The Empowering Meaning & Symbolism of Cassandra in TLOU2

[@siboraremy9135]

You always seem to have something new to say and it is absolutely amazing. I seriously don’t think I’ve ever watched one of your videos without learning something new, and i can’t thank you enough for that. Your videos are always such a pleasure to watch and i am forever grateful to have found you so early on. As always, I can’t wait for the next video!

[@WolfofThorns]

I really appreciate that, Sibora!

[@SidPhoenix2211]

People often overlook just how much "agency" plays a big role in Ellie's arc in both games. The Fireflies never gave her a choice or notified her. Then Joel took her out of the hospital. No one asked or told her. In Part II, when she finally gets to make a choice and decide that she wants to forgive Joel, Abby comes along and snatches that chance from her. Her revenge trip to Seattle has a LOT to do with the guilt and trauma she feels and has. But I believe that the lack of agency Ellie feels plays a big part in it. At the end of Day 3, Ellie kinda decides that she is okay with going back home because it is for the best for everyone. Then Abby comes along and kinda ruins that, fights with Ellie, and then Abby decides to let Ellie go and once again, Ellie has no say in the matter. Whenever she decides that she wants to do something, that choice is taken away from her. She has NO control. Others make choices for her and she doesn't get to do anything but react to that. Santa Barbara is mostly about her inability to live with the guilt and trauma, but I do believe that Ellie wanting to find some semblance of her agency. Which is why when she FINALLY feels like she has the power, that she has control, that she has a choice... and that she has basically won, she lets Abby go. Ofc there are many other layers to that moment, but her agency def had a part to play there. She can finally let it all go, let Joel to rest, let her beef with Abby go and just move on and make her own choices. Upon finishing the game, I caught how her agency plays a role in her arc but didn't really see anyone else mention this aspect of her arc online. So it is nice to see a video kinda breaking it down. Great work as always, Dan :)

[@userjoao]

Great analysis!

[@Nightfol]

Wow. Thanks, that is very interesting!

[@Leon1910s]

Damn, never looked at it like this.

[@jesseworsty]

Two of my favorite topics: TLOU and Greek Mythology. Great job as always!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Jesse! 🤠

[@atp8108]

This is such a great interpretation! I hadn’t given much thought to Cassandra before, I hadn’t even realized it was a fictional play. I really liked the points you made about both Joel and Jerry taking away Ellie’s autonomy and how their conflict ultimately drove Ellie and Abby to be in conflict with each other. I feel like you could definitely make an argument for Abby being a Cassandra figure just because she’s the first to break the cycle of violence and Ellie does not heed her warnings that continuing the vengeance isn’t a good idea. Also Ellie was originally meant to kill Abby, similar to how Cassandra was killed by the wife in the story over an issue that originated with the men of the story.

[@WolfofThorns]

TLOU2 is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

[@happyadz8352]

Brilliant work as always wolf. It's so wonderful how deep the well of symbolism this game draws from is.

[@WolfofThorns]

It truly is, Happy, and thank you! 🤠

[@patientelijah861]

Hey, Wolf. First off, amazing video as always. Second of all, could you make a video on God of War 4 as I know you played it a while back on your Twitch.

[@NapalmNovocaine]

I'm so impressed that you picked up on this glorious little detail! As a theatre nerd, I immediately wanted a replica of that poster. But I never stopped to consider if there might have been a deeper meaning behind the title of the play. Thank you once again for expanding my ever-growing understanding and appreciation of the world of The Last of Us! 💕

[@WolfofThorns]

TLOU2 is the gift that keeps on giving--so many layers for us. And YES the Cassandra poster would be an amazing addition to our collections, wouldn't it? Thanks for sharing the love, Lanie

[@Lilhajxjk274]

I love these amazing story analysis videos and your relaxing voice

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, David! 🤠

[@wickdaline8668]

The game gets no credit for it's hidden foreshadowing, doesn't it now?

[@WolfofThorns]

TLOU2 is definitely a very dense work of art that keeps reflecting its layers back to us.

[@4evermilkman]

This game doesnt get many of the things it deserves

[@crazybabuskaman3923]

Because people can't be bothered to look this deep. They can go back to playing Metal Gear lmao.

[@timsalem4938]

What an amazing video as always, Wolf.

[@WolfofThorns]

You are too kind, the Grimmiest of Timmies! 🤠

[@Nashy30]

Nice Video. Interestingly in the greek tragedy "Agamemnon" Cassandra knows the time and place of her own death. While she does lament and pray to Apollo, she is bravely accepting of her fate. Furthermore, when the death of Cassandra and Agamemnon is revealed to the audience they see Clytemnestra standing over both their bodies. In my mind similar to the Joel death scene. Greek tragedy plays an important part in this story. The scarring of characters, the recognition and reversal. Abby literally says "Its you" when she is on the post before Ellie cuts her down and they fight to the almost death.

