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Rayla

Rayla is a fictional character and one of the three primary protagonists in the animated fantasy television series , created by and Justin Richmond for . Voiced by Paula Burrows, she is portrayed as a young Moonshadow elf assassin from the Silvergrove, characterized by her sharp wit, exceptional agility, and strong moral values that often lead her to question her assigned duties. Initially sent on a mission to assassinate the human king of Katolis in retaliation for the death of the , Rayla's journey evolves into a quest for peace, where she allies with human princes and Ezran to return a stolen dragon egg to its mother and prevent an escalating war between humans and elves. As the youngest member of her Moonshadow elf assassin group, Rayla is described as the fastest and strongest among her peers, though she enters the story untested, having never taken a life. Her abilities include masterful swordsmanship with dual blades that can extend or retract, enhanced by her connection to , which grants her camouflage and binding skills during full moons. Raised in part by the assassin leader Runaan, whom she views as a , Rayla's background is marked by a deep sense of loyalty to her family and elven heritage, yet she frequently grapples with the ethical implications of violence, leading to pivotal decisions that redefine her path. Throughout the series, which spans seven seasons from 2018 to 2024, Rayla's emphasizes personal growth through mistakes and relationships, particularly her romantic bond with , the stepbrother of King Ezran, which tests themes of and . By 5, she has transitioned from assassin to the last member of the Dragonguard, a protective order for dragons, highlighting her evolution into a selfless guardian of Xadia's magical balance. Her fearless and altruistic nature, as noted by voice actress Paula Burrows, resonates with audiences, allowing viewers to connect with her emotional journey across the human-elf divide. Rayla's story continues in the upcoming spin-off The Dragon King, announced in 2025 via by production company Wonderstorm.

Fictional biography

Background

Rayla was born on July 31 in the Silvergrove, a secluded village deep within the forests of Xadia, to Tiadrin and Lain, two elite warriors who served as members of the Dragonguard tasked with protecting the Avizandum. When Tiadrin and Lain departed to fulfill their sworn duties, leaving Rayla behind as a young child, she was taken in and raised by their close friends Runaan, a veteran assassin, and Ethari, a skilled and moonhenge keeper, who treated her as their own daughter. Growing up in the Silvergrove, Rayla was immersed in Moonshadow elf culture, which emphasized unwavering duty to their primal source—the —and the protection of Xadia's natural balance against human encroachment. From an early age, Rayla underwent rigorous training as an elite Moonshadow assassin under Runaan's guidance, mastering the use of dual wrist blades that could bind seamlessly to her forearms through a magical connection tied to her cultural markings. This training instilled in her the core tenets of Moonshadow assassins: precision, self-sacrifice, and loyalty to the and elvenkind, though it also fostered her innate sense of justice and reluctance toward needless violence. A pivotal pre-series event occurred during a rare bloodmoon, when Rayla, on her first hunting rite as a young assassin-in-training, was tasked with eliminating a human poacher encroaching on elven lands; her hesitation upon seeing the poacher's vulnerability led to a failed attempt, causing her magical markings to fade and stripping her of the ability to bind her wrist blades, branding her as a "failed " in the eyes of her . This failure deepened her internal struggles but did not deter her from continuing her path, as evidenced by her participation in the annual Lunabloom ceremony, a sacred Moonshadow where elves gather under the to harvest the luminous Lunabloom flowers, channeling for spells and renewal— an event that underscored Rayla's lingering connection to her heritage amid her growing doubts about her worthiness. These formative experiences culminated in Rayla's selection for a high-stakes led by Runaan, aimed at avenging the 's death by targeting of Katolis and his son Ezran; despite her expertise, Rayla harbored moral reservations about the mission, viewing it as a cycle of vengeance rather than justice, which foreshadowed her evolving worldview.

