The imagery most associated with Vivi and the black mages is wings, particularly black wings. Although Vivi himself never harnessed wings of any sort, the Black Waltzes were created with great, black wings sprouting from their shoulders. Much emphasis is put on the existence of the wings: the Black Waltzes are seen flying, their wings not merely a part of their costume, but a part of their being. Wings are a strong symbol across time and cultures, and carry a significant metaphorical meaning that can be applied to both the Black Waltzes and Vivi himself.

The Black Waltzes having black wings is indicative of their morals and role within the story. Wings have long represented power and station, particularly in a Christian context.¹⁴ Black wings convey a more negative connotation, which is true of the evil nature of the Black Waltzes. Ironically, in the case of the Black Waltzes, the priviledged connotations of their having wings speak volumes about their ego, which is essentially through the roof.

Black Waltz No. 3 § You fool. Do I look like some lowly black mage soldier?

In contrast, Vivi has no wings to speak of. Although this might seem in error — one might think that since the evil Black Waltzes have black wings, the good-hearted Vivi should have white wings, correspondingly — this is actually a significant and unobjectionable fact. Vivi's lack of wings, black or otherwise, breaks down the immediate assumption of him being the opposite of the Black Waltz trio. Vivi, unlike the Black Waltzes, is not a heavenly figure, but a mortal figure. Further, he's not evil or corrupt — though he could come to be. He's mortal, capable of good or bad, and most importantly, having the ability to decide between the two.

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