#Heritage Iron

[shulkerbullets]

redrew my old gwourtney drawing from a deleted blog :)

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Story and photographs by Ronan O’Connell

September 26, 2023

In the middle of a field in a lesser known part of Ireland is a large mound where sheep wander and graze freely.

Had they been in that same location centuries ago, these animals might have been stiff with terror, held aloft by chanting, costumed celebrants while being sacrificed to demonic spirits that were said to inhabit nearby Oweynagat cave.

This monumental mound lay at the heart of Rathcroghan, the hub of the ancient Irish kingdom of Connaught.

The former Iron Age center is now largely buried beneath the farmland of County Roscommon.

In 2021, Ireland applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for Rathcroghan (Rath-craw-hin). It remains on the organization's tentative list.

Rooted in lore

Spread across more than two square miles of rich agricultural land, Rathcroghan encompasses 240 archaeological sites, dating back 5,500 years.

They include burial mounds, ring forts (settlement sites), standing stones, linear earthworks, an Iron Age ritual sanctuary — and Oweynagat, the so-called gate to hell.

More than 2,000 years ago, when Ireland’s communities seem to have worshipped nature and the land itself, it was here at Rathcroghan that the Irish New Year festival of Samhain (SOW-in) was born, says archaeologist and Rathcroghan expert Daniel Curley.

In the 1800s, the Samhain tradition was brought by Irish immigrants to the United States, where it morphed into the sugar overload that is American Halloween.

Dorothy Ann Bray, a retired associate professor at McGill University and an expert in Irish folklore, explains that pre-Christian Irish divided each year into summer and winter.

Within that framework were four festivities.

Imbolc, on February 1, was a festival that coincided with lambing season.

Bealtaine, on May 1, marked the end of winter and involved customs like washing one’s face in dew, plucking the first blooming flowers, and dancing around a decorated tree.

August 1 heralded Lughnasadh, a harvest festival dedicated to the god Lugh and presided over by Irish kings.

Then on October 31 came Samhain, when one pastoral year ended and another began.

Rathcroghan was not a town, as Connaught had no proper urban centers and consisted of scattered rural properties.

Instead, it was a royal settlement and a key venue for these festivals.

During Samhain, in particular, Rathcroghan was a hive of activity focused on its elevated temple, which was surrounded by burial grounds for the Connachta elite.

Those same privileged people may have lived at Rathcroghan. The remaining lower-class Connachta communities resided in dispersed farms and descended on the site only for festivals.

At those lively events they traded, feasted, exchanged gifts, played games, arranged marriages, and announced declarations of war or peace.

Festivalgoers also may have made ritual offerings, possibly directed to the spirits of Ireland’s otherworld.

That murky, subterranean dimension, also known as Tír na nÓg (Teer-na-nohg), was inhabited by Ireland’s immortals, as well as a myriad of beasts, demons, and monsters.

During Samhain, some of these creatures escaped via Oweynagat cave (pronounced “Oen-na-gat” and meaning “cave of the cats”).

“Samhain was when the invisible wall between the living world and the otherworld disappeared,” says Mike McCarthy, a Rathcroghan tour guide and researcher who has co-authored several publications on the site.

“A whole host of fearsome otherworldly beasts emerged to ravage the surrounding landscape and make it ready for winter.”

Thankful for the agricultural efforts of these spirits but wary of falling victim to their fury, the people protected themselves from physical harm by lighting ritual fires on hilltops and in fields.

They disguised themselves as fellow ghouls, McCarthy says, so as not to be dragged into the otherworld via the cave.

Despite these engaging legends — and the extensive archaeological site in which they dwell — one easily could drive past Rathcroghan and spot nothing but paddocks.

Inhabited for more than 10,000 years, Ireland is so dense with historical remains that many are either largely or entirely unnoticed.

Some are hidden beneath the ground, having been abandoned centuries ago and then slowly consumed by nature.

That includes Rathcroghan, which some experts say may be Europe’s largest unexcavated royal complex.

Not only has it never been dug up, but it also predates Ireland’s written history.

That means scientists must piece together its tale using non-invasive technology and artifacts found in its vicinity.

While Irish people for centuries knew this site was home to Rathcroghan, it wasn’t until the 1990s that a team of Irish researchers used remote sensing technology to reveal its archaeological secrets beneath the ground.

