Onions are a type of vegetable often used to add flavor to various dishes. They are major pieces of Shrek iconography, and synonymous with the first film. An onion is used to symbolize Shrek as a person, who has many layers to him despite the displeasing or ordinary exterior.
Appearances
Shrek
When Shrek and Donkey are walking through a vegetable patch, Shrek tells Donkey that "there's a lot more to ogres than people think." After asking for an example, Shrek uses an onion as an allegory for ogres. Donkey tries to make sense of it, suggesting that like onions, ogres stink or make him cry. He yells that "ogres have layers," and "onions have layers." Still confused, Donkey says not everybody likes onions, then suggesting that people loves cakes and parfaits (which also have layers). Shrek objects, sticking with his statement that "ogres are like onions."
Later at Shrek and Fiona's wedding, an onion is transformed into a carriage for the newly weds. They ride off into the sunset in the carriage.
Shrek on X-Box/Shrek Extra Large
Onions are a common powerup in the game. They are used to fill Shrek's gas meter, which helps him fart on enemies and burp. If Shrek eats a chili pepper, he can gain the ability to burp flames without a torch. When he farts and burps fire, he can create a flatulent explosion that is lethal to enemies and NPCs.
Shrek 4-D
The onion carriage is seen parked while Shrek is trying to look at his map. Fiona is shown crying due to the intense aroma of the carriage, which Donkey helps by pulling down the edges. When Thelonious kidnaps Fiona, Shrek rides the carriage through the Forbidden Forest. It trails through harsh grounds and destroys Gingy's gingerbread house. Shrek and Donkey then trip over the delipidated entrance to the Dead End Graveyard, causing the magic to wear off on the carriage and the horses (two of the Blind Mice). The onion lands on the head of one of the mice, knocking out his vision.
Shrek 2
The onion carriage returns as Shrek and Fiona's motive transportation to Far Far Away. After the couple's arrival at the palace, Donkey awkwardly exits telling him that he'll "park the car."
Shrek the Musical
A recreation of the conversation about layers he has with Donkey is present in the show. However, they are not trailing through a vegetable patch, and instead in a regular grassy field.
Puss in Boots
Puss in Boots makes a remark to Humpty Dumpty after the reveal of the egg's plan to get revenge on him. Feeling betrayed, Puss yells "I should scramble you with onions!"
Gallery
Trivia
- The 2001 CD, "Shrek: Home for the Holidays," features a line in the "12 Days of Christmas," which is "Five Onion Rings."
- Onions are the most common motif in various internet memes with the Shrek character.
- They have also been seen as patterns on newly released Shrek merchandise as a result.