#chess biography history

[worldnews90]

The ‘Fantastic Four’ Trailer Is An Adjective You Can Guess

Disney has finally released the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, bringing the Marvel’s First Family to the MCU in the biggest addition to the universe in an exceptionally long time. Arguably since the Avengers themselves first assembled.

The initial spot is a minute and a half long, and while yes, this is an MCU project, this movie is (at least at the start) taking place in an entirely separate universe akin to the Jetsons with ‘50s era aesthetics and seemingly no other superheroes around.

Watch More

[mushroomates]

gimli headcanons:

likes doing laundry. finds it soothing

history nerd!! loves reading old tombs/biographies of his ancestors

is incredibly intelligent. beats frodo in chess. would beat gandalf but gandalf cheats. has been in a stalemate with aragorn for two and a half years.

well mannered but chooses to forgo his politeness to make a point. especially around elves.

does NOT like horses. not just riding them, which is canon, but actually dislikes the animal itself. the reasons why include (but are not limited to) :

he does not like being not on ground. he does not have a fear of heights so much as a fear of… feet not on ground. as evidenced by refusal to jump, treehouses, and well, horses

he does not like their faces. they are long and have eyes on the side like prey. gimli thinks this is deceiving as horses are very large and can kick in someone’s skull. not his skull.

gimli believes that in a one on one match with a horse, he could easily win. he has thought of several, very specific, scenarios of this and has a detailed plan of attack should this situation occur.

they so easily turned against their home for an evil overlord (read: sauron stole all the black horses from rohan) and therefore cannot be trusted. as a rule, anything that willing you let you ride it cannot be trusted. they can’t be satisfied with this life. they are plotting something.

believes he would be great at drums. it’s just hitting things hard and he’s pretty strong.

ok, another thing about horses: they are fragile to a ridiculous extent. you breath wrong and it breaks. they have bad bones and bad blood flow in their legs, and their legs are all that they’re used for. he doesn’t understand why humans invested so much time into horses when they’re genetically bad at what they are meant to do. he’d feel bad for the horses if they weren’t so awful.

drinks coffee, not tea

takes great with the up keeping of his gear. he sharpens his axes, polishes his boots, shines his armor and waxes his mustache. that’s not gear, but he takes great pride in looking groomed and caring for his belongings.

has an axe for every occasion. battle axe? do you want throwing or slashing. a day on the town? have you seen this intricately carved masterpiece that also is a weapon? digging a hole? PICKAXE. cutting a cake? how about an axe???

hates the rain because it ruins his hair and beard. also loves the rain because it ruins legolas’s hair and clothes.

will eat anything. has a great tolerance for spice. contrary to popular belief, dwarves are not shy of seasoning but are very cautious around other races in fear of poisoning their friends

will also eat some rocks. salty is his favorite (halite, hanksite, glauberite) but also likes to add chunks of chalcanthite to his food for a slightly sweet yet metalic flavor. this is also slightly (SLIGHTLY) poisonous as evidenced by sharing his trail mix with boromir

also calls dirt the “local seasoning”

will taste dirt to try and get a feeling for the land. this tells him the acidity, weather, possible wildlife, and also pisses off legolas

actaully genuinely likes the taste of dirt. (note: if you desire to eat clay/dirt that is a symptom of iron deficiency. for gimli, he eats spoonfuls of the stuff like their supplements because as a kid it was fed to him like multivitamins)

OK SO HEAR ME OUT: lack of sunlight can cause really low hemoglobin and ferritin (a blood protein that contains iron) sooo being constantly in dark caves can cause some forms of iron deficiency. because dwarves are conscious of their young, dwarf children often grow up not often being in direct sunlight.

the solution? dirt. dirt contains iron and other tasty minerals that are good for the body. charcoal has natural antioxidants. so does clay. am i saying that momma gimli (unnamed) fed her son ash and clumps of dirt? yes. also bits of broken pottery. it’s good of the immune system.

fr tho clay/dirt/charcoal are the dwarven multivitamins. you have a tummy-ache? here, have a rock. i truly believe this was scientifically proven by dwarves and only FOR dwarves (plz do not eat dirt)

fuckin loves mushrooms. has a mushroom log at home. whenever dwarves find some fungai in a cave they go feral

likes dogs. thinks it’s great that they dig holes. thinks it’s fantastic that the bury things in holes. absolutes loves when they get muddy, and then shake off all water and dirt all over you.

when he came back home with the name lockbearer, a lot of the dwarves thought it was really cool and he has some sort of elven puzzle that requires a code to unlock something. imagine their surprise when he rocks up and is like: no, even better. HAIRS. three of them.

enjoys making mudpies- made them as a kid with his cousins, (mostly with rock slurry) and continues to, even even as an adult.

made them on the fellowship with the hobbits. taught them all about the best types of dirt and the water-to-soil- ratio needed.

while cutting up slices of his pie, he offered one to boromir, who in good nature, took it, clearly thinking it was just part of the bit.

poor boromir was locked in a stalemate after gimli cut his own slice, and began eating it.

to his credit, boromir did brave a few bites, but had to stop once he nearly had a mouthful of maggots

“protein”

gimli is like crazy good at hair. can braid quickly and efficiently in elaborate styles

picked up eleven hair style techniques in lorien (quicker than legolas) and was forced to relay them to the elf through twine as there is no way he’s letting grubby elf fingers to touch his glorious mane that’s been decades in the making

would ask for a drink “on the rocks” and get slightly upset if it did not come back with actual rocks

[afrotumble]

It is divided into four books each containing nine chambers totaling 36 chambers. Included are biographies of each member, an explanation of various slang used by the group, a history on the Wu-Tang Clan logo, and explanations of influences, which include the Nation of Gods and Earths, chess, comic books, drugs, and martial arts. RZA's views on music, spirituality, philosophy, and producing, and a guide to the meanings of several songs are also included. The back cover page features a colorful photo that resembles the one used on the album cover of Wu-Tang's 2001 album Iron Flag.

The book is followed by a sequel titled The Tao of Wu.

--Writeup from Wikipedia.

[financeprincess]

Could you talk a bit more about the “mental” part of glowing up? Taking those first steps and being intentional about changing yourself and your life?

A lot of it is about commitment to change and stepping out of your comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things, going new places, inserting yourself into spaces you haven’t been, all help break limiting beliefs. Imposter syndrome is super real especially if it’s been bulldozed into you from day one that you have to be the best at everything (speaking from personal experience) and especially if you’ve ever dealt with anxiety it can be tough to get over. I meditate a lot, journal, listen to high vibrational frequencies and bilateral stimulation music, read/write/speak/listen to affirmations, went to therapy for a very long time. Also it’s very normal to cry, I cried a lot when I first started to really change things because I felt like I was grieving an entire life I was leaving behind and was grieving for my past self because she had tried so damn hard to get it together but hard work doesn’t always equal the results you want. Manifestation and reaching your goals is easier in a state of receiving, flow, and ease. Write down how you want your ideal life to be and start thinking of the steps it takes to get there. Use a planner and dump everything you need to into it.

