Why is the Tree of Harmony Suddenly Sentient?

[@TheCommenterDragon]

I think the answer is simple DRWolf, It's like the tree itself said "Like all living things i change as i grow", meaning at some point the Tree of Harmony must've magically adapted, evolved or developed (or whatever you want to call it) to a higher state of consciousness ergo a crystally, glowing sentient physical form.

[@weldonwin]

I'd like to second this. I think we are looking at a combination of factors, the biggest one being the passage of time. For most of the last thousand years, the elements of harmony were separated from the tree. When they were restored, that formed a link between the tree and the element bearers IE the Mane Six that has triggered its slow evolution. The tree began communicating now, because it has only recently evolved to the point where it could do so

[@jjhggdcqz]

I also second it. I think the Pillars, i.e. the tree's creators, being brought back into the world may also have something to do with the tree growing and therefore changing. And the fact that the map grew after the events of the movie might mean that the tree has recently realized it needs wider influence which is why it reaches out to the Young Six, because they are from different countries. Although I myself am not so sure about the Young Six becoming the new element barers, but it is clear that they are developing some kind of connection to the tree.

[@javierrosas7238]

@@weldonwin Is this tree really alive and did Starswirl and the Pillers knew about this after they planted it❓

[@javierrosas7238]

@@jjhggdcqz Is this tree really alive and did Starswirl and the Pillers knew about this after they planted it❓

[@aaronmarkinson2670]

@@jjhggdcqz this'll makes lot since but there's only one more elements that still remains so there could be seventh element look at sunsetshimmers hers was redemption for some reason it could be that all along there were in fact more of them 6 was a plot of it from the beginning that we know. When we watch the entire show season's it seems there was something missing and you get that felling that it wasn't all there even in real life something missing about the concept and there fact more of them how many of you guys think that more them

[@borealwood]

My theory is kind of the sqme as others': without the Elements, the Tree's growth was hindered; when the Elements were returned to the Tree in the Season 4 pilot, it was able to start growing again. But there's more. When the Pillars of Equestria and their respective Relics reappeared, the Tree was able to grow faster and in ways never thought possible. That's when it gained sentience. However, it couldn't communicate with ponies yet, as it had no way to do that. Cut to The Mean Six. When they were doing... their thing at the Tree, they corrupted the Elements. The Tree had to uncorrupt them using its power. When it did so, it was doing something with its magic it had never done before. Therefore, as a side effect, Astral Twilight was born, and we know the story from there.

[@justinriley]

My guess is that is has something to do with the events of "The Mean Six". Chrysalis' clones were animated by her magic, so when the tree absorbed them at the end, it also absorbed some of her magic and effected it. The magic that the tree absorbed was strong enough for it to gain a semi sentience, but also corrupted the tree somewhat, as seen by the severity of the students' tests in "What Lies Beneath".

[@MLPDethDealr32]

that kind of makes sense.. o_O

[@thes6550]

The severity of the tests, however, was explained by the tree as being a simple illusion created by the students themselves. They weren't actually in danger, they were essentially testing themselves.

[@thes6550]

@Timber Humphrey But it was only as real as he thought it was. His was the most interesting because his fear of small places wasn't his real test. That was essentially him thinking the tree was going to test his fears. His true test was whether it was in his nature to be a good friend and help others once he escaped his self made "test". Smolder's similar test was to admit her love of girliness to herself then use that to strengthen someone else.

[@Gabyy631-f2k]

The S Not to be rude or anything. Why do you like Applejack? Boring character in my own opinion. I mean Pinkie Pie creative and funny, Rainbow Dash is loyal and brave, Twilight is intelligent and a good role model, Rarity has passion for fashion and a great designer, Fluttershy is sweet and understating . What make Applejack? Honest and Stubborn?

[@thes6550]

​@@Gabyy631-f2k I love her honest, down to earth, straight man humor. Your comment is a little out of left field though.

[@StarryUmbra]

My theory is the school is what gave the tree the power to be able to interact with everyone. Its magic is based on friendship and having a school of friendship that brings in many different forms of friendship that has yet to reach the tree until now. In MLP friendship gives a great magic, so much so it makes a whole castle and turns Twilight into an alicorn. And it did that with ONLY pony friendship magic and now that friendship from different creatures are starting to form directly "on top" of it, it gave it a whole new different kind of power. EDIT;; this also helps show why the tree was able to absorb the mean six when it wasnt really shown to do something like this before. Like with the seeds the tree couldve "absorbed" the seeds but it wasnt powerful enough at the time, with the new school and new friendship gave the tree power to be able to absorb anything out of balance.

