#hero vs dragon

[folklorecharacters]

In Slavic folklore, the Zmey (alternatively spelled Zmiy or Zmaj, depending on the regional Slavic language) is a powerful dragon-like creature, embodying traits of a classic mythological dragon but also uniquely adapted to the cultural and mythological context of Slavic peoples. The Zmey has a rich lore that spans the different Slavic nations, with regional variations across Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, and other Slavic territories. These dragons are portrayed as cunning, supernatural beings associated with elemental forces, often possessing multiple heads, and are both feared and respected within Slavic tales.

The concept of the Zmey likely has ancient origins, predating Christian influences on Slavic lands and stemming from pre-Christian pagan beliefs. Dragons in Slavic myth were seen as beings that could control the elements, particularly fire and water, often acting as intermediaries between the earthly and celestial realms. In Slavic cosmology, the Zmey could be associated with either positive or negative traits, depending on the region. They could symbolize natural forces, embody chaos, or even serve as protectors of specific communities. The early Slavic people viewed the Zmey as a complex creature, part guardian, part monster, reflecting their reverence for nature and fear of its destructive capabilities.

The Zmey’s physical characteristics vary across Slavic folklore but typically combine elements of a traditional dragon with uniquely Slavic attributes. Most tales describe the Zmey as a massive, serpent-like creature with powerful wings, scaly skin, and multiple heads. The number of heads is significant, as it is often a marker of the Zmey’s power. While most Zmey have three heads, some legends describe dragons with as many as seven or even twelve, each head representing greater strength, wisdom, and magical ability.

The Zmey is usually associated with fire, possessing the ability to breathe flames or emit intense heat. This ties them to celestial events like lightning or thunder, and many myths describe the Zmey descending from the skies in fiery form, striking terror into those who behold it. However, unlike many Western dragons, which hoard treasures, the Zmey’s purpose is more often linked to dominion over natural and supernatural elements, particularly storms, rivers, and sometimes mountains.

One of the unique aspects of Zmey mythology is its dual nature. In certain tales, the Zmey can be either a benevolent or malevolent force, adapting to the needs of the story and region. In Russian and Ukrainian folklore, for example, the Zmey is often portrayed as a malevolent creature that terrorizes villages, steals livestock, and abducts maidens. This creature is typically an adversary of the hero figure, such as the bogatyr (a Slavic warrior-hero), who must confront the Zmey in a battle of wits, courage, and strength. These stories often emphasize the Zmey's greed, destructiveness, and malevolence, painting it as a symbol of chaotic forces that must be overcome by human valor and bravery.

Conversely, in Southern Slavic folklore, particularly in Bulgaria, the Zmey sometimes appears as a guardian figure or a beneficial creature. In these tales, it can protect crops, ward off evil spirits, and even bring rain during times of drought. The benevolent Zmey is sometimes depicted as being in service to gods or other supernatural beings, acting as an intermediary between the divine and mortal worlds. These Zmey are often honored by locals and viewed as protective spirits, living in rivers, mountains, or hidden caves.

In Slavic folklore, the Zmey is a common antagonist in the "hero-versus-dragon" narrative. The Zmey, due to its connection with raw and untamable natural forces, represents an ultimate test for heroes, symbolizing humanity’s confrontation with chaotic and destructive elements of the world. The bogatyrs (heroes) who face the Zmey usually embody virtues such as bravery, purity, and wit. In tales where the Zmey abducts a young maiden or princess, it is the hero's task to rescue her, restoring balance and order to the community.

One of the most famous stories involving the Zmey is the Russian tale of Dobrynya Nikitich, a celebrated warrior who confronts the infamous dragon Zmey Gorynych. Zmey Gorynych is depicted as a three-headed dragon terrorizing the land, and Dobrynya’s victory over him is a testament to the hero's bravery and the triumph of good over evil. This story reflects the Slavic cultural emphasis on heroism as a means of protecting community values and family, which are often threatened by powerful supernatural beings like the Zmey.

