The Heretic Prophet, Naughty Dog’s first new intellectual property in over a decade, has already generated significant buzz, despite limited official details. Set in a richly crafted sci-fi universe, the game has raised questions about how the studio might innovate in gameplay, particularly in ways it could not have explored with previous franchises like Uncharted or The Last of Us. Early glimpses through a cinematic trailer suggest a visually stunning experience, with photorealistic environments and a stellar cast, including Tati Gabrielle and Kumail Nanjiani. Melee combat featuring a distinctive blade also piques interest. However, one of the most intriguing elements is the potential symbolic weight of the tattoos worn by the protagonist, Jordan A. Mun.
Fans of The Last of Us are no strangers to the significance of tattoos, particularly Ellie’s. In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie’s forearm is adorned with a fern and a moth, tattoos that were inked by her friend, Cat, between the events of the first and second game. Officially, the tattoos were said to cover a chemical burn, but there is a deeper narrative at play. These tattoos not only serve as a visual marker of Ellie’s growth but also tie directly to her identity and the broader lore of The Last of Us.
Ellie’s immunity, which played a crucial role in her survival, is a constant reminder of the pain and tragedy she has endured. Joel’s insistence that she keep her immunity secret was a protective measure, safeguarding her from dangerous factions like the Fireflies, who once sought to exploit it. The moth tattoo, which also appears on Joel’s guitar, serves as a subtle yet powerful symbol of the connection between the two characters. This image encapsulates a series of emotional layers, from Ellie’s complex feelings toward her immunity to the relationship with Joel and the ever-present threat that her immunity represents.
The Heretic Prophet, Jordan A. Mun’s tattoos suggest that, like Ellie’s, they could carry deeper significance tied to her backstory and the overarching narrative. While much remains a mystery, the visible tattoos on Jordan—ranging from an octopus that spans her forearm to others on her chest—invite speculation. In a visual design choice that highlights her tattoos, Jordan is often seen in a tank top, exposing her inked skin, a decision that appears intentional. Given Naughty Dog’s history of embedding meaning in character design, it’s likely that these tattoos will serve as more than mere aesthetic details.
Just as Ellie’s tattoo was a visual marker of her hidden trauma, Jordan’s tattoos may reflect her own experiences, perhaps offering clues about her past or identity. The octopus tattoo, in particular, stands out as a potential symbol, drawing parallels to Ellie’s inked moth. It’s also possible that each tattoo has a specific, personal meaning, yet to be revealed. Whether these tattoos will be explored in the narrative or left to the player’s interpretation remains to be seen.
However, there is also a possibility that Jordan’s tattoos are purely decorative, without any significant narrative weight. As with many aspects of visual storytelling in games, it’s not uncommon for seemingly incidental details to go unexplained. Regardless, Naughty Dog’s decision to feature them so prominently suggests that they may play a larger role in shaping Jordan’s character or the game’s themes.
In conclusion, the tattoos in both The Last of Us and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet demonstrate how visual elements can serve as powerful storytelling tools, subtly revealing key aspects of a character’s journey. Whether through Ellie’s moth or Jordan’s octopus, these symbols invite players to look deeper and consider how personal histories and identities are shaped—both by visible markings and by the stories they tell.
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