[@lpsjewel]

I agree, makes sence for it to grow stronger with the different kinds of friendships developing with in the school.

[@aaronmarkinson2670]

What do you mean by that? Abcorb anything out of balance can you tell me what you mean a about that?

[@burnin8orable]

Wasn't it always sentient? It gave the mane 6 the chest, the castle, and the map.

[@wendyheatherwood]

That's what I was thinking. It's been sentient since it was introduced, but hadn't really got the hang of the whole verbal communication thing until recently.

[@spritemon98]

My answer: its magic don't question it, just like pinkie pie dont question it

[@TheCommenterDragon]

Alex Paniagua I totally agree,although i think the tree itself already answered the question because it's like it said "Like many things i change as i grow" which means there's a possibility that the trees magic somehow made it adapted,evolve or develop a higher state of consciousness ergo "a crystally,glowing sentient physical form.

[@spritemon98]

@@TheCommenterDragon good point

[@leohino9211]

I said the same thing.

[@theimmortalsuperbeing549]

Magica ( It's Magic ok ) lol.

[@GeorgeWiman]

In Star Trek we spend a lot of time talking about how Commander Data experiences memory, how transporters and replicators work, how warp drive works, and whether the Borg can be reformed. That's half the fun! Wait, this is MLP? I hardly noticed...

[@halomaxus]

Treelight Barkle

[@MLPDethDealr32]

this just made my day XD

[@adeer87]

👌

[@ubermacv2]

Well Doc one of the first things you said yourself in this video was that Discord sowed some bad seeds around the tree eons ago. I can imagine that those bad seeds we're sapping the trees powers for so long that it was just no more than simply a tree for the longest while. But now! Now that it has been fully restored and healed and meeting its full potential it wishes to do more to help the ponies it loves and sustains! It is a good tree after all!!

[@user-cs9hz4vb2i]

The Tree of Harmony reminds me of the **Traveler** from the Destiny franchise. The Traveler is proven to be sentient but it seems to only help at last minute or never even do anything except lending it’s **light** to the Guardians AKA the one who wield the power of the Traveler

[@lordprototype7175]

It was always sentient, it just didn’t have a way of communication

[@yvonnethompson844]

in our world, the trees have a complex communication system that partly depends on simbiosis with the microbiome, and the ability to carry various pheromones through the air. it's also shown when applejack is talking to her tree as she travels with it, for the transplant, she's taking him, from his family, and giving him into a strange environment, so, all the comfort, was appreciated, ... did i mention that trees have families?? trees have families, and actually have been shown to favor offspring... we've actually quantified they can"hear" with recordings of chewing bugs, getting the same types of responses that actual bug chewing does, and, their pain responce is the same as ours as far as the chemical signatures, (forgot witch one) applejack, can smell when something is wrong in the orchard, and so can you, if you get around your audiocentric thinking of communication, fresh cut grass is screaming "OOOOOOUCH !!! OW!OW! OW!"

[@SunnyRayPL]

Your videos are the best solution for exhaustion after a long day of university activities and programming job. It is possible that You're one of the entities that prevent me from loosing my mind. Thank You.

[@DRWolf001]

Glad to be of service :)

[@ImaCartoon4ever]

Or perhaps after that little ordeal with the Mean 6, the tree realized that Chrysalis might do something else that would cause the real Mane 6 to become corrupted or unable to possess the Elements of Harmony. And if that happens, then the tree would be left defenseless. So maybe, the tree decided to test some new characters to see if they could wield the Elements in the event the Mane 6 are no longer able to. After it found the Student 6, it started to work on making them acceptable replacements so that if Chrysalis succeeds in corrupting the mane 6, the tree has a backup plan. Since Chrysalis will be fixated on getting the mane 6 and Starlight, she'll never think to capture or manipulate the Student 6, who will now be the new bearers of The Elements of Harmony. The Tree is thinking ahead. The mane 6 are no longer going to be the bearers of the Elements.

[@lunabruce1804]

I think it was always sentient but only now has the ability to communicate.

[@xendordawnburst9969]

This episode really reminded me of the Clone Wars episode "The Gathering." Six younglings go inside a cave where they are tested, a Wookie tested patience, a Nautolan tested awareness, an Ithorian and Tholothian tested courage, a Rodian tested calmness, and a Human tested loyalty... Six students fall into a cave where they are tested, a Dragon tested openness, a Gryphon, Yack, and Hippogryph tested courage, a Changeling tested self-respect, and a Pony tested loyalty... I may not be a fan of MLP like many of you, but I did enjoy this episode. Probably because it reminded me of The Gathering.

