The setting of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is known for being sunshine and rainbows, often literally. However, inexplicitly, there's a lot shown regarding the social structure and legal system that will likely be missed by younger viewers.
Preface
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is a cartoon franchise created by Hasbro. It's the fourth continuity based on the My Little Pony toyline. The main series has aired on Discovery Family channel from 2010 to 2019, accompanied by various spin-offs and side-material in other mediums.
The setting follows Equestria, an advanced civilization of ponies, which displays achievements and culture in a mix between a classical fantasy kingdom and 20th century United States and United Kingdom. The world prominently features casual practice of magic, and includes distinct races of horses (ponies, unicorns, pegasi, zebras, seahorses, etc.) and other intelligent creatures (minotaurs, griffons, dragons, dogs, etc.)
The series is focused on episodic adventures of a group of ponies labeled as "Mane Six". The plot of the premiere is about a reclusive unicorn named Twilight Sparkle being sent from the capital Canterlot to a small town of Ponyville to socialize, and by doing so she becomes capable of standing up against the black magic of megalomaniac Nightmare Moon. After that, the episodes showcase the daily lives of ponies where Twilight Sparkle's friends resolve (and often cause) some kind of civil problem and at the end explicitly narrate the moral lesson meant for the young audience. With a few exceptions, every season premiere and finale instead involves a world-threatening supervillain who puts the cast's trust in each other to the test.
However, the subject of this analysis will be the featured country itself, the structure of which is generally glossed over in the show, but can be summarized from the scattered pieces of worldbuilding. Note that there will be spoilers.
The government
Equestria is composed of several municipal towns with the capital in Canterlot. An alicorn (a special mix of pegasi and unicorn) Princess Celestia acts as the head of state and is treated with reverence. There is no "queen" of Equestria (due to Hasbro wanting to avoid associations with the title) and Celestia acts as one.
The Princesses
Historically, the authority in Equestria was held by alicorns Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the "regal sisters who ruled together" ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). After the corruption and imprisonment of the younger sister, Celestia has remained as the sole authority for exactly 1000 years. After Luna's recovery ("Friendship is Magic - Part 2"), her royal status was restored, but in consequent episodes ("Luna Eclipsed", "A Royal Problem") it's been demonstrated that her authority is below her sister.
The duties of Celestia and Luna are stated to be "bringing harmony and balance" ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). This demonstrates that even in position of power, they are expected to act responsibly.
Both sisters have designated jobs related to their talent of controlling the sky with magic. Celestia is "to raise the sun every dawn", while Luna is "to bring the moon every night" ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1") (the cosmology allowing it to happen is not explained). In Luna's absence, Celestia managed to do both tasks with little issue ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). It's shown that any powerful enough magic user can move the sun and the moon around the sky arbitrarily, so this needs to be fixed when that happens ("Princess Twilight Sparkle – Part 1", "The Movie", "Between Dark and Dawn"). When Twilight was set to ascended to the throne, an amulet was created to move the sun and the moon automatically, though it broke and it's unclear if it was restored ("Between Dark and Dawn"). Since the sun appears to be able to move on its own ("Lesson Zero"), it can be assumed the Princesses need to "charge" the sun and the moon regularly instead of constantly controlling them. It can be assumed that neglect of this task can cause world-wide problems, but the everlasting night doesn't appear to be causing notable harm ("The Cutie Re-Mark – Part 2").
Celestia is often treated as a divine figure by commoners who don't know her well in person and who are afraid to displease her in any way ("Fall Weather Friends", "A Bird in the Hoof"). Nobles and foreigners instead treat her and other Princesses like approachable politicians ("The Best Night Ever", "School Daze - Part 1")
Celestia has a range of tasks typical to a constitutional monarchy, like public relations and attending social events ("Swarm of the Century", "Fall Weather Friends", "Sonic Rainboom", "A Bird in the Hoof", "The Cutie Mark Chronicles", "The Best Night Ever", "MMMystery on the Friendship Express", "Equestria Games", "Make New Friends but Keep Discord", "Slice of Life", "Princess Spike", "A Royal Problem", "2, 4, 6, Greaaat"), top-management ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1", "Micro-Series 10"), military command ("The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 1") and diplomacy ("Magic Duel", "Twilight's Kingdom - Part 1", "Princess Spike", "Party Pooped", "A Royal Problem"), and justice ("Micro-Series 10"). Celestia can also summon people of interest ("Friends Forever Issue 3", "Guardians of Harmony"). Celestia hasn't demonstrated doing actual law-making and her role is presumably more ceremonial, but since she can make royal decrees and appoint authorities ("Friendship is Magic - Part 2", "Lesson Zero", "Magical Mystery Cure") and nobody dares to question her, it can be assumed she can do law as well, even if limited.
Princess Luna has a job to enter the dream world and resolve nightmares of ponies ("Sleepless in Ponyville", "For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils", "Bloom & Gloom", "Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?", "To Where and Back Again - Part 1", "A Royal Problem"), and is shown to also oversee some festivities ("Luna Eclipsed", "Equestria Games", "Slice of Life", "Princess Spike"). Due to working at night, she rarely appears in public without Celestia.