Read as many books as you can about things that interest you, especially nonfiction. Some of my favorites are finances, real estate, technology, biographies, fashion, politics, history, science, classic literature, and philosophy. Download DuoLingo and start learning languages that interest you. Invest in your hobbies. Try whatever you want to try: pottery, dance, horseback riding, painting, new workout classes, photography, musical instruments, sewing, baking, chess, the possibilities are endless.

Stop consuming low vibrational content: brain rotting TikTok videos, trashy TV shows, anything with excessive violence or gore, anything on social media that is exclusively for shock value or trying to illicit attention or controversy. If you’re consuming media you want to feel better or more informed after watching it. I love food and nature documentaries for this reason. Speaking of social media, delete everything you have on your profiles that doesn’t align with who you want to be. Or better yet, delete them altogether and either go ghost or start a new one. Do a dopamine detox and cut out vices as much as you can. Video games, excessive shopping, alcohol, nicotine, drugs, caffeine, sugar, social media, unhealthy foods, gossiping, etc. All of these give your brain a rush when you engage in them, amongst other habits.

Limit or eliminate time around negative people or people who just do not have it together. What kind of people do you want around you? Do these people elevate me or bring me down? How do they act towards me? You have to be ruthless with your personal boundaries because you can’t expect other people to read your mind. Ultimately it comes down to switching your mindset and taking radical personal responsibility for your own life. If you feel a sense of responsibility over everything around you, it will cause you to take action if you are not happy. Positive mindset and radical trust in God is everything too.

[monarhrh]

{léa seydoux,39,she/her} we are so glad to see you safe, MASTERS OF WHISPERS/ DUCHESS COLETTE DE LIONCOURT of WOLIN (FRANCE)! it’s dangerous out in the world these days, but i hear that you are FLIRTATIOUS and INCISIVE enough to handle it. just don’t let your MERCILESSNESS bring you down! stay on your guard, because with your secret being at risk for exposure, you wouldn’t want everyone to find out YOU ARE THE CONCUBINE OF THE GRAND DUKE OF WOLIN. (julieta)

Biography of Duchess Colette de Lioncourt, Masters of Whispers

Full Name: Colette Juliette de Lioncourt Nicknames: The Duchess, Whispering Lady, Cole Age: 39 Title: Master of Whispers & Duchess of Mazarin

Family Background

Father: Duke Sébastien de Lioncourt Mother: Duchess Adeline de Lioncourt

Interests/Hobbies

Art: Painting and sketching, often as a form of relaxation and expression.

Music: Playing the piano and listening to classical music.

Reading: Immersing herself in historical and political texts.

Herbalism: Mastering the art of herbalism and poisons.

Games: Engaging in strategic games such as chess.

Exploration: Discovering hidden passages and secret places.

Personality

Positive Traits:

Intelligent: Colette possesses a sharp mind and a keen intellect, capable of understanding and manipulating complex political landscapes.

Charismatic: Her natural charm and grace make her an effective diplomat and negotiator.

Loyal: Fiercely loyal to those she cares about, Colette is willing to go to great lengths to protect her allies.

Strategic: She is a master planner, always thinking several steps ahead and anticipating potential outcomes.

Resilient: Colette has a strong will and can endure hardships without breaking, drawing strength from her past experiences.

Negative Traits:

Ruthless: Colette can be merciless in her pursuit of her goals, often willing to sacrifice others for the greater good or her own interests.

Emotionally guarded: Colette finds it difficult to open up to others, keeping her true feelings hidden behind a facade of detachment.

Vengeful: She harbors deep-seated grudges and is relentless in seeking revenge against those who have wronged her.

Overprotective: Her fear of losing loved ones can make her overly cautious and controlling, sometimes hindering their independence.

Background

Early Life:

Colette de Lioncourt was born into the noble House de Lioncourt, an esteemed family with a storied history in the region of Mazarin, France. The de Lioncourts were known for their political acumen and influence, holding the duchy of Mazarin for generations. Colette’s father, Duke Sebastien de Lioncourt, was a master tactician and a close advisor to the king. Her mother, Duchess Adeline, was a renowned beauty and a skilled diplomat, well-versed in the subtleties of court life. From a young age, Colette displayed a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity. Unlike her peers, she was more interested in the intricate dance of politics and power than in typical noble pursuits. Her parents nurtured her talents, teaching her the art of diplomacy, strategy, and the delicate balance of power. Her mother introduced her to herbal lore, while her father trained her in the subtler aspects of espionage and intelligence gathering.

Formative Years:

Tragedy struck at the age of sixteen when a rival noble house, jealous of the de Lioncourts’ influence, orchestrated a coup. The attack on the family estate was swift and brutal, resulting in the death of her parents. Colette narrowly escaped with the help of her loyal childhood friend, ��tienne, the son of the family’s trusted steward. Fleeing to Paris, Colette vowed to avenge her family and reclaim her birthright. She lived in hiding, adopting various disguises and using her wits to survive. During these years, she immersed herself in the underworld of Paris, learning the art of stealth, disguise, and manipulation. Her keen mind and natural charisma allowed her to quickly rise through the ranks, earning the respect and loyalty of a network of informants.

Journey Across Europe:

After several years in Paris, Colette realized that to achieve her goals, she needed to broaden her horizons and gather more knowledge and allies. She traveled extensively across Europe, living in various countries and learning their unique political landscapes:

Italy:

In Venice, she studied the intricate and secretive political maneuvers of the Venetian Republic. She learned about the power of trade, commerce, and how information could be as valuable as gold. The city's labyrinthine canals and hidden passages became her training ground for mastering the art of stealth and subterfuge.

Spain:

In Madrid, Colette observed the passionate and often volatile court politics. She refined her skills in diplomacy and intrigue, learning to navigate the fiery tempers and deep loyalties of Spanish nobility. She also studied the use of poisons and remedies, a legacy from her mother, and made valuable connections with influential figures.

England:

In London, Colette delved into the world of espionage, learning from the masters of subterfuge and code-breaking. She became adept at gathering and deciphering intelligence, using it to manipulate events to her favor. Her time in England solidified her reputation as a formidable spymaster.

Germany:

under reconstruction to fit opulents historical plot.

Arrival in Wollin:

Colette’s travels eventually led her to the city-state of Wollin, a prosperous and strategically significant port city known for its vibrant trade and complex political landscape. Wollin was a melting pot of cultures and a hub of information, making it the perfect place for someone of Colette’s talents. Recognizing her skills and potential, the ruling council of Wollin invited Colette to serve as their Master of Whispers. Her reputation had preceded her, and they believed she could help them navigate the treacherous waters of both internal and external politics.

[princepsumbra]

Leo: A Fódlan Biography

PERSONAL INFORMATION

GENDER. Male

AGE. 21

HEIGHT. 5′8″

BIRTHDATE. June 30

CREST/HOLY BLOOD. Technically yes; he does possess unspecified blood of a First Dragon. It is the author’s personal hc Leo has Ground Dragon blood. 

