#and transcendents millennias!

[katerinaaqu]

Having family roots from Greeks from the parts that perfectly align with the courses of both Odysseus and Neoptolemus and being a short Greek smart-ass troll myself made me realize

HECK NOW THAT EXPLAINS WHY MY KARMA IS SUCH A BITCH!

I am potentially descended from the two greatest war criminals of Troy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[tiredandanxi0usomens]

Since I just got here and announced my presence by liking 500,000,000 good omens posts here's my latest ineffable husbands fan art from Insta:

Bonus Crowley facial expressions:

And the sunshine that inspired this mini comic:

[karnakian]

i know i've posted these screenshots before, but god sometimes the symmetry of the language between the first picture (leon's perspective, describing the creation of his and maria's promise) and the second picture (maria's perspective, as she calls their promise off) really hits me hard

[purrfectlycontent]

metatron talking about eden

[bluebirdcurse]

Princess Monster Wife watching tv with Prismo: Oh okay, I'm glad they acknowledged the traditionally exploitative gender roles in academic couples. I guess my wish is to not be a Stepford wife abomination?

[ladyrijus]

Skyward Sword Zelda is such a tragic figure in my opinion. Just put yourself in her shoes and imagine this.

It's the best day of your life. Your dearest friend, dork that he is, has finally become a knight. It's what every kid on Skyloft works towards and he finally did it. You're so proud of him. When you fly together, you muster up the courage to tell him you love him.

You never get the chance.

Instead you're whisked away into a world you believed was left behind, and saved by a woman who declares that she is your guardian, chosen by you. You have never met her before. You didn't even know there were people like you who lived down here, in the Surface.

"You must purify yourself if you are to transcend time and hold the seal," the mysterious woman with the painted tear remarks as she shepherds you through strange destinations unlike anything your books have ever taught you, "it was your will." No matter how many times she tells you this, in every iteration the language could allow, it doesn't make sense. Why would a goddess need to turn human? What could you do, that she could not?

Where does divinity and humanity diverge?

Connection.

A goddess is revered by her people who pray, in spite of her silence, for her benevolence and guidance. She is their unwavering stone, a higher power to rely on. But a girl? A girl is loved. She is someone tangible, a figure who people will see, and know, and care about, and fight for.

And that's when it clicks. Your friend isn't really your friend at all, but a hero, a pawn, who was intended to be used against an enemy of yours you no longer recognize.

You're using him. You've been using him all this time. It's sickening.

With each prayer, with each goddess damned spring you rush to, you are faced with your own marbled reflection, a testament to the fact your humanity is only a pretense, carefully timed to ensnare your friend into a hero's fate.

He doesn't seem to understand that though. He keeps running after you like the fool he is, hoping to save Zelda, his precious Zelda, that you no longer are. The smile you wear becomes harder to hold. You were Hylia first, and that is all you will ever be.

You play into the charade anyways. After all, Zelda was the reason why he went through his trials. To tell him now that she was gone would mean to destroy everything you had worked for. So you tell him everything he wants to hear: that you're your father's daughter, that you're his friend, that you're his Zelda.

And when you close your eyes, smiling from within the amber and ignoring the dull thuds of his fist against its surface, you wonder if you look anything like the statue you and your love had stood upon on the best day of your life.

"Maybe all of this is a dream," you wonder while drifting in between millennia. Time passes like the waterfalls in Skyloft, rapid, yet everlasting. Maybe you'd wake up in your bed in the Academy again. Your love would have been sleeping in (again) and everything would be how it used to be. You could be Zelda once more. And most importantly, Hylia would be nothing beyond a giant statue for you to ignore for the rest of your days.

... There's something to be said about how you fall again once you wake up.

"What kind of goddess am I," you think crudely, "to sever my own wings?"

But this time, your love is there to catch you. And he does. In that moment you pray, in your own name, he doesn't let you go.

[andy-15-07]

can you do a fic with Paul Atreides, where Y/n is a bene gesserit and they find he is the One

Our love is powerful

masterlist ! pairing: Paul Atreides x reader

Dune Masterlist

In the mystical world of Arrakis, where sand dunes whispered ancient secrets, Paul Atreides and you, a Bene Gesserit, found yourselves entwined in a destiny written in the sands of time. The air in the Sietch was charged with anticipation as the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, with their millennia-old knowledge, discerned a truth that transcended the ordinary.

As you and Paul stood in the sacred chambers of the Bene Gesserit, the reverence in the air hinted at the gravity of the moment. The sisterhood, with their eyes that held the wisdom of countless generations, regarded Paul with a mix of expectation and acknowledgment.

"Y/N," one of the elder Bene Gesserit addressed you, "the threads of fate have woven a tapestry that binds your path with that of Paul Atreides. He is the One—the Kwisatz Haderach."

The realization hung in the air, a moment that echoed through the corridors of time. Paul, with his piercing blue eyes and a destiny that weighed heavily on his shoulders, looked at you with a mix of curiosity and acceptance.

"What does this mean?" Paul inquired, the weight of the prophecy settling on his young shoulders.

The elder Bene Gesserit stepped forward, her voice a melodic resonance that carried the echoes of ancient wisdom. "The Kwisatz Haderach—the One who can bridge space and time, unlocking the secrets of the universe. He who possesses both male and female ancestral memories, breaking the limitations that have bound humanity."

You, a Bene Gesserit bound by duty and destiny, met Paul's gaze with a depth of understanding. "Paul, you are the culmination of a plan set in motion by the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. The threads of our bloodlines converge in you."

