Crusaders of the Lost Mark
A musical episode about friendship and finding one's purpose.
"Crusaders of the Lost Mark" is the eighteenth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Written by Amy Keating Rogers, it is one of several musical episodes in the series. The episode aired on October 10, 2015, on Discovery Family and is among the highest-rated episodes of the series.
- Series
- My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
- Season
- 5
- Episode number
- 18
- Air date
- October 10, 2015
- Network
- Discovery Family
- Writer
- Amy Keating Rogers
- Composer
- Daniel Ingram
Lore & Background
The episode follows the Cutie Mark Crusaders as they continue searching for their cutie marks. They become campaign managers for Pipsqueak, who is running for student pony president against their longtime rival Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara loses the election and is criticized by her mother Spoiled Rich, leading the Crusaders to sympathize with her. They invite Diamond Tiara to their clubhouse, and after internal conflict she stands up to her mother and helps Pipsqueak rebuild the school playground. The Crusaders then stop searching for their cutie marks and instead work together to help other ponies understand their talents, which causes them to receive near-identical cutie marks. They celebrate with friends and family.
Reader's Guide
The episode is notable as one of only four musical episodes in the series, featuring six songs composed by Daniel Ingram. It aired to 299,000 viewers and is the sixth highest-rated episode on IMDb with a 9.2/10. Daniel Ingram won a 2016 Leo Award for Musical Score Animation Program or Series for his work on this episode. A picture book adaptation written by Magnolia Belle was released on February 9, 2016. The episode's title is based on the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Did You Know?
- The episode's title is based on the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark.
- It is one of several musical episodes in the series, including 'Magical Mystery Cure', 'Pinkie Pride', and 'A Hearth's Warming Tail'.
- Daniel Ingram won a 2016 Leo Award for Musical Score Animation Program or Series for his songs in this episode.
- A picture book adaptation written by Magnolia Belle was released on February 9, 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main characters in "Crusaders of the Lost Mark"?
The episode centers on the Cutie Mark Crusaders—Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo—as they set out to discover what their cutie marks should be and what purpose they are meant to fulfill.
What is the plot of "Crusaders of the Lost Mark"?
The three young ponies embark on an adventure to find their "lost mark," trying various activities and facing challenges to figure out their individual destinies. The story ultimately reinforces that their friendship and willingness to help others are what truly define them.
Is "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" a musical episode?
Yes, it is one of the musical episodes in the series, featuring several original songs that carry the narrative forward. It was written by Amy Keating Rogers and aired on Discovery Family on October 10, 2015.
Why is "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" considered a fan-favorite episode?
It ranks among the highest-rated episodes of the entire series, praised for its heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and the value of friendship. Its musical format and focus on the younger characters give it a distinct, uplifting tone compared to many other episodes.
Where does "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" fit in the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic timeline?
It is the eighteenth episode of the fifth season, placing it in the later stretch of that season's run. It serves as a standalone story for the Cutie Mark Crusaders rather than being part of a multi-episode arc.
More in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic episodes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record