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Throughout the production of a series, a lot goes on behind the scenes in regard to planning and design, which often go through multiple stages before resulting in the final version that is seen on screen. Some concepts and ideas can have an effect on the show and characters, and unexpected occurrences during production can also lead to changes and additions to the plans for the show.

Character Basis[]

Qrow Branwen alludes to the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz.[1]

  • Scarecrows were created to scare away crows and other birds, the animal Qrow is named after.
  • His persistent drinking of alcohol - a substance known for impairing judgment - may be a reference to the Scarecrow's "brainlessness." Though the fact he still functions and fights even intoxicated could refer to the Scarecrow still being able to think and plan despite not having a brain.
  • The Scarecrow sought out a brain in the original story. Qrow works for Ozpin by gathering intelligence.
  • In the Volume 3 episode "End of the Beginning", Qrow notes that now Ozpin is gone, he has to pick up where he left off. This could be a nod to how Scarecrow took over as ruler of Emerald City when Oz left in the original book.

Secondary Allusion/Role for Another Character's Basis[]

Some characters stand in as a certain role for another character's allusion, giving them a secondary allusion alongside their primary basis. Qrow is the Muninn,[2] to Raven's Huginn. Muninn is a raven who flies around the world gathering information for Odin. Specifically, he alludes to the poem Grímnismál. This has had the following influences on the character and show:

  • Qrow is named after a very similar bird to the type that Muninn is. There is no consistent distinction between crows and ravens, beyond their size and basic appearance, and both are of the genus Corvus.
  • In the scene in "Burning the Candle" where Yang Xiao Long tells Blake Belladonna about her search for Raven Branwen and the day that Qrow saved her life, lines from Grímnismál that talk about Huginn and Muninn are written across the top of the chalkboard.[3]
    • "Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin."
  • Prior to the events of Volume 3, Qrow spent his time going on missions around Remnant gathering information for Ozpin. This is very similar to how Muninn traveled the world to gather information for Odin, and the danger of this job provides cause for concern, matching the line "yet more anxious am I for Munin."
  • Ozpin granted Qrow the ability to transform into a crow. Similarly, Odin granted Huginn and Muninn the ability to speak.
  • As seen during Tyrian's report to Salem of how he poisoned Qrow, she stated that the "left eye is now blinded", clearly alluding to how Qrow primarily served as Ozpin's spy and informant using his bird form.
    • This in turn alludes to Odin's own relationship with Muninn, as along with Huginn, he primarily served as Odin's main "eyes" in observing the going on's of the world in Norse Mythology.

Emblem[]

Qrow Branwen Emblem

Qrow's emblem is a winged eye with a gear in its iris. This emblem appears on one of his possessions:

  • His flask

Image Gallery[]

Appearance[]

There is no visible difference between the currently available concept art and final version of Qrow's appearance.

Production[]

  • While only officially given a name by Monty Oum when RWBY was created, the character Qrow is based on what had been a brainchild of the show's creator for nearly a decade. He had gone through many design iterations, but both his personality and combat style have essentially prevailed over the years.[4]
  • According to Kerry Shawcross, Qrow was originally planned to first appear in the first episode of the series before it was pushed back to the second episode of Volume 3 instead.[5]
  • Vic Mignogna met the Rooster Teeth crew while attending a convention in Australia, and a few weeks later accepted their invitation to voice Qrow. Mignogna recorded his lines at his home studio, with multiple deliveries so the producers could pick the most adequate.[6]
    • Following the release of Volume 6 however, Vic was accused of sexual harassment and was removed as the voice of Qrow. Starting with Volume 7 Qrow was voiced by Jason Liebrecht instead.
  • After Volume 3, Rooster Teeth changed animation software from Poser Pro 2013 to Autodesk Maya. With this change, the animation department also made all new models for RWBY.
  • While planning Volume 8, there were originally going to be more scenes between Qrow Branwen and Robyn Hill. However, their screentime had to be scaled back due to how much needed to happen during the volume.[7]

Image Gallery[]

References[]

  1. CRWBY AMA
  2. Backwardz Compatible 2018 Episode 21 - Brok
  3. Screenshot
  4. Sheena Duquette's Wikia Account
  5. Volume 3 DVD Directors' Commentary Chapter 2
  6. Vic Mignogna on getting the role of Qrow - SoonerCon 2016
  7. RWBY Volume 8 Directors' and Writers' Commentary Chapter 4
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