The gravity of the revelation seemed to settle in the room. Paul, born into a lineage of political intrigue and ancient prophecy, found himself at the crossroads of destiny.

As you and Paul retreated from the sacred chambers, the Sietch buzzed with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The sands of Arrakis seemed to echo the whispers of the prophecy that had been unveiled.

"Y/N," Paul began, his voice a quiet contemplation, "what does it mean for us? For our relationship?"

You turned to him, your eyes reflecting the weight of the truth. "Paul, our connection goes beyond the prophecy. The Bene Gesserit may have seen the threads of fate, but our love is a force that transcends destiny. Together, we navigate the path that unfolds before us."

The days that followed were filled with the intensity of preparation, as Paul embraced the training and revelations that came with being the Kwisatz Haderach. The Bene Gesserit sisterhood, with their watchful eyes, guided him through the intricacies of their ancient knowledge.

Amidst the trials and tribulations, your connection with Paul deepened. As he grappled with the weight of his destiny, your presence became a source of solace and understanding. Late nights were spent beneath the stars, the two of you seeking refuge in each other's arms.

One evening, as the desert winds whispered tales of destiny, Paul looked at you with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Y/N, I may be the Kwisatz Haderach, but my heart belongs to you. Our love will be the anchor as I navigate the complexities of this path."

You smiled, a reassurance that transcended words. "Paul, no prophecy can diminish the love we share. The threads of fate may guide your journey, but our connection is a beacon that lights the way."

As Paul embraced his destiny, the sands of Arrakis witnessed a love story that defied the limitations of prophecy. Together, you and Paul Atreides forged a path that merged ancient wisdom with the unwavering power of love—a journey that echoed through the sands of time, leaving an indelible mark on the destiny of Arrakis.

[eemamminy-art]

I was talking about this in a server but I wanted to put the thoughts here too

I think Zenos being the way he is stems so much from Emet-selch's beliefs that sundered people are lesser. Like it's the generational trauma that made Zenos that way in the sense of Solus' cruelty to Varis led to Varis' cruelty toward Zenos, but I also think that the loss of the ancient world and the contempt Emet-selch holds for humanity is also something he instilled in both Zenos and Varis. The notion that humanity is just inherently corrupt and evil, and that people will always resort to violence and harm toward one another because he's seen so many conflicts and nations that rose and fell over the millennia.

So in his kin, that sentiment is passed on. In Varis' case, he is aware of his grandfather being an ascian and is very much like, "I will be the exception to the rule, I will be the example of mankind standing above the ancients." Except, of course, Varis uses this mentality to justify some of the most horrific atrocities a person could commit, such as mass genocide through black rose, or killing his own family members in the civil war that followed Solus' death. Varis has this notion that he's an example of a "good" human, despite doing all of the terrible things that Emet-selch ascribes to humanity as a whole.

In Zenos' case, he was groomed to be a living weapon and has come out the other side of it with this bleak outlook. If humans are inherently cruel and evil and corrupt, why does anything matter? It made his baseline assume the worst in everyone, including himself, so his apathy is all-encompassing. There is no right or wrong, everyone kills everyone and it's all fucked up, so why bother trying to be "right"? What even are "right" and "wrong" anyway? It allows him to be someone who does horrific things, while searching for some kind of purpose or meaning. I wish we had gotten to see more of Fandaniel and Zenos interacting, because I think they are so similar in the sense of wanting for meaning and purpose but being so disillusioned with the world and with the cruelty of others that they themselves became cruel.

I think long before the "would you be happier had I a good reason?" speech and Alisaie's rebuttal to it, Zenos had this curious little seed embedded in him by his encounters with the warrior of light. It's not unlike how Lyse spends much of 4.0 both hating Fordola, and also being fiercely curious as to why she is the way she is and seeking to understand her. With Lyse though, she is guided by her strong sense of empathy and the notion that all of her people deserve their homeland returned to them regardless of their actions, while Zenos lacks empathy completely and up until now didn't really think about anyone, not even himself. But that curiosity is there, deep down, and I think it is a major driving force in keeping him going forward.

You could argue that Zenos' motivations are selfish: he does say himself that he is chasing the high of battle with a worthy opponent, and I think on some level that is true. But there is something deeper to it, something that really makes him question all he's known: "In that transcendent moment, what was it that I sought in you? And what was it that you sought in me?" He's seeking purpose, he's seeking the reason for what motivates people like the warrior of light to do good, and what "good" even is. It's so contrary to everything he's known, but it grabs hold of him until it becomes an obsession.

I think it's further elaborated on with some of Zero's story arc where she's learning about empathy, although her reasons for being that way are somewhat different from Zenos, I think they are similar on some level in that they can't really understand empathy or inherent goodness. She does eventually learn it, of course, and I'd like to think if given the chance to survive beyond the battle with the Endsinger, that Zenos could have gone on a similar journey too. That's what I envision anyway.

[petr1kov]

is it really so surprising that simon can't let go of betty? even if we disregard the guilt he feels over knowing how much betty sacrificed for him, we've seen the original show. we know that the only reason ice king was considered a villain at the start was because he kept kidnaping princesses, all done in a fruitless attempt by his twisted brain to find betty again, his real 'princess'. to be with her. even as ice king, he was always convinced that the only thing that would ever bring him true happiness and fulfillment would be being with betty, like that truth transcended the influence of the crown, so he kept chasing shadows of her in the worst possible ways. he's been worshipping at her altar for over a millennia; it's been his most defining and corrupting character trait for his entire existence as a character. of course that wouldn't change now.