Book One:

In Book One: , Rayla arrives at the of Katolis with her Moonshadow elf assassin , led by Runaan, on the night of 's birthday to execute the ordered of the king and his younger son, Prince Ezran, as retribution for the death of the Avizandum at the hands of the Viren. The infiltrates the under the cover of a , but Rayla's initial attempt to kill the princes is interrupted when she discovers that Harrow has already been murdered by Viren, and she encounters , Harrow's elder stepson, and Ezran hiding with a stolen —the very artifact believed destroyed, containing the unhatched Azymondias. This revelation prompts Rayla to spare their lives, shifting her focus from vengeance to safeguarding the egg, as its survival could prevent further escalation of the war between humans and Xadia. As the group evades capture by Katolis guards and Viren's children, the mage Claudia and knight Soren, who are dispatched to retrieve the princes and the egg, Rayla frees the Dragon Egg from Viren's and forms a tentative alliance with and Ezran to return it to the Storm Dragon Queen Zubeia in Xadia. Complicating her efforts, the assassin's binding Rayla placed on her wrist as part of her oath to the mission causes her hand to swell, rendering her signature wrist blades inoperable and forcing her to improvise with scavenged weapons, such as a magical acquired during a perilous hunt at the Cursed Caldera. This malfunction underscores her untested status as an assassin, stemming from a prior failure in her training that left her eager to prove her worth but ultimately reliant on adaptability and unlikely human allies. Meanwhile, Runaan is captured by Viren after a confrontation at the castle, leading Rayla to part ways with him in sorrow, choosing the egg's protection over completing the and facing the consequences of her defiance. Throughout these events, Rayla's deep-seated against humans, rooted in elven teachings of their destructive nature, begins to soften through her interactions with and Ezran, who demonstrate kindness and shared purpose in their quest. Her moral shift culminates in a resolute decision to escort the across the to Xadia, marking the start of her journey from duty-bound killer to protector of fragile peace, even as she grapples with the isolation of abandoning her squad's mission.

Book Two: Sky

In Book Two: Sky, Rayla accompanies human princes and Ezran on their perilous journey across the to return Zym, the newly hatched Storm Dragon, to his mother in Xadia. The trio, already allied from the events of the previous book, seeks to navigate the treacherous landscapes while evading pursuit from Katolis forces. Early in their travels, the group stops at the abandoned Banther Lodge, where Callum hopes to find a magical artifact to aid his burgeoning interest in primal magic. There, they encounter Soren and Claudia, who have been dispatched by Viren to capture the princes, leading to a tense confrontation that tests Rayla's combat skills and resolve. Rayla defeats Soren in close quarters and helps the group escape, though the encounter highlights the growing dangers of their mission. As the journey progresses toward the Storm Spire—the towering Sky Nexus at the heart of Xadia—Rayla leads the way through storm-ravaged terrains, confronting creatures such as thunder beasts and evading patrols of skywing elves who view intruders with suspicion. These encounters force Rayla to improvise in battle, relying on her agility and blades despite occasional malfunctions in her weapons. A notable incident occurs when Soren attacks a young near the base of the Storm Spire; Rayla intervenes during the ensuing chaos, facing off against Claudia's dark magic as part of the group's confrontation. Later, the group reaffirms their alliance amid these trials. These trials culminate in a daring ascent toward the Storm Spire's base, where the group dodges the lingering spirit-like echoes of Avizandum, the slain , whose presence haunts the skies. Rayla's guidance proves essential in retrieving a stone from a hidden cache near the nexus approaches, which Callum uses to experiment with sky arcanum spells. Throughout the adventure, Rayla's bond with deepens, evolving from wary alliance to subtle romantic tension. Shared moments, such as Rayla teaching about elven history and the primal sources during quiet campfires, foster mutual understanding and trust. These interactions reveal Rayla's vulnerability, as she confides in about her past as an assassin and her hopes for reconciliation between humans and Xadians. Her capture and brief separation earlier in the heighten this connection, with 's concern for her safety underscoring their growing emotional reliance on one another. The season's emotional climax revolves around the group's reflection on the tragic defeat of a by human and elven forces during a past , a story revealed through Harrow's letter to his sons. Rayla, witnessing the devastation wrought by such conflicts—including the creature's corruption by desperation and the ensuing war—solidifies her commitment to peace, viewing as a stark warning against further division. With Zym's first flight saving them from peril at the edge of Xadia, Rayla stands resolute, her journey through the skies marking a pivotal step in her transformation from to bridge-builder between worlds.

