Andraste an Old God Baby?

Well it certainly seems to have the face of Flemeth/Mythal - whether that is also Andraste remains to be seen. The moment I first saw the red lyrium idol I thought it reminded me of a certain someone, so once it was confirmed that Flemeth was Mythal, then that seemed pretty much a given, particularly when we get all those references to Mythal doing something in the Deep Roads that likely freed the dwarves to become what they are today.

The problem with all that Chantry iconography is whether it is an actual depiction of the real person, a stylized image from the mind of the artist that may be based off a number of influences, including depictions of gods in old paintings, or an actual clue by the writers dropped in to either point us towards the truth or muddy the waters.


Take the depiction of Shartan in the stained glass window in the Redcliffe Chantry. What is he even doing there? The Chantry outlawed depictions of Shartan 700 years ago and all were removed apart from one in Val Royeaux where his ears were docked. Orlais was under control of Ferelden for a considerable time, so even if the locals hadn't been inclined to remove the image, surely the Orlesians would have insisted upon it? However, in placing his image at the head of the aisle the graphics people clearly did not understand how iconography in churches should work. Even if the Fereldens had wanted to acknowledge Shartan, they would not have put him in the place of honour. That should always be reserved for either the principle deity of the religion or the person to whom the building is dedicated. What would Ferelden have a Chantry dedicated to Shartan? It made no sense at all. Plus Shartan has always been known as a warrior and his most famous item is his sword, that was actually given to him by Andraste, so why show him as a robbed figure with a key? So if this was meant to be a clue, it is a very heavy handed one and completely out of keeping with the world it is meant to illustrate.

So Andraste having a crown that looks the same as Flemeth's could be a clue but could equally be some sort of generic symbol of leadership in Thedas. Or it could just be that the graphics department thought it looked cool, even that one designer was unaware of what another designer had used. However, that said, they have been dropping a number of hints that there are parallels between the life of Andraste and that of Flemeth/Mythal, the most obvious one being betrayal by her husband. I think it is going to likely be proven that whilst Elgar'nan didn't do the actual murder, he was the one responsible for setting it up. Also there is going to be something that links Minrathous to Mythal.

Singing is an important part of what is going on but may be unconnected in this case or a way of saying that Mythal was in tune with the deity.   Lyrium has its own song and is said by the Chantry to be the voice of the Maker. Dwarves say the Stone sings. The Stone seems to be connected with Titans and lyrium is their blood.  Lyrium bridges the gap between the waking world and the world of dreams.   The Chantry also believe it is the essence of all creation.   Darkspawn seem to be repelled by lyrium in its purest form.

Red lyrium has a song of its own, a corrupted song and thus the essence of destruction.   It is connected with the Blight and sends people mad.   It grows on living things like a cancer.  I believe that red lyrium connects you to the Void, the antithesis of life.   It is the same song as that of the archdemons.