[@WolfofThorns]

I love your perspective, Chris

[@secondeye1574]

This and the mythology of the epic duel video are my favorites of yours. I've come to appreciate the shorter videos that dive into the layers behind a specific detail or details in the game over the longform analysis videos I used to love.

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you for sharing that, Deep Dive. My Mythology of the Epic Duel video is near and dear to my heart and doesn't nearly get as much love as many of the others, so thank you for sharing that.

[@secondeye1574]

@@WolfofThorns You're welcome & I'm glad, you should be very proud of that one. The connections in it and the way you explained it is amazing

[@WolfofThorns]

@@secondeye1574 🤠🥰🤠

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

Amazing analysis!!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, Carlos! 🤠

[@RamChop451]

This is fantastic. You should keep analyzing TLOU2. The more I learn (especially from your videos) about this game, I'm just struck with a sense of awe again and again, seeing the countless symbolic detail crammed into this title. TLOU2 is truly a gift, a beautiful game. It saddens me how so many hate it

[@WolfofThorns]

I agree with you, FuchsiaWolf, that TLOU2 and its many layers are truly the gift that keeps on giving. So glad you're enjoying the content!

[@anarhperez]

I loved this video, Wolf! Since the first time I played TLOU2, I thought a lot about the meaning of Cassandra and the correlations with the game's narrative. Your video answered some of my questions about it and really got me thinking about other possible symbolisms. The way you approached the topic of misogyny was very interesting. Such a great video! Your content is amazing

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you for sharing the love, Ana!

[@kasra123]

Absolutely brilliant analysis. Thumps up and subscribed!

[@alvarocoras10]

As always, excellent work you’ve done this time. This has to be one of the most underrated YT channels, the quality is just over the top man

[@WolfofThorns]

That really means a lot to me, Merino. Seriously. Thank you. I put a lot of effort into my videos so it is very meaningful to see that work appreciated in a comment such as yours

[@luminary2128]

My mind went straight to the story of Cassandra and Troy the moment I saw the playbill in the game. Awesome detailed words here, man. Review the whole game in a long video please!

[@tamikawise7409]

I absolutely loved this video. Definitely one of my favorites of yours so far. I remember the first time I played through the game. When Ellie picks up the playbill, I could tell it was a nod from the writers that this was something to take note of, but I couldn't quite piece together why. Though given the events to follow, I was heavily distracted. You lingering on "The Girl Who Cried Wolf" was a great touch, and really brought it home for me. Great job as always, Wolf!

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timutton7203]

Really great analysis! I always wondered what the meaning was behind Cassandra in the context of this game…I think you nailed it!

[@Ace-rr1sr]

Great content for a great game

[@LazyTallGuy]

I don't think I even remembered that play when playing the game but I do love the art, how her fur coat is also the gun smoke. Thanks for the video.

[@WolfofThorns]

My pleasure, LTG! And I absolutely LOVE that her fur mantle is the smoke from the pistol. Very much a blink and you miss it detail.

[@sophierussell7639]

This is genius! And thank you for sharing your thoughts and interpretations with us!

[@WolfofThorns]

My pleasure, Sophie! Thanks for watching and sharing the love

[@marble_drawer]

Myself, I would never delve this deep into little details like those mentioned but oh man am I glad someone did. I really appreciate how you brought up the parallels between Cassandra and Ellie/Abby and how the lives of the three characters were influenced by men's decisions. I never thought of the story from that angle but it sure opens a new door for interpreting various themes of this amazing game. Great work!

[@WolfofThorns]

Thanks, Aiden. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The layers upon layers to the details in the game's lore, writing, and worldbuilding never cease to amaze me.

[@kurokotetsuya1132]

Wow what an amazing analysis as always! It really speaks volumes about your dedication and work ethic that all of your subscribers expect excellence every time we watch a new video of yours! And you never fail to surpass those expectations! Thank you so much for continuing to explore all of the hidden depth of the Last of Us Part II! It was so fascinating to hear about all of the comparisons you brought up between Cassandra’s story and Ellie and Abby. I never noticed that the poster showed the blonde woman holding a gun. It’s really neat how the poster itself was a prophetic message about Abby’s eventual arrival at the theatre.

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you so much for saying so, Kuroko. 🤠 But my work just reflects one of things I love so much about Naughty Dog's execution of TLOU1, Left Behind, and TLOU2 which is their attention to detail, which just tells us so much about their passion for the stories they tell in this world. But, YES, great observation that the poster is in itself a Prophecy and we, the viewers, at the time of seeing are not heeding or catching on to the warning! Great observation on your part.

