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{{About-distinguish2|a fictional location|a [[List of Pretoria suburbs#Pretoria East|suburb of the same name in Pretoria East]], Pretoria, South Africa}}
{{About-distinguish2|a fictional location|a [[List of Pretoria suburbs#Pretoria East|suburb of the same name in Pretoria East]], Pretoria, South Africa}}
{{Multiple issues|section=|
{{In-universe|date=January 2018}}
{{Copy edit|date=January 2018}}
}}
{{Infobox fictional location
{{Infobox fictional location
| name = Equestria
| name = Equestria
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| quote =
| quote =
| language = American English
| language = American English
}}</ref> However, because the [[English alphabet|Latin-English text]] is seen several times throughout the show,<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> it is understood that this is simply [[English language|English]] under a different name. Equestria is a [[federal state|federal]] [[Constitutional monarchy|constitutional]] [[principality]], led by the four princesses and one prince of Equestria and a neighboring nation, the Crystal Empire.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":1" /> The nation was founded when the three pony tribes, [[unicorns]], [[Pegasus|pegasi]], and [[Horse|earth ponies]], came together in harmony to fight the [[Wendigo]]s, and to stop an eternal blizzard.<ref name=":0">{{Cite episode
}}</ref> However, because the [[English alphabet|Latin-English text]] is seen several times throughout the show,<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> it is understood that this is simply [[English language|English]] under a different name. Equestria is depicted as a [[federal state|federal]] [[Constitutional monarchy|constitutional]] [[principality]], led by the four princesses and one prince of Equestria and a neighboring nation, the Crystal Empire.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":1" /> The founding of Equestria is described as the result of the cooperation of [[unicorns]], [[Pegasus|pegasi]], and [[Horse|earth ponies]], who come together in harmony to fight the [[Wendigo]]s and stop an eternal blizzard.<ref name=":0">{{Cite episode
| title = Hearth's Warming Eve
| title = Hearth's Warming Eve
| episode-link =
| episode-link =
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===Founding===
===Founding===
Equestria was founded when the three pony tribes (the [[Pegasus|pegasi]], [[unicorns]] and the earth ponies) joined together in order to beat back the windigos and to prevent an eternal [[blizzard]].<ref name=":0" /> This event is celebrated as "Hearth's Warming Eve"; this holiday is the equivalent of the December holidays.<ref name=":0" />
The episode "Hearth's Warming Eve" describes the founding of Equestria as the result of the cooperation of the three races of ponies (the [[Pegasus|pegasi]], [[unicorns]] and earth ponies) who join together to beat back the Windegos and prevent an eternal [[blizzard]].<ref name=":0" />


===The Sister Princesses/Nightmare Moon===
===Sister princesses and Nightmare Moon===
Many years later, the royal sisters Princess Celestia and Luna were crowned as the co-rulers of the Kingdom.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/870199595|title=The journal of the two sisters : the official chronicles of Celestia and Luna|last=Keating,|first=Rogers, Amy|isbn=0316282243|location=New York|oclc=870199595}}</ref> They led the nation with few incidents<ref name=":2" /> (excluding an attempt by Discord the Draconequus to invade the nation) for several centuries, until the "Nightmare Moon" incident: Princess Luna wrongly believed that the populace's strong preference for Celestia's day over her night was a sign of their hatred of her, and her resulting anger caused her to turn on her sister and Equestria, turning into "Nightmare Moon", and attempting to cause an eternal night. Celestia, using the mystical "Elements of Harmony", reluctantly banished Nightmare Moon to the moon for one thousand years. Therefore, becoming the sole princess of Equestria for nine and a half centuries until Princess Cadence would ascend to become a ruling alicorn princess alongside Celestia.<ref>{{Cite episode
"Hearth's Warming Eve" portrays sisters Princess Celestia and Luna as the first rulers of Equestria.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/870199595|title=The journal of the two sisters : the official chronicles of Celestia and Luna|last=Keating,|first=Rogers, Amy|isbn=0316282243|location=New York|oclc=870199595}}</ref> Their reign is characterized as peaceful,<ref name=":2" /> with the exception of the appearance of Discord, a spirit of chaos and disharmony known as a ''draconequus'', who attempts to invade Equestria in the two-part episode "The Return of Harmony".

⚫
| title = A Canterlot Wedding (Part 1)
The series begins with the [[origin story]] of Princess Luna's evil [[alter ego]], Nightmare Moon. The story goes that when Princess Luna incorrectly believes that ponies' strong preference for daytime over nighttime is evidence that they hate her, she rejects her sister and Equestria, transforms into Nightmare Moon, and attempts to create eternal night. The "Elements of Harmony" are presented as the means of banishing Nightmare Moon to the moon for one thousand years.<ref name="Episode 1">{{Cite episode |title=Friendship is Magic (Part 1) |episode-link=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (season 1) |series=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |series-link=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |date=17 September 2011 |season=1 | number=1 |language=English}}</ref>
| episode-link =
| url =
| access-date =
| series = My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
| series-link =
| first =
| last =
| network = The Hub Network
| station =
| date = 2012-04-12
| season = 2
| series-no =
| number = 25
| minutes =
| time =
| transcript =
| transcript-url =
| quote =
| language = American English
}}</ref>


===The Return of Nightmare Moon===
===Return of Nightmare Moon===
After one thousand years of banishment to the moon, Nightmare Moon returned and kidnapped Celestia. Her plan to bring eternal night was again foiled by the Elements of Harmony. The elements were now wielded by a group of ponies from Ponyville: Earth Ponies [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Applejack|Applejack]], wielding the element of honesty, and [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Pinkie Pie|Pinkie Pie]], wielding the element of laughter, Pegasi [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Rainbow Dash|Rainbow Dash]], wielding the element of loyalty, and [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Fluttershy|Fluttershy]], wielding the element of kindness, and Unicorns [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Rarity|Rarity]], wielding the element of generosity, and [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Twilight Sparkle|Twilight Sparkle]], wielding the element of magic, and would later rise to become an Alicorn princess, Princess Twilight Sparkle. (often referred to as the "Mane 6").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mylittlepony.hasbro.com/en-us/characters/mylittlepony|title=Equestria Girls Characters {{!}} MLP Characters {{!}} MLPEG|last=Hasbro|website=mylittlepony.hasbro.com|language=en|access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> The elements successfully defeated Nightmare Moon and turned her back into Princess Luna.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=http://nerdist.com/figures-and-speech-my-little-pony-guardians-of-harmony-figures-target-boys-and-girls/|title=My Little Pony – Guardians of Harmony Figures Target All Genders {{!}} Nerdist|date=2016-11-15|work=Nerdist|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
The two-part episode "Friendship is Magic" at the beginning of the series portrays the defeat of Nightmare Moon by the protagonists, a group of six ponies known as the "Mane&nbsp;Six". Each pony is associated with one of the six "Elements of Harmony" that defeat Nightmare Moon: [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Applejack|Applejack]] with honesty, [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Pinkie Pie|Pinkie Pie]] with laughter, [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Rainbow Dash|Rainbow Dash]] with loyalty, [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Fluttershy|Fluttershy]] with kindness, [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Rarity|Rarity]] with generosity, and [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Twilight Sparkle|Twilight Sparkle]] with magic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mylittlepony.hasbro.com/en-us/characters/mylittlepony|title=Equestria Girls Characters {{!}} MLP Characters {{!}} MLPEG|last=Hasbro|website=mylittlepony.hasbro.com|language=en|access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> Episode&nbsp;2 ends with the defeat of Nightmare Moon and her transformation back into Princess Luna.<ref name="Episode 2">{{Cite episode |title=Friendship is Magic (Part 2) |episode-link=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (season 1) |series=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |series-link=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |date=17 September 2011 |season=1 | number=2 |language=English}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=http://nerdist.com/figures-and-speech-my-little-pony-guardians-of-harmony-figures-target-boys-and-girls/|title=My Little Pony – Guardians of Harmony Figures Target All Genders {{!}} Nerdist|date=2016-11-15|work=Nerdist|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />


===The Return of Discord===
===Return of Discord===
Soon after the return of Nightmare Moon, and subsequently, Princess Luna, the chaos spirit<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2014/01/24/my-little-pony-discord-solo/|title='My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic': See Discord's first solo!|date=2014-01-24|work=EW.com|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en-US}}</ref> Discord the Draconequus freed himself from his stone statue prison. Attempting to spread chaos throughout the land of Equestria, he nearly overtook the bearers of the elements, going as far as to capture Ponyville for his "World Capitol of Chaos". Fighting back, the bearers of the elements found Discord on his throne in chaos-controlled Ponyville, then using the Elements of Harmony, turned Discord back into his stone prison, saving the day. These adventures of the Mane 6 were shown in the episode [[The Return of Harmony]]. With the help of the Mane 6, specifically Fluttershy, Discord is eventually reformed<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/news/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-what-about-discord-review/138498|title=My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic "What About Discord?" Review {{!}} Unleash The Fanboy|date=2015-11-15|work=Unleash The Fanboy|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en-US}}</ref> and becomes a savior of Equestria in his own right a few years later.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.militarypress.com/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-exploring-the-crystal-empire-for-families-on-dvd/|title=‘My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Exploring the Crystal Empire’ for families on DVD|date=2017-02-10|work=Military Press|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en-US}}</ref>
Discord first appears at the start of season&nbsp;2, escaping from imprisonment as a stone statue and attempting to spread chaos throughout Equestria.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2014/01/24/my-little-pony-discord-solo/|title='My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic': See Discord's first solo!|date=2014-01-24|work=EW.com|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en-US}}</ref> In the two-part episode "Return of Harmony", he captures Ponyville for his "World Capitol of Chaos" but is defeated by the "Elements of Harmony". Discord makes an appearance again in episode 10 of season&nbsp;3, "Keep Calm and Flutter On", where he develops a friendship with Fluttershy and is reformed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/news/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-what-about-discord-review/138498|title=My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic "What About Discord?" Review {{!}} Unleash The Fanboy|date=2015-11-15|work=Unleash The Fanboy|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en-US}}</ref> In season 6, Discord is portrayed as a savior of Equestria.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.militarypress.com/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-exploring-the-crystal-empire-for-families-on-dvd/|title=‘My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Exploring the Crystal Empire’ for families on DVD|date=2017-02-10|work=Military Press|access-date=2017-09-02|language=en-US}}</ref>


===The Changeling Invasion of Canterlot===
===Changeling invasion of Canterlot===
While Princess Cadence was preparing to be married to Shining Armor<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://ew.com/article/2012/04/29/royal-wedding-anniversary-prince-william-kate-middleton/|title=Royal Wedding anniversary -- how it influenced pop culture|last=Profis|first=Michelle|date=2012-04-29|website=Entertainment Weekly|language=American English|access-date=}}</ref><ref name=":4" />(the captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot, and the brother of Twilight Sparkle) in Canterlot, changelings (creatures that can change their physical form, and feed off the love of others) covertly snuck into the town. The [[changeling]] Queen Chrysalis, imprisoned and impersonated Cadence so she could feed off Shining Armor's love for her.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/arts/top-5-lessons-for-adults-from-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-2369949|title=Top 5 Lessons for Adults From My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic|last=Ohanesian|first=Liz|date=2012-04-16|work=L.A. Weekly|access-date=2017-09-04}}</ref> Twilight Sparkle discovered this, freed Cadence, and publicly announced her discovery just before the imposter of Cadence and Shining Armor could be wed. This allowed Cadence and Shining Armor to defeat the Changelings with the power of their love, with the help of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony (the Mane 6 ponies).<ref name=":4">{{Cite episode
At the end of season&nbsp;2, the two-part episode "A&nbsp;Canterlot Wedding" depicts the marriage of Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle's "foal-sitter", to Prince Shining Armor, who is the captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot, and brother of Twilight Sparkle.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://ew.com/article/2012/04/29/royal-wedding-anniversary-prince-william-kate-middleton/|title=Royal Wedding anniversary -- how it influenced pop culture|last=Profis|first=Michelle|date=2012-04-29|website=Entertainment Weekly|language=American English|access-date=}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> This episode introduces Queen Chrysalis, a [[changeling]] who imprisons and impersonates Cadance prior to her wedding in an attempt to invade Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. Chrysalis' strength as an antagonist arises from her ability to consume the love Shining Armor has for Cadance.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/arts/top-5-lessons-for-adults-from-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-2369949|title=Top 5 Lessons for Adults From My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic|last=Ohanesian|first=Liz|date=2012-04-16|work=L.A. Weekly|access-date=2017-09-04}}</ref> Twilight Sparkle discovers this, frees Cadance, and reveals Cadance's impostor before the wedding. Cadance and Shining Armor defeat the changelings with the power of their love and with help from the "Elements of Harmony".<ref name=":4">{{Cite episode
| title = A Canterlot Wedding (Part 2)
| title = A Canterlot Wedding (Part 2)
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}}</ref>