“The beauty of the approach to date at Rathcroghan is that so much has been uncovered without the destruction that comes with excavating upstanding earthwork monuments,” Curley says.

“[Now] targeted excavation can be engaged with, which will answer our research questions while limiting the damage inherent with excavation.”

Becoming a UNESCO site

This policy of preserving Rathcroghan’s integrity and authenticity extends to tourism.

Despite its significance, Rathcroghan is one of Ireland’s less frequented attractions, drawing some 22,000 visitors a year compared with more than a million at the Cliffs of Moher.

That may not be the case had it long ago been heavily marketed as the “Birthplace of Halloween,” Curley says.

But there is no Halloween signage at Rathcroghan or in Tulsk, the nearest town.

Rathcroghan’s renown should soar, however, if Ireland is successful in its push to make it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Irish Government has included Rathcroghan as part of the “Royal Sites of Ireland,” which is on its newest list of locations to be considered for prized World Heritage status.

The global exposure potentially offered by UNESCO branding would likely attract many more visitors to Rathcroghan.

But it seems unlikely this historic jewel will be re-packaged as a kitschy Halloween tourist attraction.

“If Rathcroghan got a UNESCO listing and that attracted more attention here that would be great, because it might result in more funding to look after the site,” Curley says.

“But we want sustainable tourism, not a rush of gimmicky Halloween tourism.”

Those travelers who do seek out Rathcroghan might have trouble finding Oweynagat cave.

Oweynagat is elusive — despite being the birthplace of Medb, perhaps the most famous queen in Irish history, 2,000 years ago.

Barely signposted, it’s hidden beneath trees in a paddock at the end of a one-way, dead-end farm track, about a thousand yards south of the much more accessible temple mound.

Visitors are free to hop a fence, walk through a field, and peer into the narrow passage of Oweynagat.

In Ireland’s Iron Age, such behavior would have been enormously risky during Samhain, when even wearing a ghastly disguise might not have spared the wrath of a malevolent creature.

Two millennia later, most costumed trick-or-treaters on Halloween won’t realize they’re mimicking a prehistoric tradition — one with much higher stakes than the pursuit of candy.

[vertigoartgore]

Iron Man illustration original art by artist Leonardo Manco (2002).

[hiddenincommand]

The Cold Metal of Medals: Markers of Achievement and Superiority

The gleam of medals on a uniform is more than a mere decoration—it is a testament to a man’s authority, his accomplishments, and the respect he commands. For the Alpha male, medals are not just tokens of recognition but symbols of his unyielding dominance and superiority. Each medal tells a story, a chapter in the life of a man who has mastered himself, his environment, and those under his command.

This essay delves into the symbolism of medals, their historical significance, and their role in reinforcing the authority and legacy of the Alpha male.

The Historical Legacy of Medals

The tradition of awarding medals dates back to ancient civilizations, where rulers and warriors were recognized for their bravery, leadership, and service. From the Roman Empire’s golden phalerae to the chivalric orders of medieval Europe, medals have always served as tangible representations of excellence and status. In the military traditions of the 19th and 20th centuries, they evolved into formalized symbols of merit, earned through acts of valor, service, and discipline.

For the Alpha male, medals are the modern embodiment of this ancient tradition. Worn proudly on his chest, they speak to his mastery over the challenges he has faced and the victories he has achieved. Each one is a visual declaration of his worthiness to lead.

The Role of Medals in the Alpha’s Command

An Alpha’s uniform is incomplete without the glint of medals on his chest. These awards are not merely ornamental—they are assertions of his dominance, achievements, and unwavering commitment to excellence. For subordinates and observers alike, they are a powerful reminder of the Alpha’s authority.

The Symbolism of Medals:

1. Authority: Medals signify the Alpha’s right to command, earned through proven success and dedication.

2. Superiority: The sheer weight of medals distinguishes the Alpha from his subordinates, marking him as a figure of higher rank and capability.

3. Legacy: Each medal contributes to the Alpha’s enduring legacy, a visual record of his impact and influence.

Medals serve as a bridge between the Alpha’s past achievements and his present authority, cementing his position at the top of the hierarchy.

The Arrangement of Medals: Precision and Order

For the Alpha male, the display of medals on his uniform must reflect the discipline and refinement that define him. Each medal must be polished to perfection, arranged with meticulous precision, and displayed in a manner that amplifies his commanding presence.