[ceaseless-rambler]

Tim forgot what Bertie looked like, after some time. He barely even got to see him on the moon as it was, with the rarity of light, and it didn't take him long to be scrambling for memories of Bertie's face only to come up with nothing. He resents his eyes. They can't show him the one thing he truly wants to see. He resents the night vision that came with them. Maybe if he'd had it earlier he could have spent more time looking at Bertie, maybe he wouldn't have forgotten, but it's too late. He only has them because Bertie died. Was that death worth fancy new eyes with fancy new features and the eternity now stretching ahead of him? Eyes that won't even let him see his lover, no, partner, no, best friend, no one knows the nature of their relationship and he won't tell them, won't let them turn that into another story, that love that transcends friendship and transcends romance is only for them to know. Only for him to know, now. And he can't even remember the face of the man he shared it with.

And now, years centuries millennia eons later, more time than most civilizations have words to describe, he doesn't think about. He sings the song with Jonny and it doesn't bother him. He won't let it, he can't let it, and he's fine. But when they're chosing roles for their new, as-of-yet nameless space train album, and he sees Loki backing away from her wife, her love, he wonders if he'd recognize Bertie. If something deep within him would just know. And for the first time in longer than he cares to measure, he tries to remember Bertie. There's nothing. He knows that he cared, that Bertie had to have meant enough to him for his death to break him like that, but he doesn't remember what he felt. He doesn't remember anything but his song. So he takes the part of Loki. No one takes any note, of course they don't. And if he understands her more than he'd like? No one else needs to know.

[naomeii]

Shrine of Eternal Sorrow.

—Pairings: Xiao x F!Reader

[a/n: i was scrolling through instagram and got inspired by this, lol, i can see Xiao doing that ngl]

Content : Angst no comfort, tiny spoiler about the archon war, characters' death, obsessive behaviour, drabble.

Synopsis: in the aftermath of the Archon war, Alatus' obsessive devotion to a lost goddess leads to a shrine of shattered memories.

In the ancient times of Teyvat, when the winds whispered secrets and the land bore the weight of divine beings, Y/n, a goddess of serenity, walked alongside Rex Lapis and Guizhong. Despite the disdain from mortals and other Archons alike for the relationship between the Yaksha, Alatus, and an Archon, Y/n's love for him transcended judgment.

Before the Archon War, Y/n shared tender moments with Alatus, weaving dreams that danced with the delicate balance of mortality and divinity. Their connection was a fragile thread woven amidst the chaos that surrounded them. As the war unfolded, tragedy struck when Guizhong perished, leaving a void in their divine trio.

In the climactic moments of the war, as Alatus faced imminent destruction, Y/n, fueled by love, stepped forward to shield him. The fatal blow meant for Alatus claimed her essence, and she dropped dead in an instant, leaving Alatus to grapple with the profound loss.

Millennia passed like fleeting dreams. Rex Lapis, now Zhongli, understanding Alatus', now going by the name of Xiao grief, he witnessed the Yaksha's unwavering dedication. Xiao, like a solitary guardian, erected countless shrines and statues of Y/n, each capturing the essence of his beloved. It was a testament to his love and a haunting reminder of the emptiness that echoed in his heart.

One day, before a statue of Y/n, Xiao crumbled. His stoic facade shattered, and he wept bitterly, his grief echoing through the silent realm. "Why did you leave me?" he cried, his voice a desperate plea. "Was it my karma, the weight of the lives I've taken, that stole you away?"

He traced the delicate features of the statue, as if hoping to conjure her back through sheer will. "I made these for you," he whispered, his voice cracking with sorrow. "Do you see them? Are you proud of my devotion, or do you resent me for the pain I caused?"

In a moment of desperate madness, Xiao pressed his lips to the cold stone of Y/n's statue, as if trying to breathe life back into her memory. The bitter taste of loss lingered on his lips, a cruel reminder of the chasm that separated them.

Falling to his knees before the statue, he clutched at the stone, his fingers trembling with a mix of grief and desperation. "Come back," he pleaded, his voice a broken whisper that echoed through the silent shrine. "Please, don't leave me alone in this endless darkness. I can't bear it."

But the statue remained unmoving, a silent witness to his agony. Xiao's anguished cries filled the shrine, bouncing off the walls like a haunting melody of sorrow. "I would trade my eternity to bring you back," he confessed, his tears mingling with the cold touch of the stone beneath him.

In the solitude of that sacred space, Xiao's heartache became a palpable force. "I can't endure this emptiness," he admitted, his voice raw with emotion. "Without you, the world is a desolate place, and my existence is nothing but an unending nightmare."

The shrine offered no solace, and the statues of Y/n, though carved with meticulous care, remained silent witnesses to his torment. Xiao's devotion had become a prison of his own making, a testament to a love that transcended time but was cruelly severed by the hands of fate.

As Xiao clung to the memory of Y/n, the shrine's hallowed silence swallowed his cries, leaving him to grapple with the abyss of eternity, where his only company was the ghost of a love lost in the sands of time.

[qiscasino]

📄✏️

I have given you a piece of paper and a pencil. Draw a self portrait. I want to know how you perceive the truest you.

Behold… my magnum opus. This shall transcend multiverses, and be known across millennia as the greatest drawing. This… this is my self portrait.

[kemetic-dreams]

Repost from @amplifyafrica

•

📚Let’s take a journey through the evolution of braids, exploring how this timeless art form has grown and transformed over millennia.