Zmey Gorynych is perhaps the most renowned Zmey in Slavic mythology, appearing in numerous Russian folktales as a formidable dragon with three heads and a relentless desire for destruction. Unlike the more ambivalent or protective Zmey figures found in Southern Slavic folklore, Zmey Gorynych is almost uniformly depicted as an evil entity, a bringer of chaos and a creature that revels in terrorizing humankind. His association with fire, death, and devastation is prominent, and he is often found dwelling in remote, hostile environments such as mountain peaks or deep forests. The figure of Zmey Gorynych has become iconic, symbolizing the archetypal dragon adversary within Russian folklore.

Zmey Gorynych is defeated by Dobrynya Nikitich in a highly symbolic battle that represents the ultimate confrontation between good and evil, with Dobrynya using wit and strength to defeat this monstrous dragon. The tale of Zmey Gorynych’s defeat became a moral parable, representing the ideal of courage and the belief in a hero’s ability to protect the weak and restore harmony.

In Slavic folklore, the Zmey is often linked to the otherworldly and supernatural realms. Some tales suggest that Zmeys reside in Nav, the Slavic underworld, which is home to various supernatural beings, including spirits of the dead and ancient deities. In this context, the Zmey functions as a gatekeeper or guardian of forbidden realms, allowing only the most courageous or pure-hearted individuals to pass. This association with the underworld is reflected in the Zmey’s often grim and fearsome appearance, as well as in its ability to summon storms and command other elemental forces.

The Zmey’s supernatural origins also grant it abilities beyond mere physical prowess. Many stories attribute magical knowledge or psychic abilities to the Zmey, describing how it can communicate with humans telepathically, hypnotize its victims, or alter its shape to appear more human. Some legends describe Zmeys who take on human form to court mortal women or men, further blurring the line between dragon and human and emphasizing the Zmey's place within both the earthly and supernatural realms.

In contemporary Slavic culture, the Zmey has retained its place as an important cultural symbol. In some regions, it has been reimagined as a guardian spirit of the natural world, while in others, it remains a terrifying reminder of chaotic and destructive forces. Festivals, art, and literature continue to depict the Zmey, blending ancient lore with modern storytelling. For instance, the Zmey appears frequently in Russian and Ukrainian literature, fantasy novels, and film, where it is often portrayed as both an object of fascination and dread.

The image of the Zmey also serves as a symbol of national identity and resilience in Slavic countries, where the tales of brave heroes vanquishing dragons inspire cultural pride and connection to ancient heritage. In some ways, the Zmey represents the power and mystery of nature itself, a force that can either nurture or destroy, depending on how it is approached. In this sense, the Zmey remains a potent cultural and spiritual symbol, embodying both the fears and reverence Slavic people hold toward the unknown.

The Zmey stands as a deeply nuanced figure within Slavic folklore, combining elements of myth, nature, and morality into one creature. With its dual nature as both a destructive force and a protective spirit, the Zmey serves as a reflection of humanity's complex relationship with the natural and supernatural worlds. The tales of Zmeys and their heroic counterparts—whether through battles, supernatural encounters, or even acts of kindness—illustrate timeless themes of bravery, wisdom, and respect for the balance between order and chaos.

[its-kapi-wara]

I think we've all met, at some point, a person who would look at these guys and say:

"I can fix him"

[raayllum]

Rayla + hero

[quinsixtridrupled-k]

Disney TVA Platform Fighter

Last December, I thought it'd be neat to have a Disney-focused platform fighter especially since Nick had some success with Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2. So I figured... why not a Disney one? For those who don't know, platform fighters are a sub-genre of fighting/party games - the most famous and primarily example being Super Smash Bros.

And so, with that idea, I asked a friend to assist me in aiding with creating a graphic for this hypothetical game's roster, lo and behold:

Pretty neat, eh? Now you might be asking... why Disney TVA specifically? For one, focusing on the animated tv production side might be more feasible compared to the whole Disney library, that, and it allows some spotlight on very interesting and varied roster choices.

And for another... I just like the animated series side of Disney better. Now, the most important thing to remember is that this encompasses strictly the Disney TV Animation production label only, so any animated series not created under that studio will not be included (more so to keep consistency). I've also elected to choose some more unconventional picks (Yzma, Genie, Bonkers, for example) just to give some variety.

