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clean-casual-analysis · 6 months ago

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When the villain is a philosophy

When you think of the word antagonist, the first thing that comes to mind is a villain. This is completely natural, given that stories of good vs evil tend to follow a heroic protagonist fighting against an evil antagonist. But once you get into the definition of the word, a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something, moral alignment doesn’t dictate whether a character should be a protagonist or an antagonist. The most recognizable examples of this would be the likes of Invader Zim and Megamind, characters that are villainous in nature but are still the protagonists of their respective stories.

But villain protagonists and hero antagonists aren’t what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about the antagonists that aren’t entirely focused on, at least in the traditional sense. Antagonists that, despite being the source of conflict in the narrative, don’t actually show up a lot of the time. These antagonists, while characters in their own right, are more symbolic in nature. The protagonists of these stories aren’t just trying to defeat the antagonists, but the rotten philosophies that these antagonists have. The beliefs that push the antagonists to do their villainous acts.

White Diamond: Uniformity and the Status Quo

In the entirety of the original Steven Universe series, not counting the movie or SU Future, White Diamond appears in three episodes out of one hundred and sixty episodes. (Two if we don’t count White Pearl/Volleyball) That’s not even one percent of the series. In most series involving a good vs evil plot line, we usually switch perspectives between our heroes and villains to understand how they’re reacting to the events of the story. But SU is entirely told from Steven’s perspective. The audience only gets new information about gems, homeworld, Rose Quartz, etcetera, when Steven himself learns it. Because of this perspective, we don’t see the final antagonist of the series until the very end of the show.

But even though White Diamond is not present throughout the majority of the show, her homeworld subordinates and beliefs fill in the place of the hurdles that the protagonists must pass. Think about what the show is about and what lessons it teaches. Relationships are intricate and need mutual respect, being proud of who and what you are, and (most importantly) societal roles do not define you. The development of the main characters each involve acceptance of the self and bucking of what’s expected of them. Pearl fully moving on from Rose, Garnet improving her self-love, Amethyst fully accepting herself for what she is, Peridot’s disillusionment with Homeworld and growing appreciation for earth, Connie disobeying her mother’s strict rules, Steven slowly becoming someone better than even his own mother, I could go on. It’s honestly surprising, looking back, how most of the characters’ core issues stem from the lack of self-assurance and how homeworld views their flaws.

White Diamond and her Homeworld regime ultimately represent how systems put limits and stigma onto people for the sake of uniformity. The consequence of living inside your own head. A fusion cannot happen between two different gems, Pearls must be servants, Quartz gems must be big and strong, and Diamonds must be the perfect leaders. Why? Because that’s just what gems do. Because that’s how the system works. Homeworld’s status quo is one of creating an ever-expanding empire at the cost of independence, self-expression, unique lifeforms, and healthy relationships. The system can’t be wrong, White Diamond can’t be flawed, it’s how things have always been so why change what isn’t broken.

Sauron: Dominance and Corruption

While he has more screen presence and is a much more a significant part of the story of Lord of the Rings than White Diamond is to SU, the dark lord Sauron is similarly one small part of a larger tale. Heck, he doesn’t even have dialogue in the book trilogy. Also, like White Diamond, Sauron is best represented by his many underlings. Ruthless orcs with crude but effective weaponry, colossal beasts to crush his enemies underfoot, massive armies dedicated to the dark lord’s cause of dominating all life in Midde Earth. But what’s most notable about Sauron isn’t the great power he possesses or the armies he commands, it’s the way he corrupts and deceives those that stand against him.

The betrayal of Saruman the White, the nine Nazgûl once being great kings of men who were turned into terrible ringwraiths, and most notoriously, the enticing power of the one ring. Boromir, believing that Gondor can use this evil weapon for good. Smeagol, utterly degraded into a deceitful cave dwelling throttler named Gollum. Frodo, forced to carry a heavy burden that weighs him down both physically and mentally. To Sauron, the corruption of good is a weapon he wields with unmatched lethality.

