Baylor University's iconic mascot, the Baylor Bear, has held an important role in the school's identity and spirit since its establishment. The designation of the Baylor bear mascot is a symbol of the university's commitment to excellence, strength, and tradition. The Baylor bear is selected through a rigorous process that ensures the chosen bear possesses the qualities that embody the spirit of Baylor. The bear is chosen for its strength, agility, and ability to showcase the university's values. This designation is not taken lightly, as it represents the university and its community at various events and athletic competitions. The Baylor bear mascot plays a significant role in fostering school spirit and unity among students, alumni, and fans.
As Ranaq attacked Elizabeth she became stronger to the point that she could turn its force against it. Shaman joined the fight, and together they exorcised the beast from Emily. With Shaman’s encouragement she took the Coronet of Enchantment from his mystical medicine pouch and when she put it on her head she became Talisman. She gained the ability to manipulate magical energies and command nature’s spirits. As Talisman, she joined Alpha Flight and then later was in Omega Flight.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Elizabeth is the daughter of Michael Twoyoungmen aka Shaman, a member of Alpha Flight , though they have been estranged since she was a kid. Vindicator, Northstar, Aurora, Sasquatch, Snowbird and Shaman - together with new recruits Marrina and Puck - took center stage in an always-surprising series, written and drawn by John Byrne at the peak of his powers.
The Baylor bear mascot plays a significant role in fostering school spirit and unity among students, alumni, and fans. It serves as a visual representation of Baylor's values and acts as a source of inspiration for the Baylor community. The bear's presence at sporting events, campus activities, and community outreach efforts further strengthens the connection between the university and its supporters.
TALISMAN II: Page 2 of 5
Elizabeth was out one day with her old friend and foster sister, Heather Hudson, when Heather thought she saw her husband, Mac, the original Guardian, who was supposed to be dead. Talisman did not see Mac, but told her teammates that she believed Heather. When Caliber escaped from prison, Talisman was in the vicinity and, in testing her powers, she managed to defeat him. It was then that she first met whom she thought was Guardian. Talisman accompanied “Guardian” and several other Alphans to the West Edmonton mall, where Omega Flight was reported to be on the loose. Talisman went up against Flashback, displaying her haughty personality before being knocked out.
Regaining consciousness, Talisman learned that she had been drugged by her captors. Discovering that who she thought was Hudson was actually Alpha Flight enemy Delphine Courtney in disguise, she was forced to contact her father. When Shaman arrived, his medicine pouch was taken by Delphine and turned inside out, trapping most of Alpha Flight inside it. Shaman urged his daughter to go into the void and retrieve them, which she, albeit uncertainly, did. Talisman managed to save the five Alphans trapped inside and, once they were pulled from the void, Shaman went to retrieve Talisman from it. However, he was distracted by Delphine holding Snowbird prisoner. Shaman believed he could save both young women and aided Snowbird first. But, in the split second it took to save Narya, the void closed and Talisman became trapped in the pouch, her father failing her yet again. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #25-27]
Talisman went nearly insane inside the mystic realm but, fortunately, she was rescued by the near-omnipotent Beyonder, who returned her to Earth. Upon remembering what happened to her, Talisman became furious at her father for failing her now and in the past and also for not warning her that she would never be able to take the tiara off once she donned it. She teleported Alpha Flight back to Vancouver in a fit of rage. [Secret Wars II #4, Alpha Flight (1st series) #28]
Talisman shut herself off from Alpha Flight following this event, only to return to her father when he was undergoing a test of power following the loss of his original powers, as they were based on his faith and self-confidence. Talisman practically forced upon him new powers through which he could control the spirits of nature. Shaman took the powers in the hopes that he could use them one day to release Talisman from the power he had forced upon her. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #35]
Hoping to humiliate Shaman, Talisman accompanied Alpha Flight to the place of power in the Arctic Circle where Snowbird could give birth. Talisman tricked her father, as the place of power where Snowbird was laid to give birth was actually a place of death. Snowbird gave birth and the baby was instantly possessed by a bitter and powerful man, who had been frozen beneath the ice for decades. As Pestilence defeated Alpha Flight, Talisman revealed that this was her plan to make everyone see Shaman fail before she would step in and save the baby. However, Pestilence had his own agenda and, as Talisman attempted to destroy him, he ripped the tiara from her forehead, causing her extreme pain, but freeing her from the power she never wanted.