CLASS. Unaffiliated Assistant Professor of Dark/Reason Magic

AFFILIATION. Kingdom of Nohr

BIOGRAPHY. Born the second son--a proverbial spare--Leo survived two wars and watched his brother ascend their kingdom’s throne. With a strong desire to make a name for himself beyond that shadow, he eventually found his way to the Officer’s Academy. He is both an accomplished mage and equestrian and holds a decent talent for swordcraft. As befitting a prince, he prides himself on impeccable manners and holding his emotions close to his chest. This Academy will give him a chance to learn new ways of magic while also realizing his own potential. 

PERSONAL HISTORY

Year ??? ~ Born to King Garon and an unnamed concubine 

Year ??? ~ Survives the Concubine Wars 

Year ??? ~ Sides with Corrin in her war for peace; upon its end, works tirelessly for the betterment of Nohr

Imperial Year 1180 ~ Enrolls at the Officer's Academy at Garreg Mach

INTERESTS. Reading, Strategy, Spellcraft, 

LIKES. Horses, stars, tomatoes, horticulture, chess                                                  DISLIKES. Wasting time, bad manners, abuse of power, selfishness, his parents, excessive sunlight                                                                                                                  STATUS. Prince of Nohr 

CLOSE ALLIES: Corrin, Xander, Camilla, Elise, Niles, Odin, Pelleas 

DINING HALL PREFERENCES

LIKES. saghert and cream, pheasant roast with berry sauce, beat meat teppanyaki, pickled rabbit skewers, daphnel stew, gronder meat skewers, derdriu-style fried pheasant, vegetable pasta salad, vegetable stir-fry, grilled herring, fish and bean soup, two fish saute, bourgeoise pike, sauteed jerky, sauteed pheasant and egg, garreg mach meat pie, pickled seafood and vegetables

DISLIKES. sweet bun trio, peach sorbet, onion gratin soup, country-style red turnip plate, fruit and herring tart, fisherman’s bounty, fish sandwich, spicy fish and turnip stew, sweet and salty whitefish saute, super spicy fish dango, cheesy verona stew, gautier cheese gratin, cabbage and herring stew, small fish skewers, fried crayfish

DINING HALL NOTES

FAVORITE DISH.   𓆱

"My gods, this tastes amazing! Oops, did I say that out loud?"

LEAST FAVORITE DISH.   𓆱

"Was this marinated in poison?"

WITH CORRIN (WIFE)  𓆱

“Our time together is precious. I enjoy every moment with you.”

TEAM TIME GUIDE

FAVORITE TEA. Dagda Fruit Blend,  Almyran pine needles

CONVERSATION TOPICS. A new gambit. A strong battalion. Close calls.  Equipment upkeep. Evaluating allies. Exploring the Monastery. Mighty weapons. Monastery rules. Monastery security. Overcoming weaknesses. Potential training partners. Reliable allies. Someone you look up to. Tell me about yourself. The ideal professor. The last battle. The library’s collection. Your ambitions. Capable comrades. Garden mishaps. Classes you might enjoy. Plans for the future. Books you’ve reach recently. Things you find romantic. 

TEA TIME QUOTES

GREETING.   𓆱

(1) "Thank you for the invitation. I have a little spare time.” 

(2) “Hm? I was reading this fascinating book...” 

(3) “What is it?” 

FAVORITE TEA.  𓆱  

“A lucky guess, perhaps? Nothing refreshes the mind quite like a strong cup of tea.” 

FIVE STAR TEA.  𓆱

“Such extravagance should not be wasted. Thank you for sharing.” 

BEING OBSERVED.  𓆱

(1) "Is my collar inside out?”

(2) “Tell me, have you read any interesting books lately? I finished one last night...” 

(3) “You have quite the astute stare.” 

QUIPS. 𓆱

"I’m used to more overcast climates.”  “Hmm...”  “I hope my siblings are faring well.”  “Ah, it’s still quite hot.”  “Please, enjoy your cup.”  “(Sighs) “What hobbies do you enjoy?” “How embarrassing...”

ENDING.  𓆱

"Spending time with allies is always enjoyable. Thank you.” 

FINAL COMMENTS.  𓆱

(1) “Teaching has proved quite the challenge.”  ANSWER. Nod, Sip tea     (2) “What are your thoughts on attempting new strategies? One can’t learn without trying things out first...” ANSWER. Commend, Chat (3) "I wield the divine tome Brynhildr. Its power is formidable. If you have questions about it, please ask.” ANSWER. Nod, Sip tea (4) “Admittedly, there are some things I do not fully understand, such as the intricacies of morality.” ANSWER. Nod, Admonish (5) “I quite enjoy going out for a daily ride on my horse.”  ANSWER. Laugh, Praise (6) “My biggest desire is to see my country prosper.” ANSWER. Nod, Sip tea   (7) "My siblings oft drove me up a wall growing up, yet I can’t imagine life without them. Such is the way of families.”  Answer: Nod, Laugh (8) "Battles are like games of chess. Though the stakes are considerably higher...” ANSWER. Nod, Chat, Sigh     (9) “Over my lifetime, I’ve observed that many people tend to hide their true selves behind a mask. Do you find that to be true?”  ANSWER. Chat, Admonish

MISCELLANEOUS DIALOGUE.

GIFT GUIDE

FAVORITE GIFTS. Arithmetic Textbook, Book of Crest Designs, History of Fodlan, Riding Boots DISLIKED GIFTS. Stylish Hair Clip, Training Weight, Armored Bear Stuffy 

GIFT QUOTES

DISLIKED GIFT.  𓆱

"Seriously? I can only guess you were trying to do something nice.” 

LIKED GIFT.   𓆱 

"For me? I appreciate the gesture.” 

FAVORITE GIFT. 𓆱

"How did you know this was my favorite? Thank you.” 

LOST ITEMS

NOTEBOOK OF SPELLS. A small book that’s heavily annotated. The cramped yet elegant handwriting crowds into the margins. It probably belongs to someone who enjoys studying. Location found: Dining Hall

METAL HEADBAND. A simple, curved hair adornment. It probably belongs to someone who is fastidious about their appearance.  Location found: Stables

CHESS PIECE. A well made, hand carved piece of dark wood that’s clearly part of a set. It probably belongs to someone fond of strategy.  Location found: Library

LOST ITEM QUOTES  OWNER.  𓆱

"I’ve been looking for this! ...Ahem. Thank you for returning it.” 

NOT OWNER.  𓆱

"This belongs to someone else. Cleaning up after others is quite the thankless task.”

BATTLE QUOTES

MOCK BATTLE RETREAT.  𓆱 

“To think I’ve been bested here...”   ( *Byleth specific  ) "Professor, it appears I have much to glean from your methods.” 

FIRST KILL.  𓆱

"No mercy for those who stand in the way of justice.” 

MONASTERY QUOTES

CHOIR PRACTICE.  𓆱  

(1) “My talents lie in other practices than singing.” 

(2) "....I hope no one can hear me.” 

COOKING. 𓆱 

(1) "While I’ve improved a bit, I’m still no great chef.” 

(2) "I’ve prepared this myself--rest assured, it shall be delicious!” 

(3) "A prince I may be, but I cannot always rely on others to provide meals when necessary.” 

