To the zebra, glyph marks are an indication of wisdom, intelligence and skill, in no small part because they are, in the most absolute sense.

While ponies receive their cutie marks the moment they realize what they intend to devote their life to, be that an occupation, goal or pursuit, the zebra glyph mark grows over time, indicating their path through their life and the nature and depth of their experience.

A zebra with an exploring spirit might have a map that grows as the zebra visits more countries and charts the land, literally depicting their travels through the world. On the other hand, a scholar devoted to the study of flora might develop a flower or sun that slowly expands throughout their life, adding pedals or rays and other flourishes as they feed their passion.

For others, the mark might seem to adapt to the changes and stresses they face. A zebra devoted to the healing arts might begin with a heart or cross depicted on their flank. If drawn into a time of war that mark could become emblazoned with crossed swords to depict their new struggles. Then in her old age, as she retires to concentrate on the protection and healing of her own family, that mark may become surrounded by a shield, completing their glyph of a coat of arms to show the strength the zebra brings to her family.

But of course, there will always be zebra who do not grow, but become set in their ways, stubborn and shortsighted. More often than not, their glyph doesn't grow beyond the foal's scribble they developed in their youth.

The size, scope and complexity of the mark depicts the depth of a zebra's wisdom, intelligence and skill. Their understanding of their life and that of those among them. Often, the zebra with the largest glyph is elected as the leader of a tribe or community and legends of the greatest zebra to have lived inevitably describe mares and stallions whose marks could cover their entire body.