🇳🇦3500 BC: The Himba People of Namibia- For the Himba, braids were, and still are, a vital part of their culture. Each braid served as a social emblem, communicating everything from age and status to tribe and wealth. The tradition has been passed down through generations, remaining an integral part of the Himba identity.

🇳🇬x🇲🇱x🇬🇳x🇸🇳x🇳🇪500 AD: The Fulani People of West Africa-The Fulani people, spread across West Africa, are known for their intricate and distinct braid patterns. Traditionally, Fulani women would braid their hair with a central part, creating symmetrical patterns often embellished with beads, shells, and silver jewelry.

🌍 15th Century: The Transatlantic Slave Trade - As African people were forcibly taken to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade, they carried their cultural practices, including braiding, with them. Some braids were even used as a means of escape—patterns like cornrows were mapped out to resemble paths to freedom.

✊🏽20th Century: The Black Power Movement-Braids made a powerful resurgence in the 1960s and 1970s during the Black Power Movement. Icons like Nina Simone, Angela Davis, and Cicely Tyson wore braids as a statement of pride in their African heritage. The style became a symbol of resistance against European beauty standards, reclaiming and celebrating black identity and culture.

📌21st Century: A Global Phenomenon

Today, braids have transcended their cultural origins, becoming a global phenomenon. From runways to red carpets, braids are celebrated worldwide for their beauty, versatility, and cultural significance. However, it’s essential to acknowledge and respect their deep-rooted history. Braids are not just a fashion statement—they are a connection to a lineage that spans continents and centuries.

#Braids #AfricanCulture #HairHistory #BlackExcellence #CulturalHeritage #BeautyWithMeaning #NaturalHairCommunity

[wianes]

My Take on Griffith and the Solar Symbol

Introduction and Overview of Symbolism

I acknowledge that Griffith is typically associated with the moon as a key symbol, and its role is evident. Nonetheless, in my interpretation, it is not the moon but rather the sun and solar principles that primarily and inherently represent his character. The lunar motif seems to have emerged with Griffith, particularly due to the presence of Moonchild, and is primarily linked to transformation. In this text, I will explain why this is the case. Similarly, in future works, I intend to explore how the sun connects with his other symbols, such as the hawk and the falcon. Those who have seen Ladyhawke will understand what I mean. In any case, I believe that qualities also associated with yang, such as solar, active, and masculine principles, fit his character very well.

Moving on to the specifics:

As most 'normal' readers probably know, Griffith embodies a complex nature, woven into a rich tapestry of allegories and motifs. His persona resonates with numerous spiritual and philosophical layers that are intricately tied to symbolism and mythology, transcending conventional concepts. By exploring how the sun symbolizes Griffith, I will analyze various authors' interpretations alongside my personal viewpoint. It is essential to note that while he may embody a singular principle, this does not exclude the presence of contrasting elements. A deliberate acknowledgment of these opposing forces is also important. His character is intricately crafted and transcends boundaries, encompassing all aspects of the universe.

The sun is arguably the most prominent feature of the natural world. Without it, life as we know it would cease to exist. Its radiance defines not only its appearance but also its symbolic essence. Mythical narratives often depict the sun’s movement as a luminous chariot crossing the celestial expanse. Gold, known for its resistance to tarnish and corrosion, symbolizes immortality. Even under intense heat, it retains its color and luster, further enhancing its symbolism of endurance.

Diverse cultures regard the sun as the essential cosmic force, key to life’s preservation and growth. It embodies vitality, passion, and enlightenment, while also serving as an emblem of royalty and empire. In some traditions, the sun is revered as the Universal Father.

The sun’s daily journey of rising and setting symbolizes profound concepts such as birth, death, and resurrection. The sun’s daily journey, from rising to setting, symbolizes profound concepts such as birth, death, and resurrection. The winter and summer solstices mark significant celestial events, inspiring myths and festivals worldwide. The solstice, in particular, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and marks the transition between cycles of light and growth.

For millennia, sun worshippers have attributed magical properties to solar rays, including fertility, creativity, prophecy, and healing. Alchemists even saw in the sun the potential for wholeness and spiritual enlightenment. As a result, this symbol has attained a revered status, reflecting celestial prestige and authority, similar to that of rulers with sun-like crowns. The sun stands as the symbolic heart of the cosmos, shining brightly as a celestial entity, embodying majestic qualities and imperial splendor.

Solar Cycles and Rituals

Daily Cycle- From sunrise to sunset, the sun's path marks both the everyday passage of a day and its deeper spiritual significance. In sacred rituals, the sunrise symbolizes creation and renewal, while the sunset signifies death and transition.

Annual Cycle-Through the solstices and the equinoxes, the sun's cycles symbolize the cyclical nature of life. They also represent the eternal dance of light and darkness. The summer solstice heralds the peak of vitality, whereas the winter solstice represents a time of introspection and renewal.

Symbol of Regeneration

Ancient cultures revered the sun’s daily rise and set as symbols of eternal rejuvenation. This reverence mirrors the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth in life. The sun's daily journey—rising, setting, and rising again—embodies this cyclical nature. It symbolizes the concept of the eternal return, prevalent in religious, mythological, and primordial narratives. Its cycle reflects a belief in the continuous revitalization of the cosmos and human existence.

Examples Across Cultures:

Native American Traditions: The Sun Dance ritual celebrates the sun’s power to regenerate life and maintain cosmic order.

East Asian Traditions: The sun is associated with the emperor and the state's revival. It symbolizes harmony between the heavens and the earth.

Christian Symbolism: Christian symbolism connects Christ's resurrection to the sun's rising, symbolizing ultimate rebirth and triumph over death.