[@replicaknight2219]

Oh I hope Chrysalis reforms and rejoin her family.

[@ktm0629]

The best answers I can think of for those questions are; 1) Maybe there are some truth to what Twilight said in the season 7 finale some spells they had used from the elements before (from when Celestia and Luna used to Elements to when the Pillars and the mane 6 used them to free Stygian) uses a lot of magic and if the elements lose all their magic they will disappear and "I don't think the Tree can survive without the Elements. If it dies, Equestria will suffer." 2) Both the "Elements'" and the "Tree's" magic are dependent on each others connections and on "Everyponies" harmony and friendship like how Twilight said in the season 5 finale. 3) After season 4 and before season 7 the "Elements" and the "Tree" needed more time to recover from all those previous times their magic was used. 4) The "Tree" chose the "Student 6" because Cozy Glow set up the "Mane 6." 5) The "Tree" maybe was trying to complicate that simple saying "the young and strong will survive." As in maybe during the Movie the Mane 6's friendship became weakened when they started becoming angry and resentful at each other for all their previous actions. In other word, in all those scenes when Twilight was trying to get Queen Novo's "Pearl of Transformation" while the other Mane 6 were trying to make new friends with Capper, the pirates or even the Seaponies, maybe they did not understand that they were trying to do what they thought was the right thing. 6) Or maybe the most like explanation I can think of is magic the "Tree of Harmony" is somewhat like God. As in like god the Tree does things in mysterious ways.

[@nikolasntais3947]

In the episode "what lies beneath" the tree of harmony said that it evolved with new abilities remember

[@crovax1375]

I still believe that Harmony tricked Discord by allowing him to mess with the map in the Matter of Principals episode. Using reverse psychology has worked on Discord before

[@TOMNICE]

I know this is an off topic but remember back when the first episode started with an opening book? I think the final episode will end with a closing book.

[@jonathangoodson9481]

I honestly like what you’re doing there Dr. Wolf.

[@NovaMoonstar]

All your questions have been answered when we hear the tree say, “Like all living things, I change as I grow. As I have grown, so have my abilities.” It took some time, but the tree has become self-aware, has become aware of others, and developed the ability to communicate with others.

[@joaocisne556]

I think it always have been sentient, but it only now it's needed for it to intervien, also I hope crystalys stays as a villian

[@MLPDethDealr32]

Here's something for thought Doc. What if Chrysalis ended up having a JOKER moment? She's already on the path to becoming unhinged. What if something happens to turns her into the MLP Version of the Joker? (Although secretly i want that to happen to Pinkie, since she has just as much or more in common with the Joker)

[@madx10thtimberhusky10]

Well thats a good point Doctor about the Tree Of Harmony but. As far as I've come to understanding it's nature how it lives, feeds and grows is quite easy to explain. The Tree Of Harmony feeds off love and friendship. How it works is that the roots grow underneath the places where it's strongest at like Ponyville. How it's roots come to grow and spread is quite simple Twilight and her friends go on friendship quests to help share the magic of friendship so it's roots can get stronger, bigger and have more magic going back to the tree. I would say more but. We all know long comments are boring so I come to a close on this for now. So who knows I may make a video about with pictures to explain more about it but. Who knows when I will have time for that. Thanks for reading my comment leave a like on the video and my comment please.

[@Gygabit]

I was a bit unsure at first, but in the end I actually like this theory! And if it does lead to the reformation of Chrysalis, then I will be a very surprised brony

[@LilacElf8582]

When the Tree of Harmony was first discovered, it was just Celestia and Luna who discovered it. (The Pillars of Equestria were in Limbo, remember?) But now we have The Pillars, the Mane Six, and the Student Six. I think having so many Element Bearers has supercharged the Tree of Harmony and literally given it a mind of its own.

[@Galimeer5]

I always figured it was as simple as the Tree itself explained: it's growing older and changing. But when you brought up the Mean 6, it got me thinking. Maybe the Tree was always sentient (to some degree), though after absorbing a comparatively small amount of dark magic from the Mean 6, that little bit of internal dichotomy was enough to give it a "personality" for lack of a better term.

