My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has introduced countless beloved characters, but few have sparked as much intrigue as Auralyn Dashwing. A fan-favorite alternate universe (AU) version of Rainbow Dash, Auralyn blends the iconic pegasus’s bold personality with a fresh, often darker twist.
Whether you’re a longtime MLP fan or new to the fandom, this guide explores everything you need to know about Auralyn Dashwing—her origins, her role in fan works, and why she stands out in the vast world of MLP AUs.
Who Is Auralyn Dashwing? The Origins of a Fan-Made Legend
Auralyn Dashwing isn’t an official My Little Pony character—she’s a creation of the fandom, born from the endless creativity of artists, writers, and cosplayers. Unlike the cheerful, loyal Rainbow Dash we know from the show, Auralyn often appears in horror MLP AUs, dark fantasy settings, or reimagined Wonderbolts stories.
The Name Breakdown: Aura + Dashwing
The name “Auralyn” is a play on words, combining:
- “Aura” – Suggesting an ethereal, almost mystical presence (fitting for a character in darker AUs).
- “Lyn” – A common suffix in fantasy names (e.g., Evelyn, Rosalyn), giving her a regal or mysterious tone.
“Dashwing” reinforces her connection to Rainbow Dash, emphasizing her pegasus heritage and speed.
How Does Auralyn Differ from Rainbow Dash?
While Rainbow Dash is known for her confidence, loyalty, and love of pranks, Auralyn often takes on a more intense, brooding, or even villainous role in fan works. Some key differences include:
| Trait | Rainbow Dash (Canon) | Auralyn Dashwing (Fan-Made) |
|---|---|---|
| Personality | Energetic, loyal, competitive | Darker, more complex, sometimes ruthless |
| Appearance | Bright blue coat, rainbow mane | Close with Fluttershy, Twilight,and Soarin |
| Role in Stories | Heroic Wonderbolt, friend to Twilight | Anti-hero, rogue Wonderbolt, or even a villain |
| Relationships | Close with Fluttershy, Twilight, and Soarin | Often isolated, with strained or tragic bonds |
This contrast is what makes Auralyn so compelling—she’s Rainbow Dash, but with a twist.
Auralyn in MLP Alternate Universes (AUs)
One of the most fascinating aspects of Auralyn Dashwing is how she adapts to different MLP AUs. Here are some of the most popular settings where she appears:
1. Horror MLP AUs: The Dark Side of Equestria
In horror-themed MLP AUs, Auralyn often takes on a sinister or tragic role. Some common tropes include:
- A fallen Wonderbolt – Once a hero, now corrupted by dark magic or trauma.
- A rival to Daring Do – Instead of teaming up, Auralyn might be the one hunting artifacts for selfish reasons.
- A cursed pegasus – Her wings could be tainted, her speed uncontrollable, or her mind fractured.
Example: In some fanfics, Auralyn is the sole survivor of a Wonderbolt massacre, left with PTSD and a thirst for revenge.
2. Daring Do & Ahuizotl’s Shadowy World
Since Daring Do (the MLP version of Indiana Jones) deals with ancient curses and dangerous relics, Auralyn fits perfectly as:
- A rival treasure hunter who doesn’t play by the rules.
- A former ally of Daring Do who betrayed her.
- A victim of Ahuizotl’s curse, now serving the villain.
Fan Connection: Some fans compare Auralyn to Daring Doubt, a darker version of Daring Do, making their dynamic even more intense.
3. Wonderbolt Academy & Military AUs
In military or academy-themed AUs, Auralyn often appears as:
- A strict drill sergeant at Wonderbolt Academy.
- A rogue pilot who disobeys orders for the “greater good.”
- A rival to Soarin and Rainbow Dash, creating tension in the Wonderbolts.
Example: In MLP: Dash Academy AUs, Auralyn might be the top student who resents Rainbow Dash’s natural talent.
4. Genderbent & OC (Original Character) AUs
Some fans reimagine Auralyn as:
- A genderbent version of Rainbow Dash (though she’s usually female).
- A sister or cousin to Rainbow Dash, adding family drama.
- A completely original character with no direct ties to Rainbow Dash.
Fun Fact: The name “Aurora Dawn” is sometimes used interchangeably with Auralyn, especially in princess or royal AUs.
Why Do Fans Love Auralyn Dashwing?