And what's a fighting game without DLC characters, eh? So here are the three waves of it:

(Wave 1, featuring Stitch, Wasabi, Kick Buttowski and Shego)

I'll admit that Shego's placement as DLC over base roster in favor of Drakken is purely thinking from a marketing standpoint, but it does make sense on the long run. In Stitch's case... I mostly forgot Lilo & Stitch had an animated series while making the base roster lmao.

Wasabi was left out of base roster because of limitations, and I felt Hiro, Go Go, and Fred offer a more balanced variety of size and playstyles but I still didn't want to leave him out, so I figured DLC is his best bet.

(Wave 2, featuring Mike Wazowski, Marcy Wu, Spinelli and Zurg)

Color me surprised that Monsters At Work is a Disney TVA production - Mike was chosen over Sulley or Tyler as the main rep for that series because he feels like he'd have a lot more interesting potential and material to work off of with his general slapstick and comedy routines.

Figured I'd complete the Calamity Trio with Marcy as DLC - just like Wasabi, she was left out of base roster because of limitations.

I figured people would want a Recess fighter, so I chose Spinelli since she's one of the more popular character and she'd serve as an analog to Helga in the first Nick All-Star Brawl.

Zurg was originally meant to be a boss character only, but I opted to put him as DLC because well... it is Zurg. I feel like you could incorporate a lot of Dr. Doom's MvC moveset on to him and they wouldn't feel out of place lmao.

And finally, they're here for you - they're the third wave of the DLC crew!

(Wave 3, featuring Oscar Proud, Simba, Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur and Oswald)

This is... definitely the most experimental of the DLC waves. I think I've exhausted a lot of the picks I wanted at the time so I figured we could do with a more different direction.

Oscar is definitely there to ride on the coattails of Hugh Neutron in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 1 as a funny joke pick. I haven't actually watched The Proud Family so I don't think I would know if there are better picks, but still... I enjoy the wacky picks, they make a fighting game a fighting game.

Simba was gonna be in as far back as Wave 1, but I held off because... I'm not really sure why, but I forgot about him until I was making the third wave, so there he is now!

Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur are definitely there for being the main Marvel series under the Disney TVA label (alongside Big Hero 6, by technicality), and would definitely make an interesting choice considering Devil's size - you'd probably have to shrink him down to a point where he still manages to be big, but not... gargantuan big, which may seem like a disservice to a character who is a large T-Rex but I think you can still make it work (it worked for Ridley in Smash, and Iron Giant in MultiVersus).

Oswald is included by a mere technicality, due to having a small cameo or two in the Paul Rudish Mickey Mouse shorts, and I figured he has a big enough fanbase to warrant an inclusion, so yeah there he is.

And just for fun, we also have a bonus character:

Powerline! From A Goofy Movie!

Powerline seems like a very out there choice, but I figured you could make a moveset for him entirely out of his theming of electricity! And if you think he'd overlap with Megavolt... then, yeah I guess you are right on that part. But I figure you can differentiate them with how they play (Megavolt being a zoner, Powerline being a rushdown). Note, this doesn't mean he's only available through pre-order, but you'd get him free with it - otherwise you'd have to pay, but he's separate from the DLC characters.

So yeah that covers the playable roster. I understand that there are still a lot of series I didn't rep mostly because of limitations, or I forgot to put them in (Fish Hooks, for one) but I'm only human in how I make these, mistakes do happen so please understand...

I do hope that Disney takes a dabble on this someday, although I'm not sure how keen they are on their characters fighting each other in a silly fighting game. Still, it'd be an interesting thoight, what do you think?

[cairavende]

Worm Arc 15 interludes thoughts

Carol interlude:

Holy shit you really were just a fucking TERRIBLE mother!

Like I get it, you had lots of horrible childhood trauma. And you didn't want to adopt Amy and let yourself get bullied into it by your sister. But that doesn't give you an excuse for how you treated both your kids.

Got to see another trigger event!! Fuck yes. Give me more. I want to see more details on those higher dimensional beings.

Fucking hell seeing Marquis's powers in play is pretty crazy. Dangerous boy.