[@user-ol2kl4kn2p]

the tree is alive

[@fictive9421]

I always just assumed it was always alive. for years I thought this, it was the only explanation on why the elements of harmony react uniquely to each situation without any input or effort from the main six. the reason it never came out and talked to anyone was simply because, well it didn't need to until now. for me this episode was a joy to watch, simply because it meant I was on the right track.

[@Templar127]

I bet the Tree of Harmony now has access to different types of magic unknown even to the princesses and Star Swirl. Would make a great episode :)

[@Draconicus702]

I've always assumed the tree was Sentient. However as its Twilight form said as it has grown so have its abilities. I think it has always been Sentient to some degree, but has only recently learned how to communicate with other creatures.

[@blaa6]

My reason: To make a character to tell the castle looks bad. Or something to tell to change it. Probably not that, but it's more me messing around and thinking about the fandom in 2014.

[@Elena-sp2re]

I think this is very possible and likely but what if it leads to something more, like a new set of elements, I mean there is still plenty of space for the tree to grow.

[@guywhodraws88]

I think I have a theory. In Seasons 4 up to Season 7's finale, the Tree of Harmony had no bearers of the Elements. When Twilight and her friends sacrificed the Elements to save the tree, the tree itself gained magic from them. Over time, it grew to understand the bearers of the Elements. This also adds up in Season 8. When Chrysalis created "fake" versions of the Mane 6, the tree knew that they were the "opppsites" of the Elements they were supposed to represent, so it kills them on the spot. In Season 8's post-finale and finale, the tree took on the form of Twilight, since she represents the 6th "hidden" Element, whom the Student 6 are mostly familiar with (also headmare of the school). The tree also saw them as worthy bearers of the Elements, but had to be challenged by their worst fears. When they overcame their fears, the tree approved them as worthy bearers of the Elements, hence the reason why it saved them in the finale. Overall, the tree gains a spirit that inherits knowledge over time, like we do.

[@Alsmiff]

The thumbnail of this video will probably be the cover image of the uk DVD release of Season 8.

[@star-stonelegend]

I think the tree has always been sentient. it just kept it a secret and waiting for the right moment to help. Maybe star swirl The bearded did not know what could happen when he and his friends created the tree. I mean think about it maybe the whole reason why he wasn’t able to tell the main six that “ hey discord is somehow draining my magic, can you return the elements of harmony?” And I’m sure The tree could predict the future I mean somehow Twilight was able to get the chest which holds the seeds to the castle of friendship and the magic that strong enough to destroy tearick. My only suggestion is that the tree well help when it senses danger beyond any control. Maybe the tree is also decided to help the student 6 becoming the new bearers of the elements of harmony. It’s really hard to figure it out, but the only way we could find out is if there’s the season nine coming up.

[@MrTinygod]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought about this My biggest thing Is seeing the Kind of interaction between The new group And the tree And if they actually are able to make their own element Or if it's the same element With a twist or something

[@rayvond1x692]

Indeed I strongly agreed with you Doctor.

[@Louise1025_LimbusCompany]

Hmmmmmmm SENTIENCE INTENSIFIES.

[@zuzoscorner]

What annoyed me as that Cozy is doing an eivl plan RIGHT n top of its roots and it does nothing to stop her of communcate.. you know up until the young six show up because plot demands -_-

[@jameskoschmann4618]

one word: magic

[@hashisala1392]

I think the student 6 needed a bigger push than past events.

[@theimmortalsuperbeing549]

All the magic it has used lately all the connections it has made all off the times the elements were used it has finally after all the power and emotions it has absorbed gained intelligence. Or It absorbed the evil six's individual intelligences turned them good and activated it's own personality.

[@imcintyre01]

MasakoX: MARKETING!

[@genotaurus9161]

My first Question actually was: WHY ON EARTH IS THE TREE OF HARMONY TORTURING CHILDREN??? I mean come on how could these test really help building their friendship. Some made sense like Sandbars but then there was nearly KILLING best Gryphon boy! Am I the only one confused?

[@yvonnethompson844]

they brought it with them.

[@crossroadsfate7433]

Shrug. Doctor wolf, I think that I may have a rough theory on what the seventh element is by looking through it from a chaotic pov. What I would use is the second season first two episodes, legend of everfree ending scene and my little shop of horrors. And the season eight mid finale for clues.

[@StellaMagic100]

May the more friendship in Equestria grows, the more life it's been given.