The insidious nature of his villainy is what makes Sauron the great representative of dominance and corruption that he is. The promises of more enticing good people to do evil for the “right” reasons and the ruthless conquest for dominion over all is all too real an evil to ignore.

The Martians: Colonialism and Warfare

I debated with myself on whether or not the martians from War of the Worlds should be included here. Unlike Sauron or White Diamond, the martians are clear and present throughout the story. On the other hand, there isn’t a named martian general or a big bad that’s shown to lead the alien invaders into combat. In the end, the fact that the martians are made to purely represent the darkest parts of humanity outweighs the secondary theme of this essay.

One of, if not THE first alien invasion story, War of the Worlds messaging is clear and easy to understand. The tentacled beings from Mars are coldly intelligent, remorseless, and regard our world with envious eyes. They use human blood as sustenance when they aren’t vaporizing us by the hundreds, their tripods are horrific machines of mass destruction, and their invasion is one of slaughter and destruction. But the book is quick to remind us that humanity isn’t so morally innocent compared to the martians. The consumption of our blood seems horrific, but humans have also killed animals and each other for food and resources. Their tripods are colossal and terrifying, but humanity has made countless destructive war machines. The invaders are dead set on wiping out humanity, but humanity not only brought extinction to animals like the dodo bird but to entire groups of our own kind. The martians are not simply an alien invasion to fight back against, it’s a cautious look into our worst future. A humanity that prioritizes ruthless colonization and military might is a humanity doomed to be parasitic and heartless.

War of the Worlds also takes a critical view towards solving problems through warfare. Violence is sometimes needed to fight evil, but that does make violence a good thing. The action and battles in War of the Worlds are not thrilling or glorious, they are horrific and even bumbling to an extent. Much like the early British imperials that they represent, the martians are arrogant and only win because they have the better technology. Even the destruction of a tripod has severe consequences, a flaming wreckage falling into a lake and boiling the humans hiding there alive. There is nothing pride or goodness to found in destruction and death. Warfare and violence should be the last resort of those trying to survive, yet humanity and martians brandish their weapons without care or empathy for those beneath them.

The Truth, In-Fighting, and the Seemingly Insignificant

These antagonists all represent a morally dangerous part of humanity. The stubborn refusal to change a flawed status quo, the desire to dominate and corrupt those who don’t, needless conquest and bloody war. But despite all their power and influence, these philosophies that the villains believe in fail them in the end.

For White Diamond, her ultimate failure stems from the mortal enemy of all tyrannical systems: the truth. In the last episode of Steven Universe, White Diamond removes the gemstone from our protagonist’s body. Believing that the mischievous Pink Diamond is merely hiding in this human body, White seeks to end this silly game once and for all. But once the gemstone is removed, it does form into Pink Diamond or even Rose Quartz. It forms a bright pink Steven. In the final act of Change Your Mind, White Diamond is faced with reality and all its implications. This gemstone is Steven, it’s always been Steven. This half human is not the irrational or childish person, it’s White. The leader of Homeworld, the one who’s supposed to know all and make things better, is wrong. But in order to do that, she needs to leave her own head. One of the hardest things for a person to do is admit when they’re wrong, that their foundational beliefs holding up a status quo is deeply flawed and objectively false. But accepting that you were wrong, learning from and fixing your mistakes, and becoming something better than what you were before is the greatest reward anyone genuinely looking for redemption can ask for.

