Geass Emblem
The bird-like sigil that represents the so-called Power of the King is perhaps the single most prevalent symbol in all of Code Geass. Most commonly appearing in Lelouch’s eye, it is a harbinger of grief for whatever hapless victim it is used upon. If there is an overarching symbol for the series, it would be this one.
Inverted Geass Emblem
The vile Jeremiah Gottwald is blessed with the Geass canceller, and therefore able to undo the effects of a Geass within his area of effect. The circular design is unlike that of Lelouch’s Geass. Furthermore, unlike the regular symbol of the Geass power, this emblem is inverted. This is understandable, considering that it undoes the power of the Geass used by others.
The Black Knights
The formal rebellion against the Holy Empire of Britannia uses a symbol that bares some resemblance to the original Geass Emblem, and is also avian in appearance. Generally it manifests itself with a silver and blue color scheme, and has an appearance vaguely similar to that of a lance.
The Imperial Britannian Family
Yet another design featuring the indistinct theme of flight among the many symbols through the anime, the Imperial Family’s personal crest appears to be a golden stave on a purple field that erupts into a pair of wings. The top portion extends into a definite point on each end.
The Knights of the Round
The Holy Empire of Britannia’s most elite soldiers used a symbol that was also avian in appearance, as many of the other emblems in the series are. A golden staff bearing wing-like projections represented the group. The emblem is probably based on the design of the Imperial Family’s crest, as the military forces of many real life monarchies so base their designs on the ruling administration. Most visibly, it was worn charged on the inside of the black areas of the Knights’ uniforms.
Ashford Academy
The school that LeLouch and Nunnally attend is the rather opulent Ashford Academy. The emblem of the school has a decidedly European flavor, and is relatively close to the Fleur-de-Lis in appearance. It is prominently featured on the school uniform of the aforementioned academy.
Zero’s Mask
The Mask of Zero is far more than simply the device which LeLouch’s uses to hide his identity when acting as the leader of the Black Knights. It is the very figure of a revolution and the icon with which to crown it. The dark, rounded, and decidedly futuristic mask is used as a symbol on countless occasions. Whether it is the constant reminder issued by the Britannian government that Zero is a wanted man, or the one million Zero costumes issued to the faithful, it is an enduring symbol of those who stand against the occupation of Area 11.
The King
Lelouch is an avid chess player, and therefore it should come as no surprise that the King from a game of chess plays such an important role in the series. With colors that match the auras of the characters, the Kings used throughout the series not only represent the skill and reasoning that typifies every move in the anime. Indeed, the very fact that it is a member of the royalty suggests an air of the political maneuvering that is found throughout Code Geass.
Orange’s Mask
In his duties as a Geass Directorate Agent, Jeremiah Gottwald saw and did many terrible things. In his use of the Geass Canceller, he only served to further this reputation. Therefore the somewhat cybernetic mask that he wore and the infamous incident that gave him the name Orange became symbols of his estranged loyalties.
Thought Elevator
The center of the thought elevator’s matrix bares its own sigil, seen within the massive porthole that forms most of its design. The mysterious device is somehow connected the ability of Geass. Throughout the series, it becomes more and more important to those associated with the Code R military research project that will stop at nothing to achieve total power.
The Rising Sun
The flag of Japan in real life, the Rising Sun banner (Hinomaru) represents the Japanese nation and people. It appears throughout Code Geass to serve in this respect, and it is featured prominently several times in the series.
The Britannian Flag
The coat of arms on this flag is unique, but it is very similar to the flag used by the United Kingdom in real life. Saint George’s Cross is used to indicate England and the English people. Presumably, the lion is a Royal symbol, and the crown represents the reigning imperialists.
Chinese Federation
The Chinese state in the world of Code Geass is represented by an eight-sided star with pips along its outside. As a flag, the symbol rests in the center of a burgundy field. A real flag used by the Republic of China in 1911, and used by the actual Chinese military until 1928 influences the in universe Chinese Federation’s flag design.
United Federation of Nations
The United Federation of Nations is the group of allied states that come together as one coalition in conflict of Britannia’s domination of the world. The flag of this nation is a yellow field charged with a white dove and three circles at the point where the dove’s wings meet. Most likely, the dove is a symbol of peace and unity.
The Gods
The concept of the ‘collective human unconsciousness’ is often referred to as the Gods in the universe of Code Geass. Represented by a large, pustule-like column, Charles, Marianne, C.C., and V.V. vow to destroy the Gods. The World of C, which appears to be similar to Jupiter, stands behind the column. This World is, in itself, the collective subconscious of all humans.
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Something I think it would be very important to add, is the name of Princess Euphemia.
In third century AD, there was a senator in Chalcedon, Bithynia who had a daughter of the same name. The Governor at the time decreed that everyone would take part in sacrifices to the deity Ares. In defiance against the governor’s orders, Euphemia worshipped the Christian God instead. When she was discovered, along with other Christians, and when they refused to partake in the sacrifices, they were subject to days of torture. They were handed over to the emperor, who tortured them further. Euphemia was separated and administered to even harsher torture. When she died, though it is not known exactly how, a cathedral was built over her grave. To this day she is known as Saint Euphemia the All-praised in the Orthodox Church.
Wow, that is very interesting. Thanks for sharing :-)