Princess Cadance's (Mi Amore Cadenza) role is to "spread love, hope, and light" ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1."). She primarily acts as the governor of the Crystal Empire with her husband Shining Armor as co-regent ("The Crystal Empire - Part 2", "The Times They Are A Changeling", "The Beginning of the End - Part 1", "Friends Forever", "Convocation of the Creatures!", "Tempest's Tale"), and oversees public events there ("Games Ponies Play", "Equestria Games"). The Crystal Heart can amplify emotions on a grand scale ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1"), explaining Equestria's interest in defending it. Before Twilight, Cadance was the one to oversee the Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange fair ("Trade Ya!"). Otherwise, she simply helps out Celestia on occasion as an enforcer or diplomat ("Inspiration Manifestation", "Twilight's Kingdom - Part 1", "Slice of Life", "Princess Spike", "Party Pooped").
After updating Star Swirl's spell ("Magical Mystery Cure"), Twilight Sparkle transforms from a unicorn to an alicorn, and Celestia names her the new princess. Cadance was originally an orphan pegasi, but was adopted by Celestia and turned into an alicorn after defending Canterlot from Liebe's dragon invasion("Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell", "Rise of Cadance"). It's implied ("The Fall of Sunset Shimmer") one can ascend based on special merit. Meanwhile, with many princesses being relatives, especially Flurry Heart already been born as one as Cadance's daughter ("The Crystalling - Part 2"), it may be genetic as well.
When Twilight is officially titled as The Princess of Friendship, she got to live in her newly-emerged castle in Ponyville ("Twilight's Kingdom - Part 2"). Her friends regularly hold a meeting in the Cutie Map room or simply hand out ("The Cutie Map", "Hearthbreakers", "Scare Master", "The Hooffields and McColts", "Dungeons & Discords"). After becoming a Princess, Twilight gains authority to act as a law enforcer ("Trade Ya!", "Friendship Ahoy"). After Celestia's and Luna's abdication, Twilight has moved to Canterlot permanently and took their duties ("The Last Problem", "Friendship Is Forever").
Due to still being a filly, Princess Flurry Heart's expected role is unknown, but she's treated as a potential back-up in case the other four Princesses fall ("The Ending of the End - Part 2"). In the future, she has managed some kind of achievement in the Crystal Empire worthy of a stained glass painting ("The Last Problem").
The Tree of Harmony
One of the signature artifacts of Equestria is the Elements of Harmony, a set of gems which allow the destined users to neutralize any threat ("Friendship is Magic - Part 2", "The Return of Harmony - Part 2", "The Ending of the End – Part 2"). They in turn have originated from the Tree of Harmony, a mythical object hidden within the Everfree Forest ("Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 2"). Celestia and Luna were the previous users of the Elements of Harmony and took them from the Tree 1000 years ago, but were unaware of the Tree's origin.
It turns out the Tree was planted by Pillars of Equestria as a seed of hope before their disappearance, which over time has evolved into a massive autonomous artifact ("Shadow Play - Part 1"). This information was lost to time until the discovery of Star Swirl the Bearded's journal. Some other nations also have own Trees of Harmony, gifted by the Knights of Harmony of Cunabula to help them shape their national identity and being the source of magic ("Season 10"). This information was only preserved by the Knights of Order, and it appears that Pillars of Equestria have acquired the seed of the Tree of Harmony independently without them knowing of each other.
Despite the Tree of Harmony being the core of modern Equestria, it has been left forgotten and its residue magic has turned the Everfree Forest into a den of monsters. Only after its re-discovery its historical significance was recognized ("Uprooted").
When the Elements of Harmony were returned to the Tree of Harmony, it summoned a crystal castle nearby which became Twilight's home after the Golden Oak Library got destroyed (Twilight's Kingdom - Part 2).
The Cutie Map in Twilight's castle regularly summons the Mane Six and sometimes even others to send them resolve relationship problems in remote areas that have lasting consequences ("The Cutie Map - Part 1", "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone", "Made in Manehattan", "The Hooffields and McColts", "Spice Up Your Life", "Viva Las Pegasus", "Top Bolt", "Triple Threat", "Surf and/or Turf", "The Parent Map", "Sounds of Silence"). The Cutie Map is confirmed to be the extension of the Tree of Harmony's will ("Shadow Play - Part 2").
The Tree turns out to be sentient, capable of self-defense ("The Mean 6", "School Raze - Part 2") and communicating telepathically("What Lies Beneath", "Uprooted"). In contrast with Celestia, the Tree destroys Queen Chrysalis's homunculi with no empathy and has threatened the Student Six's lives if they don't overcome their insecurities, suggesting that its emotions are either only a recent development or are not prioritized.
While the Tree got destroyed by Sombra ("The Beginning of the End - Part 1"), it survived and continues raising the Student Six as potential new bearers of Elements of Harmony. It appears to have survived far into Generation 5 continuity, however it's role and sentience appear to have been gone ("A New Generation", "Make Your Mark").
Since Tree of Harmony is the origin of the strongest magic in Equestria, at one point even supersedes Celestia ("A Royal Problem"), and is even transcendental ("The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 1"), it implies the mythical tree is treated with as a greater degree of divinity than Celestia.
