CHARACTER DESIGN - VIRGIL

Above is a preliminary sketch I did of Virgil's helmet. 

As mentioned before, I quite liked the mouths on the Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger helmets, and this was the first instance that I actually applied it. I have always had an affinity for Greek and roman sculpture, and the only physical representations of Virgil (aside from paintings) are him depicted in one of these casts. I left the mouth on the helmet to mimic my MMPR research and to keep the visage of an ancient sculpture.

 After my research in to animal symbology, I decided to add wings to Virgil's helmet in reference to the Owl. Virgil's character is very wise, noble and has exceptional knowledge of Hell and it's inhabitants. He protects Dante and guides him through the circles - eventually leading him to the surface after his journey is complete. As he is a Roman poet, I found it easy to gather research relating to the Owl throughout history.

 

The Owl appears many times throughout history as a symbol of wisdom, most notably in Greek mythology as Athena's accompanier. Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, and her Owl sidekick has become the symbol and embodiment of that over time - hence the saying "Wise Owl."