Inspired by a video game released in May at the PlayStation Network, many creative fans flock on twitter to submit their poems to Square Enix. This infamous gaming publisher was hosting a contest to celebrate Darkengard 3; a prequel to Darkengard, this innovative project focuses on a medieval world with six sisters who wield special magical abilities as “Intoners.” In order to compete, these contestants must complete a couple of tasks.
For starters, these writers must arrange words in a popular Japanese poetry form called the haiku. In this form, the short message must relate to one of the sisters and nature to win a Japanese Darkengard 3 10th Anniversary Box and a collector’s edition downloadable content code. After days of narrowing down several entries, the director (Taro Yoko) and producer (Takamasa Shiba) have selected the winners.
Five honorable mentions will receive digital copies of the PlayStation Network North American Drakengard 3 game code plus one Collector’s Edition DLC code!
#1
Flowers bloom in Spring
Thrive in summer; die in fall
Then they are reborn.
@Kruzwei
“I felt that this described the Japanese word “shogyo mujo” which expresses the impermanence of all worldy things.” – Yoko-san
#2
Like a flock of doves
We were born to sing as one
Soon I’ll sing alone
@NatAntilla
“While it depicts Zero and One, it also represents the end of all songstresses. There were multiple, but they were all alone.” – Yoko-san
#3
On your knees, sister
You have nowhere to run now
The sun sets for you
@cisumKtreboR“This is very Zero-esque in terms of being characteristically violent and rough.” – Yoko- san
#4
Five needs or Five wants?
Greed insatiable nature
Sea of obsession.
@Lukasz666
“I would like to pay my respects to this person’s courage for choosing Five, a character that isn’t so popular, as a subject matter.” – Yoko-san
5#
Two, my love, my light
in these darkened times you shine
upon the desert
@TL97
“I wonder if this haiku depicts the moment before Two’s death. While one can sense Cent’s love for Two, there’s sorrow for having to lose her hereafter.” – Yoko-san
Grand prize winners will be receiving some awesome Japanese versions of the Collector’s Edition, the Drag-On Dragoon 10th Anniversary Box!
1st Place
I envy the birds
Fleeing the looming black clouds
For I fear the storm
@Sour_Gin
“It’s interesting because “I” and “looming black clouds” can be interpreted in so many different ways.” – Yoko-san
2nd Place
In the calm, warm, breeze
the flower’s scent still lingers.
Michael’s friend is gone.
@Suijinheki_
“I selected this haiku because I felt it was best suited as a requiem for Zero among the others that depict her death.” – Yoko-san
3rd Place
One, Two,Killing you
Three,Death knocks on your door
Bye,Five,Halved alive
@Hestar69
“It’s interesting how it kills so rhythmically, and it’s stylish how Zero’s name, the assumed speaker, doesn’t appear anywhere in the haiku.” – Yoko-san
After selecting these winning groups, Taro Yoko leaves a big thank you to all participates:
“I selected the above winners based on the original English haikus as well as their Japanese translation. There were so many wonderful haikus, making it extremely difficult to choose. I’d like to thank everyone for their effort. In any case, why a haiku contest? This is still a mystery to me…”
After reading these awesome works and personal quotes from the executives, which one is your favorite?
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