With Pestilence momentarily distracted by the other Alphans, Elizabeth found the tiara and apologized to everyone for her behavior. Shaman told her it was the power and the mantle of Talisman that came along with the tiara had corrupted her, robbing her of her humanity, but Elizabeth believed it had been her own choice to be selfish and arrogant. She felt that she could control her urges if she became Talisman a second time. However, before she could put the tiara back on, Shaman snatched it from her hand and placed it upon his own brow, as his recent spirit test had proven him worthy of its power. He then temporarily defeated Pestilence with his new abilities. At the sidelines of the battle, Elizabeth feared that her father had sacrificed his own humanity to restore hers and, indeed, he grew more distant and colder. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #37-38]
Elizabeth returned with Alpha Flight to their headquarters, but having abused her powers as she did and now no longer having them, she decided she no longer had a place with the team and practically vanished without a trace to return to her studies. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #41]
Several months later, while on an archeological dig in the Yukon Territory, Elizabeth felt a surge of power like she once wielded as Talisman, but decided it was impossible, as her father was Talisman now. After discovering a rock formation, Elizabeth believed it housed something. Along with a co-worker, they broke into the cairn, which housed the body of an Indian shaman from over 300 years ago, who at one point had served as a connection to the dimension of the Dream Queen. Elizabeth was rendered unconscious and, from the afterlife, the spirit of Snowbird came to her, showing her the origin of the Dream Queen and warning her of the looming danger to Alpha Flight. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #62, 67]
Elizabeth, however, was 3,000 miles away from Alpha Flight. She tried to phone them, but discovered she was too late, as the Dream Queen answered the phone. A plane flight later, Elizabeth finally reached her former teammates and they exchanged stories. Elizabeth explained that they needed the power of Talisman, now wielded by her father, to stop the Dream Queen. As some of her powers were still within her, she could sense the Talisman’s location and accompanied Alpha Flight to the Eye of the World, to confront her father. Twoyoungmen told Elizabeth that, as the Talisman, he could not do anything to stop the Dream Queen, but Elizabeth then convinced her father and Heather that she was ready to take back the tiara and the responsibilities that went with it. Shaman agreed, but as he handed the coronet to Elizabeth, Wanda Langkowski, aka Walter Langkowski’s soul in Snowbird’s female Sasquatch, was influenced by the Dream Queen and snatched the tiara. She placed it on her head and started battling Alpha Flight. However, Snowbird’s spirit intervened yet again and prevented Wanda from misusing the tiara any further, by helping to transform her body into that of Walter again, thus breaking whatever influence the Queen had over him. Elizabeth rightfully reclaimed the tiara and once more was the Talisman. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #68]
Talisman helped the rest of Alpha Flight struggle with the temptations of the Dream Queen and battle China Force, a group of mutants manipulated by the villain. Finally, Elizabeth lied to Alpha Flight and sent them to another spot while she went up against the Dream Queen alone and managed to send her back to her own dimension. Vindicator was not happy with her lying to Alpha Flight, but bought Talisman’s explanation that she had to make sure none of them would fall under the Queen’s spell. Talisman officially rejoined Alpha Flight and, at the same time, warned them that it wasn’t over, as the worst was yet to come. [Alpha Flight (1st series) #69-70]
This September, Jim Zub, Jed MacKay, and Ed Brisson celebrate Marvel's 80th anniversary with 'Alpha Flight: True North'!
In addition to its symbolic role, the Baylor bear mascot also serves various practical purposes. It creates excitement and enthusiasm at athletic events, motivating players and fans alike. The bear's interactions with fans and spectators bring joy and entertainment, enhancing the overall experience of attending Baylor events. The designation of the Baylor bear mascot is a tradition that has stood the test of time. It has evolved and adapted over the years to reflect the changing times while maintaining the core values and principles of Baylor University. This mascot symbolizes the university's dedication to excellence, tradition, and community engagement. Overall, the designation of the Baylor bear mascot is a significant element of Baylor University's culture and identity. It reflects the university's commitment to its values, fosters school spirit, and serves as a source of inspiration for the Baylor community. The Baylor bear mascot plays a vital role in creating a sense of unity, pride, and excitement among students, alumni, and fans..
Reviews for "Baylor's Bear Mascot Unmasked: An Inside Look at Its Creation and Symbolism"
1. John - 2/5 - I am not a fan of the Designation of the Baylor Bear mascot. I find it to be uncreative and lackluster. The previous mascot had so much character and excitement, but this new one just falls flat. The design feels lazy and uninspired. I also think that it does not accurately represent the spirit and energy of Baylor University. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this new mascot design.
2. Jane - 3/5 - While I understand that the Designation of the Baylor Bear mascot was supposed to be a fresh take on the previous mascot, I personally did not think it was successful. The new design just doesn't feel as lively and engaging as the previous one. It lacks the charm and playfulness that made the previous mascot so beloved among the Baylor community. I also think that the overall execution of the design could have been better. It's a shame to see such an iconic symbol be changed in a way that doesn't resonate with me.
3. Alex - 2/5 - The new Designation of the Baylor Bear mascot is a disappointment. It feels like a forced rebranding attempt that misses the mark. The previous mascot had so much personality and spirit, and this new version just falls short. The design is generic and lacks the unique qualities that made the previous mascot so special. I also feel that it doesn't properly honor the history and tradition of Baylor University. Overall, I am not a fan of this new mascot and I think it was a step in the wrong direction.