The Alpha’s Medal Display:

1. Placement: Medals must be positioned on the left breast of the uniform, arranged in strict order of precedence.

2. Symmetry: The arrangement must be symmetrical, creating a sense of balance and order that mirrors the Alpha’s disciplined character.

3. Polish: Each medal must gleam under the light, a testament to the Alpha’s attention to detail and the respect he commands.

The proper arrangement of medals is not merely a matter of protocol—it is a reflection of the Alpha’s mastery over every aspect of his appearance and demeanor.

The Psychological Impact of Medals

The sight of a chest adorned with medals has a profound psychological effect on both subordinates and observers. It evokes feelings of admiration, respect, and, in some cases, intimidation. For the Alpha, this impact is a crucial aspect of his ability to lead and command.

Psychological Effects:

1. Inspiration: Medals inspire admiration and loyalty among subordinates, serving as a reminder of what is possible under the Alpha’s leadership.

2. Intimidation: The sheer number and prominence of medals can instill a sense of awe and submission in those who stand before the Alpha.

3. Reinforcement of Hierarchy: Medals visually reinforce the structure of authority, leaving no doubt as to who holds the highest rank.

The psychological power of medals lies in their ability to communicate the Alpha’s dominance without the need for words.

Medals as a Reflection of the Alpha’s Legacy

Each medal on an Alpha’s chest is a chapter in the story of his life—a story of challenges faced, victories won, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Together, they form a legacy that will endure long after the Alpha has left the field of battle or the halls of power.

Sir Cedric’s Reflections:

“As I pin each medal to my chest, I am reminded of the trials I have faced and the victories I have claimed. These are not mere tokens—they are the marks of a life lived with purpose, discipline, and unyielding authority.

Each medal tells a story, not just of my accomplishments, but of the men and women who have stood with me, who have learned under my command, and who have felt the weight of my gaze. They are reminders of the standards I uphold and the legacy I leave behind.

To those who see these medals, know this: They are not just decorations. They are the proof of my superiority, the evidence of my mastery, and the symbols of my right to lead. Ask yourself—what marks have you earned? What legacy will you leave behind?”

Medals are more than pieces of metal—they are the embodiment of the Alpha’s achievements, authority, and legacy. Worn with pride and precision, they proclaim to the world that this man is not just a leader but a master of his domain. Through these symbols, the Alpha leaves an indelible mark on all who stand in his presence, a mark that will endure for generations to come.

[yorksnapshots]

I didn't do it, I wasn't there!

A broken cog from a windmill under renovation.

[cantsayidont]

Another dilemma with centering stories around the idea of Superman-as-immigrant is that while Superman is certainly an immigrant, and there is a substantial body of older Superman stories (mostly from 1958–1986) that present his homeworld and its culture as generally noble (and frequently Jewish-coded), it has become very common since the 1986 reboot for Superman media to treat Kryptonian culture as either decadent and corrupt (as in most of the post-Crisis comics) or actively invasive and evil (as in MAN OF STEEL or MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN).

In these stories, Superman has avoided this decadence or evil mostly by virtue of having been raised by white Americans in Kansas, and his nobility lies in his express rejection of his evil/corrupt heritage in favor of (white) American culture. These are intrinsically anti-immigrant narratives (and sometimes antisemitic as well), regardless of how much feel-good gloss the story may attempt to apply to it.

The first season of the current SUPERMAN AND LOIS TV show, for instance, plays out an alarmingly literal "Great Replacement" plot in which Superman's half-brother Tal-Rho attempts to carry out a genocidal scheme devised by Superman's eugenicist mother to resurrect Kryptonians in the bodies of living humans, while MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN presents Kryptonians as brutal invaders who have attempted to militarily conquer the Earth more than once. Neither of these series departs from the general details of Superman's origin, but they assert unequivocally that Superman being an immigrant from Krypton is of moral value only because it gives him super-powers that enable him to defend the American Way from others of his kind, and to uphold white culture in ways other Kryptonians do not or would not.

[lily-lover]

why are magazines 10 bucks each now, I wanna sweep the sea of the mundane :(

[twnj]

A Hugh D'Ambray study - Kate Daniels series

[royllowarch]

St Paul's Cathedral London by Roy Llowarch Via Flickr: Trip round St Paul's Cathedral London. Amazing building not allowed to take photos inside for some strange reason but took one photo of Lord Nelson's Tomb and the Duke Of Wellington's Tomb. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Paul%27s_Cathedral

[alphacomicsvol2]

Daredevil #11 Cover Art (AAPI Heritage Month Variant by InHyuk Lee)

[hiddenincommand]

Duty Without Hesitation

“A leader stands alone, bound by duty, not by the desires of others. There is no hesitation, no wavering in the face of decisions that shape the future of those who follow.