For Sauron, his victory over Middle Earth comes so close. Minas Tirith has been ravaged, the army of man outside the black gates are crumbling before his might, and the ring bearer has been corrupted. However, just when all hope is burned to ash, something unexpected happens. Gollum, the epitome of the corruptive power that the one ring possesses, attacks Frodo to get back his precious. Whether it’s through struggling with Frodo like in the movie or not paying attention like in the book, Gollum falls into the fires of Mount Doom with the ring in tow. In the movies, we’re told that the eye of Sauron can pierce through cloud and stone. Because of this detail, I personally wonder what was going through the dark lord’s mind as he watched Gollum plummet to his death. The one ring’s defense, Sauron’s greatest strength, corrupting others into fighting amongst each other, was what led to his ultimate downfall. This is not the first time something like this has happened. Think back to the orcs fighting amongst themselves, or when Wormtongue stabs Saruman in the back. Not to mention that the mercy of both Frodo and Bilbo is what led to Gollum reaching Mount Doom in the first place. Even with all his armies and power, Sauron underestimated the petty infighting amongst his followers and the little acts of kindness of his enemies. Even when the forces of darkness seemingly succeed, all they’ll have left is each other to destroy. As Frodo himself said in the Two Towers book, they can’t conquer forever.

For the martians, their demise comes outwardly from nowhere. Their Tripods fall silent and they all die due to sickness. The book states that the martians either never encountered bacteria like earth’s or they had wiped out all disease on Mars. In both scenarios, the martian’s belief in their untouchable superiority over earth led their death. As soon as their invasion started, they were doomed. War of the Worlds isn’t just a hard look at what humanity could become, but also a love letter to all types of life. Bacteria, the seemingly most insignificant part of our world, is our savior here. It is so, so easy to despise germs and how they make mankind ill. But they also decompose dead flesh, helps the human body digest food, and are just as vital to our world as so many other creatures’ humanity takes for granted. All forms of life has a place in this world and to undervalue, let alone actively want to eliminate, all of it is foolhardy and black-hearted.

It’s how these stories come to an end is why I’m attracted to the idea of villains representing abhorrent philosophies. They show the inherent flaws of such morally bankrupt ideas and how their failures are inevitable. The desire for uniformity and belief that your status quo is flawless cannot stand up to the truth of the situation. Great and powerful conquerors seeking to corrupt will find themselves destroying each other when there is nothing left to dominate, while small acts of generosity and sympathy keep their opponents afloat. Arrogant war lords with their mighty machines will crumble to the things they deem to be insignificant.

#steven universe #white diamond #sauron #tolkien #lord of the rings #martians #war of the worlds #analysis #character analysis #media analysis

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salazis · 1 month ago

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Tsp au where everyone has a physical representation of their soul called crystal hearts that are made from 2-6 gems. The more gems the more powerful the person is or the more potential power: 5 and 6 are almost exclusively demigods/minor dieties (5) and Gods/ major dieties (6). There are 10 different gems to choose from based on personality, though there are some traits not covered by the gems chosen. Each crystal heart is represented by a chosen vessel. Narrator has a crescent moon necklace, Timekeeper has a pocket watch, and Stanley has a bracelet.

Giving someone your heart is the ultimate love confession or confession of trust since shattering a crystal heart can kill. Exchanging heart crystals is basically marriage or engagement depending on culture since most prefer to have a ceremony with rings and all

My narrator and co info:

curator and narrator are twin gods/dieties of creation thus have 6 gems.

timekeeper has 4 gems as a Minor god/diety of time. Originally it was 5 but he got demoted due to stealing and attempting to destroy Narrators'.

stanley and mariella have 2

Roles:

Stanley was previously a down on his luck office worker who signed a contract with narrator for a job that was the parable game. he works from monday-friday from 8am-7pm, his job is to be the protagonist of narrators game and act as a the only worshipper of narrator. Narrator pays Stanley 20-25 dollars a hour. He makes money through the game and various other avenues.

Timekeeper-

he dislikes Narrator, Timekeeper is a minor diety under Narrator who can control time. he took a liking to Stanley as well.

The gems and color to use:

1) You're a Sapphire! Light blue

Known for your calm and reflective nature, you possess a deep wisdom and inner strength. Like the tranquil waters that inspired this gem's name, you bring peace and clarity to those around you

2) Peridot yellow

You're positive, open-minded, and honorable in all you do. When you're really interested in a topic, you like to become an expert on it. People admire you for how intelligent you are.

3) Rose Quartz- pink

You, like this stone, are full of love. You're trustworthy and always support those around you while managing to keep harmony in your own life.

