Solana Feverens Crypto Rivalry By Referencing Classic XRP Symbolism

Solana has unexpectedly entered into the long-simmering rivalry between Solana and XRP communities by making two historic, highly symbolic references in their posts on X. These provocative posts on X included one entitled, “Time to flip the switch”, featuring images and numbers deeply embedded into XRP culture - prompting strong reactions from members of both communities.

Reimagining of “Castle” Illustration

Bearableguy123 first popularized the “Castle Illustration,” an iconic and influential artwork depicting three towers representing BTC, USD and an elevated version of XRP that symbolised an emerging “new order” in finance that elevated XRP over its competitors.

Solana’s altered image depicted him as the tallest tower, replacing XRP symbolically and moving it back towards historical associations of US Dollar usage; this moved XRP away from being represented as under corporate control - something which did not sit well with many within the XRP community. Bearableguy had previously used imagery that represented that XRP’s tower was stronger and more secure due to lack of volatility symbols (Phoenix) or financial control (Ouroboros) found on BTC/USD towers - suggesting corporate control.

The Infamous “XRP to 589” Nod

Solana posted the castle imagery as part of a post that contained just four characters: 589. This number is an inside joke among XRP community members linked with Bearableguy123’s riddles and popularized through a Simpsons meme which suggested that token would hit $589+ before End Of Year (EOY).

The use of symbols created a stir. Vet, an influential XRPL dUNL validator, responded sharply by accusing Solana of cultural appropriation by borrowing symbols that belong exclusively to the XRP community. Vet’s comments coincided with Solana Breakpoint conference scheduled in Abu Dhabi; thus some speculated these jabs might have been designed as marketing attempts designed to generate publicity by engaging one of crypto’s largest fan bases.