TUTORING

INSTRUCT

BAD.  𓆱

"A disgraceful showing.” 

Critique: I suggest explaining this in a manner best suited for beginners. Console: I have faith I can learn this material. 

GREAT.  𓆱

"This was an inevitable result.” “Learning something new is one of life’s pleasures.”

PERFECT.  𓆱

"I knew I could reach greater heights.”  PRAISE. "Together, we can achieve great things.”

TASKS

STABLE DUTY. 𓆱

“Taking care of the horses is no small thing. A knight relies on the health and well-being of their steed.”

WEEDING. 𓆱  

"...Must we do this in the middle of the day?” 

SKY WATCH.  𓆱

“I prefer the ground, but I appreciate the view from so high a vantage point.”

CERTIFICATION EXAMS 

  FAILED.  𓆱

"I cannot gain perfection with such an abysmal performance.” 

PASSED.  𓆱

"This confirms what I already knew.” 

UPDATE GOALS

REASON. 𓆱  

“Professor, while I possess great skill in the art, there is always more to discover. I have dedicated my life to the study of magic; allow me to continue my research under your guidance.”

Riding  𓆱  

“Horsemanship is a skill I’ve been pursuing since childhood. I find it freeing when riding my horse across an open field, and the strategical advantage the added height gives me is invaluable. I would prefer to continue exercising my mastery in this area.” 

Authority 𓆱  

“My brother once told me I needed to be more confident. Despite our differences, I still wish to emulate him as a perfect example of princely conduct. I am not against seeking counsel when needed. This is a challenge I am determined to overcome.” 

LEVEL UP

0 TO 2 STATS UP  𓆱  

“(Sigh) I need to study harder.” 

3 TO 4 STATS UP  𓆱   

“Growth in any form is better than none.” 

5 STATS UP  𓆱  

“Polishing my talents, as expected.” 

6 STATS UP  𓆱  

“Yes...these are the limits of my true potential.” 

UPON REACHING LEVEL 99  𓆱    

“Am I finally worthy of my place in this world?” 

BUDDING TALENT

“Every day I discover new things about myself.”

NEW SKILL

“With this, I can employ a variety of new techniques!” 

RECLASSING   𓆱    

(1) “New experiences are a fact of life.” (2) “Untapped power at my fingertips...” (3) “Is my uniform on inside out?” 

BATTLE QUOTES

WHEN SELECTED

FULL/HIGH HP  𓆱   

“Prepare to drown in the dark!”

MEDIUM HP  𓆱    

“I will not fail.”

LOW HP  𓆱   

“Are you sure this is the best approach?”

ENEMY DEALS 1 OR NO DAMAGE OR MISSES 𓆱   

“Fools.”

CRITICAL ATTACK  𓆱  

“It’s too late for surrender!”  “Nothing but cinders.”  “I warned you I’d show no mercy.” “You can’t hide from me.” “With the divine power of Brynhildr!”

GAMBIT  𓆱  

“Risks are the reward of the confident.” 

GAMBIT BOOST  𓆱  

“There is no escaping.”

DEFEATED ENEMY 𓆱   

“Pathetic.” “I cannot fail.”  “Is that all you have to offer?”

ALLY DEFEATS ENEMY  𓆱  

“You have my thanks.” “Excellent! We showed those fools.” “Not a move wasted.”

ALLY HEALS/RALLIES  𓆱   

“I’m impressed.” “Thank you.” “We will stay sharp!” “I can continue to fight.” “Shall we show them our might?” “Unparalleled excellence.”  “I’ll do what no one else can.”

DEFEAT QUOTE

CASUAL  𓆱    

“I’ll fall back.”

CLASSIC  𓆱  

"Fiends! That I...should pay with my life...for never being strong enough...”

THE ADVICE BOX

"I’ve a brilliant mind for all things academic, yet when it comes to fashion and other abstract ideals, I’m a bit absentminded. What can I do to overcome this flaw?”

>Who cares about fashion! >Try writing a daily checklist (Correct answer) >Do nothing. It’s funny.

[hzaidan]

Martinus Christian Wesseltoft Rørbye (17 May 1803 – 29 August 1848) was a Danish painter, known both for genre works and landscapes. He was a central figure of the Golden Age of Danish painting during the first half of the 19th century.

Martinus Rørbye was born in Drammen in Norway on 17 May 1803. . He was not inclined to schooling, but in 1820 started his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts at 17 years of age…

Please follow link for full post

Art,Martinus Rørbye,Viborg,Zaidan,Paintings,fine art,biography,History,fineart,Dutch,Artists,footnotes,

Zaidan #biography #Art #Paintings #Artists #History #footnotes #fineart #arthistory

[vicioushauntings]

( lee min ho, he/him, cursed blood) To ULYSSES LEBEAU, the whole world looks like an open page. With a leap of faith, their ability of FIREY ICE MANIPULATION grows a little stronger.  They are a HELLHOUND shade aligned to HOUSE FRASER. For FORTY years, they have survived a world of magic with both their CHARISMATIC and EGOCENTRIC. They work as a BOUNCER, but if they could change their fate, they’d want to CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF CURSED BLOODS.

BASICS

FULL NAME: Ulysses LeBeau NICKNAMES: Uly BIRTHDAY: January 28 ZODIAC: Aquarius Sun GENDER: Cis Male PRONOUNS: He/him SEXUALITY: Pansexual

APPEARANCE

HEIGHT: 6’2 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Contacts. When he overuses his ability, frost forms along his arms. Additionally, a golden bite mark can be found on his shoulder. TYPICAL FASHION: Fine suits and fuzzy sweaters JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES: He wears a few heavy rings on his fingers on occasion

PERSONALITY

POSITIVE TRAITS: Adaptable, charismatic, contemplative, disciplined, efficient NEGATIVE TRAITS: Critical, discontented, egocentric, scheming, vindictive NEUTRAL TRAITS: Ambitious, confidential, tough HOGWARTS HOUSE: Slytherin MBTI: ENTJ OPTIMIST/PESSIMIST: Pessimist INTROVERT/EXTROVERT: Extrovert DAREDEVIL/CAUTIOUS: Daredevil LOGICAL/EMOTIONAL: Emotional MESSY/NEAT: Neat

LIFE

HOMETOWN: EDUCATION: Community college LIVING SITUATION: A small studio PETS: OCCUPATION: Bouncer PARENT(s): Lady Silk A foster mother; father unknown SIBLING(s): Lady Sif None SIGNIFICANT OTHER(s): DISABILITIES:

FAVORITES

COLOR: Blue FOOD: Ribs MUSIC: Classical, jazz LITERATURE: War, historical, romance FLOWER: Poppies

HOBBIES & HABITS

HOBBIES: Gun ranges, knife throwing, shopping, chess, cultivating roses MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: The piano SPORTS: SPENDING HABITS: Clothing, coffee, sunglasses, gambling VICES: Cigarettes & alcohol

HEADCANONS

His foster mother is the one who taught Uly how to shoot. He’s been practicing at pointing and aiming since he was old enough to hold a weapon. He can take apart and put weapons back together practically in his sleep.

