The Symbol of The NeverEnding Story: The Power of Auryn
In Michael Ende’s beloved novel and its film adaptation, The NeverEnding Story, one of the most iconic and mysterious elements is the symbol known as the Auryn. This mystical artifact not only serves as a key plot device but also carries deep symbolic meaning rooted in mythology, duality, and the essence of the story’s universe—Fantasia. The Auryn acts as a visual and metaphysical representation of the struggle and harmony between opposing forces, encapsulating the philosophical depth of this timeless tale.
What Is Auryn?
The Auryn is a powerful talisman in the world of Fantasia, gifted to the protagonist, Atreyu, by the Childlike Empress. It is depicted as two serpents—one light and one dark—serpentinely intertwined, each biting the other’s tail, forming an oval or ouroboros. It is both a symbol of eternity and a badge of authority that grants the bearer protection and the ability to act on behalf of the Empress herself.
Physical Description of the Auryn
- Design: Two intertwined snakes forming an endless loop, similar to a double ouroboros.
- Material: Gold, with the snakes rendered in contrasting tones to represent their dichotomy.
- Effect: Glowing, dynamic, and emanating a sense of mystical energy in both the film and the novel.
The Auryn features prominently on the front cover of many editions of the book and is easily recognizable, even outside the context of the story.
Symbolism Behind Auryn
The dual serpents of the Auryn represent opposing yet complementary forces. This concept connects to numerous cultural mythologies, including:
- Yin and Yang: Eastern philosophy’s representation of light and dark, male and female, passive and active.
- Ouroboros: An ancient symbol of eternity and renewal, often shown as a serpent eating its own tail.
- Balance of Power: Reflects the constant need for balance in the realm of Fantasia, where imagination and despair are in a constant tug-of-war.
In this way, the Auryn is more than just a magical item—it serves as an emblem of the central themes of The NeverEnding Story: balance, courage, belief, and the power of imagination.
Role in the Narrative
The Auryn is given to Atreyu to assist him on his quest to save Fantasia from The Nothing, a malevolent force representing despair and the erasure of imagination. The talisman protects Atreyu and guides him, but it does not provide direct answers. Instead, it amplifies his inner strength and convictions, suggesting that power comes from within.
Later, when Bastian enters Fantasia and wears the Auryn, he gains incredible power, but learns that each wish he makes causes him to lose a memory of the real world. The Auryn emphasizes the price of desire and the importance of self-discovery.
Auryn and the Themes of Identity
As much as it is a source of mystical guidance, the Auryn also compels its bearer to follow the path of true will. Carved on the reverse of the medallion is the message: “DO WHAT YOU WISH.” However, it is revealed that this does not mean indulgence—it means discovering one’s authentic self. The journey with the Auryn is, therefore, a journey outward through Fantasia and inward into identity, dreams, and healing.
Influence Outside the Story
The Auryn has become a compelling cultural symbol, finding its way into:
- Necklace pendants and other merchandise for fans of the franchise.
- Tattoos symbolizing self-discovery, balance, or imagination.
- Literary analysis as an example of how fantasy can carry profound psychological and philosophical meanings.
The lasting popularity of the Auryn is a testament to its layered symbolism and emotional resonance. While simple in design, its implications range from personal empowerment to cosmic balance.
Why the Auryn Still Matters
In an age where fantasy stories often emulate epic battles and magical icons, the Auryn stands apart. It does not wield direct power like a wizard’s wand or a warrior’s sword. Instead, it is a mirror, a guide, and a catalyst for personal transformation. Its real power lies in what it reveals about its bearer.
For readers and viewers alike, the Auryn serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, we carry within us the power to change our world—if we are courageous enough to honor our true selves.
