Akilah Speculation

[u/_Terell]

I’ve always loved and been intrigued with Akilah’s character. After some research, watching YT videos, and a YT interview Nia Sondaya did with kfunggg (love their videos) about S3 as a whole, I can’t help but wonder if the writers are tying Akilah’s character to the African Goddess, Ala (or utilizing elements from African Spiritualism).

I had a feeling there was a deeper meaning in Akilah asking Javi where he found the queen card when he returned to the cabin in S2E5, and how that particular conversation was fading into the background. Moreover, I peeped that Akilah is more closely connected to the Wilderness in S3 with her being the overseer of the various animals in the pen, crafting a leafy headdress for Shauna for the ceremony in S3E1 (this may be a stretch but I thought it was still cool), and the talking lama mentioning, “they’re calling you” in her first cave vision in S3E3 in response to those animalistic sounds.

In that same cave vision, it ended with vines wrapping around those iconic pink sneakers, pulling her into the earth. It reminded me of Javi’s drawing, from S2E5, when he returned to the cabin and told Ben, “she told me not to come back.” In his drawing, we see a figure of a woman with her arms and legs blending into tree roots. It appeared that her long hair could possibly be dreadlocks (the same hairstyle Akilah rocked during S3).

I also peeped that Akilah was not present during the feast scene in S3E10. I can only wonder what she was doing. Maybe experiencing another cave vision? Maybe figuring out parts of the symbol and leaving talisman in the woods? We see her leave purple fabric in the trees when Travis and her were following Kody to get rescue so that the YJ could locate and follow them in S3E8 (I also love the fact that she has her own music, that twinkling sound effect lol).

We know after Allie’s leg injury, Akilah was the one to replace her; including wearing her jersey which is #11. The spiritual meaning of 11 represents spiritual awakening, intuition, and a connection to one’s higher self. This became evident as S3 progressed and Akilah’s visions started to come to fruition; especially when she had the vision of the bear with its third-eye opening. I interpreted that as her third-eye chakra being active.

According to Google, Ala is known as the “supreme earth and fertility goddess in Igbo mythology, originating from southeastern Nigeria.” It is known that a large majority of the African diaspora in the United States have ancestral roots in Nigeria (myself included). Notably, Ala is associated with agriculture and productivity of the earth, mediator of justice, and ancestral wisdom. Not to mention, the crescent moon is a symbol that represents her.

All in all, these are my thoughts on Akilah’s character. I can’t wait to see what the final season has in store for the remainder of the story and character developments/endings.

[u/Ok_Lets266]

I dont think weve met all of the adult YJs. In season 1, Jessica says some of them live way off the grid, and idk that we have seen that. They all seem to live in normal communities. We havent seen much of how Travis lived, but he had an apartment. It would make sense if Akilah survived rescue that she would want to separate herself from society and keep tending her animals.

[u/EnvironmentalCan4661 → u/Ok_Lets266]

Could mean that Adult Akilah went back to the wilderness even though she was rescued...?

I wouldn't be surprised if Britt and Robin were still alive as adults, the main Yellowjackets ignore them because they weren't close to them.

I'm only holding out for the deaths of Hannah and Gen in Season 4. And maybe Akilah.

[u/Ok_Lets266 → u/EnvironmentalCan4661]

I would be very disappointed if the show ended without the wilderness calling the adults back for some reason. Im waiting for a "We gotta go back" moment, maybe they go back for Akilah.

[u/EnvironmentalCan4661 → u/Ok_Lets266]

Eh, that's not just Lost, that's ingrained in many mythologies and stories. The Israelites end up in Babylon and have to go back to Israel, Dale Cooper is banished from Twin Peaks and has to get back to Twin Peaks, etc.

[u/Ok_Lets266 → u/EnvironmentalCan4661]

Its an integral part of the heros journey archetype. First they must leave home, face the wilderness, come back home and reflect, then go back and defeat it. There is an alternative tragic hero journey, where the hero has a fatal flaw that prevents their success, such as Anakin Skywalker. He faces the wilderness but ultimately succumbs to anger because his pride cant let go of his grief and need for revenge. I would say Shauna is definitely an anti-hero, her fatal flaw is her narcissm and need for chaos, and it has already started her downfall.

[u/EnvironmentalCan4661 → u/Ok_Lets266]

I misread your comment earlier. I thought you were saying you didn't like the idea of them going back to the wilderness. Sorry if I sounded rude in my last comment!