===The Return of the Crystal Empire===
===Return of the Crystal Empire===
In the far north, the Crystal Empire, home of the Crystal Ponies, reappeared. Its vile ruler, King Sombra, was defeated one thousand years ago by Celestia and Luna, but not before he brought about its disappearance. With the help of Cadence and Shining Armor, the Mane 6 ventured to the Crystal Empire. They stopped the returned King Sombra from retaking the Crystal Empire by finding the Crystal Heart that protects it. Upon finding it, and with a great deal of help from Spike, Twilight's dragon assistant, they successfully used its power to destroy King Sombra and save the Crystal Empire, while finding that ruling over the Crystal Empire is Cadence's destiny.
The Crystal Empire is introduced in season&nbsp;3 as the home of the Crystal Ponies located in the far north of Equestria. Its ruler, King Sombra, is the antagonist in the two-part episode "The Crystal Empire". He is defeated by Celestia and Luna and disappears along with his empire for one thousand years. With the help of Cadance and Shining Armor, the "Mane 6" venture to the Crystal Empire after it reappears. They stop King Sombra from retaking the Crystal Empire by finding the "Crystal Heart" that protects it, with help from Spike, Twilight's dragon assistant.<ref name="Episode 53">{{Cite episode |title="The Crystal Empire" (Part 1) |episode-link=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (season 3) |series=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |series-link=My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic |date=10 November 2012 |season=3 | number=1 |language=English}}</ref> They realize that ruling over the Crystal Empire is Cadance's destiny.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}


== Settlements ==
== Settlements ==
There are many settlements in the Kingdom, madeleddeled after or based on cities in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Canada]].
Various settlements in Equestria are identified throughout the series and used as the setting for one or more episodes. The settlements are modeled after or based on cities in the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Canada]].


=== Notable Locations in the Show ===
=== Ponyville ===
The primary settings shown within the show are:

==== Ponyville ====
{{Infobox fictional location
{{Infobox fictional location
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| name = Ponyville
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The main setting of the show, and home to the "Mane 6" characters. Ponyville is a small village within the center of Equestria, and is within sight of Canterlot, Equestria’s capital city. Ponyville's main design scheme is [[Bavaria]]n, with some minor touches of [[Americana]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=The Art of Equestria|last=|first=|publisher=Hasbro|year=2015|isbn=9781613127728|location=|pages=}}</ref> Ponyville is also the home of the Castle of Friendship, the residence of [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Twilight Sparkle|Twilight Sparkle]], her assistant Spike the Dragon, and her pupil, the villain-turned-hero Starlight Glimmer. Ponyville is led by elected Mayor Mare and home to "Sweet Apple Acres", known as the home of the primary members of the "Apple Family".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/my-little-pony-concept-art-friendship-magic/|title=‘My Little Pony’ Concept Art Shows Off The Backgrounds of Equestria and Raises Money For Japan|website=ComicsAlliance|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-07}}</ref>
Ponyville is the main setting of the series, and home to the "Mane 6" characters. Ponyville is portrayed as a small village within the center of Equestria, within sight of Canterlot, Equestria's capital. The design of Ponyville is mostly [[Bavaria]]n, with a minor influence of [[Americana]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=The Art of Equestria|last=|first=|publisher=Hasbro|year=2015|isbn=9781613127728|location=|pages=}}</ref> The [[My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (season 4)|season&nbsp;4]] finale, "[[Twilight's Kingdom]]", introduces the Castle of Friendship in Ponyville as the residence of [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters#Twilight Sparkle|Twilight Sparkle]], her assistant Spike the Dragon, and her pupil, the villain-turned-hero Starlight Glimmer. Mayor Mare is depicted as the leader of Ponyville, who lives in "Sweet Apple Acres" with the primary members of the "Apple Family".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/my-little-pony-concept-art-friendship-magic/|title='My Little Pony' Concept Art Shows Off The Backgrounds of Equestria and Raises Money For Japan|website=ComicsAlliance|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-07}}</ref>


According to the book ''Art of Equestria'', which describes the creation of the show and its universe, the show creator, [[Lauren Faust]], originally proposed the name of "Fillydelphia" (a pun on the city of [[Philadelphia]]) instead of Ponyville. The show later added Fillydelphia as a new, separate city.<ref name=":1" />
According to the book ''Art of Equestria'', which describes the creation of ''My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'' and its universe, the creator of the series, [[Lauren Faust]], originally proposed the name ''Fillydelphia'' (a pun on the city of [[Philadelphia]]) instead of Ponyville. The series later added Fillydelphia as a new, separate city.<ref name=":1" />


The creator of ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]'', [[Lauren Faust]], wrote in a comment on her [[DeviantArt]] page that the Everfree Forest is west of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres is southwest, and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow are located north of the farm, presumably between Ponyville and the forest. Canterlot is northeast of Ponyville.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comments.deviantart.com/4/1603670/1877744252|title=Comment on fyre-flye's profile|first=Lauren|last=Faust|work=[[DeviantArt]]|date=2011-02-19|accessdate=2017-09-17}}</ref> However, in subsequent interviews, both Faust and [[Jayson Thiessen]] mentioned that the geography and continuity of the show are loosely defined and may change as necessary,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/interview-jayson-thiessen-friendship-is.html|title=Interview: Jayson Thiessen (Friendship is Magic Director)|author=Phoe|date=2011-07-11|accessdate=2017-09-16}}</ref> and a layout artist stated on December 10, 2011, that the production team had no official map of Equestria at their disposal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=83882&st=0&p=1964805&#entry1964805|title=A layout artist regarding a Flash asset in Secret of My Excess|accessdate=2012-01-23}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20170917163501/https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/5/55/Nayuki_on_map_of_Equestria_in_2011.png Image archived].</ref>
Faust wrote in a comment on her [[DeviantArt]] page that the Everfree Forest is west of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres is southwest, and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow are located north of the farm, presumably between Ponyville and the forest. Canterlot is northeast of Ponyville.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comments.deviantart.com/4/1603670/1877744252|title=Comment on fyre-flye's profile|first=Lauren|last=Faust|work=[[DeviantArt]]|date=2011-02-19|accessdate=2017-09-17}}</ref> However, in subsequent interviews, both Faust and the supervising director and executive producer of the series, [[Jayson Thiessen]], mentioned that the geography and continuity of the show are loosely defined and may change as necessary,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/interview-jayson-thiessen-friendship-is.html|title=Interview: Jayson Thiessen (Friendship is Magic Director)|author=Phoe|date=2011-07-11|accessdate=2017-09-16}}</ref> and a layout artist for the series stated on December 10, 2011, that the production team had no official map of Equestria for reference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=83882&st=0&p=1964805&#entry1964805|title=A layout artist regarding a Flash asset in Secret of My Excess|accessdate=2012-01-23}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20170917163501/https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/5/55/Nayuki_on_map_of_Equestria_in_2011.png Image archived].</ref>


Upon the release of the ''Art of Equestria'', however, an official map was released. It suggests that the Everfree Forest is to the east of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres to the southeast, and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow are located due north of the farm.<ref name=":1" />
Upon the release of ''Art of Equestria'', however, an official map was released. It suggests that the Everfree Forest is to the east of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres to the southeast, and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow are located due north of the farm.<ref name=":1" />


