Rainbow Symbolism

Rainbows are a significant symbol all throughout Altairus. In this world, the rainbow isn't simply a show of color after a rainy day; it is a creation of Anima itself, a representation of the force that created Altairus and protects it from harm.

In the World

Most rainbows in Altairus are manifestations of Air and Light magic. A rainbow bridge is a tangible rainbow that can be used as a platform to get from place to place.

However, there does exist another kind of rainbow in Altairus: the Anima rainbow. These spectra are created with Undifferentiated Anima, magic that has no special type and consists of all the elements. This kind of magic appears as a white aura with a colorful shimmer surrounding it.

It is these kind of rainbows that hold great significance in Altairus. Undifferentiated Anima is perhaps the most powerful magic of all, especially when it comes to facing down Wendigoes and Null Magic, the greatest existential threats the world has ever faced. It is powered by all the things Altairians hold dear: hope, laughter, connection... all things that Null Magic pales in the face of. Whenever one sees a rainbow in Altairus, they know that Anima is still alive and well in Altairus, no matter how bad things seem.

Color Symbolism

There is a reason why Undifferentiated Anima appears as white light or as a rainbow. It consists of all the elements of Anima , along with all their colors. When they are all condensed into one beam, they appear white, just as ordinary light behaves. Spreading out the beam causes a spectrum to appear, each color a different element of Anima :

The Rainbow vs. Null Magic

In contrast to Anima, Null Magic appears black. This is because it sucks in and absorbs all magic it comes into contact with. There is literally nothing there except emptiness and greed.

When Null Magic and the Anima rainbow clash, the rainbow always wins out, shattering the darkness where it touches. This adds another layer to the rainbow's symbolism; that of good overcoming evil. More specifically, of the different colors/elements (i.e. people) coming together to stand up to wickedness. The rainbow is a recurring sight in Altairian art and literature, often appearing when a powerful villain is defeated at the hands of the many.