Book Three: Sun

In Book Three: Sun, Rayla accompanies , Ezran, and Zym on their perilous journey into Xadia, crossing the Midnight Desert with the aid of the earthblood elf before reaching the Storm Spire, the ancient lair of the and . Upon arrival, Rayla reunites with her long-presumed-dead parents, Tiadrin and Lain, who reveal they survived the assassination of Avizandum by disguising themselves as statues among the Dragonguard, a secret order sworn to protect the royal dragons. This emotional reunion provides Rayla with closure on her family's fate, as her parents explain their absence stemmed from a binding that prevented them from returning home. As the group ascends , they confront the grieving Dragon Queen Zubeia, who initially attacks in rage over her lost egg and mate but relents upon seeing Zym, allowing Rayla to defend the young dragon fiercely during the ensuing chaos. The tension escalates with the arrival of Viren's corrupted army during a total , influenced by the Startouch Aaravos, leading to a climactic where Rayla stabs an illusory manifestation of Avizandum conjured by Aaravos to exploit her guilt over the Dragon King's death. In the melee, Rayla learns that Runaan, her mentor and adoptive father, was not executed by Viren but petrified and trapped in a magical , intensifying her sense of failure and unresolved duty. Throughout these events, Rayla's relationship with deepens, marked by mutual vulnerability and trust; before the final assault, they share their first kiss, affirming their romantic bond amid the uncertainty. In the battle's aftermath, overwhelmed by guilt over Runaan's petrification and her parents' sacrifices, Rayla impulsively vanishes for two years to hunt Viren, whom she suspects survived the fall from , leaving Callum heartbroken and the group fractured. This self-imposed exile underscores her internal conflict, as explored in the official tie-in Through the Moon, where Rayla briefly returns to the Silvergrove and ventures into the Moon Nexus seeking answers about her loved ones' fates.

Book Four: Earth

Following a two-year time skip, Rayla, now 17 years old, reappears in the human kingdom of Katolis during Callum's as High Mage, dramatically descending from the rafters amid an attack by Aaravos-influenced Earthblood elves. She explains that she spent the intervening years relentlessly hunting Viren, convinced he had survived his in the Storm Spire, but her search yielded no results and left her isolated and hardened. Rayla also discloses her failed attempt to reverse her banishment from the Silvergrove, where the magical Binding ritual still prevents her from returning home, exacerbating her emotional struggles. Rayla's return strains her relationship with Callum initially, as he grapples with the pain of her unexplained departure, but she offers a heartfelt for leaving without warning, leading to their reconciliation and a rekindling of their romance through shared vulnerability and a tender kiss. She joins , Ezran, Soren, and in combating the Earthblood elf insurgents, who seek to disrupt the fragile human-elf peace under Aaravos's subtle manipulation via enchanted coins. The group travels to Umber Tor to consult the ancient Earth Dragon Rex Igneous about Aaravos's prison, guided partway by the rogue Earthblood elf N'than, and en route, Rayla helps defend a young dragon from Drakeriders while confronting her lingering assassin impulses that urge lethal action against threats. At Umber Tor, Rayla participates in a perilous infiltration of Rex Igneous's lair, navigating traps and battles that test her resolve, ultimately securing vital clues about 's location etched on ancient stones. Her encounter with Claudia during the chaos reveals the dark mage's possession of coins containing the souls of Rayla's parents, Tiadrin and Lain, and her mentor Runaan, which Claudia briefly returns as a manipulative gesture, allowing Rayla a momentary to seek on her family's fate. This event heightens tensions, as Rayla's instinct to execute Claudia and Viren—evident in her aggressive capture of —clashes with the group's diplomatic efforts to foster unity against , underscoring her difficulty reintegrating into a world prioritizing over . A related revelation emerges about Sol Regem's historical blindness, inflicted by centuries ago, which contextualizes the Startouch Elf's manipulative influence over Xadian leaders like the Sunfire Janai at Aurea.