Egyptian Mythology: The sun god Ra's daily journey across the sky symbolizes rebirth and regeneration. Each morning, Ra's rising represents the rejuvenation of life and energy.

Hinduism: The Sun god Surya is associated with health and vitality. The daily practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) in yoga represents revitalization and physical regeneration.

Ancient Greek Religion: The sun god Apollo is connected with healing and revitalization. His daily journey across the sky symbolizes restoration and the constant renewal of life.

Griffith’s journey symbolizes a profound connection between the celestial realm, the earthly realm, and the underworld. He starts as a mortal leader and descends into a state of brokenness. Nonetheless, he emerges as a transcendent being. This transformation parallels a metaphorical ascent along a celestial path, linking the human and divine realms, and deeply altering the narrative’s spiritual landscape.

Griffith's journey begins with the evening, which represents the end of a cycle and the uncertainty of night. His quest can be interpreted as emerging from chaos or darkness, focusing on overcoming a state of despair and the struggle against nightfall. This descent into darkness shifts the narrative from one of renewal and hopeful ascent to one of redemption or recovery from a fall. Starting in the evening alters the metaphorical resonance of Griffith’s odyssey, aligning it more with themes of overcoming nightfall and emerging into a new dawn.

This signifies the start of a transformative phase. The cycle mirrors themes of renewal and regeneration, illustrating pivotal shifts in the entire storyline. Griffith casts off his former self and ascends to a higher plane of existence. By doing so, he reshapes the world according to his vision. In essence, his quest embodies the cyclical nature of life's challenges and triumphs. It illustrates the potential for profound transformation and spiritual evolution.

Cosmic Order, Axis Mundi, and Harmony

People perceive the sun's predictable movements as a manifestation of the cosmic order. This contrasts with the chaos and unpredictability of profane time. The sun's consistent path across the sky signifies the universe's stability. Ancient rituals and myths sought to align human actions with the sun's cosmic order. This alignment was meant to ensure harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The sun’s regularity, embodied in its daily journey, instills a sense of security and predictability. It reflects the structured nature of the universe. The cycle reaffirms this cosmic stability. It represents the supreme harmony of the cosmos and illustrates the natural laws that govern existence. Thus, it ensures a harmonious life.

Quite literally, the Axis Mundi translates as the 'World Axis.' It is the axis around which the world revolves. It links the heavens to the earth and the dominions below. This concept is universal and is symbolically represented by a tree, a standing stone, a mountain, the omphalos, the lingam, the Vajra, or the Pole Star.

The sun's "light," its active influence and emanation, functions as "information" to the Earth. This light guides reactions and changes. By consciously sharing this information, one can affect all aspects of the solar system.

The concept of the Axis Mundi, or the world's center, often aligns with the sun's path. As the sun rises and sets at specific points on the horizon, it establishes the cardinal directions. It also serves as markers for sacred geography. Temples, altars, and religious buildings align with the sun’s path. This alignment symbolizes the synchronization of human actions with the cosmic order.

Represented by mountains, trees, poles, temples, pyramids, and altars, the Axis Mundi connects the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. It reinforces the sacred structure of the world. The daily movement of the sun embodies order and stability. It highlights its function in sustaining harmony and continuity in the universe.

In the Context of Berserk

Guts is the main character through whom readers engage with the story. Nevertheless, Griffith remains the focal point of the narrative, symbolizing the most conscious cosmic entity. He symbolizes the most conscious cosmic entity. This mirrors the heliocentric model of our solar system, with the Sun at its center. All the planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets orbit around it. The cosmos, connected by endless energy links, organizes itself around his existence. The series' plot actively incorporates his meticulously crafted destiny, ensuring that it fulfills a specific role within the narrative.

Griffith's significance within this grand design is evident. We understand the tasks he must perform to maintain the balance of the universe. As the executor of the shaping will, he realizes his own desires. The character restores order to the chaotic world around him. His leadership of the Band of the Hawk initially brings unity, purpose, and stability to his followers. This exemplifies his role as a catalyst for establishing order in turbulent times.

His deep awareness of others' situations prompts him to expand his horizons. Wherever he goes, a sense of solid attachment and connection follows. Griffith acknowledges his responsibility for all lives and events, including those he has taken and humanity’s fate. The broad spectrum of responsibilities he must fulfill is fully comprehended. With unwavering resolve, he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He could not afford to neglect his responsibility to those who chose to fight alongside him. Having given all he had, he reached an irreversible point. Sacrificing everything, he went too far to turn back. He specifies the sacrifices he is ready to make for success and what has already been relinquished to achieve his goal. The sole remaining task is to defend his prize with every ounce of might left.

Solar Deities and Hero Myths

Ancient myths often highlight solar deities or heroes associated with the sun. These myths frequently emphasize qualities such as courage, strength, and transformative power. By regularly reenacting these narratives, people sought to ensure the perpetuation of life and the prosperity of their communities. Solar myths, therefore, functioned as archetypal models for how to live. By aligning themselves with the myths of sun heroes, individuals and communities endeavored to partake in the divine saga of creation and reactivation.

Heroes in mythological narratives often undertake quests for greatness, spiritual enlightenment, or divine favor. Griffith’s journey parallels this archetype as he navigates personal and astral challenges to achieve his goal. This journey culminates in his transformation into Femto and his subsequent ascent to a higher plane of existence. Griffith embodies a complex blend of solar deity motifs and hero myth archetypes. This challenges conventional interpretations of heroism and divine aspiration. Griffith’s journey from mortal leader to transcendent being underscores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the pursuit of cosmic significance. This transformation takes place within a narrative marked by its dark and introspective themes.