Carol was just going to full blown stab right through that closet door without even looking inside! She almost killed a child! God damn.

“No.  He’s just my daddy.  Reads me bedtime stories, makes me dinner, and tells me jokes.  I love him more than anything else in the world.  You can’t take him away from me.  You can’t!” Fucking ooof that's a line.

No seriously though this can't be the first time there has been a young child of a cape that needed to be adopted because their parent was arrested or killed. Is there really no system in place for this? Cause Amy should not be going with Carol.

Just the way through most of the present sections of the interlude that Carol thinks about her daughter and Amy. Not her daughters. And this was before she knew anything about what Amy had done. Terrible mother.

HOLY SHIT AMY OH MY GOD YOU MADE IT EVEN WORSE! And I thought flesh coffin Victoria was bad! FUCK!

Vic is going to need lots of therapy.

Fucking Carol basically deciding Amy is her daughter now only because she doesn't want to think about Victoria being her daughter. Damn. Bad mother.

And Amy is in the birdcage (Hellfire playing in my head the entire damn time I'm reading this part). I'd be rather terrified to see what she becomes except no one ever gets out of the birdcage so obviously there is no worries. She is never going to be an issues. (I shouldn't need the /s but just to be safe.)

Brian interlude:

Not much to say here, most of my thoughts on this relationship was said in my last post.

I do always love seeing Taylor from the PoV of someone else. Just shows how fucking badass she is. And kinda terrifying.

"She conveyed an eerie kind of confidence that he knew she didn’t have at her core." This is just incorrect bud. When she isn't thinking about how she is portraying herself she conveys the confidence she does have at her core. The stuff she hides from herself.

Alexandria interlude:

DATES! DATA! LORE! AHHHHHHH!!!!

Date of first Endbringer attack!!!!! Strong estimation of the number of capes in August 1986! Knowledge that Cauldron was working in 1986! Their "success" rate at the time that I can compare to now! (Success in quotes cause I don't personally think tentacles is a failure. I want to meet tentacle lady.)

Obviously I'm not a big fan of any of the Cauldron people on the surface. But I think I like Contessa within those boundaries. I technically have no idea what she can do but I'm almost positive she is some type of precog. And I kind of ship her and Alexandria.

Behemoth is fucking scary. Just light people on fire from the inside, shoot lightning. Full energy manipulation. Damn.

Alexandria is the head of the PRT! Damn! (I assume at least.)

I want to know more about the Terminus project!

And Coil is a product of Cauldron! But he doesn't know it (supposedly). Damn. They list him as an alternate to the Protectorate which is very interesting. I'm super curious what Cauldron's goal with the Protectorate was and how Coil can do the same.

Fucking Alexandria just going and grabbing people to be experimented on and it's "ok" cause they were dying. Holy shit! She even manages to make the comparison to her chemo treatment and still does it! Fuck lady. You can justify anything.

Triumph interlude:

See? Triumph is fine! So Skitter didn't do anything wrong.

Triumph is Cauldron created too. Cause he was only good enough at baseball for the minor league but not the majors. God damn fucking privileged ass rich white boy. And he describes it as a traumatic thing! God. At least later he does kinda call out that he got stuff from having a rich dad with connections.

Assault seems to be doing great! Sure was a good idea to let him join the Protectorate just cause he wanted to be a creep to this one girl. Turns out when that girl is gone he doesn't have any motivations to be a "good guy". Great decision Legend.

Robot daughter! Good to see you again! And you built yourself a bio body! Or a head at least. Still, fun!

AAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Defiant.

Definitely isn't Polearm McGee! Nope! Absolutely a different person. That also likes really long pointy sticks.

I am glad Frank Miller's Armsmaster was able to remove the restrictions on robot daughters code. She deserves freedom. Pretty much served his purpose now and she basically just keeps him around to humor him. "Oh yes I need Defiant to help me, even though I built his suit and could just control it directly myself."

Seven Dragon suits in Brockton Bay huh? I'm sure that won't result in anything next arc. What with Dragon specifically on the lookout for Taylor and Taylor planning on going with her dad to the town hall on the election.

