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When watching the television series Teen Titans, we all want to root for Raven, since she prefers to be alone meditating while drinking herbal tea. Although the rest of the team tries to encourage her to be more social, (especially Beast Boy) her true self is cloaked in darkness. In the rare occasion when her purest form unleashes itself, we get to witness what some call White Raven. Instead of her usual blue cloak, we get to see a wardrobe change that contrasts the dim colors that she is accustomed to. Here are a few times in the series where you can see her new form.
One of the earliest scenes with White Raven can be seen in episode six of season one of Teen Titans. After Cyborg and Beast Boy accidentally enter Raven’s mind through a mirror in her bedroom, Raven enters the mirror as well, knowing there would be trouble. It turns out that trouble is daddy issues with Trigon, who immediately tries to blast everyone with his eyes. Also present are at least three (additional) versions of Raven: happy, timid and brave. Raven combines all the variations of herself so that she could have the power to defeat Trigon. When she does this, her outfit turns white. After attacking her father, he turns into a version of Raven that is red, which then enters her body, before turning back to her blue-colored self.
During season three of Teen Titans, we can see in episode six, “Spellbound”, that Raven is a lonely person. She is quickly seduced by a dark dragon character that had been imprisoned in a book. Masquerading as a handsome hero who wants to be with her, Raven allows her heart to open. During this time, her demeanor changes. Not only is she laughing and smiling, but we get to see her light up the room. She confidently decides to be social, entering the room and greeting everyone before eating an apple.
The point is that this new variation is a representation of her true self, which resides inside her. You might say that her power comes from within, since she is more powerful in this form. For whatever reason, her white outfit often appears while fighting her father.
You might be familiar with the Teen Titans animated series from watching it on Cartoon Network, or HBO Max, perhaps. But did you know that you can watch episodes on Blu-ray? (Affiliate link) That means you can watch the show any time you want on your big screen television, even without internet, which will come in handy if you accidentally drop your phone in the toilet and have nothing else better to do.
Underlining Meaning
A change in appearance is not all that happens when Raven from Teen Titans turns into White Raven. The transformation has a deep and hidden meaning which reveals the character’s complexity as well as the road traveled.
Raven, a mighty yet mystifying champion, has been suffering from her own wrath of powerful emotions and supernatural power which she cannot control. She is forever caught up between her demonic ancestry and her longing to be virtuous. This war within herself takes the shape of White Raven, wherein she learns to use her inner brightness to overpower her deep-set darkness.
This version of Raven is not only an emblem of internal force but something else. Her change also implies maturity and the process of self-definition. In the series, Raven faces difficulty in accepting herself and her powers, frequently feeling alienated. However, when she identifies with her real identity, she gains power over her abilities while at the same time loving herself and finding out where she fits among her group members.
The symbolism of the new variation has also been associated with hope and the ability to change. When the group is confronted by odds that are almost impossible, Raven’s transformation into White Raven offers a gleam of hope, making sure that they know that even at their darkest times, there still has to be some light somewhere. This transformation reminds us that we can change, and in such a way, even the most troubled individuals can find themselves back into the light and redemption.
Furthermore, the new appearance is significant in a physical way. Her white robes and glowing eyes, unlike her usual dark and moody look, serve as an intense visual contrast to the darkness that she’s transformed from. It gives an external image of shedding the old ways and behaviors one had known for long and getting into lightness, which can be compared to freedom. This symbolism also represents letting go of societal norms and embracing your true self.
The transformation of one character to another also has a more meaningful impact on the connections she has with her teammates. She not only becomes a powerful and resourceful hero, but also a compassionate friend who possesses a profound understanding of others’ emotions. The result of her transition is that she is able to empathize and connect with her teammates at an emotional level, thus facilitating stronger bonding among them.
Raven’s transformation is not simply about physical change but much more. It symbolizes a person’s coming of age, finding one’s true self, faith in a bright future, and the ability to change anything with desire and efforts. This tells us that no matter how dark everything seems to be, there will always be a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel if you are willing to embrace change.