Divine Kingship

Solar deities play a central role in many mythologies. They are often linked to kingship, with rulers perceived as their earthly representatives. In both mythological and psychological narratives of heroism, the sun holds paramount significance. It symbolizes authority and power. Throughout history, rulers have often been seen as chosen by divine will. Many have traced their lineage to solar gods. Freud might interpret this as humanity’s unconscious desire for dominion and power.

The sun, with its dominant presence and life-sustaining energy, frequently serves as a symbolic representation of masculine vitality and power. Its daily journey—from rising to setting and then rising again—captivates the imagination. Freud might interpret these symbols as manifestations of the unconscious life force that propels human behavior and personal motives.

In the context of dreams, the sun’s appearance may symbolize a renewed sense of energy, motivation, and determination.

Jungian psychology connects this life force with libido. Libido is defined as a core energy driving human behavior that extends far beyond its sexual connotations. Thus, the Sun’s daily cycle represents transformation, renewal, and the continual regeneration of vitality

In alchemical and esoteric thought, the sun represents spiritual growth and transformation. This parallels the concept of masculine generative energy. This interpretation aligns with esoteric traditions that view the sun as a source of profound transformative power. Its daily journey through the sky illustrates a perpetual cycle of ascent and descent, mirroring the dynamic yet eternal nature of cosmic consciousness.

In ancient Rome, emperors were often linked to Apollo, the sun god. This connection continued into later eras with mentions of "golden ages" and "solar kings." The sun, as the ruler among stars, has long been considered sovereign over all beneath its light.

Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs were believed to be descendants of Ra, the sun god, ruling as living gods on Earth with divine authority to maintain societal order.

Japan: The Japanese emperors trace their lineage back to the Sun goddess Amaterasu, a divine symbol of authority.

Hindu Tradition: Kingship is often associated with Surya, the Sun god. Rulers derive their authority and righteousness from his divine light.

Christian Tradition: The divine right of kings linked rulers with Christ, who played a role in legitimizing their reign through miracles and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.

France (Louis XIV): The "Sun King" embraced the solar symbol to assert his absolute monarchy, reshaping his kingdom in accordance with his authority.

Griffith exhibits extraordinary conviction and self-confidence. He seems born with a natural capacity to lead, as if he embodies the universe’s fundamental laws. He is not a despot; people follow him willingly, inspired by his innate ability to lead. The character embodies a reformative spirit. He is fully aware of his responsibilities and willing to make sacrifices for his vision. Divine kingship often involves a sacred pact or sacrifice for the greater good, and Griffith embodies this through his actions. He seeks to change the existing order, creating a new world based on his ideals.

The The Eastern perspective emphasizes virtuous leadership and inspiration through example, aligning with Griffith’s pursuit of creating a new world order.

The sun’s role as a radiant celestial body is metaphorically associated with themes of power, conviction, and assertiveness. This broader interpretation links the sun to leadership and influence, often tied to masculine imagery. Its presence symbolizes an indomitable spirit, resonating with the idea of a visionary leader who persists in the face of adversity, embodying determination and fortitude.

Griffith exemplifies unparalleled dedication to a singular cause, reflecting a passion reminiscent of ancient deities. Driven by a singular focus, he propels events toward his vision, never needing guidance to grasp his purpose or direction.

Light and Illumination

The symbol's resplendence captures the essence of enlightenment. It illustrates the intellectual and spiritual awakening of both mind and soul. It dispels darkness, signifying the pursuit of truth and insight by revealing the essence of existence. Just like the sun’s ascent, enlightenment heralds the dawn of intellectual awakening. This marks a shift from old beliefs to new ones in favor of deeper truths. It represents a divine presence, fostering a spiritual connection with the universe and transcending boundaries to achieve higher states of consciousness.

Veritably, sunlight frequently represents clarity and awareness. It breaks through the obscurity of ignorance or the unconscious mind. In dreams, sunlight illuminating a previously shadowed area can signify the dreamer's journey toward self-awareness and understanding. Freud, although he did not specifically use the golden orb as a dream symbol, explored light-related symbols. These symbols metaphorically align with the attributes associated with the sun. He interpreted dreams as expressions of unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts. Symbols in dreams mask deeper psychological content.

The sun's rhythmic cycle of illumination and shadow embodies a profound duality rich in symbolic significance. Light, in this context, represents vitality, clarity, and sacredness. Darkness signifies mortality, chaos, and the secular. The transition from night to day signifies the triumph of order over chaos and life over death. This dualistic framework underpins many religious rituals and myths. Here, the rising sun signifies renewal, hope, and divine intervention.

These instances illustrate the celestial fire's role as a global symbol of light. It bridges cultures and becomes deeply embedded in spiritual and philosophical beliefs worldwide.

Griffith’s nomenclature in reference to light is deliberate. This applies both cosmologically and in the minds of people and apostles. He is effulgent and lucent in silver and white. He reveals himself at night and within the minds of people. Spiritually, in religions such as Christianity and Buddhism, the concept of true light refers to an authentic source of enlightenment or understanding. This phrase signifies the divine or transcendent reality. It represents love, salvation, or communion with the absolute.