4) Lapis lazuli blue

You signify all that is regal and sought after, and have power in both body and mind. Wisdom and truth are at the forefront of what you care about most.

5) Opal orange

You're intense in your emotions and fiercely loyal and faithful to those you deem important in your life.

6) Ruby! Red

Fiery and passionate, you're not afraid to face challenges head-on. Just like this dazzling gem, your vibrant energy and determination make you stand out in any crowd.

7) Diamond! Silver or cream

Strong-willed and resilient, you possess an unbreakable spirit that shines brightly even in the face of adversity. Like the brilliant sparkle of a diamond, your presence illuminates any room, and your unwavering determination inspires those around you.

8) Amethyst! Purple

Imaginative and creative, you see the world through a unique lens of wonder and curiosity. Like the deep purple hues of this gem, your vibrant spirit and originality shine bright in everything you do.

9) You're an Emerald! Green

Sociable and compassionate, you thrive in nurturing relationships and creating harmony. Like the lush green forests that evoke this gem's color, you bring life and vitality wherever you go.

10) You're a Moonstone!- grey or white

Intuitive and empathetic, you possess a mystical aura that draws others to you. Like the ethereal glow of the moonstone, you have a calming influence and a knack for seeing beauty in the simplest of things. Your gentle spirit and intuitive nature make you a cherished friend and confidante.

QUICK EDIT:

I forgot to mention that you can feel what happens to your heart crystal to an extent. Depending on what is done, as long as it doesn't chip, crack, snap, or break your crystal then it can only be described as pressure or a vise like grip similar to a miagraine over your entirr body.

For example; (using timekeeper and narrator): if Timekeeper where to bite Narrators' heart crystal, Narrator would feel pressure similar to a intense miagraine. If Timekeeper threw narrators' heart crystal into a lake, narrator would feel the sensation of being wet and cold without actually being wet as well as the sensation of mud.

Another edit:

Forgot to mention, you can get "demoted" a crystal for trying to or destroying someone's crystal heart

Sidenotes/Creator note:

FEEL FREE TO USE THIS AU FOR YOUR OWN FANDOMS LIKE DANNY PHANTOM OR ANYTHING REALLY! IM INTERESTED IN WHAT YOU CAN ADD OR CHANGE!

#tsp au #crystal heart au #the stanley parable #narraverse #paraverse #hope you enjoy #feel free to use

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chordiajewel · 1 year ago

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Natural August Birthstone Peridot Band in 14K Solid Gold

#August Birthstone Ring #Natural Peridot Band

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natureselements · 9 months ago

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✨Peridot in .999 fine silver✨ handmade with precious metal clay silver medium 🌿 shop here

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rose-tries-to-write · 6 months ago

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A rant about SU and gem formation

In Steven Universe, the Homeworld can be biased against gems with oddities. They want all gems to be perfect cookie-cut soldiers to fit into their society.

However, I want to know how this affects Lapis Lazuli gems. See from my research (literally one google search) lapis lazuli can come with patches of yellow (pyrite) and white (calcite). These gems with small patches of white and/or yellow are considered some of the best quality (once again, according to google). But would Homeworld see it as the best quality or Off Color? We know they don't like fusion, and this sounds almost like fusion. Though maybe it could be considered more of a cross-contamination?

Does Homeworld make lapis lazuli without these patches maybe? Perhaps they found a way in the Kindergarten phase of a gem to remove the possibility of them gaining the patches??

I know that in SU Future, Lapis changed her form to incorporate some yellow as if to show that aspect of the natural formation of the gem, but we could chalk that up to her being a Pre-war gem. Maybe they didn't have the tech to make pure lapis lazuli back then? Still, no other Lapis Lazuli has this accent color (not counting any with a Yellow Diamond insignia). I am simply curious about others' thoughts on this.

Under the cut: A Jasper and Amethyst Rant

Another (slightly unrelated) rant about Jasper and Amethyst.

