedy habits. I don’t know about Vine and Elm

[@curiousnerdkitteh]

She also rushes into things without thinking.

[@prowolf633]

I know! Harriet could be the Hare of “The Tortoise and the Hare”

[@AngelRiver14]

"Ace ops is based off the Aesop's fables" Me who's obsessed with fairy tales and fable lore:.........OH -listens to the reasons- OH!

[@changinglives7423]

Harriet's armour is a representation of the tortoise shell

[@jamalfloyd565]

I love tortillas

[@davidbasa9985]

Jamal Floyd my favorite tortilla is hurricane tortilla

[@alexathegator]

i hate this comment thread

[@TheLastHylianTitan]

alexathegator as a Mexican I can’t get enough of this thread.

[@Anonymous-zb7iw]

could it be a snapping tortilla

[@localdreamerr]

It took me so long to realise "Ace Ops" was "Aesop's"

[@comradecat3629]

was just gonna comment that

[@hsmacaraig]

Same

[@lucario765g]

Local Dreamer Same...

[@cheyannegiles9772]

I know

[@jamiee7367]

I didn't even realize till I read this video's title.

[@Salemwaaa]

Clover found the foot of Harriet’s great great grandfather and she has PTSD flashbacks whenever she looks at it Marrow is Narcissus and Bayonetta Elm can benchpress me for however long she wants Marrow is the best doggo Vine is Zenyatta

[@MonochromeRain24]

Devin Tucker I love this lmao

[@DaichiTheBrawler]

You funny!

[@picklethedragon4889]

Spoilers, Marrow CAN move while using Stay.

[@itshanari6329]

Harriet maybe the combination of both Tortoise and the Hare cus Hare= Speed semblance Tortoise= The bionic arm that like a shell

[@MR-nz6gn]

That's an interesting theory I like it.

[@wagkayongano5264]

Hmmmm yehyeh i agree

[@PhoenixNight]

Good point, her weapon does seem to reference the Fable as well

[@itshanari6329]

@@PhoenixNight thank you

[@hyuugaclanmember]

Who was it that told Harriet "not everything has to be a competition. " when she wanted to see who was faster, her or ruby. I feel like that's another nod to the hare in the fable.

[@evl952]

I believe it was Vine

[@jonjohns8145]

The Elm and The vine story is about 2 beings of different qualities supporting each other, each playing to their strength and complementing each other (as in a relationship or marriage). The elm stands strong, deep rooted and thus provides a great support for the vine which on its own can not stand tall. The vine on the other hand bears useful and delicious fruit (grapes) something that an Elm tree can not do, but can only do that if it is allowed to grow. If you look at it in the traditional view of a family common in Aesops' time, the Father/husband is the support structure of the family while the mother/wife bears the children (the fruit of the family). Basically the story of the Elm and Vine is about positive support and codependency. I suspect that CRWBY are using these 2 characters to Guide Ren and Nora through their Ship as Vine is clearly a Zen like character like Ren and Elm is a passionate/impulsive like Nora. Also, Harriet is Hyper Competitive (another trait of the Hare in the story). Vine pointed that out and you can see that from her conversation with Ruby insisting that she is a little faster than her.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

Quite an intriguing theory. I wonder though if they are a dark mirror of Ren and Nora. If they are a couple how far does their love for the other go? Would they betray their team to save eachother? I am quite curious to see where their stories take them. Though at Phoenix, I loved your take on the different possible fables. The goat one could be an interesting hint to the future for Vine's character. He helps someone, that person betrays him essentially, and he sets the way for them to fall. Elm does look a bit plain, I didn't notice it until you mentioned her other possible fable. I don't think that might deal anything with her though.

[@PhoenixNight]

Interesting ideas about Elm and Vine, we'll have to see how it plays out throughout Volume 7 and we learn more about them. They do seem to trust eachother but it doesn't seem different than their relationships to the rest of the team. I definitely see the parallels to Ren and Nora so it could make a lot of sense having another pair of opposites that work really well together

[@PhoenixNight]

@HighPriestFuneral Thanks! I really wanted to look into the Fables and make sure that I looked at more than one possibility for each character. Took a week or so but I think it turned out well. I look forward to seeing how each of these characters develops and if they might relate to other fables

[@CalmClamFam]

HighPriestFuneral it might be the opposite. Ren and Nora are having relationship issues as of the latest episode and the “Elm and Vine” might be there to help seeing as they complement each other and work as a team.