[@sparxstreak02]

My names 4 the New Element Bearers: Twilight Sparkle's successor: Gallus - Unity Pinkie Pie's successor: Silverstream - Joy Rarity's successor: Ocellus - Knowledge AppleJack's successor: Yona - Integrity Fluttershy's successor: Sandbar - Empathy Rainbow Dash's successor: Smolder - Reliability

[@eliangonzalezsantana1091]

Maybe the tree of Harmony has a plan to get Chrysalis to join the the good side

[@UriaKongOfficial]

1:39 HAHA! I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE TO THINK THAT! Terrafin from Skylanders owes me a root beer.

[@leohino9211]

The tree is made of magic and harmony. Why question it?

[@delphinebriand1554]

because it's fun :3

[@MrGabeanator]

Clayton Johnson exactly

[@mastermold10]

i think the tree has always been self aware, as to why it doesnt directly interveen with events, id say because it cant...its reach extends the length of its roots, till twilights castel formed those ended at the edge of everfree, the harmony that is gathering in ponyville around said castel is fueling her power feeding back thru her roots to the tree itself increasing its strength, but its also 'learning' not just growing its been watching, before now it didnt quite know 'how' to interact with ponies, recall how the trees imitation of twilight was a bit...off, how her tone was halting and her expresion stiff, who beter then to take the first steps with then children, children are after all the most forgiving of creatures a child may rage at you one moment only to forget it completly and be your greatest friend in the next with nothing but a simple act of kindness to smooth over the damage, the student six's quick forgiving of the tree for what it put them thru in that cave is a great example of this.

[@partyjams]

I like this idea. The episode the Mean 6 felt like a weird filler episode in season 8. But it does seem like a set up for future episodes. Plus I also had the same idea about the Mean 6 altering the Tree so I'm onboard with this theory. It really would be a great way to use these new element bearers. Chrysalis could be their Nightmare Moon.

[@alexmalcolm6309]

Starlight and the Mane Six Sounds like the name of a band

[@titanhades4331]

Its always been sentient. It was the one that got rid of the time travel scroll. It was the one that set in motion the recruitment of Starlight Young six is not happening. Its this seasons rainbow power. We won't see anything after this. They have served their purpose. They, after all, will be going back to their home nations in the end. It would make no sense to make new elements which will pretty much be rendered useless due to being too far apart to stop anything before its too late. Changeling Queen is the setup for Starlight becoming new element.

[@platypusfox73]

Well, this is based on my own personal research since I decided to keep an eye on this world and it is worth noting that I do view this world through a much different lens due to another fandom entirely (that's a story for another time) so take what I say with a grain a salt but here it goes. 1. I believe the tree has always been sentient it's just never acted before now aside from Twilight and Starlight's little time escapade. We saw acting a bit more this time around since as you suggested, wants to pass the torch to the next generation. I also believe it chose to act against the mean six sense there existence was creating an imbalance since the tree, the map, twilight and her friends, the pillars, as well as the power that permeates this world seem to be intrinsically connected to one another. 2. why didn't the tree take a more direct approach when Starlight was time hopping? Well if you remember there was another event going on at the same time in another world. Or to be more precise Sunset's battle with Midnight Sparkle who if you remember had become so powerful she was literally ripping holes in reality. This event going on at the same time combined with the fact it was maintaining Twilight Spike and the map was probably putting a lot of strain on the tree and the two separate worlds themselves that it was probably a miracle in of it self that it was able to do even that much. Whether the tree was also maintaining Starlight as well or if it was simply due to the time travel spell Is something I admittedly do not know. 3 Why didn't the tree act against Chrysalis when the others were kidnapped and replaced by changelings? Well as selfish as it sounds it's simply because it wasn't in danger. wail it is true that the tree didn't really come into existence until the Pillars it's still essential to the well being of this world. if something were to happen to it we would most likely see a scenario to the final timeline that Twilight and Starlight visited (discordia). True I did say earlier that Twilight and the others share a connection to the tree they had yet to have any real harm come to them aside from being kidnapped. It's also worth mentioning the changeling hive had that mysterious stone that was neutralizing all other magics. but that's just my personal interpretation on the matter I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me here but I did want to share my thoughts on the subject.

[@platypusfox73]

Oh yeah almost forgot. Why didn't the tree act against discord when it clearly was in danger? We'll like the episode said it's power was being drained it was only after regaining the elements that it was able to act.