==== Everfree Forest ====
=== Everfree Forest ===
Directly adjacent to Ponyville is the "Everfree Forest". The forest is noted as being one of the few places in Equestria that the weather is not controlled by the pegasi, but instead moves on its own. The forest contains the location of the original castle home of Princess Celestia and Luna, as well as the location where the Nightmare Moon incident primarily occurred. Contained inside the castle is the hiding location of the Elements of Harmony. They were used in the Nightmare Moon incident and stayed in the castle until her return one thousand years later,<ref name=":3" /> when they were used by the Mane 6.<ref name=":8" /> The forest is filled with "many strange creatures", as quoted from the episode, "Stare Master".<ref>{{Cite episode
The series depicts the Everfree Forest as a grove adjacent to Ponyville. The forest is noted as being one of the few places in Equestria where the weather is not controlled by the pegasi, but instead moves on its own. The original castle of Princess Celestia and Luna is depicted in Everfree Forest, and Everfree Forest is a prominent setting in the episode "Friendship is Magic", where Nightmare Moon is defeated. The location of the "Elements of Harmony" is shown to be within Everfree Forest. The episode "Stare Master" states that the forest is filled with "many strange creatures".<ref>{{Cite episode
| title = Stare Masters
| title = Stare Masters
| episode-link =
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}}</ref> Creatures from the Everfree include [[Lernaean Hydra|Hydras]], [[Manticore]]s, Cragadiles ([[crocodile]]-like creatures, made of stone), Timber Wolves (huge [[Gray wolf|wolves]] made of [[tree]] trunks), [[Sea Serpent]]s, [[Cockatrice]]s, Parasprites (small [[Insect|bug]]-like creatures, highly destructive, but generally regarded as cute), and Ursas (two huge, [[bear]]-like creatures, with enlarged teeth and blue or purple fur).<ref>{{Cite episode |title= Friendship is Magic: Part 2|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= The Hub Network|station= |date= 2010-10-22|season= 1|series-no= |number= 1|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=American English}}</ref>
}}</ref> The episode "Friendship is Magic" shows that creatures from the Everfree Forest include [[Lernaean Hydra|Hydras]], [[Manticore]]s, Cragadiles ([[crocodile]]-like creatures made of stone), Timber Wolves (huge [[Gray wolf|wolves]] made of [[tree]] trunks), [[Sea Serpent]]s, [[Cockatrice]]s, Parasprites (small [[Insect|bug]]-like creatures that are highly destructive, but generally regarded as cute), and Ursas (two huge, [[bear]]-like creatures, with enlarged teeth and blue or purple fur).<ref name="Episode 2" />


==== Canterlot ====
=== Canterlot ===
{{Infobox fictional location
{{Infobox fictional location
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| name = Canterlot
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}}


The capital city of Equestria,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.toonzone.net/little-pony-commemorates-international-day-friendship-starting-july-30-2017/|title=MLP: International Friendship Day|last=|first=|date=2017-08-30|website=Toon Zone News|access-date=}}</ref> a castle-walled city, built on the side of a mountain in the center of the country. Canterlot is home to Princess Celestia and Luna, and was the original residence of Twilight Sparkle before she moved to the small town of Ponyville.
Canterlot is depicted as the capital of Equestria,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.toonzone.net/little-pony-commemorates-international-day-friendship-starting-july-30-2017/|title=MLP: International Friendship Day|last=|first=|date=2017-08-30|website=Toon Zone News|access-date=}}</ref> a castle-walled city, built on the side of a mountain in the center of Equestria. Canterlot is the setting of the home of Princess Celestia and Luna and the residence of Twilight Sparkle before Ponyville. The name ''Canterlot'' is a ''[[portmanteau]]'' of ''[[Camelot]]'' and ''[[canter]]''.


⚫
=== Manehattan ===
The name is a pun off of the [[legend]]ary city of [[Camelot]], and the [[horse gait]] while running, a [[canter]].
⚫
Manehattan is based on the island of [[Manhattan]], portrayed as a large port metropolis, with many landmarks resembling those from [[New York City]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2014/01/02/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-rarity-exclusive/|title='My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic': Rarity takes Manehattan|date=2014-01-02|work=EW.com|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref> Like Ponyville and Canterlot, Manehattan is depicted as the location of one of Rarity's boutiques, known as "Rarity for You".<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/news/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-made-in-manehattan-review/137857|title=My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic "Made in Manehattan" Review {{!}} Unleash The Fanboy|date=2015-09-26|work=Unleash The Fanboy|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref> Notable features of the setting include conventions differing from Ponyville's, as seen in the episode, "Stranger Than Fan Fiction",<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":7" /> and an elevated train. Starlight's Village is a community in the Manehattan region and is characterized by a semi-arid climate. The villain-turned-hero Starlight Glimmer is associated with this setting,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thefederalist.com/2015/04/08/my-little-pony-to-children-marxism-is-not-magic/|title=My Little Pony To Children: Marxism Is Not Magic|last=Television|date=2015-04-08|website=The Federalist|access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref> which is also called Our Town and Starlight.

⚫
=== Other Cities ===
=== Seaward Shoals ===
Other cities visited or mentioned in the show include, but are not limited to:
⚫
Seaward Shoals is portrayed as a small rocky coastal port town, similar to those of the [[New England]] region of the United States. Also called Silver Shoals or Rocky Shoals, the community is the setting of the episode "P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)".<ref name=":11">{{Cite episode

⚫
| title = P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)
⚫
==== Manehattan ====
⚫
Manehattan is based on the island of [[Manhattan]], portrayed as a large port metropolis, with many landmarks resembling those from the city of [[New York City|New York]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2014/01/02/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-rarity-exclusive/|title='My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic': Rarity takes Manehattan|date=2014-01-02|work=EW.com|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref> Like Ponyville and Canterlot, Manehattan is also home to one of Rarity's boutiques known as "Rarity for You".<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/news/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-made-in-manehattan-review/137857|title=My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic "Made in Manehattan" Review {{!}} Unleash The Fanboy|date=2015-09-26|work=Unleash The Fanboy|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref> The city is also notable for being home to different conventions, as seen in the episode, "Stranger Than Fan Fiction".<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":7" /> The city has an elevated train service for residents.