For as long as he can remember, Uly has always enjoyed the finer things in life. He hasn’t always been able to enjoy them, unfortunately, but poetry, art, music, fashion…he enjoys late night strolls through the park and spending his afternoons in museums or curating a rose garden. Life, more often than not, gets in the way of this desire.

On paper, he works as a security guard at his foster mother’s bar, ensuring that all customers remain respectful and pay their bill at the end of the night. But he does more then that to keep himself busy - whatever odd jobs come his way, Ulysses will take, from house sitting to favors to even the more unsavory tasks. He’s certain he’s already wanted for murder…so what’s a few extra to the list?

CURSED BLOOD

House: Fraser Ability: Firey Ice Manipulation

Ulysses is able to create, shape, and manipulate ice that has properties of fire. The ice that he generates is so cold that it gives a burning sensation and, at a glance, even appears to be fire. This type of ice freezes hard and fast and coming into contact with skin can cause frostbite or freezing. However, Ulysses is not immune to the ice that he makes himself; although he has a higher tolerance than others, prolonged exposure will still leave ice burns and frost against his skin.

Animal: Hellhound

Ulysses remains unsure if he was capable of turning into a hellhound before he was bitten and turned into a cursed blood or not, but the small dog he once was has since turned fierce and ferocious. His animal form is now a large black dog, which he has come to learn is often acknowledged as a bad omen - which he has decided is accurate for his own history. Rather than emitting flames, frost often grows over the dark fur.

BIOGRAPHY

Ulysses doesn't remember much before the age of five. He recalls a mother - no father to speak of, fear in the bottom of his belly, and deep pain leaking from his shoulder. The story he knows is one he learned from his foster mother, who found him on the side of the road looking like he'd been wandering through the woods with no parent in sight.

Raised by the one and only Madam LeBeau, who ran the Poulaille with an iron fist, she was tough on love and never expected anything less than the very best. She lead by one rule: if you wanted to eat, you had to work. Even as a child, Ulysses was expected to do his fair share of chores to help out.

Even with this harsher upbringing, Ulysses wasn't exactly responsible - and for a hungry hormonal teenaged cursed blood, he needed to learn how to control his cravings. With his foster mother constantly pushing him to do better, the moment he turned eighteen, Ulysses joined the royal guard - which wasn't his foster mother's idea of responsibility training.

However, Ulysses certainly thrived in a structured environment where he always knew what was expected of him and how precisely he could achieve it. He rose in ranks, befriended his piers, and actually had some respect going for him. This is when he realized that he, perhaps, could change the perception of cursed bloods; his status as one served as a close-kept secret since his youth, and he'd learned to control his cravings all his life. Perhaps he could spend his time showing others that they weren't the blood thirsty monsters often depicted.

Though this was eventually proven impossible for Ulysses to do; after he sunk his teeth into his best friend's father, he no longer believed his dream of living without fear could be realized. He defected from the guard, and returned to his roots, back to his foster mother's cabaret.

Now he works to earn his keep as a simple bouncer, ensuring that none of the guests get too handsy with the dancers or making patrons who have had too much to drink leave the premises. He attempts to keep a low profile, which isn't the easiest for a man who takes so much pleasure in talking about himself. Perhaps someday he'll build himself back and see his dream realized...but it all seems too far of a possibility for him now.

[generating-functionology]

привет

меня зобут Лорэн. Мне 27 лет, изучаю математику в сша. (Я аспирантка.) Я не свободно говорю по-русски. это просто хобби ))

This is my personal blog where I scream into the void over grad stuff and also reblog all things dark academia, linguistics, disco elysium, heavy metal, regional gothic, math, etc.

fun facts

i got that ADHD in me

Favorite bands/artists: radiohead/thom yorke, nine inch nails, fontaines dc, ethel cain, ic3peak, sigur rós, björk, HEALTH, knocked loose (in doses), lingua ignota, deftones, thief, there's a looooot

favorite anime: kara no kyoukai (garden of sinners)

favorite literary trope: ENEMIES TO LOVERS BABY

favorite books of all time: brave new world, crime and punishment, the book thief, i'm glad my mom died, wolf in white van, the secret history, we have always lived in the castle

my favorite food is salmon. I'm a whore for salmon. salmon on eggs. salmon on pizza. smoked salmon. fried salmon. baked salmon. raw salmon

I developed a special interest in Iceland as a teenager and Icelandic is still one of my favorite languages even though my skill in it is laughable and I haven't kept up with it as much as I want to :(

I like old languages in general, though that hobby is kind of on hold to make room for school.

I like to write, read, draw, paint, play piano, run, hike, go to heavy metal concerts, and learn languages. I used to be reasonable at chess but I really fell off that wagon and now I suck lol

i'm a philosophical pessimist

my favorite genre of book is really hard to pin down. I do like some classic works, and I'm a sucker for a good autobiography/biography; nonfiction about cults; russian lit; dystopia/speculative fiction; horror/gothic horror. I'm not as intensely into fantasy and sci-fi writing as I used to be. I don't read a ton of prose (I did like Fernando Pessoa's Book of Disquiet though.)

Currently reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

my favorite field of mathematics is algebraic combinatorics :) (so far.) I like learning about topics in CS theory from time to time and my M.S. thesis was on graph theory/combinatorial group theory. Not that I know anything about it lol

my MBTI is INTJ buuuuut idk how accurate that is hahaha

I'm trying to emulate nuns and never enter a relationship ever again. I am sworn to eternal celibacy.

my favorite games are cyberpunk 2077, disco elysium, skyrim, mirror's edge 1&2, and the sims 3&4. and barbie horse adventures: mystery ride.

I GOT PIT TICKETS TO NINE INCH NAILS 2025 LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[biographiness]

On February 10 in history, a treaty was signed, a queen was married, and a computer beat a chess champion.📜💍♟️

Follow for more👉 @biographiness

[warningsine]

Dying is easy; dramatizing the dot-com world is hard. Where is the action in people staring at computer screens, pointing and clicking and typing? Even the costumes, hoodies and such worn by coders, the props of empty pizza boxes and foosball tables and sleeping bags under the desk, lack a certain oomph. At least the finance bros of the ’80s had snappy suspenders, martini dinners, strip clubs and buy-sell pads they could wave around between screams on the trading floor.

The development of online “wallets” might seem particularly bloodless — what, those things you use sometimes to buy stuff on the internet and often forget the password to? — and yet “The Founders: The Story of PayPal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley,” by Jimmy Soni, is an intensely magnetic chronicle in which ambitions and emotions run as red-hot as they did in the Facebook movie written by Aaron Sorkin, “The Social Network.” It helps that PayPal’s origin story, though essentially an ensemble piece, features two of the more complicated antiheroes of our time: Peter Thiel, who has become a significant player in right-wing politics, and Elon Musk, currently the richest person in the world, who makes aggressive forays into the cosmos. Each has previously been the subject of big biographies.