[@evecccc]

I like how in chapter 12 of volume 7 Marrow was defeated by Weiss, who is a character heavily associated with mirrors

[@somepersonthatsquiet]

I didn’t even put together that “Ace ops” = “Aesop’s”

[@shingshongshamalama]

The optimist in me wants to assume that the Ace-ops will all have thematically appropriate redemption moments. The cynical part is telling me that they'll all have thematically appropriate deaths.

[@adrianroque6990]

Five bucks says it's due to Qrow's semblance, beating him down more than ever cuz Clover's semblance was supposed to keep his in check

[@samgafford2371]

[Sarcasm] yes, kill em off. Team Prettyboy shall fail

[@CaptainScorpio1998]

@@adrianroque6990 welp...... Its always wise to be careful for what one wishes for...

[@NeptuneTart]

Oof.

[@gameinsane4718]

Harriet in an episode of arrogance doesn’t check her 6 and gets ambushed and killed Marrow was holding off a giant Grimm inches from his face which Harriet was SUPPOSED to blitz away from him but she got offed. His insistence on holding the bigger Grimm means he either drops it and dies or succumbs to the smallest ones swarming him. Being a rational person, he figures the bigger one will kill him faster. Elm starts mouthing off. Complaining to Ironwood his plan isn’t working. He abandons her due to insubordination and she’s left alone to die Vine gets possessed by the crocodile girl’s ghost from Maria’s backstory and Vine dies because of (Tik) Tock

[@FantasyFinalFiend]

Your forgot that Clover also has a horseshoe

[@PhoenixNight]

Oh yeah, I missed that. How much luck does one man need

[@FantasyFinalFiend]

Phoenix/Night lol a lot apparently

[@Not_Ciel]

@@PhoenixNight To be fair, now that he's paired with Qrow, as much as he can get.

[@thatdude7138]

Ciel sadly it didn’t work out 😞☹️🥺😭😢😥

[@SirSailorStar]

Marrow could be the big bad wolf eventually going after Ruby.

[@outformunch8490]

Could be The boy who called Wolf or Wolf in sheeps clothing too. We haven't seen him be especially cowardly or lying yet, but if he's the wolf in sheeps clothing he could be a salem spy.

[@Anonymous-zb7iw]

@@outformunch8490 i thought Jill was the wolf in sheeps clothing

[@arujixadreeh4430]

@@Anonymous-zb7iw is that a set it off reference? 😂

[@HexoReqrium]

SirSailor Star or crow

[@luna_rose7604]

but he’s such a good boi

[@ArtificialSelection]

CRWBY did a good job with the Ace Ops in terms of sewing the seeds of distrust. If there's one or more double-agents on the team, it could be any of them. Elm and Vine being oft-attributed-to-but-not-officially an Aesop's fable could be a clue that the pair aren't "real" Ace Ops (i.e. they are turncoats). But, I can make reasons for every other member of the team to be traitors, too. Or maybe none of them will be false, and we'll feel bad for suspecting them when it's over. Either way, good job, creators. Thanks for the content, as always!

[@MR-nz6gn]

A similar taught ran across my mind when he mentioned Elm and Vine being and not being a part of the Aseops fables. Harriet mentions trusting her team with her life despite not being all that close, so perhaps they will abuse that if they were the traitors.

[@PhoenixNight]

I agree, all of the Ace Ops are really well done. Those are a couple good ideas for how things will turn out and either one of them would be great to see!

[@caperthecat]

I see vine and elm not being double agents just being used and then either actually or thought to be betrayed one way or the other. (E.X: Vines semblance being used to hide someone, then it looks like that person attacks him, elm protecting someone then overhearing criticism of how she did it.) Then the "Ace Ops team work falling apart. Clover becoming impatient and letting the good luck be used by the enemy, Harriet thinking she can outrun a foe only to lose when she thinks she has it in the bag. Marrow being fooled into losing the relic or another important item. The Ace Ops are a team but don't trust each other outside their rolea

[@WanderingSorceress]

Something I noticed was that the Ace Ops seem to be foils to teams RWBY & JNPR. For example Clover & Qrow have opposing semblances. Other characters have similar weapons like Elm & Nora.