==== Baltimare ====
Based on the city of [[Baltimore]], only mentioned, never visited in the show.<ref>{{Cite episode
| title = It's About Time
| episode-link =
| episode-link =
| url =
| url =
| access-date =
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| series = My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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| network = Discovery Family
| network = Discovery Family
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| date = 2016-10-01
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| series-no =
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}}</ref>


==== Fillydelphia ====
=== Las Pegasus ===
⚫
Las Pegasus is depicted as a floating cloud city, like Cloudsdale. Based on the cities of [[Las Vegas]] and [[Paradise, Nevada]], Las Pegasus is portrayed as "one big party",<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=http://www.militarypress.com/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-fluttershy-floats-onto-dvd/|title=‘My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Fluttershy’ floats onto DVD|date=2017-08-31|work=Military Press|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref> with many hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, arcades, and casinos. Las Pegasus was the setting of the episode "Viva Las Pegasus".<ref name=":5" />
Based on the city of [[Philadelphia]], only mentioned, never visited in the show. As stated previously, Fillydelphia was the original name for Ponyville when the show was in development.<ref name=":1" />


==== Vanhoover ====
=== Somnambula ===
Based on the city of [[Vancouver, Canada|Vancouver]], only mentioned, never visited in the show. The town is mentioned of being the former home of "Grand Pear", grandfather of Applejack (one of the Mane 6 ponies).<ref>{{Cite episode |title= The Perfect Pair|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= Discovery Family|date= |season= 7|series-no= |number= 13|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=}}</ref>
Somnambula, roughly based on [[Egypt]] and North Africa, has an arid, desert climate, excluding a few oases.<ref name=":7" /> It is notable as a city that the pony adventurer "Daring Do" saves twice. The character of Somnambula, a [[legend]]ary heroic [[pegasus]], who rescues the prince of the Kingdom from a [[sphinx]], is the city's namesake.<ref name=":7" /> Somnambula also frees the city from its leader's taxing and oppressive reign. The city is noted as once being ruled over by pharaohs,<ref name=":7" /> and is first mentioned in the episode "Stranger than Fan Fiction",<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2016/07/22/my-little-pony-patton-oswalt-comic-con/|title='My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic': See Patton Oswalt's new pony in action|date=2016-07-22|work=EW.com|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title= Stranger than Fan Fiction|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= Discovery Family|date= |season= 7|series-no= |number= 13|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=American English}}</ref> and shown again in the episode "Daring Done?".<ref name=":7">{{Cite episode |title= Daring Done?|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= Discovery Family|date= |season= 7|series-no= |number= 16|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=American English}}</ref>


==== Yaket Mountain Range ====
=== Other locations ===
Located in the north of the Equestrian lands, the Yaket Mountain Range has an alpine climate.<ref name=":1" /> It is noted as being a base for exotic plant growth, which are often used in the creation of medicines.<ref name=":10" /> This region has been visited in the IDW comic ''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' Issue 36.<ref name=":10">{{Cite comic
The Yaket Mountain Range is portrayed as the region north of Equestria, characterized by an alpine climate<ref name=":1" /> and exotic, medicinal plants.<ref name=":10" /> This region is a setting in the IDW comic ''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' issue&nbsp;36.<ref name=":10">{{Cite comic
| cartoonist = Christina Rice, Tony Fleecs
| cartoonist = Christina Rice, Tony Fleecs
| story =
| story =
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| panel =
| panel =
| id =
| id =
⚫
}}</ref> The setting of San Franciscolt is based on the city of [[San Francisco]], and is only mentioned in the book ''Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell|last=Berrow|first=G.M.|publisher=Turtleback School & Library/Hasbro|year=|isbn=9780606317337|location=|pages=}}</ref> Dodge Junction is a setting based on the cities of the American [[Wild West]], particularly [[Dodge City]] in [[Kansas]], and is portrayed as a bustling township that mainly revolves around a cherry farm run by the earth pony Cherry Jubilee. Similar to Dodge Junction, Appleloosa, a pun of the [[Appaloosa]] horse breed, is based on the cities of the American [[Wild West]] and mainly revolves around an apple orchard that is home to members of the "Apple Family".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://thefederalist.com/2017/04/17/4-positive-countercultural-messages-little-pony/|title=4 Positive Countercultural Messages In 'My Little Pony'|last=Television|date=2017-04-17|website=The Federalist|access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref> Appleloosa is depicted as bordering on the buffalo lands, home of the native [[American bison|buffalo]] tribes.<ref name=":3" />
}}</ref>


⚫
Cloudsdale is portrayed as a floating city made of clouds, which is only accessible by winged animals and creatures that have had a cloud-walking spell cast on them. Cloudsdale is said to be the original home and birthplace of main characters [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic characters#Rainbow Dash|Rainbow Dash]] and [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic characters#Fluttershy|Fluttershy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2015/07/03/what-cloudsdale-and-pegasi-in-my-little-pony-teach-kids-about-classical-greece-and-rome/&refURL=https://www.google.com/&referrer=https://www.google.com/|title=What Cloudsdale And Pegasi In 'My Little Pony' Teach Kids About Classical Greece And Rome|last=|first=|date=2015-07-03|website=Forbes|access-date=}}</ref> Cloudsdale is a pun of [[Clydesdale Horse|Clydesdale]], a breed of horse.
==== Seaward Shoals ====

⚫
Seaward Shoals is portrayed as a small rocky coastal port town, similar to those of the [[New England]] region of the United States. Also called Silver Shoals or Rocky Shoals, the community is visited in the episode "P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)".<ref name=":11">{{Cite episode
In episodes throughout the series and in promotional material, other locations are mentioned, but not used as settings. A partial list includes Baltimare, based on the city of [[Baltimore]];<ref>{{Cite episode
⚫
| title = P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)
⚫
| title = It's About Time
| episode-link =
| episode-link =
| url =
| url =
| access-date =
| access-date =
| series = My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
| series = My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
| series-link =
| series-link =
| first =
| first =
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| network = Discovery Family
| network = Discovery Family
| station =
| station =
| date = 2016-10-01
| date = 2012-03-10
| season = 6
| season = 2
| series-no =
| series-no =
| number = 22
| number = 20
| minutes =
| minutes =
| time =
| time =
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| quote =
| quote =
| language = American English
| language = American English
}}</ref> Fillydelphia, which is based on the city of [[Philadelphia]] and was the original name for Ponyville when the show was in development;<ref name=":1" /> and Vanhoover, which is based on [[Vancouver, Canada]] and is described as the former home of "Grand Pear", Applejack's grandfather.<ref>{{Cite episode |title= The Perfect Pair|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= Discovery Family|date= |season= 7|series-no= |number= 13|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=}}</ref>
}}</ref>

==== San Franciscolt ====
Based on the city of [[San Francisco]], this city is only mentioned in the book ''Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell.''<ref>{{Cite book|title=Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell|last=Berrow|first=G.M.|publisher=Turtleback School & Library/Hasbro|year=|isbn=9780606317337|location=|pages=}}</ref> It has never been visited in the show.

==== Las Pegasus ====
⚫
Las Pegasus is a floating cloud city (like Cloudsdale). Based on the cities of [[Las Vegas]] and [[Paradise, Nevada]], Las Pegasus is portrayed as "one big party",<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=http://www.militarypress.com/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-fluttershy-floats-onto-dvd/|title=‘My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Fluttershy’ floats onto DVD|date=2017-08-31|work=Military Press|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref> with many hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, arcades, and casinos. Las Pegasus was visited in the episode "Viva Las Pegasus".<ref name=":5" />

==== Dodge Junction ====
Based on the cities of the American "[[Wild West]]", particularly the real-life [[Kansas]] town of [[Dodge City]], Dodge Junction is portrayed as a bustling western-esque township which mainly revolves around a cherry farm. The cherry farm is run by the earth pony Cherry Jubilee.