The high society
Canterlot is populated mainly by class elites who are defined by their wealth and smug behavior ("Sweet and Elite"). They often attempt to crowd around Celestia and occupy her interest. This includes Prince Blueblood, Celestia's distant and self-absorbed relative. Celestia herself secretly finds the nobility tiresome and prefers a more unruly company ("The Best Night Ever", "Make New Friends but Keep Discord").
Rarity dreams of becoming famous and moving in Canterlot ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"), showcasing that living in the capital is a form of prestige and has high barrier of entry.
The Orange family reside in Manehattan and attend gatherings with other city's elites, and treat their relative Applejack's knowledge of a farm life with embarrassment ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles").
Celestia mentions that she delegates tasks and encourages Twilight to do so as well ("Between Dark and Dawn"). Fancy Pants acts as Celestia's assistant and is mentioned to be "the most important pony in Canterlot" ("Sweet and Elite"). Fancy Pants in turn is accompanied by assistants, who are seen attending various gatherings on their own ("Rarity Takes Manehattan", "Made in Manehattan"). Jet Set and Upper Crust are other aristocrats who assist Celestia as part of Royal Swanifying Committee ("Between Dark and Dawn").
Zesty Gourmand is a Canterlot's food critic who reviews restaurants. Despite her extremely limited preference, food establishments conform to her tastes to the point where an entire street is filled with identical cafes ("Spice Up Your Life").
Kibitz works as Celestia's scheduler and effectively butler ("Micro-Series", "Reflections", "Friends Forever").
With the national and personal achievements allowing the Mane Six to gain recognition ("Flutter Brutter", "Fame and Misfortune", "Canterlot Boutique", "Newbie Dash"), Twlight Sparkle assigns her friends as the Council of Friendship ("Last Problem"), acting as kind of ministers.
Local governance
Ponyville is governed by Mayor Mare, who acts as a civic bureaucrat ("The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows", "On Your Marks"), event announcer ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1", "Winter Wrap Up", "Simple Ways") and sometimes awards ponies for achievements ("Applebuck Season"). The mayor of Ponyville can be replaced with elections ("Election"). The Mayor appears in turn to answer to the city government ("Spirit of the Forest").
Historically, the Crystal Empire was a country of crystal ponies, neighboring northern Equestria, governed by Queen/Princess Amore, who was respected on a similar level to Celestia ("FIENDship is Magic 1", "The Journal of the Two Sisters"). After Sombra has assassinated Amore ("FIENDship is Magic 1") and started the brainwashing campaign ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1"), Celestia and Luna have combated him, but upon defeat he has frozen the Crystal Empire in time for 1000 years, consequently along with the residents. It appears that Celestia has not been searching for a solution to save crystal ponies afterwards. After the Crystal Empire has reemerged and Sombra was destroyed ("The Crystal Empire - Part 2"), Celestia appoints Princess Cadance as its official ruler and the Crystal Empire from there on is treated as another town. The ethics of Celestia putting a non-crystal pony to rule over crystal ponies and annexing the territory is questionable, but Cadance was immediately accepted by residents while confronting Sombra ("The Crystal Empire - Part 2"), and in the comics Cadance is stated to be Amore's distant descendant ("Siege of the Crystal Empire", "Rise of Cadance"), giving it some legitimacy.
Cloudsdale is a floating city of the pegasi. They are in charge of controlling weather in Equestria ("Hurricane Fluttershy", "Tanks for the Memories"). However, they also have strong sense of camaraderie, local culture, and can priortize themselves over Equestria ("Sonic Rainboom", "Daring Done?", "The Ending of the End - Part 2").
Sheriff Silverstar acts as a de-facto leader of Appleloosa ("Over a Barrel", Appleoosa's Most Wanted").
Other towns possibly have own local governors.
Law
When Nightmare Moon addressed everyone as "her beloved subjects", shortly after Rainbow tries to attack her right away ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). This implies that ponies may treat declaration of authority from someone they don't accept as a serious offense.
When Fluttershy abducts Celestia's phoenix Philomena ("A Bird in the Hoof"), believing her to be sick and in need of treatment, she appears to get worse (suggesting Fluttershy is not familiar with phoenixes despite being an animal expert). Fluttershy lies to the Royal Guard looking for the bird. Then Twilight gets paranoid that Celestia will "banish her and then throw her in a dungeon in the place that she banishes her to". While this fear turns out to be overblown, it's possible it is founded in something.
After Luna has transformed into Nightmare Moon for the first time and attacked Celestia, the latter has cursed her with Elements of Harmony to be banished to the moon ("Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 1"). It's implied Nightmare Moon was effectively merged with the moon as a form of imprisonment, signified by a distinct shadow on its surface ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). After exactly 1000 years, the curse broke as prophesied by the "Mare in the Moon" fairytale. In the comics, the moon is depicted as a populated realm of Nyx which Nightmare Moon took over as its tyrant and has used a device to amplify nightmares of ponies for 1000 years ("FIENDship Is Magic 4"), until the curse broke, though the canonicity of the comic is arguable. In both cases, the banishment appears to not be as effective of a punishment and no countermeasures were prepared for when the curse would stop taking effect.
Tartarus acts as a prison for dangerous creatures ("It's About Time") and criminals ("Twilight's Kingdom - Part 1", "School Raze - Part 2"). Considering Cerberus acts as the only guard and not always present ("Dog-Dog-Dogged Determination"), and mail correspondence has caused problems, the security of it is highly questionable. When Celestia is about Sorceresses Prismia to Tartarus to "cure" her from evil, young Cadance makes her reconsider ("Rise of Cadance"). Since it's rarely used for imprisonment, implying that's not the preferred form of punishment.