Light and Darkness Dynamics

In psychoanalytic theory, light symbolizes consciousness and awareness. Darkness represents the unconscious and the unknown. The interplay between these elements in dreams reflects the dynamic tension between the conscious mind and the repressed aspects of the psyche. Jung emphatically stressed the significance of integrating the shadow. The shadow represents the unconscious aspect of the personality. The duality of light and darkness, symbolized by the presence and absence of the sun, illustrates this process of integration. Embracing both the light (conscious) and the dark (unconscious) facets of the psyche is crucial for attaining inner completeness and holistic equilibrium.

In alchemical philosophy, the sun (Sol) embodies a blend of energies akin to its physical counterpart. It represents the radiant "day" aspect of the psyche and also symbolizes the sulfurous "active substance" that directs consciousness toward specific objectives. As a royal figure, the sun signifies the authority of guiding principles that shape consciousness. The sun also symbolizes "gold," the "yellow balsam," and the truth behind consciousness's capacity for self-healing and rejuvenation. This rejuvenation occurs through immersion in moist, lunar-like feelings and moods, manifesting the magical and mercurial aspects. The regenerated "Sun of the Philosophers" is paradoxically both transparent and opaque. It embodies both light and shadow and endures perpetually.

Even as it sets, the sun carries away the light—never dying—and is always everlasting. This epitomizes eternal renewal.

Across various cultures, the sun serves as a potent symbol for illuminating the unconscious. In alchemy, a field deeply influential to Jung, the sun symbolizes the Philosopher’s Stone, representing an aspiration to transform base materials (the unconscious) into gold (conscious awareness). Likewise, in many religious traditions, the sun embodies a divine presence that reveals spiritual truths. The sun’s journey aims to illuminate everything that remains in the shadows and gradually diminishes the pursuit of discretion. Its character underscores the theme that light and darkness are not merely opposites; they are interdependent and essential to understanding the nature of existence and the human condition. Through this lens, Berserk invites readers to contemplate the complexities of morality, the cyclical nature of life, and the eternal dance between light and dark.

The Self in Solar Representation

In sacred symbolism, the sun embodies the divine presence. It highlights the relationship between light and darkness. Griffith’s portrayal provides a profound exploration of these themes. This ancient motif, characterized by its radiance and resplendence, reflects themes deeply resonant with the psychological exploration of duality. Jung perceived this duality as pivotal in human psychology. The sun embodies the quest for equilibrium and integration.

The sun, with its radiant and all-encompassing nature, functions as a metaphor for the self. It embodies qualities of wholeness, integration, and the realization of one’s full potential. The sun’s warmth and light symbolize the nurturing aspects of the psyche. They foster growth, enlightenment, and balance. Its glowing and opalescent nature symbolizes the cosmic light that nurtures the self’s evolution.

Griffith’s character exudes mystery. The trepidation in his depiction conceals much of his inner emotions and thoughts. It is observed that Griffith attempts to maintain a hermetic, closed state, except for a few strategic moments designed to create an impression of being larger than life. The character’s role as an archetypal figure is both a symbol of societal shifts and an embodiment of cosmic significance.

It's probably obvious that during the during the Millennium Falcon arc, Griffith unified light and shadow, the conscious and unconscious, as represented by the apostles and humans, through his own person.

Miura highlighted that Griffith’s narrative complexity stems from his role as a symbol for entire communities. He advocates for collective and cosmological interests. This portrayal showcases his transformations and expressions as manifestations of broader societal and global vices. Griffith's actions traverse various segments of society, reflecting both his personal evolution and the ongoing upheaval of collective consciousness.

These cultural examples illustrate how different societies, throughout time and across various mythologies, have interpreted the sun as a symbol of enlightenment and the integrated self. In each tradition, the sun serves as a metaphorical representation of spiritual awakening, inner harmony, and the universal principles guiding human existence.

Griffith embraced a philosophy of dualism, believing it could be immanently unified as the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. This unification would be achieved through the absolute realization of self-consciousness and human freedom. He developed a concept of the absolute that both creates and opposes itself, embodying its essence and its contrary. In this framework, Griffith's role was to act as a steady vector, assimilating disharmony and facilitating the flow of ideas. He represented both the external substance and the universal essence of the mind. The divine presence manifests not through miracles but through transformative epochs, leading to something new and more joyful, akin to dawn.

[wxnheart]

𝙰𝚙𝚎𝚡 𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛 - 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝/𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝟐/𝟑)

Your shoes and clothes are stained red with the blood of the fallen, all who fought valiantly in the name of the Imperium; so-called sons, expendable, pathetic, weak. Failures. Would they have had but a tenth of the talent of his brothers and sisters. Would they have had but a tenth of your courage. It was a futile effort but still, you stand strong in the face of his fearsome rage, one he had so desperately wished to quell. It was a rage that would be your undoing. It was a rage borne from your rejection. You dare say no to him? AGAIN?! In favor of that tyrant you call the Emperor?! You will know true strength... and you will die in its embrace.

Angron

It seems there is no end to the corruption, greed, and ineptitude that plagues the Imperium. Once he could look at it proudly but now... what a shell of its former glory. The loneliness and emptiness plague him, battling side by side with duty. He would rather it and everything it represented burned in the fires of Horus' ambition but dutybound he was and dutybound he would remain. He sees in you the idealism of ten millennia past, something that beloved Konor would've commended. He sees in you a kindred spirit, and he is lonely. Oh, how he's so lonely. But dutybound he is. And dutybound he will remain. And so, too, will you. Right by his side.

Roboute Guilliman

And with his father's parting words has an illustrious age ended, leaving his foundation shaken. Vengeful. The bitter bile rises in his throat. He would have said more, would have demonstrated the depths of his ardor. Perhaps things would be different, perhaps the bitterness wouldn't have consumed him so. But they aren't, and it does. Many things have been lost to him. It cannot be you, too. And most certainly not to him. He prepares to fight to the death. His foundation—your salvation—will be restored.