[@ToeIn2194]

Very good points here Dr Wolf. Crystalis's spell essentially gave minds to pieces of wood so when the tree absorbed the cloned Mean 6 it absorbed that magic plus DNA information from the Mane 6 used to make them. If the sentience of the Tree Of Harmony comes from the Mean 6 that could also explain why some of the tree's tests for the students seemed a bit dark, because it absorbed dark magic and possibly some of the less desirable qualities of the Mean 6 along with a bit of Changeling magic. To me the fact that the Tree was able to tell the Mean 6 were frauds, and know when there is a friendship problem via the map etc tells me the Tree was growing to the point it had become aware already but maybe it could not speak or interact until it absorbed the clones. I think the presence of both the Castle and The Friendship School allowed the tree to feed on friendship magic and spread it in return through Equestria. Since the Castle is from a seed of the Tree it makes perfect sense that the roots grew under the castle and under the school and roots are for feeding etc.

[@blackroseknight77]

i think ya on to something doc." it's pretty good theory." ;3

[@Gresekjr122]

Fantastic video as always. Have a good Day.

[@javierrosas7238]

Can it be that this tree is alive and did Starswirl and the Pillers knew about this after they planted it❓ And why would it choose the Student Six for what reason❓❗

[@plaggkwami3146]

I think it was because tree of harmony could sense a friendship use in danger because of cozy glow's seeds of doubt

[@peterekstrom9633]

among a few things: "The Tree of Harmony" might be sharing similar powers to a particular sword... "The Sword of Gryffindor" for example. if you have read the 7th Harry Potter book… "the Deathly Hallows"It's in the comment about Goblin-Wrought Silver in Chapter 15 "The Goblin's Revenge". and i quote: "Goblin silver repels mundane dirt and imbibing only that which strengthens it"

[@Dracomut]

Considering how eccentric highly magic beings often are, my guess is that it was just pretending to be non-sentient and didn’t think it was important to intervene before

[@j.p.jennings3929]

It has always been sentient it just learns how to communicate like a baby saying its first words

[@TheStarryArcher1213]

This was interesting to listen to, Dr. Wolf! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! ^_^ What if the Tree of Harmony had gradually gained sentience through its connection with its creators and bearers? The Pillars created the Tree to protect Equestria. The princesses used the Elements as weapons. Both times, the Tree and Elements were used for very practical purposes. The Mane Six were the first to use the Elements to "heal". Their emotions and strong friendship probably influenced the Tree's growth the most. The Tree might have started to realize that there could be more to its existence than just taking down dangerous threats. I wonder if the Tree of Harmony could be considered a tsukumogami (artifact spirit). Tsukumogami apparently gain spirits after a hundred years, and the Tree has been around longer than that. I wonder how much the Tree depends on actual magic (not "friendship magic"). It might use magic to sense friendship problems, so something that disables magic might block the Tree's senses. Did Chrysalis's throne confuse the Tree so much that it wasn't able to warn the Mane Six in time? Maybe the Tree DID warn them last minute but couldn't be understood without a voice. Maybe this is why the map started reaching out to others.

[@TobyandMavisforever]

I do not want Chrysalis reform. But seeing the Young Six becoming Element barers? That I have to see.

[@BioniclesaurKing4t2]

See, VoiceOfReason? The Mean Six _is_ relevant to the plot, take that!

[@echowing9560]

I have mixed feelings regarding your theories. As interesting as a redemption arc could be for Chrysalis, I doubt the show could pull it off - the only major villain that they've come close to doing a proper redemption arc for is Sunset Shimmer. Also, as far as the Tree and intricate plots go...I'm hesitant to really assign that much intelligence to it. It's showing *sentience*, yes, but the question of whether or not it has *sapience* is still up in the air.

[@Tmon-it5zy]

Maybe it only have enough power to keep the forest in check until the evil six came and it learned to be self aware

[@Oberatous-Udurabas]

Imagine if the memory stone and Grogar’s bell were put in the tree

[@alexatkin]

As someone who thought the Chrysalis episode was probably the weakest of the season, I really like this idea. It would at least give the episode a point in the main storyline rather than the disappointing conclusion it had on its own.

[@spritemon98]

Yeah I'm also very confused by how the tree is sentient

[@yvonnethompson844]

so, in our own world, the sentient nature of trees was known about in the ancient times, when everything had souls, according to multiple cultures, it's not a mater of the tree being sentient now, and not before, it's a mater of generating the ability to communicate with the auditory species. in our world, the trees have a complex communication system that partly depends on simbiosis with the microbiome, and the ability to carry various pheromones through the air. it's also shown when applejack is talking to her tree as she travels with it, for the transplant, she's taking him, from his family, and giving him into a strange environment, so, all the comfort, was appreciated, ... did i mention that trees have families?? trees have families, and actually have been shown to favor offspring...