Here, though, interviewed along with scores of PayPal personnel — sometimes known as “the PayPal mafia” for their ruthless insularity — they are just two moneyed young men trying to lasso the moon, and often missing. Or crashing, as they did dramatically when Musk drove them to a meeting with Sequoia Capital in the McLaren F1 sports car he acquired after the sale of an early start-up, Zip2. Thiel compared the excursion somewhat opaquely to being “like this Hitchcock movie,” but it suddenly turned more “Dukes of Hazzard”: The car hit an embankment and sailed through the air “like a discus,” Musk recalls. (He and Thiel walked into the meeting separately but unscathed, despite having forgone seatbelts, not even speaking of the incident.)

Thiel initially thought that “beaming” money between PalmPilots, those chunky and short-lived precursors to smartphones, would be the next big thing; a former Stanford classmate convinced him to focus on email payments instead. Thiel comes off in Soni’s telling as pessimistic, occasionally unscrupulous and fiercely competitive, beating nine out of 10 colleagues in chess even after doing a rare celebratory keg stand. “Show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser,” he told an early employee, echoing the rhetoric of Donald J. Trump, whose presidential campaign Thiel would later support.

Musk reads as cuddlier and more magnanimous, with the grander vision: to upend and streamline existing financial systems, like Wells Fargo Bank, whose early website had, symbolically, a slow-loading stagecoach and not much else. He calls those systems, with their big empty buildings, outdated mainframes and code, “this herky-jerky frickin’ monstrosity.” He was comically preoccupied with holding onto the domain X.com for his scheme, even after market research showed that customers found it salacious or even sinister. Eventually, he was ousted as C.E.O. of the proto-PayPal while honeymooning with his first wife.

Personal lives barely appear in “The Founders,” in which bragging about sleep deprivation is the coin of the realm. “There’s definitely something about the nocturnal lifestyle for engineers specifically that really opens up the chakras of creativity or code-writing,” Max Levchin — an émigré from Ukraine and another PayPal founder who became a billionaire — told an interviewer for a PBS show called “NerdTV.” In one breakthrough moment, Levchin, a devoted battler of foreign hackers, plays Wagner’s “The Ride of the Valkyries”; other staff members blasted Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” for inspiration. They shot potatoes against the wall to release tension, and “massacred” stuffed mongooses after an unwanted corporate acquisition. (And they say there’s no reason to return to the office!)

Soni, the co-author of previous books about the mathematician Claude Shannon and Julius Caesar’s enemy Cato, is balanced and fluid in this solo outing, making mundane projects like the creation of an online “button,” or the dawn of CAPTCHA, somehow literary, comparing PayPal’s tale, improbably but effectively, to Dickens and the Bloomsbury group. He captures, and cheers, not any one genius but what Brian Eno called “scenius,” the rare sparks that can occur in certain groups, at certain times, and with lasting effects: The company’s alumni have fanned out to found among other entities YouTube, LinkedIn and Yelp.

Soni does intermittently fall under the sway of business jargon. Space is not just something Musk wants to conquer, but a teeth-gritting synonym for business realms (“the payments space”; “the saturated e-calendar space”; “the financial space”). Teams “gel”; executives “pivot” faster than Regan’s head in “The Exorcist.” And if you drink every time the author uses some iteration of the word “iterate,” you’ll be passed out cold by the end of the book.

But Soni also has a knack for the wry or lovely phrase, as when he describes Musk’s car, treasured as a work of art, taking a “distinctly cubist turn” after the crash or names a chapter about a different C.E.O.’s ouster “The Nut House Coup,” after a bar with discarded shells that crackle underfoot.

The agony over what to call this new product, with the help of a naming firm, makes for a particularly ecstatic chapter. What if it had been christened Cachet, like the Sydney Biddle Barrows escort service; or MoMo? PayPal prevailed thanks to its friendly sound (“a pal has their arm around you”) and double plosives; it also has the advantage of sounding like “people.” (Imagine Barbra Streisand singing: “People who need PayPal…”) More recent competitors in the “payment space,” like Venmo and Zelle, are not mentioned in “The Founders,” but a long battle with Billpoint, the now-defunct payment service once used by eBay, is one of the more fascinating subplots, as is watching eBay circle PayPal like a dirigible worried about getting punctured.

And lest you believe the problems of a few future billionaires doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world, Soni appends a coda about the power of PayPal’s “mafia” to inspire that left this reader, at least, in sobs. No finance bro has accomplished that.

[zackout2rumble]

Commission by VaultVulpine: https://www.deviantart.com/vulpinecrew

Happy Birthday to Me.

Biography and Character Information of Zack Hernández Consuelo:

Zack was born in Central Los Angeles on November 16. He grew up in a low-income household with his mother named Eliana Maritza Consuelo, who worked as a housekeeper, his father named Alejandro Hernández, who worked at a friend’s restaurant, his little brother named Mateo, and his little sister named Liliana. He had a peaceful and average childhood doing activities such as pretend adventures or role-playing with math-linking cubes. By Middle School, Zack had grown to be mostly introverted to his classmates, interacting more with his teachers and only focusing on his passions like Art and writing while trying to keep good grades afloat.

By late 10th grade in High School, Zack developed a passion for learning and critical thinking, so he brought plenty of notebooks to research and take notes on many subjects inside and outside school that interested him, such as World/U.S. History, Economics, Algebra, Psychology, and Biology. He started to learn his parents' native language, Spanish, both in school and at home, while learning to speak and write other languages in his free time, from French, German, Russian, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese to Japanese. He also studied and practiced strategization through playing games like battleship and chess, the ladder being his favorite childhood game where he used to be a chess fanatic. By 12th grade, Zack tried to be more social with his classmates during classes, field trips, projects, and school events like dances or holiday-themed lunchtime festivals at the cafeteria.

While it improved his social skills, Zack hopes to do something more; by graduation, he already picked his college a year in advance and knew what to do in his life: become an artist, entrepreneur, and a book author of fiction in many genres. While attending his first year at college, Zack always had a fondness for boxing. He entertained the idea of becoming a boxer, and he wanted to lose weight since he grew a little overweight and needed more exercise, according to his doctor. And so he decided to first sign up for both his school’s health and fitness program and nutrition program. After a year and a half, the result was losing around 40-50 pounds, from 188-193 pounds to 135-145 pounds, all thanks to his determination and passion. Once he lost weight and gained strength, he knew he was ready to train for boxing.

Stats

Fighter Spirit: 4

Consciousness : 4

Cockiness: 3.5

Ring IQ: 4.5

Power: 4

Stamina: 4

Gut Armor: 4

Leg Strength: 4

Name: Zack Hernández Consuelo

Nickname: El Zorro Emboscada

Weight: Between 135-145

Height: 5’4

Style: Orthodox/Counter-Puncher

Occupation: University Student and Professional Boxer.

Signature Move: Hook, Jab, Uppercut Combo. Spamming Combo.

Title: Los Angeles Rookie Champion. San Francisco Summer-Shine Champion.

Hobbies: Drawing, Researching & studying subjects of interest, Urban and nature Exploring, and playing Board and Video Games. (Depending on the Time, Mood, or Situation, he gets flirty and Horny. He expresses it by cruising around places to find another gay or bisexual boxer to have anal penetrating sex in bed with boxing gloves on).