==== Appleloosa ====
⚫
A pun of the equine breed [[Appaloosa]], based on the cities of the American "[[Wild West]]". Similarly to Dodge Junction, Appleloosa mainly revolves around an apple orchard and is home to members of the "Apple Family".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://thefederalist.com/2017/04/17/4-positive-countercultural-messages-little-pony/|title=4 Positive Countercultural Messages In 'My Little Pony'|last=Television|date=2017-04-17|website=The Federalist|access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref> Appleloosa borders on the buffalo lands, home of the native [[American bison|buffalo]] tribes.<ref name=":3" />

==== Starlight's Village ====
Starlight's Village is a community in the Manehattan Region and has a semi-arid climate. It was once led by the villain-turned-hero Starlight Glimmer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thefederalist.com/2015/04/08/my-little-pony-to-children-marxism-is-not-magic/|title=My Little Pony To Children: Marxism Is Not Magic|last=Television|date=2015-04-08|website=The Federalist|access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref> It has also been called Our Town and Starlight.
⚫
==== Somnambula ====
Somnambula, roughly based on [[Egypt]] and the other North African nations, has an arid, desert climate, excluding a few oases.<ref name=":7" /> It is notable as a city saved twice by the adventure pony "Daring Do". The city is named after the [[legend]]ary heroic [[pegasus]] Somnambula, who after solving the riddles of an evil [[sphinx]], rescued the prince of the Kingdom from the sphinx's lair.<ref name=":7" /> Somnambula also freed the city from its leader's taxing and oppressive reign. The city is noted as once being ruled over by pharaohs,<ref name=":7" /> and was first mentioned in the episode "Stranger than Fan Fiction",<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2016/07/22/my-little-pony-patton-oswalt-comic-con/|title='My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic': See Patton Oswalt's new pony in action|date=2016-07-22|work=EW.com|access-date=2017-09-04|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title= Stranger than Fan Fiction|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= Discovery Family|date= |season= 7|series-no= |number= 13|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=American English}}</ref> and was shown in the episode "Daring Done?"<ref name=":7">{{Cite episode |title= Daring Done?|episode-link= |url= |access-date= |series= My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic|series-link= |first= |last= |network= Discovery Family|date= |season= 7|series-no= |number= 16|minutes= |time= |transcript= |transcript-url= |quote= |language=American English}}</ref>

==== Cloudsdale ====
⚫
A pun of the equine breed [[Clydesdale Horse|Clydesdale]]. Cloudsdale is a floating city made of clouds, which is only accessible by pegasi and winged animals that have cloud-walking magic or creatures that have had a cloud-walking spell cast on them. Cloudsdale is the original home and birthplace of main characters [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic characters#Rainbow Dash|Rainbow Dash]] and [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic characters#Fluttershy|Fluttershy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2015/07/03/what-cloudsdale-and-pegasi-in-my-little-pony-teach-kids-about-classical-greece-and-rome/&refURL=https://www.google.com/&referrer=https://www.google.com/|title=What Cloudsdale And Pegasi In 'My Little Pony' Teach Kids About Classical Greece And Rome|last=|first=|date=2015-07-03|website=Forbes|access-date=}}</ref>

There are many other cities of Equestria, most of which have only been mentioned and not yet visited.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 05:48, 22 August 2018

This article is about a fictional location. It is not to be confused with a suburb of the same name in Pretoria East, Pretoria, South Africa.
Equestria
Created byChancellor Pudding Head
Commander Hurricane
Princess Platinum
GenreAdventure, Fantasy
In-universe information
TypeFederal constitutional principality
RulerPrincess Celestia
Princess Luna
Princess Cadence
Prince Shining Armor
Princess Twilight Sparkle
Princess Flurry Heart
Race(s)Majority:
Pegasi Ponies
Unicorns
Earth Ponies
Minority:
Mules
Donkeys
Dragons
Griffons
Alicorns
Draconequus
Breezies
Minotaurs
Yaks
LocationsCelestial Coast
Baltimare
Manehattan
Fillydelphia
Starlight's Village
Hollow Shades
Haysead Swamps
Capital Region
Canterlot (Capital)
Ponyville (Main Setting)
Winnyiapolis
Neighagara Falls
Luna Coast
Vanhoover
Tall Tale
San Franciscolt
Las Pegasus
Palomino Desert
Dodge Junction
Appleloosa
Sonambula
PopulationMillions (Exact Unknown)
LanguagePonish

The Kingdom of Equestria, or simply Equestria, is the primary setting for Hasbro's animated show My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and its feature film My Little Pony: The Movie.[1][2][3] Instead of English, it is mentioned that they call their language "Ponish".[4] However, because the Latin-English text is seen several times throughout the show,[5][6][7] it is understood that this is simply English under a different name. Equestria is depicted as a federal constitutional principality, led by the four princesses and one prince of Equestria and a neighboring nation, the Crystal Empire.[8][9] The founding of Equestria is described as the result of the cooperation of unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies, who come together in harmony to fight the Wendigos and stop an eternal blizzard.[10]

History

Founding

The episode "Hearth's Warming Eve" describes the founding of Equestria as the result of the cooperation of the three races of ponies (the pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies) who join together to beat back the Windegos and prevent an eternal blizzard.[10]

Sister princesses and Nightmare Moon

"Hearth's Warming Eve" portrays sisters Princess Celestia and Luna as the first rulers of Equestria.[10][11] Their reign is characterized as peaceful,[11] with the exception of the appearance of Discord, a spirit of chaos and disharmony known as a draconequus, who attempts to invade Equestria in the two-part episode "The Return of Harmony".

