Eagle (The Spirits Within)

The Eagle is a reoccurring motif in the movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. The eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures and the feathers of the eagle are central to many religious and spiritual customs, especially amongst Native Americans in the United States and First Nations in Canada, as well as among many of the peoples of Meso-America.

The Eagle
First appearing soaring above the Tucson wastelands the eagle represented the continuation of Earth’s wildlife despite the Phantom invasion. The eagle would appear again soaring above the remains of the Leonid Meteor after its destruction at the hands of the Zeus Cannon and Gaia. During both appearances Gray Edwards was shown watching the eagle with interest.

Although not possessing an obvious association with any character in the movie the eagle might be best suited to Gray Edwards due to his traits and various quips about his personality that might seem 'eagle-like'.

Aircraft
With the exception of the Zeus Cannon all the aircraft/spacecraft featured in the film had designs reflecting various poses of eagles in flight.

United States of America
The national animal symbol of the United States of America the eagle might well have been an influence in the very setting and location of where the movie took place. Some Native American peoples revere eagles as sacred religious objects and the significance of feathers and parts of Bald and Golden Eagles are often comparable to the Bible and crucifix. In the cultures of the Northwest Coast, Eagle is also a supernatural being and also the ancestor and features in the heraldic crests of important clans known as totem poles.

The USMF
Eagle feathers are often used in various ceremonies and are used to honour noteworthy achievements and qualities such as exceptional leadership and bravery. The eagle feather, or more accurately the eagle wing, is prominently represented in the modern US military through coat of arms, badges and medals. These examples remain in the movie’s United States Military Force with its members, particularly the higher staff, donning eagle wing paraphernalia.