[@catastrophicivy]

Honestly my thoughts were that vine and elm were based off of the oak and the reeds. In a storm the oak stood tall unwilling to bend while the reads swayed with the wind the oak fell over and he asked the reeds how they stayed standing with them answering you stood tall unwilling to bend over while we did. I'm pretty sure the moral was, be willing to bend or your pride will be your down fall

[@joshuaware818]

I feel like What Harriet Said with Not being Friends but only ally's thing , I feel like she would Use what she said as a Hint to ruby of not getting too attached maybe ? If the Ace ops do Tend to be enemies .

[@neofulcrum5013]

If they do become turn coats, it will be an impressive challenge for the heroes to overcome.

[@Lemonheadkvng]

I think the story of the elm and the Vine fit perfectly with their respected characters. Why? Well the Ace Ops are hinted as being a ‘reflection’ of team RWBY/JNPR, right? And since Ren and Nora are in a relationship, it only makes sense if their doplegangers were in one as well.

[@buttonsfan]

Ace Ops=Aesop’s Fables I’ll bet this is how those guys felt when I said, “I’m looking forward to seeing the Scarecrow Principal,” they hadn’t noticed the Wizard of Oz motif.

[@books2438]

J South the scarecrow is usually believed to be Qrow. The Vacuo principal is probably going to be some other character, Dorothy maybe?

[@AkumaMaou666]

Actually I believe J S is right....Lionheart is The Lion, a man who lost his courage to fear..... Ironwood is The Tin Man, a man who lost his heart to fear...so Scarecrow will be a man who maybe lost his mind to fear....and I believe he will be the next school principal... Ruby I believe is Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz motif also I see some references to Wizard of Oz in team RWBY too....Ruby is Dorothy the main character.... red is her color.... Dorothy had the ruby slippers... also she is a bit naive like Dorothy is in The Wizard of Oz ...Wiess is The Tin Man....color is white close to sliver in color palette...her personality is stiff and uptight at the beginning....and later can summon a knight looking gim that she took down in the white trailer... also she has a heart buried under her stiff uptight nature....Blake is The Lion....she is a cat faunus also she has courage enough to face what she was a part of in her past and to confront it.... and Yang is The Scarecrow....her color is yellow....and buried under her, as Emerald said "bimpo", attitude and outer look, I guess you could say....you see she is a smart individual, and as her character develops she learns to not rely on her semblance and temper all the time to win a fight....and then you have Zwei...and he would be representing Todo... "I will get you my pretty and your little dog too!" - The Wizard of Oz, The Witch of the West....The Witch of the West I think you can figure out is Salem and the dragon shaped land that has no occupants of people on the map is to the west which I am sure she is on... As for Qrow I do not believe he is Scarcrow and I will tell you why....I think he and Raven are based on the legends dealing with the birds that they are named after which both of the birds are represented as death omens also good or bad luck omens of these birds they are represented as guards or sentinels ...we will start with Qrow....he is based off the bird crow which is a death Omen.... represents bad luck...is associated with stealing....they are scavengers so again death....in some folklore they are know for bad luck and were god's messengers in the mortal world and as spys...they are also know as messengers between the living and the dead...and harbingers of death and misery...they are also known to be I guess you could say dingy.....as for Raven she is based off the bird of her name and again is know as a death omen...."doth quoth the raven nevermore" - The Raven, Edger Allen Poe....is a scavenger bird like crows...and again in some folklore they are known as god's messengers in the mortal world and as spys....represents prophecy and insight....they are also associated with loss and ill omen.... ravens in some stories also act as a spiritual guide connecting the material world with the world of the sprints.....also ravens are known for liking shiny things like dragons are, so in a way I guess they could be known for taking things that don't belong to them and hording... also they are known for their leek glossy feathers...

[@alexjewett7455]

@@AkumaMaou666 also, I think qrow and raven are based on huginn and muninn, the ravens of Odin in Norse myth.

[@yasirshegow1226]

Can we all just agree that Marrow is best boi?