The series begins with the origin story of Princess Luna's evil alter ego, Nightmare Moon. The story goes that when Princess Luna incorrectly believes that ponies' strong preference for daytime over nighttime is evidence that they hate her, she rejects her sister and Equestria, transforms into Nightmare Moon, and attempts to create eternal night. The "Elements of Harmony" are presented as the means of banishing Nightmare Moon to the moon for one thousand years.[12]

Return of Nightmare Moon

The two-part episode "Friendship is Magic" at the beginning of the series portrays the defeat of Nightmare Moon by the protagonists, a group of six ponies known as the "Mane Six". Each pony is associated with one of the six "Elements of Harmony" that defeat Nightmare Moon: Applejack with honesty, Pinkie Pie with laughter, Rainbow Dash with loyalty, Fluttershy with kindness, Rarity with generosity, and Twilight Sparkle with magic.[13] Episode 2 ends with the defeat of Nightmare Moon and her transformation back into Princess Luna.[14][15][16]

Return of Discord

Discord first appears at the start of season 2, escaping from imprisonment as a stone statue and attempting to spread chaos throughout Equestria.[17] In the two-part episode "Return of Harmony", he captures Ponyville for his "World Capitol of Chaos" but is defeated by the "Elements of Harmony". Discord makes an appearance again in episode 10 of season 3, "Keep Calm and Flutter On", where he develops a friendship with Fluttershy and is reformed.[18] In season 6, Discord is portrayed as a savior of Equestria.[19]

Changeling invasion of Canterlot

At the end of season 2, the two-part episode "A Canterlot Wedding" depicts the marriage of Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle's "foal-sitter", to Prince Shining Armor, who is the captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot, and brother of Twilight Sparkle.[8][20] This episode introduces Queen Chrysalis, a changeling who imprisons and impersonates Cadance prior to her wedding in an attempt to invade Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. Chrysalis' strength as an antagonist arises from her ability to consume the love Shining Armor has for Cadance.[21] Twilight Sparkle discovers this, frees Cadance, and reveals Cadance's impostor before the wedding. Cadance and Shining Armor defeat the changelings with the power of their love and with help from the "Elements of Harmony".[20]

Return of the Crystal Empire

The Crystal Empire is introduced in season 3 as the home of the Crystal Ponies located in the far north of Equestria. Its ruler, King Sombra, is the antagonist in the two-part episode "The Crystal Empire". He is defeated by Celestia and Luna and disappears along with his empire for one thousand years. With the help of Cadance and Shining Armor, the "Mane 6" venture to the Crystal Empire after it reappears. They stop King Sombra from retaking the Crystal Empire by finding the "Crystal Heart" that protects it, with help from Spike, Twilight's dragon assistant.[22] They realize that ruling over the Crystal Empire is Cadance's destiny.[citation needed]

Settlements

Various settlements in Equestria are identified throughout the series and used as the setting for one or more episodes. The settlements are modeled after or based on cities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Ponyville

Ponyville
First appearanceFriendship is Magic: Part 1
Last appearancepresent
Created byThe Apple Family/Princess Celestia
In-universe information
TypeTown
RulerMayor Mare
Race(s)Majority:
Pegasi
Unicorns
Earth Ponies
Minority:
Dragons
Alicorns
LocationsSweet Apple Acres
The Castle of Friendship
Everfree Forest
Sugarcube Corner
Town Hall

Ponyville is the main setting of the series, and home to the "Mane 6" characters. Ponyville is portrayed as a small village within the center of Equestria, within sight of Canterlot, Equestria's capital. The design of Ponyville is mostly Bavarian, with a minor influence of Americana.[9] The season 4 finale, "Twilight's Kingdom", introduces the Castle of Friendship in Ponyville as the residence of Twilight Sparkle, her assistant Spike the Dragon, and her pupil, the villain-turned-hero Starlight Glimmer. Mayor Mare is depicted as the leader of Ponyville, who lives in "Sweet Apple Acres" with the primary members of the "Apple Family".[23]

According to the book Art of Equestria, which describes the creation of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and its universe, the creator of the series, Lauren Faust, originally proposed the name Fillydelphia (a pun on the city of Philadelphia) instead of Ponyville. The series later added Fillydelphia as a new, separate city.[9]

Faust wrote in a comment on her DeviantArt page that the Everfree Forest is west of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres is southwest, and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow are located north of the farm, presumably between Ponyville and the forest. Canterlot is northeast of Ponyville.[24] However, in subsequent interviews, both Faust and the supervising director and executive producer of the series, Jayson Thiessen, mentioned that the geography and continuity of the show are loosely defined and may change as necessary,[25] and a layout artist for the series stated on December 10, 2011, that the production team had no official map of Equestria for reference.[26]

Upon the release of Art of Equestria, however, an official map was released. It suggests that the Everfree Forest is to the east of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres to the southeast, and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow are located due north of the farm.[9]

Everfree Forest

The series depicts the Everfree Forest as a grove adjacent to Ponyville. The forest is noted as being one of the few places in Equestria where the weather is not controlled by the pegasi, but instead moves on its own. The original castle of Princess Celestia and Luna is depicted in Everfree Forest, and Everfree Forest is a prominent setting in the episode "Friendship is Magic", where Nightmare Moon is defeated. The location of the "Elements of Harmony" is shown to be within Everfree Forest. The episode "Stare Master" states that the forest is filled with "many strange creatures".[27] The episode "Friendship is Magic" shows that creatures from the Everfree Forest include Hydras, Manticores, Cragadiles (crocodile-like creatures made of stone), Timber Wolves (huge wolves made of tree trunks), Sea Serpents, Cockatrices, Parasprites (small bug-like creatures that are highly destructive, but generally regarded as cute), and Ursas (two huge, bear-like creatures, with enlarged teeth and blue or purple fur).[14]

Canterlot

Canterlot
First appearanceFriendship is Magic: Part 1
Last appearancepresent
Created byThe Sister Princesses (Celestia and Luna)
In-universe information
TypeCapital City
RulerMayor Fancy Pants and, (presumably), Prince Blueblood
Race(s)Majority:
Unicorns
Minority:
Dragons
Alicorns
Pegasi
Earth Ponies
LocationsCanterlot Castle
Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns
Cloud Stadium
Canterlot Opera House
Ancient Archives

Canterlot is depicted as the capital of Equestria,[28] a castle-walled city, built on the side of a mountain in the center of Equestria. Canterlot is the setting of the home of Princess Celestia and Luna and the residence of Twilight Sparkle before Ponyville. The name Canterlot is a portmanteau of Camelot and canter.

Manehattan

Manehattan is based on the island of Manhattan, portrayed as a large port metropolis, with many landmarks resembling those from New York City.[6] Like Ponyville and Canterlot, Manehattan is depicted as the location of one of Rarity's boutiques, known as "Rarity for You".[7] Notable features of the setting include conventions differing from Ponyville's, as seen in the episode, "Stranger Than Fan Fiction",[29][30] and an elevated train. Starlight's Village is a community in the Manehattan region and is characterized by a semi-arid climate. The villain-turned-hero Starlight Glimmer is associated with this setting,[31] which is also called Our Town and Starlight.