Jasper and Amethyst were made on Earth, and while Peridot proved Amethyst's Kindergarten to be fully planned and thought out, Jasper's was not.

See, I believe that with the rush job on her Kindergarten, Jasper was made Wrong. Similar to the Lapis Lazuli, jasper is a gem made from an assortment of other minerals that give it its striped-patterned look. A striped look that our Jasper shares, but most Homeworld Gems don't have (Even Holly Blue, who is an Agate and therefore should have some form of striping or rings). This makes me believe that striping or patterns of a gem's skin could be seen as an Off Color trait. If it is considered an Off Color trait, the Diamonds may have kept her around due to her strength and loyalty/service??

Additionally, I believe that Jasper wasn't lucky to come out as big as she did. I believe her form and Amethyst's are the results of "Survival of the Fittest" on opposite sides of the spectrum.

With Amethyst, she was at the bottom of her Kindergarten where there possibly weren't very many minerals to soak up for her formation, and any that were available went to those forming above her. This meant that only once the other Gems were formed and no longer soaking everything up could Amethyst get what she needed, but the time spent without the resources had already done its damage.

But with Jasper, she was placed dead center with practically no competition for resources so she could soak up everything for herself (a plausible reasoning for how Skinny formed the way she did, whose hole was right next to hers), making it to where she had an overabundance of all the resources that made quartz soldiers so strong.

#steven universe #steven universe analysis #su lapis #su jasper #su amethyst #this one got away from me #i love this show #my hyperfixation is taking over

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witchcraft-and-metaphysics · 16 days ago

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Amulets and Talismans: Your New Favorite Witchy Jewelry

Let’s talk about amulets and talismans, shall we? If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you already know that witches, Wiccans, pagans, and the spiritually curious alike are drawn to these little magical trinkets for a reason. But why? What is it about these seemingly simple pieces of metaphysical jewelry that have been so treasured for centuries? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to dive into why amulets and talismans are essential for any witch or pagan—and why you should be wearing one (or several) right now.

I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by these little pieces of magic. In fact, I own a variety of amulets and talismans in different shapes and sizes—some to protect, others to enhance, and a few to just look awesome. And honestly, if you’ve got a heart for magic, there’s no reason why you shouldn't have your own collection. It’s not just about looking cool (though, let’s be real, they do). It’s about harnessing the energies that resonate with your soul. Whether you’re a witch, a Wiccan, or just someone who likes to dabble in metaphysical practices, amulets and talismans can serve a number of purposes in your spiritual toolkit.

What’s the Deal with Amulets and Talismans?

Now, let’s talk about the difference between an amulet and a talisman because, yes, there is one. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, I assure you, amulets and talismans each have their own purpose. An amulet is generally used for protection. You wear it, carry it, or place it on your altar to ward off bad energy or evil spirits. Think of it as your spiritual armor. On the other hand, a talisman necklace is something you use to enhance or manifest a specific energy or desire. It’s all about conjuring the vibes you want in your life. Need more love? Grab a heart-shaped talisman. Want to boost your creativity? Go for a moonstone or lapis lazuli piece. Both are magical, but each serves its own distinct purpose.

Let me tell you, there are a lot of options out there. From symbols like the pentacle, tree of life, and triquetra, to stones like amethyst, carnelian, and peridot, the choices are practically endless. Some people are drawn to ancient symbols, like the Celtic knots or Thor’s Hammer, while others gravitate toward crystals with specific metaphysical properties. Yet others will simply carry pocket stones or charms. Whether you're working on protection, manifestation, or spiritual connection, you’re bound to find a talisman or amulet that resonates with your energies.

Why Do We Choose Certain Amulets and Talismans?

For the witches, Wiccans, and pagans among us, the selection of an amulet or talisman often goes deeper than aesthetics. In fact, the symbolism behind the piece is typically the deciding factor. There is a lot of Wiccan jewelry now. Consider the amulets and talismans of the Celtic peoples, for instance. The Celtic tradition is rich with symbolism: the spirals, the knots, and the triskelion all have deep metaphysical meanings. These symbols have been used for thousands of years, and they still carry power today. If you’re drawn to Celtic jewelry, you’re likely aligning with energies related to nature, growth, and cycles of life—stuff that's foundational to pagan practices.