[@Timmythy123]

"Patience is rewarded. Lets wait to see what happens to Clover over the season" MMMMMMMMNNNNOOOOOOPPPPEEEEE!!!! RIP Clover

[@wagkayongano5264]

The part patience about the fable of the fisherman tho-- The Clover Traitor theory is waving at me!!!

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

Asop’s fables... and they’re ace ops (ace operatives)? That’s clever. Elm (I love her so much) and Vine reminds me of Jack and the Beanstalk.

[@wardstyle9184]

The video gets my like because I DID NOT GET THAT CONNECTION!

[@jeannesgm7564]

A big fish jumped into the boat Well a big sword jumped into his body oop-

[@cobalt1754]

Wait doesn't someone say to Harriet "Not everything is a competition" when she says she's faster than Ruby? Elm and Vine's semblances reminded me of The Oak and the Reed where a strong wind comes and blows down the oak that relies on its strength, but the reeds bend and are therefore unharmed.

[@Naestrith]

I thought about that fable too. Well Yang made him bend and he wasn't unharmed in the end. ^^

[@malachiteheart1676]

I can’t believe I’m only now finding your channel, it’s amazing! I love your content

[@PhoenixNight]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy it 😊

[@AsariGreenfire11]

Kagome: SIT BOY! Inuyasha: Yghaa.... (smack... He's on the ground) Kagome is mad at Inuyasha... SIT BOY!

[@evecccc]

Thinking about Clovers fable of “patience will be rewarded” I think it’s very relevant to his death because he was impatient in Qrows attempted arrest and instead of waiting patiently for Tyrian to be put away, he went straight for following his orders and acted irrationally, which resulted in his horrific fate

[@alinahlamis783]

Rather than greed, it's most likely that Marrow got the... _how do I say this nicely_ ...slow-thinker personality? I mean we already have the "your weakness is your mind" thing from the Ace Ops and I think they consider him as "the dumb one" of the group. It kind of fits in with the dog's decisions/actions in the fable. As for Elm and Vine, you mentioned that there's a controversy about the story not being Aesop's at all? I dunno about that, but if that's true then it could tie in with the characters potentially being traitors, I mean like you said, they had the least amount of information from their fable.

[@VioletMemories]

I remember another fable about a tree. I think it was called the Tree and the Reeds, or something like that. The story basically goes that the tree mocks the reeds for bowing to the slightest bit of wind, when the tree stands proudly all the time. A huge storm hits with very strong wind and the reeds bend and bow to it, surviving the storm, but the tree stands firm and is ripped out of the ground by the wind. The moral of the story being that it's better to yield and be safe, than stand strong and be destroyed. I'm not sure how well this fits with Elm's character since I haven't seen the episode yet, but with her semblance being 'roots', I thought there might be a connection.

[@dustinelias7840]

Maybe elm & vine r keeping their love 4 each other a secret

[@UmisTsukishiro00]

Acting professional while on duty is also an option.

[@AngelaRoseHeart]

Haha when u said "bionic arms" I thought of Bionic Bunny from Arthur.

[@scrambledEgg69]

Can I just say: Marrow. He’s a wolf fanus. Wolves are distant family members to dogs. Dogs like bones. Bones have Marrow in it. I rest my case.

[@wickedrose]

He's most likely a husky Faunus. Someone did a long analysis on it, I can find the link if you'd like, but his tail matches that of a Siberian husky and he has many of the traits associated with them.

[@CrazyWorks27]

Ace Ops. Aesops. Damn you Miles and Kerry.

[@neelmarisiddaiah612]

I'm so glad you brought up InuYasha cause the command made me think that exact show when watching the episode

[@midnightink1853]

Honestly for Marrow I'd like to know if his semblance is restricted only to dog commands? Is that his drawback or can he command anything?

[@victorm152]

He's a Huntsman, not Doctor Manhattan

[@franciscovazquezjr4550]

Oh boy a new video to watch while I eat dinner. Happy Thanksgiving everyone

[@Hell_o847]

Unrelated topic but I think hazel and his sister is a reference to Hanzel and Gretel

[@ftl_studios8545]

Nice attention to detail and research! I'll definitely check out some of your other stuff

[@fallenwayward]

if clover's weapon is not named "the lucky catch" imma be salty

[@boltindie9011]

I’m thankful for you and the RWBY content you make! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@emorynguyen1583]

I feel like Clover should’ve had some kind of fisherman hat or something

[@bluejaygamer9476]

I believe Elm is more closely related to the trees and the axe fable and Vine being from the vine and the goat. Later, turns into the elm and the vine fable when they eventually leaving the ace ops.

