The answer is the Italian one
They went through the same processes. They had the same problem of being less intelligent and they really connect.
I'm not sure to which story you are referring, but here's what the symbols mean. A pendulum is the part of a clock (i.e. a grandfather clock) that counts the seconds as they pass. They would symbolize the unstoppable nature of time. An old man with a scythe might represent the grim reaper or another figure of death.
Both of these symbols have to do with growing older and moving on (dying).
Hope this helps! :)