Book Five: Ocean

In Book Five: Ocean, Rayla joins , Ezran, and their allies on a perilous journey to the Sea of the Castout, seeking 's ancient prison to prevent the Startouch Elder's escape and further corruption of the world. Haunted by the revelation from the previous book that her parents, Tiadrin and Lain, are alive but trapped within Viren's cursed coins, Rayla experiences a poignant vision during a stealth mission in Viren's former chambers, where ethereal images of her family urge her to focus on thwarting above all else. This internal tension underscores her arc, as she grapples with the personal drive to liberate her loved ones—including Runaan—amid the escalating global war. The group's path leads them through Lux Aurea's Great Bookery, where Rayla researches ancient weapons like the Nova Blade alongside , strengthening their bond through shared vulnerability and a heartfelt with General Amaya about forgiveness and trust. Arriving at the lawless port of Scumport, they navigate treacherous alliances with smugglers like and face capture aboard the ship by the ruthless tidebound mage Finnegrin, who tortures Soren and threatens the team with tidal manipulations and sea beasts. Rayla's agility and combat prowess shine as she attempts to bargain for her friends' safety, but it is Callum's reluctant use of dark magic—tempted by Aaravos's whispers—that ultimately frees them, leaving Rayla to confront and reassure him about the moral weight of his choice. As the climax unfolds in the abyssal depths, Rayla overcomes her of to dive into the ocean's crushing pressures, wielding Runaan's bowblade in fierce underwater combat against Claudia, who has allied with Viren to seize the . Aiding Ezran and , Rayla severs one of Claudia's corrupted tentacles, enabling the group to breach the guarding Aaravos's —a luminous white pearl containing the archmage's essence—and reinforce its seals with celestial magic. This victory temporarily bolsters Rayla's resolve, though her restored access to the bowblade highlights her ongoing reliance on elven artifacts amid her binding curse. Throughout, Rayla's arc emphasizes her evolution from isolated assassin to steadfast , prioritizing collective survival over individual while the shadows of her family's loom large.

Book Six: Stars

In Book Six: , Rayla joins Callum on an perilous expedition to the Starscraper, the ethereal spire inhabited by the Startouch elves, where they consult ancient cosmic entities to uncover truths about Aaravos's imprisonment and intentions. Upon arrival, the duo encounters the enigmatic Startouch elves, who present them with a cryptic designating them as the "Chosen Two," prompting Rayla to navigate interstellar lore and celestial trials alongside her partner. A pivotal moment occurs in the Starless Cave, where Rayla confronts haunting illusions of her past, including unresolved familial ties and personal failures, forcing her to reckon with her Moonshadow heritage's innate resistance to deception. This ordeal strengthens her resolve, briefly referencing her elven ability to pierce illusions, and emerges as a turning point in her emotional growth. Meanwhile, amid rising elf rebellions threatening human-elf alliances, Rayla staunchly defends King Ezran, shielding him from assassins and rallying supporters to maintain fragile peace in Katolis. The group forges a crucial alliance with Rex Igneous, the Archdragon of Earth, whose reluctant aid proves vital in countering Aaravos's manipulations, drawing on prior bonds formed in earlier quests. Rayla's romance with deepens significantly, marked by intimate shared visions of a harmonious future together, symbolized in their journey aboard the ship Ray of Illumination, which burns to reveal "RAY LLUM" in a poignant nod to their bond. Creators and Justin Richmond highlighted this progression, noting the ship's name as a deliberate for their illuminating . Through a celestial star map unveiled at the Starscraper, the discern Aaravos's full scheme to shatter cosmic balances and unleash primordial chaos, galvanizing Rayla's unyielding determination to break the enduring cycle of violence between humans, elves, and dragons. The season's climax unfolds as Rayla and lead the escape from the destabilizing Starscraper, evading collapsing structures and celestial hazards while securing vital knowledge to prepare for the impending confrontation with the Dark Mage. This arc positions Rayla as a bridge between worlds, her actions underscoring themes of redemption and unity.

