Yes, Doctor, You Can Derive A Meta From A Single Picture

[bowtrunckle]

This just proves my brain is starved (look, it's practically anorexic) for something SPN-related to think about.  Spoilers ahoy!

Comments

[bowtrunckle]

there are two kinds

You bring up a really good point about different types of DT that's been the topic of circular discussions before.

http://kroki-refur.livejournal.com/168047.html#cutid1

I don't have a problem with different types of DTs that are used for slightly different purposes. But what I find interesting is the fact that there seems to be some contradictory or at least confusing canon regarding exactly WHAT a devil's trap is and what it looks like.

The first time we see The Key of Solomon is in "Devil's Trap" (1x22) where it's painted on Bobby's ceiling and specifically referred to as "protective circles". It's used to trap Meg!demon and later Sam!demon ("BUaBS" (2x14)) and seems to operate just like the other things we've been calling DTs that we see after that. Except that the Key of Solomon is a 7-pointed star and every single thing that we've been calling "DTs" are 5-pointed stars.

Furthermore, the 5-pointed star Sam draws on the Impala in 1x22 (using the same referrence book of Bobby's the Key of Solomon came from *squee*) is specifically referred to as a devil's trap and is described by Sam: "demons can't get through it or inside of it." This seems consistent the DT's definition based on what Sam says again in "AHBL-2" where he calls the 5-pointed star in Wyoming "a one-hundred square mile devil's trap" being that the YED can't get inside of it.

However, the 7-pointed Key of Solomon and the other 5-pointed stars used to trap demons for exorcisms (including the one painted on the inside of Bobby's trunk in 3x01) allow demons to pass INTO them, but not OUT of them. This seems to contradict canon's stated "definition" of a DT.

Also recall in "AHBL-2" the demons that got out of the gate were able to easily break and EXIT the DT. Presumably it was the Gate itself containing the demons and not the DT itself, and (if we believe Sam) the DT was there to prevent demons from passing INTO the cemetary to unlock the gate. This negates part of Sam's statement in 1x22: "demons can't get through it or inside of it" because it's the demon smoke that breaks open the giant DT, allowing YED's entrance.

So ... erm ... yeah. This is confusing.

This is what seems to be the most consistent (to me at least): canon suggests that DT are 5-pointed stars and prevent demons from getting in, but allow them to get out. And those other things (7 AND 5-pointed stars) used in exorcisms allow demons in but prevent them from getting out. Or nobody really knows what's going on and it's all just a meaningless, random mytharc. ;)

Has anyone specifically heard of the things used for exorcism called anything other than "protective circles"? Have they ever been referred to as DTs?

Bueller? Bueller?

I've made myself dizzy.

[geminilove_ca]

or maybe judging from the unhappy looks on their faces, it's the wrong KIND of star and a new plot point?

[bowtrunckle]

Hmm, maybe. :( I guess we'll just have to wait and see.