[@amandaslough125]

I would love to hear what the tree that legally owns its own land has to say. It's technically the offspring that lives in that spot now.

[@amandaslough125]

I would love for the tree to grow so strong, its power leaps through dimensions, and it finds its way into the next generation of MLP.

[@littlepipthelightbringer4197]

I think that the Tree Of Harmony itself is a sentient talking tree

[@smoothkirito]

I think a lot more is going on with Cozy Glow than has been shown. The student 6 and Chrysalis being reformed may play into this. I theorize that Grogar has been behind everything since the series began.

[@futabanarugonzalez3399]

Tree of Harmony is a God of Equestria

[@autisticwriter5763]

What do you mean suddenly sentient? It's always been sentient.

[@supersaiyandiclonius3056]

My theory is that the tree's abilities are similar in nature to the Dark Gods in Warhammer 40K, meaning it gets power directly from those who 'feed it' by embracing it's corresponding emotions (the elements), by this logic, it would make sense that it would grow in awareness and ability now that 6 races are giving it power rather than just one. Would you PLEASE do a collab with The Editor to discuss this, I have a guilty pleasure for combining MLP and 40K in not weird ways and I would love to hear thoughts on this.

[@someothername2585]

But Why wasn't it able to create a believable copy of Twilight? Especially since leater we see Rarity and Rainbow created by the tree and they, except for the personality, were perfect copies?

[@oprime]

My theory is quite simple. As Twilight and her friendship over Equestria gained strength, so did the tree. When Luna was cast to the moon, the bonds for the using the elements of harmony was distorted or disrupted, hence why she couldn't use them anymore and had to rely on Twilight and her friends who reignited the power and made it possible to recharge the tree and save it from Discord's plants. When the pillars came back and helped fix their friendship, that again created a boost because the creators had their friendship powers back fully along with Twilight and her friends. So, power of friendship times 2 if you think about it. It's probably been fully sentient since Twilight returned the elements of harmony to the tree but been unable to communicate until it absorbed the evil main 6. If the students become new element bearers, then the power of friendship for the tree will be a triangle through 3 different aspects of friendship. Even the new main 6 will bring in differences that are still similar, yet from how Twilight and her friends are to the Pillars. Once the magic of friendship is shared outside of the pony world, to other creatures you'll probably see even more obvious signs of sentience and decision making from the tree. I'm curious if Twilight or even Starswirl know about the tree sentience or not. My guess is the tree has grown farther than even Starswirl the bearded could even imagine, which could make things more interesting when a certain evil pony of friendship (who is with Tirek) makes a return, probably with Chrysalis's help or somehow makes friends with the other imprisoned ones like Twilight did to use magic to escape. Anyway, to wrap up, the Tree of Harmony isn't done by a long shot but I'm leaving one last thought. How does this effect the Equestria Girls? (Assuming the tree is ALSO helping magic in that realm as well).

[@koopaking6148]

I think that the mean six thing definitely help it progress to the state it is at now... Which makes me wonder what else in the world helped it progress to where it is at now? I'm also wondering if Celestia knows anything about the tree since at one point in time she and Luna held the elements as well?...

[@replicaknight2219]

King Sombra should come back but with memory loss. First he will be confused as to why everybody dislike him, later a bit of trust will build up between him and other characters and at the end if he gets his memories back will be conflicted. Will he return to tyranny or be a new him and start off clean.

[@Venquine_R]

I do agree that the absorption of the Mean 6 gave the Tree of Harmony new power, obviously just about enough to become sentient and take on Twilight's form, which I can also see is thanks to the beings that she absorbed, but I disagree on the rest. If the Student 6 were to *beat* Crysalis instead of *befriending and redeeming* her, I would be more inclined to agree. Sorry, but I personally think that Crysalis *not* accepting Starlight's hoof, the way that Starlight did with Twilight, was a brilliant move on the writer's part and I hope they stick with it. After all, it was only a few seasons ago that everyone and their mother complained about how many villains got redeemed and I'm sticking to that. Friendship might be magic, but teaching kids that *everyone* can change their ways through it; that's just lying to the audience. Sorry, if I end this on a cynical note, but that's just how I see it.