[@randomimagination1172]

Lol the Fabel of Marrow reminds me if the Dog from his Fabel had that semblance then he can just stop the reflection if the semblance has capabilities like that

[@AlphaOmega08922]

As far as the Elm and the Vine thing goes for Elm and Vine, they could be using the courtship in a different manner, maybe even indirectly. Elm draws a lot of parallels with Nora, for example, in the fact that she uses straightforward brute strength (and a really big hammer) for her fighting style, and seems to have a fairly aggressive (yet loveable) personality. Meanwhile, Vine is very similar to Ren in personality. Like you mentioned, Vine is a very passive, even stoic character, very much like Ren. They both fight with more agility and deftness than other members of their team, giving them more of a rogue-type role in a typical fantasy RPG setting. While the courtship between Elm and Vine may not be apparent between the characters themselves, Rooster Teeth could be playing out the courtship indirectly through Rennora by FINALLY bringing these two lovebirds together, something that most of the fandom has been screaming for for forever.

[@gatorkid3653]

I’ll keep it real. I had some huge Overwatch vibes when I saw the Ace Ops team. Harriet: Tracer Vine: Zennyatta Elm: Zarya Clover: Soldier Marrow is probably the only one that doesnt have an Overwatch character that can stick to him. Just what I thought, I love your videos tho! You spark the little passion I had RWBY when I first started! Keep up the good work bro!!

[@whatdoyathink7133]

I kinda want Elm and Vine to be based off the elm and vine story because I kinda ship these two. 😅

[@silverfrost4217]

For Elm and Vine, I want to say their fable is more a nod to how they're kinda a different version of Ren and Nora. Elm is a very energetic, slightly insulting, hammer-weilder. On the other hand, Vine is very soft-spoken, apologizes for Elm's actions, and relies on her in battle. If the story of the Elm and Vine is a romance, then maybe it's just to nod to how similar they are to their JNPR counter-parts?

[@lexington762]

Considering Harriet was lost to the slower combatants later in the season, partially because of ego, I'd say she fits well. Just takes a while to get there.

[@Mr.Inktail]

My guess is that Elm and Vine are a mix of those individual stories and the shared one. Elm is extremely masculine and probably can't get a date because she's not feminine or pretty in a feminine way. Perhaps she's unable to bear children as well. However, Vine is the closest to her, this is the one that makes her feel happy. Vine, like you said, is very passive and does his best to help/support his team. Elm is his closest ally, so often they pair up together. Just a thought.

[@lyconxero457]

Marrow probably has one of the coolest semblances we've seen in RWBY thus far, even if it is a highly team-oriented ability. His semblance also isn't some broken thing that he can spam as it appears to put a fair amount of drain on him when he pushes it to higher levels.

[@MR-nz6gn]

It's interesting what you mentioned about Elm and Vine's fables being and not being part of the Aseops fables. Harriet trusts her team with her life despite not being close to them. Perhaps they will take advantage of that if they were the turn coats. It's also interesting that when they encounter the centipedes they stay back and watch almost as if they want to scout the team, and yet when they encounter the gheist grim they are the first to attack.

[@LegendWeaver25]

“The Ace Operatives are based on Aesop’s Fables.” Ace operatives... Ace Ops... Aesops... ... IT’S A FRONKING PUN

[@Cerbyt821]

I JUST REALIZED THAT A FEW DAYS AGO

[@boocrimson7720]

so seeing how Marrow's character has developed lately it's interesting to see that he kind of is following his fable, but rather than being greedy he's the opposite, he's so kind hearted and selfless deep down that he's been more and more in conflict with the military's decisions. His loss isn't over something he was greedy about rather a choice to put his job and status before his heart or to step away from how things have been done and possibly his rank altogether

[@sonnynewman7527]