Book Seven: Dark

In Book Seven: Dark, Rayla plays a pivotal role in the series' climactic confrontation against , the Startouch Elf antagonist who seeks to unleash eternal night upon Xadia following his escape from imprisonment in the previous book. Alongside , Ezran, and their allies, she joins the effort to rally forces from both kingdoms and Xadia to counter Aaravos's , which involves Claudia's dark magic to raise and amplify his power. Rayla's Moonshadow heritage and assassin skills, honed through prior adventures, position her as a frontline in this final stand, where she coordinates with elven archers and soldiers to disrupt Aaravos's rituals. A significant personal arc for Rayla unfolds early in the season with her reunion with Runaan, her adoptive father and former mentor, who had been trapped in a cursed since the series' outset. In episode 4, "Unfinished Business," Runaan is freed, leading to an emotional reconciliation that prompts Rayla to undergo a Moonshadow to reverse her longstanding banishment from the Silvergrove, restoring her standing among her people. This reunion strengthens Rayla's resolve, as Runaan pledges his support to the group's mission, joining battles against Aaravos's minions and providing guidance on elven tactics. Her interactions with Runaan highlight themes of forgiveness and duty, allowing Rayla to confront lingering guilt from her past failures. Throughout the season, Rayla engages in intense battles that test her combat prowess, including skirmishes against Claudia's corrupted forces and spectral entities summoned by . In these conflicts, she protects Zym, the young Storm Dragon, during a critical nova blast sequence where archdragons sacrifice themselves to generate a aimed at weakening Aaravos, ensuring Zym's survival as a of hope for Xadian restoration. Rayla's agility and blade work shine in these encounters, briefly referencing her evolved fighting style that integrates magic insights from earlier quests, though her focus remains on strategic strikes rather than prolonged duels. The season's climax in episode 9, "Nova," centers on Rayla's heart-wrenching intervention during on at the heart of his ritual site. As contemplates using magic to trap in a new cursed coin—mirroring Runaan's past fate—Rayla steps in to dissuade him, prioritizing his moral integrity over immediate victory and agreeing instead to deliver a lethal strike if necessary. This moment nearly costs Rayla her life amid the chaos of 's attempts and the ensuing magical backlash, but she ultimately aids in redirecting toward an archdragon's bite, which banishes back to the heavens in a temporary defeat, postponing his return for seven years. Her actions underscore her growth as a protector, sealing the villain's immediate threat through coordinated heroism rather than solo sacrifice. In the aftermath, Rayla contributes to the establishment of lasting peace between Xadia and the human kingdoms, witnessing Ezran's founding of Evrkynd, a unified city that symbolizes reconciliation and serves as a hub for cross-cultural exchange. She integrates more deeply into life in Katolis, settling alongside and embracing a role as an ambassador and guardian, while subtle hints of Aaravos's lingering influence—such as faint signs of dark magic's toll on —foreshadow potential future challenges without resolving them fully. This resolution affirms Rayla's journey from outcast assassin to bridge-builder, marking the saga's closure on a note of cautious optimism.

Powers and abilities

Physical attributes and combat skills

Rayla possesses a lithe and acrobatic build ideally suited for and evasion, standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (5 feet 8 inches including her horns). Her slender frame emphasizes speed and flexibility, allowing her to navigate challenging environments with ease as the fastest and strongest among her assassin comrades. As a Moonshadow trained from a young age in the assassin's art under Runaan, Rayla demonstrates expert proficiency in , including dual-wielding her signature wrist blades—intricate moonsilver weapons that bind to her arms and transform between lethal cutting edges and curved hooks for grappling or disarming. She excels in hand-to-hand fighting, staff combat, and improvising with everyday objects like coins or branches to turn the tide in battles. Her training also encompasses advanced for fluid movement across uneven terrain, infiltration to approach targets undetected, for precise ranged strikes, and tactics essential for prolonged missions in hostile lands. Early in her journey, Rayla faced challenges due to her blades being unbound, limiting their full utility, but she compensated through resourceful adaptation and tactical ingenuity. Later developments restored their complete functionality with external aids, enhancing her already formidable non-magical arsenal. Notable demonstrations of her skills include scaling sheer cliffs with acrobatic precision, swiftly disarming multiple armed opponents in confined spaces, and pressing forward in fights despite sustaining significant injuries. While her physical abilities integrate seamlessly with lunar magic to amplify strikes during full moons, Rayla's core combat prowess relies on her honed assassin training and innate elven dexterity.