[@partyjams]

I kinda agree with that last note. That's why I hope Cozy stays evil but only time will tell

[@wendyheatherwood]

I think it was always sentient, at least from when we first see it, but due to the fact it had spent a thousand years at less than full power fighting off those vines Discord planted it's not been able to really reach its potential. As soon as the elements were returned it designed a test for the mane six. Then when they passed the test it created a new home (complete with plumbing, furniture and some quite detailed architectural features) for the one that had recently lost her home and then started sending them on missions to fix various problems, always picking just the right ones needed to solve them. When Starlight rewrote history the map stayed in all the altered timelines which, if I recall correctly, Twilight suggested was because the tree knew something was wrong. The big change in season 8 is the fact it started directly communicating. Even the way it dealt with the Mean Six wasn't that far off from how it destroyed the vines when it got the elements back. My guess would be that direct communication was just a particularly difficult thing for it to master. It's not an animal and doesn't have any obvious way of hearing or seeing in a traditional sense. It's a very alien sort of life form and probably not one that verbal communication and body language would come naturally to.

[@motownwarriano5890]

The Tree Of Harmony is indeed sentient. It did help the Young 6 free Starlight and save all the magic in Equestria

[@MyRkAcc]

Dont ask, just buy the new "Tree of Harmony" figurine!

[@kaspi001]

Hypothesis: the tree feeds off harmony, the more harmony there is the faster it grows. As the tree grows, so do its roots extend far and wide. When the tree encounters an area that lacks harmony it sends its agents--the element bearers--to rectify the situation = friendship mission. As the tree has access to more abundant food source its power grows, leading to what might have been an 'instinctual' behaviour to develop into a full blown sapience. The tree will now use the bearers more directly to spread harmony more efficiently, using the excess energy to grow even more. And once the tree has consumed enough energy, it will fully mature into a Crystalline Entity of Star Trek fame.

[@delphinebriand1554]

Short answer : plot convinience

[@jonathangoodson9481]

I asked like what you’re Doing their Dr. Wolf.

[@DragonKin100]

My theory, the tree is grooming twilight as a potential host. It showed itself to the student six and was mimicking the young alicorn in a cold robotic nature, meaning it is trying to branch out or make the assimilation easier. It has always been sentient, anything magical tends to have a mind of its own, and this was created by the original six guardians who had some extremely potent magic themselves, so it was only a matter of time before the tree could and would act for itself, the return of the elements boosted its power and growth, its absorption of the mean six, promoted urgency in seeking a way to better protect its self against threat and distruction especially after the event with discord's seeds. In gaining a host it will effectively brake up the main six twilight will no longer be the element of magic but the element of Harmony, thus finds the need to groom the student six to become the representatives of the elements. The student six will most likely become more powerful then the original main six, as they are starting younger and are more deserve and will be able to deal with Chrissy be it banishment or befriendment. But again its just a theory.

[@taddad2641]

honestly i don't think its a case of 'suddenly sentient' but its a case of it always being sentient. but it has recently gained the power and abilities to directly communicate as it needs it.

[@pineapplefishy758]

ask the pillars

[@spamotron1178]

You said it yourself the Tree was containing the Plunder Seeds for over a thousand years. My guess is that battle stagnated its development. Once the Plunder Vines were destroyed and the Elements returned its evolution made up for lost time.

[@cyberflight3079]

My theory is that, hominy had spread so strongly in equestria, that the tree of harmony gained stronger magic and is able to use abilities it couldn't before, and it's thanks to friendship that it's gotten so strong.... besides, if that tree was in our world, it would die in a day

[@ASHERUISE]

Keep in mind that the Tree had to trap the young 6 underground in its root system in order to communicate with them.

[@nathanaelmortensen6952]

Hey doc whats up

[@ZeroRyoko]

Had nothing to do with Chrysalis, Simply the fact that as it has grown, so it has changed. "It even said as much!" With growth comes understanding, and now its reached a point of awareness, probably because as friendship grows, so does the tree. Why Twilight? Because she is the princess of friendship. Why the student six? Because the tree guessed they would face the upcoming trial, and needed to show them that they are stronger than they believed. Why not communicate before? It was, the but stamp glowing was the tree communicating. So simple a young child could understand :)

[@IkeFanBoy64]

Add this to the growing list as to why S9 being the finale is a terrible idea.

[@mindshuffler3332]

You think Twi could sue the Tree for using her likeness without her consent? Copyright laws, baby!

[@atiliopoolcartoonawesome]

awesome love 😊