Likes: Drawing, Games, History, Learning, and Cooking.

Languages: English (Native/First Language), Spanish, French, German, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Record:

23 Wins

2 Losses

5 Draws

Total of 30 Fights

[myfrenzi]

Top 5 Biographical Movies: Real-Life Stories on OTT

Discovering Real-Life Stories: The Best Series on OTT for Biography Lovers

Hey there, fellow history buffs and biography enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of real-life stories portrayed best series on OTT platforms. Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey through the top biographical series that you won’t want to miss. So, let’s jump right in and explore the fascinating lives of extraordinary individuals!

The Allure of Biographical Stories

Biographical series are like windows to the past, offering a glimpse into the lives of remarkable people who have left an indelible mark on history. These narratives not only entertain but also educate, giving us insights into different eras, cultures, and the human spirit.

The Variety of Real-Life Tales

Biographical series come in all shapes and sizes, offering a diverse range of stories from various walks of life. Here are some key categories:

1. Historical Legends

These series transport you to different periods in history, introducing you to iconic figures who shaped the world.

2. Inspirational Icons

From inventors to activists, these series celebrate individuals who overcame adversity to make a positive impact on society.

3. Musical Maestros

If you’re a music lover, you’ll find series that delve into the lives of legendary musicians, exploring their creative genius and personal struggles.

4. Political Powerhouses

Dive into the world of politics with series that recount the lives of influential leaders, presidents, and revolutionaries.

5. Artistic Visionaries

Explore the minds of artists, painters, and writers who pushed the boundaries of creativity.

What to Watch on OTT: Top 5 Biographical Series

Now, let’s get to the exciting part — the best series on OTT that bring real-life stories to your screens:

1. “The Crown”

This royal masterpiece chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, taking you through her reign, challenges, and personal triumphs. It’s a regal journey that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the British monarchy.

2. “Narcos”

Brace yourself for a thrilling ride through the life of Pablo Escobar, one of the most notorious drug lords in history. This series provides a gripping account of his rise and fall in the world of crime.

3. “The Queen’s Gambit”

Follow the extraordinary journey of Beth Harmon, a young chess prodigy who battles addiction and societal expectations to become a grandmaster. It’s a captivating story of determination and brilliance.

4. “Malcolm X: The Assassination”

Delve into the life and legacy of Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights activist, through this eye-opening documentary series. It sheds light on his struggle for racial justice and the circumstances surrounding his assassination.

5. “Mozart in the Jungle”

If you’re passionate about music, this series offers a delightful exploration of the world of classical music and the life of a young, talented oboist in New York City’s competitive music scene.

Why Biographical Series Matter

Biographical series matter because they connect us with the past and humanize historical figures. They inspire us by showing that even the most exceptional individuals faced challenges and setbacks on their paths to greatness. Moreover, they remind us that real-life stories can be just as captivating as fiction.

Wrapping It Up

Biographical series on OTT platforms offer a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Whether you’re interested in history, music, politics, or art, there’s a real-life story waiting to inspire you.

FAQs

Are biographical series suitable for children? The suitability of biographical series for children varies depending on the content and age-appropriateness. Some may be suitable for older children, while others may contain mature themes.

Do biographical series always stick to historical facts? While many biographical series strive for historical accuracy, some may take creative liberties for dramatic effect. It’s essential to approach them with a critical eye and explore the real history behind the stories.

Are biographical series educational? Yes, biographical series can be highly educational, providing insights into historical events, cultures, and the lives of influential individuals.

Can biographical series be emotionally intense? Yes, biographical series often delve into the emotional struggles and triumphs of their subjects, making them emotionally engaging for viewers.

Do I need to be familiar with a historical figure to enjoy a biographical series? No prior knowledge is required to enjoy a biographical series. These series often provide enough context for viewers to understand the subject’s significance and story.

[aditioffpage1]

Biography of Alan Turing – The Father of Artificial Intelligence, AI

The British mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, is regarded as the father of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He was born in London on June 23rd 1912 and excelled in academic studies from a young age. In 1936, he completed his PhD at Princeton which focused on mathematical logic.

During WW2, Turing worked as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park, where he developed ground-breaking cryptanalysis techniques. He is thought to have cracked the Enigma machine’s code which would have significantly aided the Allies against Nazi Germany. 

Turing also made extraordinary leaps forward in AI research during his lifetime. In 1950, he proposed the Turing Test to determine if a computer system can think like a human. His research also laid the foundations of modern-day computers and led to our current understanding of computers as digital devices able to process information in a logical manner. 

Turing was notoriously persecuted for his homosexuality even though it was legalised in 1967, two years after his death in 1954. This wrongful treatment caused public outcry, and eventually led to Queen Elizabeth II granting him a posthumous pardon in 2013, 59 years after his conviction for gross indecency with another man. 

Today Alan Turing is widely celebrated as one of Britain’s greatest scientists and is renowned all over the world for contributions to mathematics and AI theory. He will forever be remembered as a genius whose work changed history, and as an advocate for LGBT rights whose legacy still resonates today.

Also read: Data Science

Turing’s Legacy in Computer Science

Turing made tremendous contributions to computer science during World War II, when he worked on breaking Nazi codes. His pioneering work in artificial intelligence also included developing one of the first chess playing programs, as well as conceptualizing what has become known as the “Turing Test” for computing machines. This test evaluates whether a machine is capable of exhibiting intelligent behaviour comparable to that of humans. 

Today, Alan Turing is remembered as one of technology’s most influential figures, due to his incredible accomplishments and impact on revolutionizing computational technology. From helping to secure victory in World War II, to inspiring major advances in artificial intelligence and computer science, Alan Turing’s legacy continues to shape our world today.

Alan Turing’s Achievements

Turing's logical approach to Bletchley Park's codebreaking problems enabled him to create innovative methods for deciphering enemy communications. His work helped to speed up the process and ultimately aided in Britain's victory. He was also credited as identifying what he referred to as ‘a universal machine’ – a machine that could perform any calculation if given a simple set of instructions. This is now known as the modern computer. 

Not only did Turing help decipher codes during WW II, but he has also left an indelible mark on Artificial Intelligence. He proposed theories related to AI that include the development of devices capable of performing human tasks via algorithms or logic-based processes. Turing is also known for creating The Turing Test – a test which evaluates how suitable machines are for carrying out conversations or tasks traditionally completed by humans. 

Finally, Alan Turing is also well-known for his investigations into mathematics and its applications in many areas of life – from engineering and physics to psychology and biology. His discoveries made an enormous contribution to our current understanding of mathematics, physics and computing systems, allowing us to develop systems such as automated vehicles and robotics technology we use today. 

Also read: Data Science Course in Delhi

In conclusion, Alan Turing’s achievements were immense and will forever be remembered in history books.

[saltphil]

America's most embarrassing political exile until Edward Snowden.

[jackoshadows]

Are there any literary comparisons you would make to ASOIAF or ASOIAF characters?

Under the cut.

I don't want to deny that I write in fantasy, I think I obviously do. There's magic and there's dragons and swords, and all the traditional trappings of fantasy here. But I've also written in other genres in the past, a lot of science fiction, horror, and books that are strange hybrids of all of these things.