Elements of Harmony allow turning dangerous criminals into stone and also to unseal them ("The Return of Harmony – Part 1", "Keep Calm and Flutter On", "The Ending of the End – Part 2"), suggesting they can be used as a forced cryogenic sleep until the authorities come up with another solution. Notably, even Cozy Glow was subjected to this, who despite the act of armed terrorism, is believed to be young and her background was never looked into.
Ponyville lacks police force, so the residents treat troublemakers on their own ("Boast Busters", "The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000"). Manehattan does have a regular police force ("The Gift of the Maud Pie", "Manehattan Mysteries"). Formal criminal procedure appear to be a thing in Canterlot ("Rarity Investigates!").
Twilight mentions that she cannot use magic force against non-magical citizens ("The Good, the Bad, and the Ponies"). However, by declaring Chili Pepper's ranch as a historic site, she no longer feels restricted when the Cattle Rustlers attack it and imprisons them. The canonicity of the comic issue is questionable and Twilight's stance is contradictory with her other portrayals.
At one point("Root of the Problem") a minotaur Well-To-Do tries to cut down Everfree Forest to build an amusement park. Later, Well-To-Do kidnaps King Aspen's son Bramble and makes both sign a contract to work as mascots at the park, meaning if contract law is a thing, it's rather questionable. Twilight confirms with Princess Celestia that such construction requires a permit and it would never be granted in such case. Twilight again doesn't exercise her authority, but lets Well-To-Do get eaten by a hydra, shifting the responsibility to the provoked wildlife and is also rather extreme. Again, the canonicity of the comic is debatable.
Military
Celestia is often accompanied by Royal Guard, armored ponies who patrol the castle ("It's About Time", "Rarity Investigates!", "A Royal Problem") or places Celestia visits ("A Bird in the Hoof", "Keep Calm and Flutter On"). Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, is the guard captain ("A Canterlot Wedding - Part 1") and is in charge of training and planning ("Sparkle's Seven"). Due to questionable competency of Royal Guard handling intruders ("Friendship is Magic - Part 2", "The Summer Sun Setback", "Equestria Girls", "The Beginning of the End - Part 1"), it can be assumed their role is primarily ceremonial, and their combat skills are neglected, though not like Celestia has a good track record herself.
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance have an ability to create a barrier across Canterlot ("A Canterlot Wedding - Part 2") or Crystal Empire ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1"), repelling evil creatures. The Crystal Empire has own artifact that maintains a magical barrier called Crystal Heart ("The Crystal Empire - Part 2").
The Wonderbolts are a unit of pegasi inspired by U.S. Navy Blue Angels. They normally work as performers by doing aerial maneuvers during public events ("Sonic Rainboom", "Sweet and Elite", "Parental Glideance"), however in case of emergency they double as an air force ("Party Pooped", "The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 1", "Sparkle's Seven").
For most problems, Celestia relies on the Mane Six to solve them, including external threats ("The Return of Harmony - Part 2", "The Crystal Empire - Part 1"). This implies that being effectively knighted ("Friendship is Magic - Part 2", "Twilight's Kingdom – Part 2") makes the six responsible for maintaining public order and they can be summoned from their civilian lives for any reason. The Elements of Harmony, who only those six can use, are often regarded as the last weapon of defense and their loss is treated like a complete defeat ("The Return of Harmony – Part 1", "A Canterlot Wedding – Part 2", "The Beginning of the End – Part 2").
On some occasions ("Princess Twilight Sparkle – Part 1", "Between Dark and Dawn"), Celestia and Luna are shown to deal with threats on their own. This implies they can act proactively when the citizens are endangered and the Mane Six aren't needed for some reason. In terms of magical ability, Celestia is extremely powerful, but lacks combat skills to handle villains ("A Canterlot Wedding – Part 2", "Make New Friends but Keep Discord", "To Where and Back Again – Part 1"), suggesting her attacking abilities were at their peak when she used to wield the Elements of Harmony herself. Celestia also holds back to avoid collateral damage due to her fire magic being too strong ("A Royal Problem"). The cast note Celestia appears to have no emergency protocols in case of invasions and these were only Twilight's recent additions ("Sparkle's Seven", "Season 10").
After Tempest Shadow's redemption, she acts as a freelance mercenary ("Tempest's Tale", "Season 10").
After the revival of Pillars of Equestria, the six act as elite enforcers coming to Canterlot's defense ("The Ending of the End - Part 1"). Flash Magnus and Rockhoof specifically already have militaristic personalities and can take charge ("A Rockhoof and a Hard Place").
This suggests that Equestria intentionally doesn't have a standing army and relies on paramilitary, which while declares pacifistic intent, makes it extremely vulnerable to threats.
Economy
Bits are golden coins used as currency for almost everything ("The Ticket Master", "Call of the Cutie", "The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000", "Putting Your Hoof Down", "Magic Duel", "Daring Don't", "Leap of Faith"), suggesting Equestria is in capitalistic stage. Bits are not exclusive to Equestria ("The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone").