Rogal Dorn

He was a believer once. Of his Father, an ideal he strove to impart to the masses, he was a believer once. Words adorned with praise, extolling the virtues of Man and he was to be His messenger, oh, how he was a believer once. And even then, to the moment his greatest glory died a fiery death before him did he he believe, truly believe in the Father. And now in fire and brimstone does the Son pay for sins of the Father, sins that taste like brokenness, foolishness, and reverence against your lips. He believes again. In you. And so begins the fall of Man.

Lorgar Aurelian

You are important to his brother. This he knows unequivocally. To have the upper hand in a time of such upheaval and witness the Praetorian fall at last? Glorious. Finally, he would be vindicated. Much has been taken from him; much has been owed to him, and finally—FINALLY—he would have something to call his own and rightfully claim the spoils of war: you. And if he could not have you, Dorn most certainly couldn't, either.

Perturabo

It is said that only in death does duty end, but yours is everlasting. For a thousand lifetimes, He has loved and for a thousand more lifetimes He loves still. You have felt the weight of each and every one of them, and no matter how many times you've run, there He was to find and love you still. Shackled. You have become shackled to Him, an ornate chain that no matter how hard you pull cannot be broken. No matter the circumstances, it remains intact. It is said that only in death does duty end, but yours is everlasting. And when He spoke his last and transcended, with you made to go with him, did you realize that your duty had truly just begun. And even in death would He love you still.

The Emperor of Mankind

[thesleeptokenarchive]

Social Media Update: Rock Sound TV Album Review

In 2021, Sleep Token posted a link to Rock Sound TV's review of their recently released album, This Place Will Become Your Tomb.

[Web Archive Link] [FB]

An offering, from the Rock Sound publication.

SLEEP TOKEN'S ‘THIS PLACE WILL BECOME YOUR TOMB' INTENSELY DEMONSTRATES WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN

By JACK ROGERS

With their second record, Sleep Token have created a piece of art that transcends this existence whilst also staying firmly rooted in what it means to feel so strongly. This is why it is so vital.

For as long as history will allow us to look back, music has been a means of exercising and exorcizing emotion. A vessel for the most beautiful, brutal and boundless feelings that our minds and bodies can conjure, it's a means of connection that transcends language, creed and culture. A universal escape from the trials and tribulations of the world that will outlast and outlive its creator by the millennia.

Music is humanity at its most vulnerable and visceral, and that is why it is so vital.

It's within this space that Sleep Token has always existed. Since their introduction to the world back in 2016, beginning as a means to present their love and appreciation for the ancient deity Sleep but becoming something much more significant in the process, they have built up a rabid and relentless following via their musical output and nothing more. By hiding away their identity and giving away no additional information, the focus is solely on sound and that sound has always attempted to breach the very essence of what makes us who we are. Tales of devotion and devastation, hope and heartache, are presented by Vessel and his associates in ways that enrich the soul and ensnare the senses, with only our own experiences there to compare the adoration and anguish with.

And it is with 'This Place Will Become Your Tomb', their brand new offering, that unique delivery comes to a head, and where Sleep Token show just how special they really are.

Following on from the ambitious variety of 2019's 'Sundowning', there is a new sense of otherworldly cohesion to this new album. A dense atmosphere, clinging to you like tar but with the texture of newly woven silk, the record feels like a deep glimpse into the magical universe that Sleep Token exists in. A place where time and space collide like lovers kept separate for too long and reality and fantasy blend like petrol seeping into water. A place where Vessel, as this sentient being, delivering these songs feels powerful and mysterious, someone to be feared as much as they are revered. From the towering dominance of 'Alkaline' to the haunting seduction of 'Like That', you are transfixed and taken to the other side by the intoxicating sounds filtering through you.

But on the other side of that comes the humanity of it all. With every heartbeat comes the threat of heartbreak, and to live passionately comes with the risk of feeling the worst that life has to offer as much as the best. Every moment that feels like it exists in a completely different dimension on 'This Place Will Become Your Tomb', another is firmly rooted on Earth, where desolation is always just around the corner from delight. You have the blossoming 'Mine' standing toe to toe with the tear-stained 'Distraction. The deep need of 'The Love You Want' is only a short distance away from the bellowed despair of 'High Water'. The spiralling longing of 'Hypnosis' and tender infatuation of 'Telomores' stare directly at the stark admissions of 'Fall For Me' and broken spirit of 'Missing Limbs'. The highs and lows of leaving ourselves open to others and committing our everything to them are presented in the most touching and terrifying ways, and it takes something rather remarkable to bottle that part of existence. But Sleep Token make it feel like second nature.

'This Place Will Become Your Tomb' is the sort of album that cannot be simply plucked out of the ether. It is a record from deep inside the soul, where layer upon layer has been chipped away to reveal the very essence of existence. Where life has been lived so viscerally, to the point where feelings you didn't even know were possible, have been felt, that every single movement made feels like either heaven or hell. It exists on a plane of its own crafting as much as it does here on in our own reality, and that is what makes it so extraordinary. It is a perfect summation of what it means to be human, whilst also trying to explain what it feels like when the things we experience make us feel like we have transcended this flesh altogether. The most intense love, intoxicating lust, and crushing loss are documented here in the most striking, seductive and sensational ways possible. And it is an absolute pleasure to behold it all.

Worship.