Triumph gives in to the weight of not speaking up about Defiant being Armsmaster but then he gets mad at Prism for not speaking up! My dude! You didn't speak up, you can't be mad at her for the same thing!

Fucking LOVED the ending of this interlude, and thus this arc, though. Absolutely perfect. Just with the inherent comparison of Defiant to Mannequin, especially considering Colin called Mannequin a "monster" in his interlude and said "I'm nothing like you!" And then Triumph thinking how he could see the reason for every step Colin made and could see himself justifying each one. And the previous chapter had Taylor dealing with how far she had let herself go. All that and then ending this chapter with Triumph staring at the bodies of Crawler and Mannequin (finally confirmed dead) and the line "Maybe it was to find some clue, some sign he could watch out for, that would let him identify the monsters from the men."

Just fucking. So good. I think it's my favorite quotable arc ending so far. I might like Arc 11's ending more (it's close) but not in quotable way. "All lies" at the end of Arc 14 is a close second, but I like this one more.

[jerricho865]

Cartoon Cartoons

Mark your favorites or ones you've never seen!

[soullessjack]

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waiter waiter more snake motif jack web weaves!!

(pt 1/?)

-

[skull-pun]

Scott Pilgrim is my favourite anime character

[beargyufairy]

You can be the hero

I can be the monster

[juridical-angel-blog]

Goku Ultra Instinct Vs Vegeta Ultra Ego!

[plusultraetc]

presumably leather jacket? check. shoulder pads? check. sunglasses? check.

[dreamingofthewild]

I didn't want to add to the Veilguard criticism, but I have to say something because people are misunderstanding what we mean when they say you can't play a mean character.

In other words, a Veilguard review from a new player. Minor spoilers below.

Note: These are just my opinions. I believe in criticising things you enjoy. If you don't like critical posts, then please do not read further. Also, this post isn't negative, just critical.

I encourage people to play the game if they want to and read a wide variety of reviews.

Of course, Rook has to be a hero, but heroic characters come in many forms. And the game shoe horns us into a very narrow view of what being a hero means.

You can't play Rook as an anti-hero or a jerkass with a heart of gold. The game wants us to roleplay Rook as a Captain America esque hero type. There is nothing wrong with that, I love playing goody two shoes, but that is not the only way to be a hero.

Heroes also look like Deadpool, Wolverine, Han Solo, Geralt of Rivia, and so on. You can't be cynical or ruthless in the game. Despite the fact that the backgrounds put Rook as a daring character who is willing to break the rules. That sounded very, renegade anti-hero in my mind.

These characters are compelling because they blur the lines between right and wrong, often taking unconventional paths to achieve their goals.

Like I said, the game really wants is to think of good and evil as two very distinct things. Other people have definitely put this better than I ever could, but the lines between the two are often blurred. Also, the idea of what is evil and what is good varies from person to person and through different cultures.

It also suggests that evil people can't be redeemed. That there is something fundamentally wrong with people who do "bad" things.

Nuanced heroic characters are those who possess complex personalities, realistic flaws, and face moral dilemmas that challenge their values.

These characters are compelling because they are not purely good or evil; they make difficult choices, face personal demons, and evolve over time, reflecting the complexity of real human experiences.

As far as I can tell so far, Rook is not faced with many earth-shattering moral quandries. Although, there should be. Especially if you're playing as an Elf. The game so far hasn't made me think in the way DAI did or the way other games have.

The way that the Companions acted felt a bit disconnected to me. They had issues, but we didn't get to delve into them. I don't feel like we could challenge them or allow them to grow.

I am getting way off track here. But I like the characters. I do. And if this had been a movie or a game directed at a younger audience, I would have no issues. But it's not.

And if I am honest I think that the message that we all put our differences aside to defeat something that is threatening to destroy the world is a stronger message than "we all need to get along".

Learning about the moral grey areas, about what drives people to do bad things, is important in recognising how to stop it. Because most of the time, true evil is not obvious. It's wrapped up in false promises.

And if we spend time trying to deal with our own personal issues and working on getting along before destroying a big threat, then we might just find that the threat gets to us first.