Barter trade is still acceptable ("Trade Ya!").
Many towns house privately-owned businesses, like Sugarcube Corner ("Applebuck Season") and Carousel Boutique ("Suited For Success"), which can hire additional employees ("Canterlot Boutique").
Sweet Apple Acres sells apple-related across Ponyville ("The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000", "The Cutie Mark Chronicles") and tries to expand to Canterlot ("The Best Night Ever").
Ponyville market ("Putting Your Hoof Down") and Traders Exchange ("Trade Ya!") appear to be common ways to buy groceries.
Technology
Pyrotechnics are fairly common ("Boast Busters", "Rainbow Roadtrip").
Winter Wrap Up is assisted by man-powered roller machines ("Winter Wrap Up").
The main method of distant transportation is the steam train called Friendship Express ("Hearth's Warming Eve"), but some ponies can carry carriages ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1", "The Best Night Ever", "The Last Roundup").
Manehattan is a massive city designed after New York and is filled with skyscrapers ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles").
Pie family's Rock farm, inspired by Amish culture, has an ambiguous job of rock processing using pickaxes ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles", "Hearthbreakers", "Pinkie Pride.").
Cherry Jubilee's Cherry Hill Ranch relies on paid labor to sort and transport fruits ("The Last Roundup").
Las Pegasus is a city inspired by Las Vegas and features abundant amount of electronics and attractions ("Viva Las Pegasus").
Illumination is done with either firefly ("Look Before You Sleep", "Read It and Weep"), or oil ("Over a Barrel") lamps. Electricity appears to be rare, but it slips in ("Suited for Success", "Feeling Pinkie Keen", "The Show Stoppers"), often as dramatization.
Newspapers ("Ponyville Confidential") and radio ("The Fast and the Furriest") imply a free press.
Ponyville containing a hospital ("Baby Cakes", "Read It and Weep", "Hurricane Fluttershy") implies affordable or free healthcare.
Other pieces of technology include medical X-Ray ("Newbie Dash"), disco ("The Saddle Row Review"), carnival arcades ("Hearts and Hooves Day").
Education
In "Friendship is Magic - Part 1", nobody recalls who Nightmare Moon is until Twilight identifies her from the "Mare in the Moon" tale, after which everyone is shocked. This implies that everyone is aware of the historical significance of Nightmare Moon, but the contents of "Mare in the Moon" is only known to passionate scholars. Other historical events are mythologized into traditions for children ("Luna Eclipsed", "Hearth's Warming Eve") or are left for museums ("From the Shadows"), suggesting low historical literacy.
All educational institutions in Equestria are required to get approval by the Equestria Education Association committee ("School Daze - Part 1"). E.E.A. is a council that oversees that all schools so their curriculum is aligned with pro-pony mentality, and institutions that can potentially put Equestria into a strategic disadvantage are magically sealed off. In this regard, Chancellor Neighsay can comfortably go against even Princess Twilight Sparkle. Twilight had to rely on a legal loophole and support from Celestia to allow the School of Friendship operate without EEA's approval ("School Daze - Part 2").
Fillies in Ponyville have to attend the Ponyville Schoolhouse ("Call of the Cutie", "Family Appreciation Day", "Ponyville Confidential"). The age of students is vague, but relatively is similar to junior and middle schools. Miss Cheerilee appears to be the only teacher.
Twilight Sparkle ("Call of the Cutie"), and Sunburst ("The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 2") have been applied to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns by their parents due to their proficiency with magic, while Cadance ("Rise of Cadance") and Sunset Shimmer ("The Fall of Sunset Shimmer") were scouted. It's debatable if Trixie Lunamoon was also a student who has dropped out ("Twilight's First Friend"). Enrollment requires passing an interview to demonstrate skill ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles", "The Fall of Sunset Shimmer"). The program appears to be strict and combine academic knowledge and developing increased proficiency with magic ("Micro-Series", "Adventures in Dragon Sitting"). Alumni may appear to give a presentation ("The Cutie Re-Mark - Part 1").
Twilight has founded the international School of Friendship where the curriculum focuses on "spreading the wisdom and benefits of friendship to all creatures" ("School Daze - Part 1", "Feats of Friendship"). Twilight acts as the headmaster, who hires the vice-headmare, who in turns hires teachers ("A Horse Shoe-In"). Twilight was uncomfortable with Cutie Mark Crusaders visiting the School of Friendship while they are still Cheerilee's students ("Marks for Effort"), and already have the sufficient experience, but it could also imply that the expected age of students for the School is higher.