Seaward Shoals

Seaward Shoals is portrayed as a small rocky coastal port town, similar to those of the New England region of the United States. Also called Silver Shoals or Rocky Shoals, the community is the setting of the episode "P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)".[5]

Las Pegasus

Las Pegasus is depicted as a floating cloud city, like Cloudsdale. Based on the cities of Las Vegas and Paradise, Nevada, Las Pegasus is portrayed as "one big party",[32] with many hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, arcades, and casinos. Las Pegasus was the setting of the episode "Viva Las Pegasus".[32]

Somnambula

Somnambula, roughly based on Egypt and North Africa, has an arid, desert climate, excluding a few oases.[30] It is notable as a city that the pony adventurer "Daring Do" saves twice. The character of Somnambula, a legendary heroic pegasus, who rescues the prince of the Kingdom from a sphinx, is the city's namesake.[30] Somnambula also frees the city from its leader's taxing and oppressive reign. The city is noted as once being ruled over by pharaohs,[30] and is first mentioned in the episode "Stranger than Fan Fiction",[29][33] and shown again in the episode "Daring Done?".[30]

Other locations

The Yaket Mountain Range is portrayed as the region north of Equestria, characterized by an alpine climate[9] and exotic, medicinal plants.[34] This region is a setting in the IDW comic My Little Pony: Friends Forever issue 36.[34] The setting of San Franciscolt is based on the city of San Francisco, and is only mentioned in the book Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell.[35] Dodge Junction is a setting based on the cities of the American Wild West, particularly Dodge City in Kansas, and is portrayed as a bustling township that mainly revolves around a cherry farm run by the earth pony Cherry Jubilee. Similar to Dodge Junction, Appleloosa, a pun of the Appaloosa horse breed, is based on the cities of the American Wild West and mainly revolves around an apple orchard that is home to members of the "Apple Family".[16] Appleloosa is depicted as bordering on the buffalo lands, home of the native buffalo tribes.[16]

Cloudsdale is portrayed as a floating city made of clouds, which is only accessible by winged animals and creatures that have had a cloud-walking spell cast on them. Cloudsdale is said to be the original home and birthplace of main characters Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.[36] Cloudsdale is a pun of Clydesdale, a breed of horse.

In episodes throughout the series and in promotional material, other locations are mentioned, but not used as settings. A partial list includes Baltimare, based on the city of Baltimore;[37] Fillydelphia, which is based on the city of Philadelphia and was the original name for Ponyville when the show was in development;[9] and Vanhoover, which is based on Vancouver, Canada and is described as the former home of "Grand Pear", Applejack's grandfather.[38]

References

  1. ^ Connelly, Sherilyn (2017). Ponyville Confidential: The History of My Little Pony, 1981-2016. Jefferson, North Carolina, United States of America: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 9781476662091.
  2. ^ "I went to a My Little Pony convention for adults. And it was amazing". 2014-06-16. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
  3. ^ Griffiths, Daniel Nye. "Colt success: My Little Pony's reboot, Friendship is Magic". Wired UK. Retrieved 2017-09-04.
  4. ^ "A Health of Information". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 7. Episode 20. 2017-09-24. Discovery Family.
  5. ^ a b "P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)". My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Season 6. Episode 22. 2016-10-01. Discovery Family.
  6. ^ a b "'My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic': Rarity takes Manehattan". EW.com. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2017-09-04.
  7. ^ a b "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic "Made in Manehattan" Review | Unleash The Fanboy". Unleash The Fanboy. 2015-09-26. Retrieved 2017-09-04.
  8. ^ a b Profis, Michelle (2012-04-29). "Royal Wedding anniversary -- how it influenced pop culture". Entertainment Weekly.
  9. ^ a b c d e f The Art of Equestria. Hasbro. 2015. ISBN 9781613127728.
  10. ^ a b c "Hearth's Warming Eve". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 2. Episode 11. 2012-12-17. Discovery Family.
  11. ^ a b Keating,, Rogers, Amy. The journal of the two sisters : the official chronicles of Celestia and Luna. New York. ISBN 0316282243. OCLC 870199595.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ "Friendship is Magic (Part 1)". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 1. Episode 1. 17 September 2011.
  13. ^ Hasbro. "Equestria Girls Characters | MLP Characters | MLPEG". mylittlepony.hasbro.com. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
  14. ^ a b "Friendship is Magic (Part 2)". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 1. Episode 2. 17 September 2011.
  15. ^ "My Little Pony – Guardians of Harmony Figures Target All Genders | Nerdist". Nerdist. 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
  16. ^ a b c Television (2017-04-17). "4 Positive Countercultural Messages In 'My Little Pony'". The Federalist. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
  17. ^ "'My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic': See Discord's first solo!". EW.com. 2014-01-24. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
  18. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic "What About Discord?" Review | Unleash The Fanboy". Unleash The Fanboy. 2015-11-15. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
  19. ^ "'My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Exploring the Crystal Empire' for families on DVD". Military Press. 2017-02-10. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
  20. ^ a b "A Canterlot Wedding (Part 2)". My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Season 2. Episode 26. 2012-04-12. The Hub Network.
  21. ^ Ohanesian, Liz (2012-04-16). "Top 5 Lessons for Adults From My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic". L.A. Weekly. Retrieved 2017-09-04.
  22. ^ ""The Crystal Empire" (Part 1)". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 3. Episode 1. 10 November 2012.
  23. ^ "'My Little Pony' Concept Art Shows Off The Backgrounds of Equestria and Raises Money For Japan". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved 2017-09-07.
  24. ^ Faust, Lauren (2011-02-19). "Comment on fyre-flye's profile". DeviantArt. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
  25. ^ Phoe (2011-07-11). "Interview: Jayson Thiessen (Friendship is Magic Director)". Retrieved 2017-09-16.
  26. ^ "A layout artist regarding a Flash asset in Secret of My Excess". Retrieved 2012-01-23. Image archived.
  27. ^ "Stare Masters". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 1. Episode 17. 2011-02-11. The Hub Network.
  28. ^ "MLP: International Friendship Day". Toon Zone News. 2017-08-30.
  29. ^ a b "'My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic': See Patton Oswalt's new pony in action". EW.com. 2016-07-22. Retrieved 2017-09-04.
  30. ^ a b c d e "Daring Done?". My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Season 7. Episode 16. Discovery Family.
  31. ^ Television (2015-04-08). "My Little Pony To Children: Marxism Is Not Magic". The Federalist. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
  32. ^ a b "'My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Fluttershy' floats onto DVD". Military Press. 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-09-04.
  33. ^ "Stranger than Fan Fiction". My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Season 7. Episode 13. Discovery Family.
  34. ^ a b Christina Rice, Tony Fleecs (w, a). My Little Pony: Friends Forever, vol. 9, no. 36 (2017-01). IDW.
  35. ^ Berrow, G.M. Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell. Turtleback School & Library/Hasbro. ISBN 9780606317337.
  36. ^ "What Cloudsdale And Pegasi In 'My Little Pony' Teach Kids About Classical Greece And Rome". Forbes. 2015-07-03.
  37. ^ "It's About Time". My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Season 2. Episode 20. 2012-03-10. Discovery Family.
  38. ^ "The Perfect Pair". My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Season 7. Episode 13. Discovery Family.
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