Personally, I’ve always been fond of sun, moon, and star symbolism. Those of us who feel a strong connection to the celestial bodies often gravitate toward celestial jewelry that reflects those energies. Whether it’s a sun pendant, a moonstone ring, or a starry charm, these amulets and talismans can help you channel celestial power. Plus, let’s be honest, they just look cool. If you’re a moon lover like I am, wearing something with the Triple Moon symbol is a great way to remind yourself of the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

Amulets and Talismans: The Magic in Your Jewelry

Now, let’s get down to the real reason we love amulets and talismans: the magic. It’s not just about what they represent—it’s also about the energy they hold. Amulets of magic are said to hold protective energies, and many witches wear them during rituals or on a daily basis to help safeguard their spiritual well-being. Crystals like black tourmaline and obsidian are particularly powerful for this, as they are believed to absorb negative energies.

As for talismans, these work wonders for manifesting your intentions. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal power, attract prosperity, or draw more love into your life, wearing a talisman can be a potent reminder of your goals. Think of it as a constant energy infusion. I’ve got a garnet pendant I wear when I’m focusing on personal strength, and it’s like having a little energy boost tucked under my shirt. I also like to wear a citrine talisman whenever I'm manifesting some financial abundance. Hey, a little magic never hurt, right?

Taking Care of Your Magical Jewelry

Let’s talk about the care of your precious amulets and talismans, because, as much as we love these pieces, they do require a bit of attention. Crystals and stones can absorb energy, and if you’re using your jewelry for magical or protective purposes, you want to make sure it’s working at its peak potential. That means regular cleansing and charging are essential.

Cleansing can be done in several ways, depending on the stone and the type of energy you’re trying to clear. A smudging with sage is a classic method, but some people prefer to use palo santo or even the cleansing powers of moonlight. I personally love placing my amulets on a selenite plate overnight—selenite is famous for its ability to clear negative energies.

As for charging your jewelry, well, that’s equally important. Just like you wouldn’t expect a battery to work without charging it, your amulets and talismans need to be recharged to keep their energy fresh. One of my favorite ways to charge my magical jewelry is by placing it outside under the full moon or letting it soak up the sun’s energizing rays. Trust me, your amulet will thank you.

Wearing Amulets and Talismans in Rituals

Many people wear their amulets and talismans in rituals, as the energy they carry can amplify the power of the practice. Whether you’re calling the quarters, opening a portal, or working with elemental forces, having your talisman nearby is like having a personal magic amplifier. Some of my favorite rituals involve wearing my pentacle talisman when invoking the elements or using my goddess pendant during rites to honor the divine feminine. I find that the right amulet can really help focus my energy and intentions.

In addition to wearing your amulets during rituals, many people like to place them on their altars, in their sacred spaces, or under their pillows at night. If you’re working on specific manifestations, it’s a good idea to keep your talisman close by as a reminder of your goals. If it’s charged with the right energy, it’s like a constant, quiet little prayer or incantation on your behalf.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Amulet or Talisman

So, whether you’re drawn to a tree of life pendant, a pentagram, or a simple amethyst amulet, remember that amulets and talismans are more than just pretty jewelry. They are powerful tools in your metaphysical practice. With the right care, they’ll serve you well, helping you to manifest, protect, and enhance your life in ways that only magical jewelry can. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to find that piece that resonates with you, cleanse it, charge it, and start wearing it with intention.

Now go ahead, get yourself an amulet or talisman—you deserve it. Magic, after all, is a lot more fun when you’re wearing it on your sleeve (or your neck). ✨

#baby witch #cottage witch #metaphysics #metaphysic #pagan witch #green witch #eclectic wicca #pagan wicca #tarot witch #wicca

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