Friendship U was made in response to the School of Friendship. While it turns out to be a scam by Flim and Flam, it seems to at least be a perfectly functional school according to E.E.A. ("Friendship University")
Culture
All ponies have a Cutie Mark, a tattoo-like emblem on their flank that represents their special talent ("Call of the Cutie"). Non-ponies don't have Cutie Marks ("The Fault in Our Cutie Marks"). All fillies automatically receive the one and only when they get some kind of epiphany regarding their true destiny (often fitting thier name) and it cannot be forced ("Stare Master", "The Show Stoppers", "The Cutie Mark Chronicles"). It's extremely rare to be a post-pubescent pony without one ("Call of the Cutie", "Marks and Recreation"). Cutie Marks act as a symbol of representation and are treated with pride, some ponies can act condescending to those without a Cutie Mark ("Call of the Cutie") or if they don't believe that specific talent is important. Cutie Mark is permanent, if a pony rejects their talent, they'll be miserable until they rediscover where else the talent is applicable ("Appleoosa's Most Wanted"). Cutie Marks appear to be a core of a pony's abilities, if Cutie Mark is magically removed, the pony becomes incapable to performing their skill ("Twilight's Kingdom – Part 2", "The Cutie Map – Part 1"). If a pony magically receives an additional ("The Cutie Pox") or someone's else Cutie Mark ("Magical Mystery Cure", "A Royal Problem"), they'll be able to perform the corresponding ability with ease, though it can cause mental problems. The symbol mathcing the Cutie Mark can act as a form of identification ("The Cutie Map - Part 1").
Earth ponies can appear disadvantaged due to their inability to fly or use magic, but it's not commented on. Some sign of caution between tribes may still exist ("The Ending of the End – Part 1"). They are, however, compensated by physical strength ("Hearts and Hooves Day", "Maud Pie") and affinity with plants ("Twilight's Kingdom - Part 2").
In "Friendship is Magic - Part 1", Twilight Sparkle's former circle of friend have some kind of "get-together" in the West Castle Courtyard, though she doesn't attend.
In "Friendship is Magic - Part 1", Rainbow expresses her dream to show her moves to Wonderbolts and apply to them, whose high skills even Twilight knows about. This shows that the Wonderbolts are greatly respected even outside of athletic enthusiasts.
In "Friendship is Magic - Part 1", on their first meeting, Rainbow pranks Twilight by dumping cloud water on her, despite her introducing herself. While Twilight takes it with a snark, it could imply that either only Rainbow or other ponies may not treat figures of authority seriously. Rarity lets Twilight try various dresses and shoves her into a corset before she even introduces herself, which could imply that Rarity's eccentricity is normal.
Traveling entertainers are really common, like The Pony Tones ("Filli Vanilli"), Trixie's Magic Show ("Boast Busters", "Road to Friendship") and Cheese Sandwich ("Pinkie Pride").
There's some familiarity with slumber parties ("Look Before You Sleep").
Applejack addresses Twilight as "miss" and shakes her hand before she introduces herself ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). Afterward, she treats her as "part of the family". This form of greeting appears to be exclusive to Applejack, however.
A. K. Yearling is an adventure novel writer and her Daring Do books are in high demand ("Read It and Weep", "Daring Doubt").
Traditions
Pinkie Pie makes sure to greet every new face in Ponyville, helping them build initial relationships with everyone ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1", "A Friend in Deed").
Summer Sun Celebration is stated to indicate the longest day of the year and is an annual event ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). Celestia is to raise the Sun in a ritualistic fashion, differently from her usual duties. Despite its significance, the attendants of the 1000th one are limited to Ponyville residents instead of being held in Canterlot ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles"). Everyone gathers at the Town Hall, while Mayor Mare acts as the announcer and hypes Celestia up. In "Friendship is Magic - Part 1", Rainbow Dash is in charge of clearing the clouds, Sweet Apple Acres (Applejack specifically, though with the help of the family) are in charge of banquet preparations, Rarity is in charge of decor, Fluttershy is in charge of music using a bird choir. In another time, ("Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 2"), have ritualistically switched sun and moon in a sequence. After Celestia's and Luna's retirement, the festival got cancelled and replaced by Festival of the Two Sisters ("The Summer Sun Setback").
Grand Galloping Gala is a ball hosted annually at Celestia's castle, may influential ponies dream of going there ("The Ticket Master", "Make New Friends but Keep Discord").
Hearth's Warming is a yearly holiday resembling Christmas ("Hearth's Warming Eve"). It celebrates the foundation of Equestria when Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi set their differences aside to repel Windigos. Three Reindeers act analogous to Santa Claus across the world, though their existence is treated like myth before Pinkie Pie finds them ("Best Gift Ever").
Nightmare Night is an annual festival resembling Halloween, where ponies visit a carnival at night and play games for candies ("Luna Eclipsed"). A demonized image of Nightmare Night acts as a boogieman figure.
Running of the Leaves is an annual race where ponies compete with each other in speed ("Fall Weather Friends").
Winter Wrap Up is a day that marks the end of winter. Since the seasons are static, they are changed on a schedule manually. In Canterlot it's done away with magic, but in the earth pony-dominant Ponyville, it's done by communal labor. ("Winter Wrap Up")
Equestria sometimes hosts Olympics-inspired Equestria Games, where the ponies from different towns compete. It's managed by the inspection committee. The Crystal Empire hosts the event ("Games Ponies Play", "Equestria Games").
Cross-species relations
Spike the baby dragon is treated as Twilight's assistant. Twilight is in position to order Spike to write letters to Celestia instead of doing that herself ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). Fluttershy is not aware that dragons can talk, and gets very interested in Spike ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"), suggesting that the public understanding of dragons is relatively poor. Spike regularly finds Rarity attractive ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"), which is an curious expression of sexuality. It's believed that Celestia has found a dragon egg in Dragon Lands and used it as an exam material for School for Gifted Unicorns ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles"), where Twilight was appointed to babysit him as a mother-sister figure ("Adventures in Dragon Sitting")). His true origins remain unknown ("Dragon Quest").
