Shiva: Walking Dead character profile

In the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, where survival becomes the primary goal, ordinary people find solace and strength in extraordinary ways. Among the many intriguing characters that captivate us, one stands out for her sheer power and symbolism: Shiva, Ezekiel's pet tiger and a symbol of the Kingdom's strength and a protector of its people.Shiva, with her immense presence and mesmerizing physicality, embodies a profound statement about power dynamics in a world stripped down to its essence. As readers or viewers, we are immediately drawn to Shiva, not just because she is a magnificent beast, but because she represents a force that cannot be tamed or easily understood.On a theoretical level, the concept of power and its manifestations can be explored through Shiva. In Michel Foucault's "Discipline and Punish," the author discusses the modern disciplinary society and the role of surveillance and punishment in maintaining power structures. Shiva, in her role as a protector, holds a similar position of power within the Kingdom. Her presence acts as a deterrent against external threats and serves to discipline those within the community, creating a sense of order and security.Furthermore, Shiva's relationship with Ezekiel adds another layer to her significance. Ezekiel, the self-proclaimed king, relies heavily on Shiva as a symbol of his own authority and legitimacy. In Roland Barthes' "Mythologies," he discusses how objects and symbols can acquire mythical status and become vehicles for meaning and interpretation. Shiva, as a pet tiger, becomes a mythical creature in the context of the Kingdom. Her very existence reinforces Ezekiel's claim to power and gives him a certain aura of divinity.In addition to her symbolic role, Shiva also functions as a protector of the Kingdom's people. As the world outside becomes more dangerous and filled with threats, Shiva's presence offers a sense of safety and security. This role of protector is not dissimilar to Joseph Campbell's concept of the archetype of the guardian in mythology, where a powerful figure safeguards the realm and its inhabitants. Shiva assumes this archetype, embodying the traditional role of a guardian in a world devoid of traditional structures.Moreover, Shiva's connection with nature and untamed primal instincts adds another dimension to her character. With her savage beauty and relentless fierceness, she represents the untamed wilderness that still exists, even in an apocalyptic world. This connection to nature showcases the idea that, despite the collapse of society, the natural world continues to endure and assert its presence.As readers or viewers, we are not only captivated by Shiva's physicality and power, but we also find ourselves experiencing a wide range of emotions. On one hand, her presence evokes awe and respect, while on the other hand, she elicits feelings of fear and uncertainty. This duality in our response to Shiva mirrors the intricate interplay between power and vulnerability that characterizes human existence.In conclusion, Shiva, Ezekiel's pet tiger, goes far beyond being a mere animal companion. She embodies complex theoretical concepts such as power dynamics, mythologies, archetypes, and the enduring force of nature. As a symbol of the Kingdom's strength and a protector of its people, Shiva brings an unparalleled presence and significance to The Walking Dead. Through her, we are reminded of the multifaceted nature of power and the timeless connection between humans and the natural world.