Magical and elven abilities

As a Moonshadow elf, Rayla possesses an innate symbiotic connection to the Moon Arcanum, the primal source of magic tied to illusions, concealment, and the veil between life and death. This bond enhances her , granting superior , speed, and , particularly under , which amplifies her natural elven traits for silent, whisper-like movement and heightened endurance during nighttime activities. Her key abilities include the capacity to enter a Moonshadow Form during a , rendering her nearly invisible through focused concentration on the lunar energy—a talent she exhibits naturally, though it requires training for most elves to master. These powers peak at night, especially under a , allowing her to blend seamlessly with shadows and evade detection. However, Rayla's abilities are intrinsically limited by lunar cycles; they weaken progressively as the moon wanes, reaching their nadir during when the connection fades, rendering advanced feats like full inaccessible. In later developments, she employs moon opals—crystalline artifacts infused with lunar essence—as aids to bolster and effects during off-peak phases, providing a temporary surge in power. These elven traits stem from a deep cultural reverence for primal sources, viewing the Moon Arcanum as a sacred, harmonious force that demands balance and respect, in stark contrast to human dark magic's destructive harvesting of magical essences. Rayla's agility, enhanced by moonlight, finds practical application in combat scenarios, enabling swift, evasive maneuvers.

Character development

Concept and creation

Rayla was conceived by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, co-founders of the animation studio Wonderstorm, as a central protagonist in the Netflix animated fantasy series The Dragon Prince. Drawing from classic fantasy traditions, the character's design and role were inspired by elven archetypes seen in works like J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, but reimagined with moral complexity to challenge conventional tropes of ethereal, aloof elves. As the youngest member of a Moonshadow elf assassin squad, Rayla embodies a "failed assassin" archetype, tasked with killing human royalty to avenge a dragon but ultimately sparing her targets and forging an alliance with princes Callum and Ezran to protect the infant Dragon Prince. This subversion highlights themes of empathy and redemption, positioning her as an outsider navigating cultural divides between humans and elves. Development of Rayla occurred during Wonderstorm's pre-production phase, which began after the studio's founding in 2016 and spanned roughly two years leading to the series' greenlight by Netflix. Early story outlines emphasized her agility, wit, and internal conflict, informed by the creators' backgrounds in narrative-driven projects like Avatar: The Last Airbender (Ehasz) and video games such as Uncharted (Richmond). Initial concept art featured sharp, angular facial features, flowing white hair, and striking purple eyes to evoke her lunar elven heritage and otherworldly grace, with iterations refining her from overly confident poses to more nuanced expressions of vulnerability. These sketches, preserved in production bibles, helped establish her as a visually distinct figure amid the series' diverse cast. Rayla debuted in the first season on September 14, 2018, with her multi-season character arc meticulously planned from the project's inception across all seven intended books, corresponding to the six primal sources of magic plus the forbidden dark magic. This long-term structure allowed for gradual exploration of her growth from a duty-bound operative to a key mediator in the human-elf conflict.