Large dragons sometimes make nests in Equestria, disregarding convenience of locals, and are asked to relocate ("Dragonshy", "Owl's Well That Ends Well"). After the lack of research, Mane Six were sent to Dragon Lands to gather intel ("Dragon Quest"). After assisting Amber in becoming the Dragon Lord, she has been on friendly terms with Equestria ("Gauntlet of Fire").
At one point Diamond Dogs kidnap and enslave Rarity so she'd collect gems for them, but eventually release her and apologize ("A Dog and Pony Show"). Dogs appear to have own kingdom ("Friends Forever", "The Two Kingdoms of Caninia"), implying that the three featured are outlaws.
Relationship with Griffons is difficult due to many of them being greedy ("The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone") and territorial ("Griffon the Brush Off"), sometimes taking residence in Equestria without permission. Only lately they've became more tolerant ("School Daze - Part 1").
Zecora was not initially welcome in Ponyville due to her reclusive lifestyle and ponies' unfamiliarity with zebras, and her acting suspicious in general ("Bridle Gossip"). Afterwards she is treated like a local apothecary ("The Cutie Pox").
Changelings were commonly believed to be an inherently hostile race ("A Canterlot Wedding - Part 2", "The Crystalling - Part 1"). However, when Thorax usurped Queen Chrysalis ("To Where and Back Again - Part 2"), it's been revealed that Changelings feeding on love was a deliberate manipulation and after the race's transformation they remain strong allies with Equestria, but not without own culture ("To Change a Changeling", "The Hearth's Warming Club").
Hippogriffs were allied with Equestria, but went into hiding after the Storm King's invasion. Celestia is friends with Queen Novo and sends Twilight to ask for her assistance, but Twilight took matter in own hands and almost provoked a war with them ("The Movie") After the Storm Kind's defeat and Princess Skystar attendance in the School of Friendship, trust between Hippogriffs and ponies was restored ("School Daze - Part 1", "Surf and/or Turf.").
After an uncertain amount of years of no contact, establishing diplomatic relationship with yaks has been a challenge due to them having high personal standards and proneness to lash out, almost causing a war ("Party Pooped"). After a while, Pinkie Pie was titled as "honorary yak" ("Not Asking for Trouble"), then as an official "friendship ambassador" ("Not Asking for Trouble", "Wings Over Yakyakistan").
The efforts of Mane Six and the School of Friendship have apparently made it so non-pony races are a lot more common in Equestria and some government facilities include foreigners ("Convocation of the Creatures!", "Last Problem", "Season 10").
History
Pre-Classical Era
In ancient times, what was known as Equestria was a farmland ruled by a sorcerer Grogar and his army of monsters, before being defeated by Gusty the Great ("The Beginning of the End - Part 1").
Long ago, the tribes of earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns lived in disharmony. After Windigos almost froze them by feeding on their hatred, they've united and have established Equestria ("Hearth's Warming Eve"). The fourth tibe of Thracians went in a separate way of the three and its shared origin got lost in history ("Feats of Friendship").
Before Celestia's rule, a guild of six unicorns led by Star Swirl the Bearded have been in charge of raising the Sun ("School Daze - Part 1").
The Celestia and Luna have been studying under Star Swirl the Bearded ("Legends of Magic"). It's unclear if they are natural-born alicorns ("The Journal of the Two Sisters") or have ascended like others ("The Crystalling – Part 1"). After the two have received their Cutie Marks and became capable of moving celestial bodies, they were given the task of doing so, were declared Princesses, and moved to the Castle of the Two Sisters ("The Journal of the Two Sisters."). Star Swirl has changed his position to royal advisor and researcher ("Shadow Play - Part 2"). Star Swirl and the Pillars have been adventuring and have created something that became the Tree of Harmony ("Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 2"). Celestia and Star Swirl have been growing more distant due to Celestia's immaturity at the time ("Reflections"). In order to combat the Pony of Shadows (Stygian), Star Swirl and the Pillars have sealed it away along with themselves ("Shadow Play - Part 1").
Celestia and Luna have dealt with the treats of Lord Tirek ("Twilight's Kingdom - Part 1"), King Sombra ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1") and Discord ("The Return of Harmony - Part 1"). Luna's own resentment caused her transformation into Nightmare Moon and she had to be dealt with too ("Princess Twilight Sparkle - Part 2"), after which Celestia moved to Canterlot and left the Castle of the Two Sisters abandoned ("Castle Mane-ia").
Celestia's disciples
While School for Gifted Unicorns works as a private academy for ponies with talent in magic to help develop their strengths, Celestia has been shown of using it as a scouting program for potential princesses without disclosing it.
When Cadance has received her cutie mark, Celestia has asked her to move to Canterlot and attend the School despite her not being a unicorn, sensing her connection to Princess Amore. After Cadance has transformed into an alicorn, Celestia tells that she knew it was her destiny from the moment she saw her ("Rise of Cadance").
When Twilight Sparkle attempted the School's exam, her magic went out of control. Celestia has resolved the situation and appointed Twilight as her personal protégé to help her develop her potential ("The Cutie Mark Chronicles").
While Cadance became a talented foal-sitter on her own ("A Canterlot Wedding - Part 1"), it's been shown that her taking care of filly Twilight while she was studying at the School was also Celestia's appointment ("Rise of Cadance").