This hits really different after watching volume 7 and 8. I love the idea of Harriet being both the hare and the tortoise in the story. She is her own undoing as well, especially if you look at what happens between her and Qrow in volume 8. And the thing that was said about the tree and those sitting underneath it criticizing it right as they were sitting underneath is reminding me of how Elm (and the rest of the Ace Ops) didn't really appreciate the bond that they had with each other (and especially with Vine), even as they were benefitting from everything that the others did for them. Elm and Vine were a team, and so I look forward to see how Elm moves forward with her moves and how the loss of Vine effects her

[@AngryAnimeFan2]

Yeah they make sense Harriet is competitive and also pretty detached and professional, the hare was cocky but I still feel it fits Witt the character being into what she does Elms other story fits also, she is boisterous and open, like how the tree shaded thoose that lies under it; and she is strong and direct;, like the tree was when it attacked

[@michaelflores9220]

Thanks for explaining these! :)

[@spenserfarman3045]

But, is Harriet a Faunus is what we should be asking.

[@michaelconder5603]

Although I do believe the ace ops are based on Aesop's fables, I believe they are also intended by the writers to be a reflection of the traveling RWBY group in order to tell deeper stories about the characters we already know. That being said, the Aesop fable of the Elm & the vine romance may not reflect on the named characters themselves, it says A LOT about their counterparts: Ren & Nora. #teamrenora4life

[@Aloria]

Also, there's a fable about the hare with a lot of friends. Ties in with her line about the ace ops not being friends. Implying that having a lot of friends will let you down. Because it is easy to pass responsibility when there are more ppl to take the load.

[@thetypicallifeofcousins2703]

Looking back at Harriet and Ruby’s fight I think the fable she’s based on foretold the outcome. Harriet was the fastest one of the two, and lost.

[@derpytw]

for hariot "my grandpa was a rabbit faunus..." would be hilarious

[@quentinml747]

Concerning elm and vine, there is a french fable by Jean de la Fontaine (who was heavily inspired by Aesop, rewriting the fable of the heir and the turtle), concerning an Oak and a Reed. The reed is bent by the winds while the oak remains still, ans the oak makes fun of its weakness ; but then the winds turn into a wild storm, which takes the oak down, while the reed survives by being flexible. It's a métaphore saying that sometimes flexibility and debate is better than rock-steady strength. It fits quite well with Elm and Vine, since it corresponds both their semblances and personalities, with Vine being portrayed as a monk, very calm, diplomatic, and Elm being tougher, rougher, more down to earth and head first idk... sounds like a good connection to me

[@rickyneovhal2181]

The inuyasha reference was funny.

[@Wilsontripplets]

what was the reference?

[@rickyneovhal2181]

@@Wilsontripplets inuyasha

[@Wilsontripplets]

@@rickyneovhal2181 I know was talking about if it was in the episode. I have seen inuyasha

[@rickyneovhal2181]

@@Wilsontripplets well I means its more or less marrows semblance basically is the cursed leash inyusaha has on him that forces him crash on when kagome says "sit boy"

[@userjatto1603]

this guys eyelashes are so good, it was distracting to watch. Good shit my guy

[@Not_Ciel]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@PostStorm]

One theory goes is actually about Elm and Vine, and how Ren and Nora has been a bit... Not working out well to say the least. The theory is that Elm and Vine are in fact together in some way, and are direct parallels to Ren and Nora. Elm seems to be the more outgoing one while Vine is more calm, peaceful, and passive, a bit like Ren. People suspect we will get a Nora arc this volume, and in order to help with Ren and Nora, they will seek guidance from their parallels respectively. And if this happens to be true, than I think the fable would hold up fantastically!

[@brooknova19]

Looking back you got all of these dead on 😊

[@milkdrinkerer669]

Yet another great video :)

[@saraconway1860]

I think the Elm and the Vine analogy is actually kinda profound when you take into consideration their juxtaposition with Ren and Nora. Elm and Vine are presented in very similar ways to Ren and Nora, so their fable being related to marriage may be meant to say more about Ren and Nora than the ace ops themselves.

[@boluporter1529]

Really late, the Elm and Vine has several versions one of which is The reed and The Oak. Basically the Oak taunts the reed for being flexible and not rigid. Then in a massive wind blows the oak believes it's strength will hold, while the reed flails about in the wind. The oak breaks and the reed lives. Sometimes the reed is a Willow tree. I've seen different lessons, wisdom vs strength, opposing vs welcoming change, morality vs survival, the virtue of inaction over action.