Characterization and progression

Rayla is introduced as a witty and impulsive Moonshadow elf assassin, characterized by her fierce loyalty to her people and an initial deep-seated bias against humans, stemming from the long-standing conflict between Xadia and the human kingdoms. This bias manifests in her early mission to eliminate the human royal family, yet her moral compass quickly leads her to question her duty, marking the beginning of her internal conflict between obligation and empathy. Throughout the series, Rayla's progression evolves her from a duty-bound killer in season 1, driven by assassination orders, to a committed peace advocate by season 7, where she prioritizes empathy and reconciliation over vengeance. Her arc is punctuated by profound guilt following the failed Bloodmoon Hunt, which results in the presumed deaths of her parents and leaves her haunted by self-doubt, compelling her to isolate herself in a two-year time-skip after season 3 to pursue Viren alone. This period of solitude builds her resilience, transforming her impulsiveness into a more focused determination, though it initially strains her relationships and amplifies her sense of responsibility. Thematically, Rayla's journey emphasizes redemption through confronting failure, as seen in her Bloodmoon guilt, which she ultimately resolves by releasing her parents' coins in season 6, symbolizing forgiveness of herself and others. Her romance with serves as a pivotal growth catalyst, evolving from tentative alliance to profound partnership that challenges her anti-human prejudices and fosters empathy, culminating in mutual sacrifices that affirm their bond as a force for . Cultural reconciliation forms another core theme, as Rayla navigates her elven —reconciling biological with chosen ones like Runaan and Ethari—leading to a broader understanding of breaking cycles of hatred between elves and humans. Key developments further illustrate her growth: the time-skip isolation hones her independence but is challenged by family reunions in later seasons, where reclaiming Runaan forces her to balance duty with love, ultimately strengthening her resolve. By season 7, her final sacrifices—preparing to endanger for Xadia's sake yet choosing heart over blind duty—affirm her heroism, as she emerges confident and integrated among her people, having fully embraced peace advocacy. Rayla's shift from anti-hero, defined by solitary vengeance, to protagonist mirrors the series' overarching themes of breaking destructive cycles, as her personal evolution parallels the narrative's push toward interspecies harmony and redemption.

Portrayal

Voice acting

Rayla is voiced by Paula Burrows, a Scottish-born Canadian actress, beginning with the series premiere in 2018. Burrows was cast after submitting an audio audition and attending an in-person session, where her authentic delivery from live-action experience impressed the creators, allowing her to convey Rayla's blend of youthful sarcasm and emotional vulnerability without prior voice acting credentials. Burrows recorded early seasons in ensemble sessions at studios in , , fostering natural interactions with co-stars, while later seasons shifted to remote setups using Source Connect for real-time collaboration, supplemented by pickup sessions for refinements. Direction from co-creator and others emphasized expressive, theatrical performances suited to , including a Scottish-inspired accent that draws on Burrows' heritage to give Rayla an elven flair—her Scottish mother reportedly delighted that she was "finally talking properly." Improvisational elements were incorporated sparingly to enhance witty , aligning with Rayla's sharp-tongued personality. Her chemistry with , who voices , particularly shone in romance-driven scenes, as their joint recordings captured playful banter and tender moments, elevating the characters' dynamic. Burrows, a graduate of Studio 58 with prior live-action roles in shows like , transitioned seamlessly into animation, voicing additional characters like Opeli and Berto in the series. Notable for her emotional range, she delivered poignant performances in Season 7's challenging scenes, including the finale, which she described as creatively fulfilling. Burrows continued voicing Rayla through Season 7, released in December 2024, and is set to reprise the role in the announced sequel series The Dragon King, teased in 2025 via campaign.

Design and animation

Rayla's initial design features pale skin, white hair styled in braids, striking purple eyes, and distinctive purple tattoos that mark her as a member of the Moonshadow Elf clan, complemented by form-fitting assassin garb in dark greens and blacks with silver accents, crafted by concept artist Phil Bourassa in collaboration with the production team. Over the series, her appearance evolves to reflect narrative progression, including longer, looser hair following the two-year time skip in season 4, alongside a more rugged outfit incorporating warmer tones and practical elements for her matured role. By season 7, updates introduce battle-worn armor with reinforced plating and weathered textures, emphasizing her experiences in conflict. The animation, handled by , employs a fluid CG pipeline with cel-shading to emulate a aesthetic, allowing for dynamic acrobatic sequences animated primarily on twos to convey weight and speed in Rayla's combat movements. Expressive facial animations highlight her emotional range, using hand-controlled rigs and video references for nuanced performances in fight scenes. Color choices incorporate lunar-inspired purples and silvers for Rayla, contrasting with warmer palettes to underscore elven heritage, enhanced by subtle glow effects during full-moon sequences. Her designs extend to tie-in media, maintaining consistency in the "Chasing Shadows" comic short stories on the official site, where her assassin attire is depicted in static illustrations, and in merchandise like action figures that replicate her braided hair and tattoos. Teasers for the 2025 "The Dragon King" reveal an aged appearance with refined facial lines, extended hairstyles, and evolved armor suggesting further maturation.