Before Twilight got the protégé position, Celestia has scouted Sunset Shimmer as her pupil after her display of power at the exam with promises for greatness. However, Sunset has become blinded with ambition of princesshood and rule over Equestria, unsatisfied that Celestia finds issue with her attitude. Celestia eventually bans her from her castle but doesn't arrest her. Sunset then escaped to another world and planned to have revenge, until eventually redeemed("The Fall of Sunset Shimmer", "Equestria Girls"). Sunset and Celestia reconcile ("Forgotten Friendship"), but the former chose to mainly stay in the other world and becomes friendly with Starlight Glimmer ("Mirror Magic").
During her school time, Celestia asks Twilight to take care of new-born Spike. This, however, causes Twilight to lag behind her academics and almost getting expelled ("Adventures in Dragon Sitting"). It's unclear how that problem was resolved.
Twilight calls Celestia her "dear teacher" and "mentor", and believes she trusts her completely, while Celestia addresses her as "my dearest, most faithful student" ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"). This implies that Celestia shows favoritism to certain graduates, and the relationship between the two has moved past professional. Twilight's school days and how this dynamic has developed is not clarified, though.
In the premiere ("Friendship is Magic - Part 1"), Celestia sends Twilight to Ponyville to supervise preparations for Summer Sun Celebration as "official overseer", plus as a vacation to make friends, which is treated like "royal duty", and lets her rent a golden chariot. Celestia made an arrangement so Twilight could take the Golden Oak Library as her home. This implies that after graduating from School for Gifted Unicorns, Twilight has landed on an extremely high position in Celestia's court that grants her elevated privileges and luxury. Meanwhile, despite being on friendly terms, Celestia is still Twilight's boss and she dares not to object. At the end of the premiere, Celestia tells she knew about Nightmare Moon's return and expected Twilight to handle it. Then, she explicitly appoints Twilight to "study the magic of friendship".
It's also shown that Twilight's choice of friends was prepared by Celestia in advance ("Celestial Advice").
Sometimes Celestia feels appropriate to send Twilight on missions with danger and international consequences as "a test" ("The Crystal Empire - Part 1"), or let the Mane Six solve problems she is capable of magically fixing at any moment, as a lesson, unless there's an emergency ("Lesson Zero", "Friends Forever 3"). This heavily implies that Celestia may risk national safety if she believes there's a strategic advantage in letting her knights mature.
Celestia has anticipated Twilight becoming an alicorn and reviews her achievements together in a pocket dimension ("Magical Mystery Cure"). Something similar has happened to Cadance ("Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell").
When Celestia and Luna have announced their retirement ("The Beginning of the End – Part 1"), they have only agreed to give Twilight some time to prepare after her protest.
Overall this suggests Celestia has been grooming Twilight as her eventual replacement at expense of her autonomy to fulfill a predestined role.
Twilight has treated Starlight Glimmer as her disciple ("The Crystalling - Part 1") until he felt she was ready ("Celestial Advice"). In the future, Princess Twilight Sparkle took over School for Gifted Unicorns and made Luster Dawn her protégé similar to her younger self ("The Last Problem").
Summary
Equestria can be described as potentially a constitutional Monarcy. While the constitution or its analogue is never mentioned, the sovereign wields high and unquestionable authority, but not absolute or infallible, and opts to delegate civil management to social elites, while personally overseeing matters of national interest. The monarch often takes a ceremonial role in public, but behind the scenes uses cases of social instability as a training program for her key supporters, the ethics of which can be questionable.
Structurally, Equestria is possibly a Republic. While all provinces answer to Canterlot, they act autonomously for the most part.
Socially, while the stated philosophy is Pacifism and Meritocracy, there are some hints of Magocracy and Aristocracy. Equestria's main ideology is raising both communal responsibility and personal self-actualization. Everyone is encouraged to find what they're good at, but those living in towns are also strongly encouraged to get involved in public services. Due to lack of military or law enforcement in rural areas, residents are to serve justice by themselves, while larger towns can afford it. Inclusivity appears to be a fairly recent development and foreigners are treated with a notable degree of xenophobia, though over the course of the series this has been minimized. Due to society heavily relying on magic, especially due to lack of hands, unicorns hold much more power and abuses of magic aren't uncommon, but due to centuries of social integration nobody has been concerned about this until specifically asked. Due to high concentration of nobility in position of authority, social inequality remains a large source of anxiety in cities where wealth is more important.
Economically, the society appears to be in transitional state between industrial and post-industrial. While the main product are shops, restaurants and personal services, the state of technology makes it so that the materials and tools still have to be produced manually, and automated machines are still a novelty.
There doesn't appear to be something resembling religion, but Celestia and Luna's presence in many traditions amke them similar to pagan dieties. High-ranking ponies believe "friendship" is an abstract concept that forms Equestria's national idendity.
While Equestria has a few questionable and contradictory elements, it's generally depicted in a positive light and the ending is optimistic about its future development, even if many challenges remain. ... That is until the G5 continuity where Equestria is depicted as a legendary ancient country and the pony tribes have segregated again due to prejudice and Opaline Arcana's manipulations ever since Twilight's time.
No comments:
Post a Comment