[@Crustycats]

I always found the posters and stuff some what creepy.

[@WolfofThorns]

Some of them are certainly very interesting!

[@TheMarine316]

Dude, I don’t know how you do it but you make every analysis video seem like some of the most interesting things no matter the subject 👍🏻

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you so much for saying so, Marine 3:16--I really appreciate that immensely.

[@Eliwi]

Your videos never miss! This was such a good interpretation. I love that this game gives us a chance to open conversations and make the community alive. btw it was really cool to play with you on Wednesday! 🔥

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you so much, Eliwi! The way Naughty Dog crafts their TLOU stories never ceases to amaze me. Was great to play with you as well and I look forward to more on SatisFactions! 🤠

[@samantharhodes4610]

Once again, you've delighted the English degree holder in me that wants to pick apart and analyze every last little crumb of all forms of literature. Thank you!

[@WolfofThorns]

My pleasure, Samantha! Glad you're enjoying the content. These games are truly a gift.

[@Vixen703]

Oh my god, you indirectly changed my life with these videos, thank you so much 😭

[@ismailhajjou749]

I just 100% this game grounded permadeath with the platinum trophy 🏆

[@NewMars.]

A little late: a coincidence (or not😅) Cassandra is also the name of the face model of Dina :)

[@ajscarecraft5560]

When you mentioned the blonde woman with a pistol I immediately thought about abby

[@alyx9191]

Holy fuck naughty dog did a fuck ton of research when it comes to small details

[@wendoversss]

Video was alright, but the claim that Joel's decision could be seen as "misogynistic" was absolutely ridiculous

[@Hero_Of_Old]

Agreed. Everything is anti male these days.

[@Mrpotatoman626]

I thought the Seraphites where named that because their leader was Sarah lol

[@liviafaria3706]

dear Wolf of Thorns, I would like to say thank you for this wonderful video, your work is really good. You master the storytelling technique and sum up complex subjects in a easy way to understand but not superficial way. Oh, I wish I have this talent. It's so interesting how everything in this game is not there by case, everything were meticulous chosen for a reason and thanks to you for dissecting this details that could easily pass unknown. I never played the game because I don't have PS but I'm a huge fan, I watched game plays but these kind of details can't be seen watching game plays. 😅

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you for the kind words, Livia, and I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for sharing the love

[@misterkevinoh]

A+ content brother, keep it up

[@WolfofThorns]

Thank you, MisterKevinoh!

[@WinterFogFilms]

Only loosely related, but a play about Cassandra during the roaring 20's is such a fun idea and I'm kind of mad it's not real.

[@WolfofThorns]

You and me both

[@exclusiveaccess85]

Wow so interesting info

[@swamp345]

It's fascinating to see just how deep this game is.

[@WolfofThorns]

TLOU, Left Behind, and TLOU2 are the layered onions that keep on giving.... and I love me some onions.

[@lover9923]

I missed your content so much!!!

[@ferchamp13]

De lujo 👌🏻

[@randomcoyote8807]

You have good and interesting insights. Good job!

[@WolfofThorns]

From one Canid to another, I really appreciate that, Coyote! 🐺

[@ddp5406]

🤗

[@EsgarSalinas]

I'm just here to support you 😉. No Matter what

[@WolfofThorns]

Means the world to me, One Virus!

[@koffeekira]

Amazing video! Thank you so much! Also, I'm not crying... I just have something in my eye, is all.

[@quatschkopq186]

That's great!

[@beatrizborges1041]

Brilliant!

[@WolfofThorns]

🤠

[@exclusiveaccess85]

The deep mind of ideas and interpretations of this game make this videos watchable

[@JULIAN11sly]

This game should have been a whole lot different than what we got....

[@exclusiveaccess85]

I never knew this info into I saw this video what a deep meaning

[@LexLutha]

I’m replaying this game again cuz I got a PS5 and it really could be the perfect game for me. I just love everything about this world. I hope they make a third one sooner rather than later.

[@WolfofThorns]

I am right there with you, Lex.

[@jameshampton4772]

You always make the best Last of us content on the internet plus I love how you can always fine good metaphor in them and makes it more fun to learn new stuff about Last of us!

[@WolfofThorns]

Absolutely my pleasure, James! 🤠 Thank you for sharing the love!

[@diananader8944]

So incredible thank you for all the information you give 😍

[@WolfofThorns]

Happy to help, Diana!

[@iraoscuro4514]

Thank you so much for the new video, it’s great as always

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you enjoy it, Irina!

[@reddwolf6579]

Excellent 💯 I love these lore videos

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you are enjoying them, Redd!

[@Joleke22]

Amazing video!!

[@WolfofThorns]

Glad you liked it, Filip!