The Auryn: The Iconic Symbol from The NeverEnding Story
The Auryn is the most recognizable and significant symbol from The Neverending Story, a fantasy novel by Michael Ende. This mysterious and potent medallion plays a central role throughout the narrative and carries deep symbolic meaning. Both in the novel and the 1984 film adaptation, the Auryn is a visual and thematic representation of balance, authority, and mystical power.
Appearance and Design
The Auryn is characterized by a remarkable design: two serpents intertwined in an ouroboros-like fashion. One serpent is dark and the other light, each biting the tail of the other, forming an infinite loop. This eternal cycle visually conveys the concept of duality and infinity.
- Material: The Auryn is typically depicted as a metal, amulet-like object, often in silver or gold.
- Serpents: The snakes represent opposing forces — creation and destruction, light and darkness, order and chaos.
- Symbolism: The infinity loop formed by the serpents symbolizes endless possibilities, the unending nature of stories, and the cyclical structure of life and imagination.
Role in the Story
In the world of Fantasia (or Fantastica, as named in the original novel), the Auryn is an emblem of the Childlike Empress’s authority. It is given to the protagonist, Atreyu, at the beginning of his quest, allowing him safe passage and the means to fulfill his critical mission to stop the destructive force known as The Nothing.
Later, it also becomes significant for Bastian Balthazar Bux, the boy reading the story from the real world, who enters Fantasia and uses the Auryn to shape and recreate the world. The medallion enables Bastian’s wishes to come true — albeit at a cost: with each wish, he loses a memory of his real life. This deepens the theme of balancing desire and consequence.
Meaning and Symbolism
The Auryn is not merely a magical object; it is a potent symbol of inner power and the complex interplay of imagination, identity, and responsibility. It encourages its wearer to “do what you wish,” a phrase engraved on the back of the medallion — but this directive is more profound than it appears. It implies one must follow their true will, not just act on whimsy. This idea reflects Michael Ende's philosophical influences, including existentialism and Jungian psychology.
Major Themes Associated with the Auryn
- Duality: The intertwined snakes highlight the interplay of opposites — light and dark, effort and consequence, chaos and order.
- Empowerment Through Responsibility: The Auryn grants great power but requires deep introspection and moral clarity from its bearer.
- Imagination and Creation: The item represents the boundless possibilities of creativity and the risks that come with shaping one's reality.
- Identity and Growth: Both Atreyu and Bastian undergo significant personal transformation while using the Auryn, illustrating inner development dramatized through magical adventures.
The Impact of the Symbol
The Auryn has transcended its origin in literature to become a pop culture icon. Fans of the book and film often recognize it instantly. From tattoos to jewelry, this emblem of endless imagination and inner truth continues to resonate with large audiences. Its philosophical undercurrents make it appealing not just as a fantasy artifact but as a metaphor for personal strength and spiritual exploration.
Comparative Mythology and Inspiration
Michael Ende drew upon diverse mythologies and traditions to shape the symbol of the Auryn. The ouroboros — an ancient symbol of a snake eating its own tail — appears in various cultures such as Egyptian, Norse, and Greek lore. It symbolizes eternity, rebirth, and the unity of all things.
By merging this concept with twin serpents and aligning it with the story’s magical themes, Ende created an emblem that feels both ancient and unique to the fictional world of Fantasia.
Final Thoughts
The Auryn is more than fantasy ornamentation. It is the thematic linchpin of The Neverending Story, encapsulating its messages of hope, responsibility, balance, and the power of imagination. Whether in literary analysis, film critique, or philosophical contemplation, the Auryn remains a symbol loaded with meaning, magic, and myth.