[@rozalina9503]

when he said the toirtoise and the hare's fable, i was thinking about the fight with the grimm when harriet tried to catch the dust but ruby did it. in there, i see harriet as the hare (thanks cptn obvious!) and ruby as the tortoises because before this fight harriet said they were the same but she was faster than her. i said it lately, ruby caught up the dust so i'm happy to see the "fable" with our characters.

[@millieleah9277]

I know it's not really a fairytale or fable of sorts, but I would love to see some characters based on Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass! It's very late in the story so I doubt we'll be getting many more characters introduced, but hey if anyone wants to make some fitting OC's.... :3

[@khanjue5511]

I read the title then realized, Ace Ops = Aesop’s. So I clicked.

[@violette8715]

Rest in peace clover :'(

[@thysonphoenix776]

Vine could be a reference to the fox and the grapes. He has the aspects of the fox because he just doesn’t get it sometimes and his semblance is vines that could help him get things out of reach which works

[@Nononono-kt7oi]

Clover as the patient one who cuts off Harriet's foot when she drops her guard.

[@Simi_Cosplays]

OMG i love the fact that i mentioned Inuyasha, i love that anime! havent seen it in forever, loving the sequal too!

[@amythestmuse22]

I thought Marrow might be based on the nursery rhyme about Old Mother Hubbard. This makes much more sense.

[@CrazyTaxiPlayer]

Wait... Ace Ops...... Aesops..... I can't believe I didn't notice that earlier. I'm so stupid lol

[@Hondunu]

Wow... Theory somewhat Confirmed. Good job.

[@robfranklin6412]

For Elm and Vine, their corresponding fable could be The Oak and the Reed. The Oak who brags about being tall, mighty, and strong. The Reed who was humble, slender and moved with the wind, rather than stand against it. While they could have used the name Oak for Elm's character, I think there would have been some problems with using the name Reed for Vine's character, especially given his semblance power. I think Marrow may encompass most of the fables about dogs, but I still think there is something from The Boy Who Cried Wolf in his character, mainly his tendency to brag and tell stories. In episode 2, when he is telling one of his stories, we hear the line 'And then there was the Third Time'.

[@aalloy6881]

Try viewing Elm and Vine as a subtle reference to Nora and Ren's relationship.

[@Zeleharian]

I'm pretty sure Marrow is also a reference to Sokka from Avatar the Last Airbender because he is a warrior with a wolf tail and a boomerang.

[@Unholychaos987]

Wouldn't be the first time the warrior's wolf tail gag was used in the series

[@jwilson1687]

Also the front white hair in front reminds me of rabbit ears for Harriet

[@ravenanimations3176]

Phoenix/night, I think that the bionic arms might be a nod to the tortoise, as it is a kind of shell or exoskeleton.

[@Rose-the-fox]

Harriet is also associated with her fairy tale because of her name (HAREiet) and the little "ears" that her hair makes

[@TsunadeSpammer]

Although Aesop was not credited with these formerly, later fables hint at his authorship. (says the wiki) (elm and the vine)

[@Auslo703]

The arms are play on the term rabbit punch prolly

[@dcoston1991]

Elm being Elm is a subtle nod to The Elm and the Vine yes, but I think her fable is more The Oak and the Reeds. with the beacon students being the reeds.

[@gretagrace8]

Can you make a video speculating what Ruby’s “true” semblance is, if Harriet’s interpretation is correct?

[@plaguesoda9633]

She breaks down her molecular structure and goes zoom

[@skinnivanilli8740]

Fisherman's Tale: Patience will be rewarded Clover at the end of V7: *dies*

[@wwalwyn]

Harriet is compared to both the hare and tortoise. Speed of the hare but armor of the tortoise

[@rebeccateo8058]

You hear that Inuyasha reference? This boi deserves a cookie

[@itisishut.8303]

Big brain theory: Clover's big fish is Qrow

[@pandorafox1071]

Oh yeah. Big brain.

[@ryanfletcher3148]

Ace Ops, how did I jus realize that?

[@lukedeakin7124]

On arrogance, Vine also I believe told her not everything is a competition implying she, like the hare in the story, is very competitive

[@cinnakincat4260]

8:15 Makes sense!

[@Newra33]

Happy Thanksgiving :)