The Guardian (Once Upon a Time)

The Guardian was a title and role in the ABC television series Once Upon a Time. The Guardian was a person chosen to protect the author and his quill, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. The quill, a powerful artifact, could rewrite stories and fates, thus needing safeguarding.

Purpose:

The Guardian’s primary purpose was to shield the Author and the quill from forces that would seek to corrupt or misuse them. They were tasked with ensuring the author wrote balanced and fair stories, and, failing that, preventing the alteration of existing narratives. This involved physical protection, as well as moral and ethical judgment in determining who could be trusted with the quill.

Selection:

The process of selecting a Guardian was not explicitly defined within the series. However, it's implied that the potential Guardian possessed qualities of courage, integrity, and a strong moral compass. The mantle appeared to be transferred or bestowed rather than inherited.

Abilities and Responsibilities:

While not explicitly possessing magical abilities solely from the title, the Guardian gained access to knowledge and resources related to the Author and the quill. They were responsible for:

• Protecting the Author from harm.
• Safeguarding the quill.
• Ensuring the stories written were not biased or corrupted.
• Making difficult choices about who could be trusted with the quill’s power.

Significance:

The Guardian role was a crucial plot device in later seasons of Once Upon a Time, highlighting themes of fate, free will, and the power of storytelling. The struggle for control of the quill and the attempts to manipulate the narrative underscore the importance of the Guardian's role in maintaining balance within the fictional world.

Notable Guardians:

[Spoiler Warning: Character names and their roles may reveal plot details.]

• The Apprentice: An earlier Guardian, mentored by the Sorcerer.
• The Savior (Emma Swan): Briefly held the role of the Guardian, demonstrating her commitment to protecting the innocent and upholding fairness.