Duty isn’t simply a responsibility—it’s a force that carves itself into every moment, every choice. It commands presence, discipline, and an unwavering resolve. Those who hesitate will never understand the weight of this authority.

In the quiet of an old British officer’s study, where the walls carry the echoes of tradition, one figure stands firm. His hands rest on the desk, steady and certain, in a room filled with symbols of a legacy born from iron will. The light through the window casts long shadows, not of doubt, but of conviction.

To lead without hesitation is the only path. To hesitate is to fail.”

[emmie-time]

I wanna talk about something that's frustrating to me as I get older. I am a Puerto Rican woman. Growing up I spent most weekends at my Abuelos house with him and my Grammy (shitty white lady he married) the problem I have is because he married a shitty white lady and my mom married a shitty unsupportive white guy I didn't get to learn about the cultures and customes of that part of my heritage. I wasn't allowed to learn puerto rican Spanish because we might talk shit in Spanish about Grammy and dad. Instead of trying to learn with my mom and then me, they cut us off from it.

My Abuelo passed in 2017 and I haven't heard from his family since and I have no way to contact them to learn. I live in a shitty small town where there's only an underfunded library and trying to piece together the history and customs through Google gives me a headache.

It also feels bad when I bring up my non white heritage and my friends, both white and non white, tell me, I can't claim it because my dad and grandmother are white. It hurts a lot because I wanted so bad to know my abuelo more, and I wasn't allowed to. He's the one who raised me, I spent most of my time with him, any chance I got I was there, birthdays, Christmases, every weekend until I turned 17, then I lived with him for 3 years. Not in that whole time was I allowed to learn meaningful lessons about his home. The only thing remotely close to anything I know is how to make Pasteles and rice pudding. The rice pudding was his recipe and I'm the only one who knows it, but I'm never allowed to make it, the Pasteles I learned from youtube videos and memories of his sister making them and what I remembered them tasting like. But I never got to learn traditions or the language or things like where all his brothers and sisters lived on the islands.

Insecure white people took that chance from me and other white people treat me like I'm trying to trot out stolen valor or something when I mention that my mom and her brothers and father aren't white I guess because I don't look like they think I should or they "wokely" explain I still benefit from white privalage so i cant claim my own people who i am in fact related to by blood? That shit feels so awful.

Like the most exposure to Puerto Rico and its culture I've ever gotten is through an iron mouse stream. To me that feels so sad that I learned some of my grandfather's history from a vtuber because his wife wouldn't let me learn about it because she felt insecure.

I don't know if anyone else can relate to this in any way, I just feel like I had to put this out there. I miss my abuelo so much I just wish I could have known more about him or that I'd pushed harder to learn when I still had the chance. Now I just kind of have to sift through wikis and google searches and take a language course on Rosetta stone or bable instead of learning it from him.

[everyonehasbeatenmetotheusername]

Happy AAPI month! The queer community historically has been very weird and fetishistic towards Asian people and they should stop that please. You are not immune to Asian fetishization just because you’re not a cishet white guy.

[ancestorsalive]

Glastonbury Lake Village recreated - with subtitles

A digital model of the Avalon Marshes area has been formed, allowing this journey to the Iron Age settlement known as Glastonbury Lake Village to be recreated. Two versions are available, one with and one without subtitles. Both have commentary.

[nice-bright-colors]

Today might just be the day.

Wake up, get up, and start the process of hacking this beard off my face. The 6 week mark is usually when my mustache starts growing into my mouth. Not to mention I haven’t been using any coconut oil on it, so it’s very dry and brittle. Plus my beard has always been rather coarse to start with.

This could take a while, and probably a few razor blades.

[mushki-art]

I got another pay increase from the Indiginerds project!!

Every $5,000 above the funding goal, I get an extra $5 per page.

Plus! The stretch goal we just reached means that we'll be sending copies to libraries!

There are only 59 hours left to back the project, and it'll be another $4,000 to reach the next pay increase and stretch goal.

Thank you everyone who's backed so far! It'd be sick to reach the next goal! And I think it's possible with ur help~