Auralyn’s popularity stems from three key factors:
1. She’s a Fresh Take on a Classic Character
Rainbow Dash is beloved, but after nine seasons of ” My Little Pony: FiM, fans crave new interpretations. Auralyn delivers that by:
- Breaking the “hero” mold – She’s not always the good guy.
- Adding depth to the Wonderbolts – What if not all pegasi are noble?
- Exploring darker themes – Betrayal, loss, and redemption.
2. She Fits Multiple Genres
Whether you love action, horror, romance, or drama, Auralyn adapts. Some fan works feature her as:
- A tragic anti-hero (e.g., MLP: On Wings of Moonlight).
- A villainous rival (e.g., MLP: Daring Doubt crossovers).
- A romantic lead (e.g., MLP: SoarinDash AUs where she replaces Rainbow Dash).
3. She’s a Cosplay & Art Darling
Auralyn’s striking design makes her a favorite for:
- DeviantArt & Tumblr artists – Her dark aesthetic stands out.
- MLP cosplayers – Her edgy look is fun to recreate.
- Fan animations & comics – Her dynamic personality makes for great storytelling.
Example: Search “Auralyn Dashwing MLP” on DeviantArt, and you’ll find hundreds of unique interpretations.
Where to Find Auralyn Dashwing Content
If you’re eager to dive into Auralyn’s world, here are the best places to explore:
1. Fanfiction & Stories
- FanFiction.net & Archive of Our Own (AO3) – Search “Auralyn Dashwing” or “MLP AU Rainbow Dash”.
- DeviantArt & Tumblr – Many writers post short stories and comics featuring her.
- MLP AU Wikis – Some fan wikis document her appearances in different AUs.
2. Art & Cosplay
- DeviantArt – A goldmine for Auralyn’s artwork.
- Tumblr & Twitter – Many artists share sketches, edits, and full illustrations.
- MLP Conventions – Some cosplayers bring Auralyn to life at BronyCon, Everfree Northwest, and other events.
3. YouTube & Animations
- MLP AMVs (Animated Music Videos) – Some feature Auralyn in 8D audio or cinematic edits.
- Fan Animations – A few creators have made short films or comics starring her.
4. Roleplay & Gaming
- MLP Roleplay Servers (Discord, Reddit) – Some servers allow Auralyn-based characters.
- MLP Tabletop RPGs – Games like Tails of Equestria let players create custom AUs like Auralyn.
How to Create Your Own Auralyn Dashwing Story
Want to write or draw Auralyn? Here’s how to make her stand out:
1. Choose Her Role in the Story
- Anti-hero? (A Wonderbolt with a dark past)
- Villain? (A rival to Daring Do or Rainbow Dash)
- Tragic figure? (A pegasus who lost everything)
2. Design Her Look
- Color Scheme: Dark blues, purples, blacks, or even neon accents for a cyberpunk twist.
- Wings: Tattered, glowing, or mechanical (for sci-fi AUs).
- Mane & Tail: Sharp, jagged, or streaked with lightning.
3. Develop Her Personality
- Strengths: Fast, strategic, charismatic.
- Flaws: Arrogant, vengeful, or haunted by past mistakes.
- Relationships: Strained with Soarin? A rival to Daring Do? A mentor to young pegasi?
4. Pick a Genre
- Horror? (Cursed wings, haunted by the Ahuizotl)
- Action? (A rogue Wonderbolt on a mission)
- Drama? (A fallen hero seeking redemption)
5. Avoid Common Tropes (Unless You Subvert Them)
- Don’t make her just “evil Rainbow Dash” – Give her depth and motivation.
- Don’t force a romance – Some of the best Auralyn stories focus on her solo journey.
- Don’t ignore her pegasus abilities – Her speed and flight should play a key role in the plot.
Final Thoughts: Why Auralyn Dashwing Endures
Auralyn Dashwing is more than just a dark version of Rainbow Dash—she’s a testament to the MLP fandom’s creativity. By taking a beloved character and reimagining her in bold, unexpected ways, fans have given her a life of her own.
Whether she’s a tragic anti-hero, a ruthless rival, or a fallen Wonderbolt, Auralyn proves that even in a world of friendship and magic, there’s room for complexity.
What’s your favorite Auralyn Dashwing story or artwork? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’ve encountered this fascinating character!
