The John Wick saga has captivated audiences worldwide since its explosive debut in 2014. Despite the franchise’s immersive world and thrilling action, a key element remains shrouded in mystery: John Wick’s past. The films and comics offer tantalizing glimpses, but a full backstory remains elusive. Director Chad Stahelski has intentionally scattered breadcrumbs for fans to piece together, and one of the most intriguing clues lies beneath the surface – literally. John Wick’s back tattoo has become a focal point for fan theories, particularly the idea that it hints at a past within the US Marine Corps. Let’s delve into the ink and explore what it might reveal about the Baba Yaga.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick 3: Parabellum, showcasing his back tattoos.
Throughout the John Wick movies, concrete details about his life before becoming a legendary assassin are scarce. This ambiguity is deliberate. Stahelski has stated his intention was to allow audiences to engage with the story and gradually uncover Wick’s history through subtle details. In a 2017 interview, he mentioned, “We’re giving you the pieces and I think it’s always good… Hopefully in five years, you and your buddies will talk about how ‘he’s this or he’s that.’ We’ll give you a couple more pieces and let you stitch it together.”
Among these “pieces,” John Wick’s back tattoos are some of the most visually striking and potentially revealing. First glimpsed in the original John Wick film during a shower scene, these tattoos offer a rich tapestry of symbols and words. A closer examination reveals four distinct tattoos: a howling wolf on his right shoulder blade, a face engulfed in flames on his left, a cross on his left shoulder, and a detailed rendition of Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands in the center of his back.
While the religious iconography might suggest a spiritual side to Wick, it’s the prominent phrase emblazoned across his back that fuels the military connection theory: “FORTIS FORTUNA ADIUVAT.”
Deciphering “FORTIS FORTUNA ADIUVAT”
Illustration of Fortuna, goddess of luck and fortune
Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, depicted in an engraving, symbolizing the luck and fate associated with the phrase “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat.”
The Latin phrase fortis Fortuna adiuvat is commonly translated as “fortune favors the brave” or “fortune favors the bold.” However, the nuances of Latin, a language no longer actively spoken, lead to ongoing scholarly debate regarding its precise meaning. Interpretations like “fortune will come to save the strong ones” or “it is only the strong ones that Fortuna can save” also surface, emphasizing strength and resilience as prerequisites for good fortune.
Regardless of the exact translation, the phrase undeniably invokes Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and fate. Fortuna was believed to be a powerful figure capable of shaping destinies, bestowing blessings or curses based on an individual’s actions. The core belief associated with Fortuna and the phrase is that bravery and boldness are rewarded with favorable outcomes.
In the context of John Wick’s back tattoo, the phrase takes on a deeper resonance. It not only reflects his character’s daring profession and relentless spirit but also strongly hints at a potential link to the US Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps Connection: “FORTES FORTUNA JUVAT”
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in
John Wick in Chapter 4, his back tattoo subtly suggesting a possible Marine Corps background through the phrase “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat.”
The link between John Wick’s back tattoo and the US Marine Corps lies in the striking similarity between “FORTIS FORTUNA ADIUVAT” and the motto of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. Their motto is “FORTES FORTUNA JUVAT.” While slightly different, with “FORTES” instead of “FORTIS” and “JUVAT” instead of “ADIUVAT,” the phrases are closely related in meaning and origin. “FORTES FORTUNA JUVAT” also translates to “fortune favors the brave” or “fortune helps the brave.”
This near-identical phraseology is unlikely to be coincidental. For those familiar with military mottos, particularly within the Marine Corps, the tattoo serves as a subtle yet powerful indicator of a potential past affiliation. It suggests that John Wick’s character might have a history rooted in this elite military branch, aligning with his exceptional combat skills and stoic demeanor.
Beyond the Ink: Further Hints of a Military Past
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in
A still from the first John Wick movie, highlighting elements like his tactical watch-wearing style that fuel theories about his military background.
Beyond the potent clue of his back tattoo, other subtle details throughout the John Wick franchise lend credence to the Marine Corps theory. His unparalleled skillset, for instance, is far beyond that of an average individual. The films offer no explicit explanation for how Wick acquired such lethal proficiency in firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical maneuvers, leading many to believe these skills were honed during military service.
Another intriguing detail is the way John Wick wears his watch. Throughout the series, he sports a leather-banded watch worn with the face on the inside of his wrist, on his non-dominant hand. This is a common practice among military personnel. Wearing a watch in this manner minimizes reflection that could betray a position and offers added protection to the watch face in field operations.
While these details – the “FORTIS FORTUNA ADIUVAT” tattoo, exceptional combat skills, and tactical watch-wearing style – are not definitive proof of a Marine Corps background, they collectively create a compelling argument. They offer a rich subtext to John Wick’s character, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the mystery of his past.
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Ultimately, the enigma surrounding John Wick’s past remains a deliberate choice by the filmmakers, adding layers of intrigue to his character. His back tattoo, especially the “FORTIS FORTUNA ADIUVAT” inscription, serves as a powerful symbol and a captivating clue, inviting fans to continue piecing together the puzzle of the Baba Yaga’s origins. Whether or not he served in the Marine Corps, the tattoo speaks volumes about his character: brave, bold, and resilient – a man who believes fortune favors the strong.