I know anti-heros, redemption arcs, and flawed characters are not everyone's cup of tea. It's nice to live in a world where the lines between good and evil are so easily defined.

It would have been amazing if the game could've covered these topics and had us explore this in depth. I would feel more engaged with the storyline and the characters.

Anyway, I have gone massively off track. Basically, there is more than one way to be a hero, and when people say that they don't mean they want to be a villain, They want complexity.

I am generally enjoying the game. There are good things about it, and it's a win for diversity. I actually don't mind the animation. There are many things positive about Veilguard, and I don't have any comments about the lore as a fairly new player.

It's just that the game lacks the depth and naunce that would make it a 5/5 for me. It's there, but it's shallow.

Where are the characters who believe the world should end? Where are the characters who blindly follow their doctrines? Where is the quest where Rook thinks they are doing a good thing, which ends up having negative consequences?

This wasn't supposed to be a full, in-depth review of the game or critique on the writing. There are many places where the writing is good. And I think that some people are being a bit overboard with their criticism. But it could have been better. We shouldn't shy away from heavy topics, and media/ art is a great way to discuss and critique real world things. I get that some people want pure escapism, which is fine. But that is not what Dragon Age was sold to me as.

If the writing is good you can explore such things in a sensitive way.

I am going to continue to play the game because I am enjoying it. But we should expect better.

[logicaldelta]

The Archival Compendium

A very basic masterlist for my writing pieces! Will be updated as I share more of my works here ^^

Updated 8/11/24

Obey Me! Shall We Date

Wilting Feathers - Fallen Angel Clink is experiencing her first wilting period after her fall from the Celestial Realm, but she's too embarrassed to explain to the demons why she's been missing out on meetings.

Final Fantasy VII

Prince Is Just A Title - Cloud Strife is the crown prince of the kingdom of Nibelheim. After being afflicted with health issues his entire life he's finally convinced his mother to bring him to an alliance meeting based in the kingdom of Gongaga. There he meets Sephiroth, a knight that makes him feel weird.

A Crown of Flowers Upon Your Head - Cloud is haunted by a spectre of the past in a moonlit garden.

DC Comics

Colour Bomb - Batfamily fluff fic

My Dad Doesn't Have Any Friends - Robin!Dick meets the Flash and Superman for the first time

Unexpected Acceptance - Trans Tim reflects on the differences in the way his birth parents and the Batfam treat him after he comes out

Red Vs Blue

WoF Crossover - Delta is a Seawing prince, reluctant to work with others. York is an overly friendly Sandwing assassin.

A Confusing Error - Addie and York are both terrified of Agent Florida, and their fear grows as he introduces them to a young woman that they assume is his daughter.

Cuddly York - Who knew York was so big on physical affection?

My Hero Academia

Laughter in the Cold Fog - Villain!Monoma AU. It's the first day of snowfall since Monoma joined the League of Villains, and Compress is glad to see the kids acting like kids, for once.

Gravity Falls

Lil Gideon - Clink teases Dipper regarding his dislike of Gideon (based right after the Pines first met the guy)

Original Writing

Duality of Gods - After coming to the godly realm you begin to learn more about the deities that reside there. Specifically about Enatras, the dark king, and you grow to care for him.

Misc

Love Is Me - a poem about being aromantic/asexual, and my thoughts on a very common phrase regarding love

Is Hate Enough? - a short piece based on a writing prompt, where an immortal god reflects, somewhat, on his falling out with his brother

Remember Those We've Lost (Final Space) - Charcoal is a Ventrexian rescued from a battlefield where she'd been left for dead. She doesn't realise that her squad left her there on purpose, or that she's been officially declared dead by her people.

Adjustments and Setbacks (Dragon Age) - Solas has been trying his best to help Siraye harness her magic, but each day brings with it new, troubling knowledge about her childhood that not even she seems to know.

[thehappiestgolucky]

ah, the quest that emotional ruins Fe'gahl, whether Pawn or Arisen, for a good while~

[awesome-normal-heroes]

Female Characters that were kinda done dirty, in my opinion...

[hero-17]

Dark Super Sonic vs FP SSR3 Goku Black

Art belongs to original owners

Music: Resistance by skillet (slowed)