The Mariphasia (also spelt as Marifasa) Lupina Lumina is a rare photoluminesent Orchid found in the Himalaya mountain range. Known as the Wolf Flower, it is prized for it's beauty, rarity, and it's use as a temporary cure for lycanthropyThe Mariphasia first appeared in the famous Werewolf film,
Werewolf of London, a Genre defining piece, frequently referenced and parodied in varied media. The Film revolved around the Orchid in question, which is desired by an existing werewolf, and is owned by a Botanist (who contracted lycanthropy from said werewolf while trying to claim the flower for his collection)
Now, Edmund has us collect Black Orchids and Garlic. The Garlic is easily explained, it's a common Anti-Vampire method.
The Orchids however, are less obvious, but through research, I've found a connection. The Mariphasia.
The Mariphasia, if consumed by a werewolf, will prevent them from transforming.
The More common cure, Belladonna Nightshade (wolvesbane) was probably not used due to the fact that it is highly poisonous, not to mention a hallucinogenic drug. Therefore, Rina would not carry belladonna. However, Orchids would be easily found in her stock.
If that's not enough of a connection, there is a legend that Orchids grow where the *ahem* seed of a male werewolf hits the ground.
There are only two snags,
A) The Mariphasia in the film is not a Black Orchid, it's a Glowing Orchid. This isn't to say that it's not the only flower in it's family with the ability to suppress lycanthropy.
b) Edmund is apparently giving us back the Orchids, unless (as I suspect) it's not an actual orchid we're wearing.
Think about it, It's called a Brooch. If it was a plant, it would be called a Corsage. Brooches are commonly fashioned after flowers.
So, one last theory. I suspect that the Cure items are right in front of us. Black Orchids for the Werewolf Skin, and Garlic for the vampires.
I am not sure Edmund is a werewolf though, this discovery makes it more likely (he is seen drinking tea, similar to how Remus Lupin drank wolvesbane potion in Harry Potter.) But it's possible he's collecting ingredients to combat two creatures.
This is not definitive proof, not by a long shot, but it does present evidence in the favor of werewolf NPCs exisiting, and surfacing this Halloween. We can only wonder.
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Please comment, and tell me what you think.