I've always agreed with William Faulkner—he said that the human heart in conflict with itself is the only thing worth writing about. I've always taken that as my guiding principle, and the rest is just set dressing. I mean, you can have a dragon, you can have a science fiction story set on a distant planet with aliens and starships, you can have a western about a gunslinger, or a mystery novel about a private eye, or even literary fiction—and ultimately you're still writing about the human heart in conflict with itself. So that's the way I try to approach this thing. And while I may work within a genre, I've never liked to be bound by them. I have a lot of fun in frustrating genre expectations, using a bit of this or a bit of that, and doing something that hasn't been done before. - GRRM

“Dwelling where I am now, deep in the heart of Westeros, I find myself surrounded by my characters, the children of my mind and heart and soul. They are real to me, as I write them, and I struggle to make them real to my readers as well. All of them are flawed, from the best to the worst. They do heroic things, they do selfish things. Some are strong and some are weak, some smart and some stupid. The smartest may do stupid things. The bravest may have moments when their courage fails. Great harms may be done from the noblest motives, great good from motives vile and venal. Life is like that, and art should reflect that, if it is to remain true. Ours is a world of contradiction and unintended consequences. Boromir is my favorite member of the Fellowship. The tragic hero. Shakespeare’s Brutus speaks to me as well (more so than the real one); the noblest Roman of them all, whose nobility — and gullibility — lead him to commit a vile crime. Captain Ahab, Wolf Larsen, Gatsby, Falstaff and Hotspur and Prince Hal (those plays are full of flawed characters, each with his own failings), Ebeneezer Scrooge and Sydney Carton, Gully Foyle, Roger’s Sam, Dr. Doom and Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Moreau, Morbius of Altair IV, Huckleberry Finn, Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain (but not Sir Galahad, so perfect, so empty) and Guinevere and Arthur and even Mordred, that little shit.. oh, the list is long. And when my reading turns to history, biography, memoirs, my response is much the same.” - GRRM

Tommy’s me . . . but no more than all the others. Robb is me in "Song for Lya," as Dirk is me in Dying of the Light . . . though Arkin Ruark and Jaan Antony in that one are both me as well. Abner Marsh is me, as his proud sidewheeler Fevre Dream is the excursion boat to Far Rockaway, only the passengers drink blood instead of Kool-Aid. Sandy Blair is J-school me, Peter Norten is chess club me, Kenny Dorchester is me trying to lose weight. Holt in "The Stone City," he’s the kid lying in the grass, staring up at distant stars. Trager is me on a dark night of the soul, bleeding poison from three wounds named Josie, Laurel, Rita. Jon Snow has me in him, and Sam Tarly. The women too, Lyanna and Shaara, and the girls, Arya and Adara . . . Daenerys Stormborn, searching for that house with the red door. And Tyrion Lannister? Oh, yes. The Imp is me in spades, the horny little bastard - GRRM

Tyrion is the character I’ve always had the easiest time writing. Maybe that’s the character I wish I could be, in a sense, despite all of his drawbacks. But of course I’m obviously not Tyrion. Tyrion has a wonderful wit to him, and he throws off witticisms every moment that take me weeks to come up with. I have to rewrite them four times, before I get the line just right. In real life, I’m always the guy thinking, “Ah! That’s what I should have said!” But I only think of it three weeks later. - GRRM

The character I’m probably most like in real life is Samwell Tarly. Good old Sam. And the character I’d want to be? Well who wouldn’t want to be Jon Snow — the brooding, Byronic, romantic hero whom all the girls love. Theon [Greyjoy] is the one I’d fear becoming. Theon wants to be Jon Snow, but he can’t do it. He keeps making the wrong decisions. He keeps giving into to his own selfish, worst impulses. - GRRM

Ultimately I think GRRM explores a lot of common literary themes in his books - Good Vs Evil, Morality, Selfish Love Vs The greater good, War and it's effects, Heroes being the Villains of the other side, Coming of age etc. He borrows from a lot of early fantasy, science fiction and super hero comics and then puts his own twist on the story. Fevre Dream for example deals with vampires and yet tackles some of the same themes, like moral ambiguity, as ASoIaF.

As a political epic I can compare it to having some of the themes of the Mahabharata (Though the Mahabharata is on a grander, more vast and complex scale) in terms of dysfunctional families, betrayal, war, good and evil, love and duty and all that. I can compare Jon and Theon's identity issues with the character of Karna in the Mahabharata. Arya has been compared to Odysseus with the themes of longing for home and homecoming and I can certainly see that. I can see similarities to other works of fantasy/science fiction in the world building and plot - Wheel of Time, Dune, LOTR and Memory, Sorrow and Thorn.

In the quotes above, GRRM mentions the tragic heroes and flawed characters he loves - no doubt there are versions of all of them in the books.

To make a literary comparison for ex, Tyrion, in my opinion, comes closest to Sydney Carton. GRRM has notably compared Tyrion to Richard III and if you look at quite a few of GRRM's books, the main character is similar to Tyrion in terms of appearance, wit and attitude. It's clear that GRRM just loves writing for Tyrion, that he loves everything about this character archetype and that this type of character has a lot of GRRM himself in them.

And no doubt GRRM loves using imagery, metaphors or symbolism in certain instances. However, a lot of the time it doesn't go deeper than that in my opinion. Daenerys being served honeyed locusts is not GRRM making some biblical commentary. Rather it's a way to highlight the exotic nature of the place.

To take the topic of Medusa for ex. The imagery is certainly there with Sansa's hairnet, the medusa imagery in the prophecy with the purple serpents etc. However, I personally think there is nothing more to this than that. I doubt GRRM is borrowing from Medusa for the themes in Sansa's story.

I tend to embrace the Medusa symbolism of feminist rage. Medusa is Cersei being punished by the Walk of Shame for having sex with men after Robert's death. It's the Madonna-Whore complex propaganda against Daenerys.

They say her lust cannot be sated, that she mates with men, women, eunuchs, even dogs and children, and woe betide the lover who fails to satisfy her. She gives her body to men to take their souls in thrall.

It's embracing the monster, seeing the monster as a protector, empowered with justified rage towards those who oppress women. That's not Sansa for me. That's Daenerys and Arya.

And I honestly don't think GRRM is writing any of that or digging any deeper with these themes. At the end of the day, we can enjoy the story for what it is without the need for literary comparisons.

I find the Winterfell plot in ADwD to be really interesting. There's elements of horror and trauma - everything that happens to Jeyne Poole and Theon. There's political intrigue with the Boltons, Freys Manderly, Barbrey and other houses. There's mystery - who is the hooded guy Theon meets. There's a thriller - Die Hard in Winterfell- with disguised Mance and Spearwives secretly running around killing Bolton men in a mission to rescue fArya. There's the setting - Snow and cold and winds and magic. There's several themes in there with an entertaining story told on it's own with any need for deeper literary analysis.

So yeah, I decided to put in GRRM's quotes in there so you can get an idea of the literary comparisons the author himself is possibly using in these books.