I have a few theories concerning the Traveler, the Fallen, and the City. Some of this has probably been said before. TL;DR at bottom. Here I go: This is my theory on the Fallen's relationship to the Traveler: I've noticed that the Destiny symbol bares semblance to a few other images found in concept art and even in some recently revealed images. Although it's not official, from now on I shall refer to this symbol as the Tricorn, for this was its name in one of its image files. [url]http://media.edge-online.com/wp-content/uploads/edgeonline/2012/11/Destiny-organic-tank.jpg[/url] In this concept art that was part of the first leak, you can see that the soldier to the right sports a Y figure, similar to the Tricorn, on his shoulder. If you look closely at the guy to the far left, you can see the same Y figure. [url]http://gamingeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/destiny_gamestop-2.jpg[/url] On the recently released pre-order poster, there is another similar shape on one of the Fallen's forehead. This is also the first instance where these entities are officially referred to as the Fallen. I think this one might be more coincidental than the previous instance of the Y shape, but since when does Bungie have a reputation for sloppy coincidences? At some point in the history of the Destiny universe, the Fallen where affiliated with the Traveler. The Tricorn is a symbol attributed to the Traveler, and perhaps at some point during the allegiance the Fallen held it as a symbol of their unity. Why are these aliens called the Fallen? In the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam), fallen angel is a term used for an angel that has been banished from heaven. It is the common belief that after the "war in heaven" between angels led by the archangel Michael and the rebel angels led by Satan, the defeated rebels where cast down to earth with their leader. The Fallen's name implies that they "fell" from something. Perhaps there was a rebellion or a sort of schism between the Traveler and them, and this rebellion was their "fall". As a result of their withdrawal, the Fallen wear the Tricorn, but with the inset oval omitted as a symbol of their rejection of the Traveler, as this oval represents the Traveler. Now my theory on the human's relationship to the Traveler: So far, the origin and deeper purpose of the Traveler are a mystery, but its current intentions seem clear: to protect earth and humanity from extraterrestrial threats, particularly the Fallen. But how exactly is the Traveler protecting earth? What method(s) is it employing? [url]http://gematsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Destiny-Pre-Order-Leak_002.jpg[/url] The pre-order card mentions that "you (the player, the hero) are a Guardian of the last safe city on earth". Not just any guardian, a "capital G" Guardian. You are special. Perhaps one of seven, the trusted few. So what is does it mean to be a Guardian? The pre-order card also says that you are "able to wield incredible power". What is this incredible power (Dragonshouts, anybody?), and where does it come from? I speculate that the Traveler appoints seven people as the Guardians of the City, and by extent humanity. The Traveler grants them special and/or enhanced abilities, the "incredible power" needed to defend the City and perhaps reclaim "the lost worlds". Other speculation: Some of you may know that Bungie performed a whole "initiation" event for their new employees a while back, complete with a knighting ceremony. These new members where knighted into one of the "factions" (New Monarchy, Dead Orbit, FWC, etc...). If they are to appear in-game, these factions will be groups that the player can join, reminiscent of guilds. One of the factions is called New Monarchy, whose name implies a monarchy, perhaps with a nobility system (lords and knights). Another faction is Osiris, whose symbol is an open eye, which is a [b]heraldic[/b] symbol for government or authority. This makes me feel that Destiny will have a very subtle medieval adventure/high-fantasy vibe gently reverberating through its thick sci-fi fabric. In the context of Destiny, a knight will be a warrior what protects the City and fights bravely to reclaim what once belonged to humanity. Or perhaps knights will be warriors that fight in the name of their faction at the disposal of the faction leaders. These are akin to the way knights protected their manors and kingdoms from threats and fought for their lords and king during the middle ages. The knights of Destiny have attained this rank through service or by noble blood, and are ceremoniously knighted in a similar fashion as their medieval counterparts. TL;DR (here's your instant gratification, you lazy grunt): The Fallen and the Traveler (or some other higher power or group) where once allies but then the Fallen rebelled (hence their name) and now they wear the Destiny symbol without the oval (which represents the Traveler) in rejection of the Traveler. The Traveler protects earth by giving "incredible power" to seven humans who chose (think of "7- the trusted few"). The player is one of these chosen ones who are known as Guardians, tasked to protect the City. Knights are warriors that protect the city or fight for their faction (Dead Orbit, Seven Seraphs, etc...). There is a subtle medieval/high-fantasy vibe to Destiny. That is it for now. Can't wait for tomorrow.