Reception

Critical reception

Critics have widely praised Rayla's for her dynamic personality and evolving arc from a determined assassin to a key figure in fostering peace between humans and elves. In its review of season 2, described her as a "dynamic " whose growth allows space for complementary developments in the , highlighting her agility and moral complexity in high-stakes missions. Season 3 further advanced her portrayal, with noting deeper explorations of her Moonshadow Elf heritage and unyielding drive to protect Zym, emphasizing her personal agency and entertaining flirtations with that underscore her emotional layers. Rayla's romantic development with , culminating in a pivotal , received acclaim for adding unexpected depth to her otherwise mission-focused journey. analyzed how this unplanned element, emerging organically from storyboards, enriched her and , transforming their into a central emotional anchor without overshadowing the broader narrative. The voice performance by Paula Burrows has been lauded for infusing Rayla with authenticity and emotional resonance, particularly through her Scottish accent that enhances the character's feisty yet demeanor. A in the Eagle Beat praised Burrows' delivery as "excellent," noting how it elevates Rayla's presence in both and scenes. Thematically, Rayla's role in bridging divides has been highlighted in analyses of the series' anti-war messages, with her toward humans positioning her as a symbol of akin to resilient protagonists in fantasy tales. However, some critiques point to occasional underdevelopment, such as her sidelining in 2 or limited early exploration of familial bonds before later . Collider's 5 , while commending the ensemble, critiqued the series for not fully capitalizing on such character potentials amid escalating plots. Overall, Rayla stands out in aggregate critic scores, contributing to The Dragon Prince's strong ratings—100% for seasons 1–4, 91% for season 5, no Tomatometer score available for season 6 (audience score of 96%), and 87% for season 7—where reviewers frequently cite her as a compelling lead driving the show's heartfelt progression.

Popularity and cultural impact

Rayla has cultivated a substantial fanbase within the animated fantasy community, particularly through her central role in romantic pairings and character-driven storylines. The shipping of Rayla with , known as "Rayllum," has become a focal point for fans, generating widespread engagement and discussions that highlight her emotional depth and relational dynamics. This enthusiasm contributed to the overall popularity of , as evidenced by the series' dedicated online communities and the success of fan-driven initiatives. Merchandise featuring Rayla has been a prominent offering in official and licensed products tied to the series. Items such as Pop! vinyl figures, apparel from retailers like , and detailed statuettes from Dark Horse Direct have showcased her as a key character, appealing to collectors and fans alike. Graphic novels like Through the Moon, which center on Rayla's personal quest, further extend her presence in print media and have been well-received as expansions. Rayla's portrayal as a resilient Moonshadow elf assassin embodies a strong female in fantasy, enriched by her upbringing in a family—raised by the couple Runaan and Ethari—which adds layers to the series' broader of diverse relationships. This characterization has inspired widespread at conventions, including Comic-Con panels and events where fans recreate her agile, blade-wielding . Beyond the original series, Rayla appears in extensions like the 2025 project The Dragon King, an set seven years after season 7, featuring updated designs for her and other characters revealed through a campaign launched in September 2025. The initiative raised over $1 million, underscoring sustained fan interest. Her enduring appeal is reflected in fan campaigns for series continuations, including petitions urging further development of the universe, and rankings in analyses placing her among the top characters for her growth and impact.

References

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    Watch The Dragon Prince | Netflix Official Site
    Ezran, Callum and Rayla each put their special talents to use as they make their way up the mountain in a desperate bid to save the egg. More Details. Watch ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Meet the Cast & Crew - The Dragon Prince
    Voice of Rayla. Paula is a Scottish-born, Canadian-raised actress based in Vancouver, B.C. and a graduate of Studio 58 and Langara College Film Arts. Paula ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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    Learn more about all the characters - The Dragon Prince
    Learn about RAYLA. With wit as sharp and dangerous as her blades, Rayla is a young Moonshadow elf assassin… or, at least she calls herself one.
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