#his wife the Morrigan was more of the death associated one

[the-cryptographer]

Notes on Lurk’s DA OCs

- (Sereda?) Aeducan. Diplomatically evil. Critical of human prejudice against elves and mages, but completely unwilling to look at Dwarven class prejudice (yes, she kept the anvil). Convinced Leliana to murder Marjo (who, yes, objectively needed to die) because she wanted to see if Leli would kill someone she loved on her command. Turned down the position of Warden Commander and fucked off back to Orzammar at the end of Origins. Took Gorim, Leli, and her personal assassin (Zev) with her. Currently embroiled in trying to snatch the throne after Harrowmont dies.

- Unnamed Kader. The Orlesian Warden Commander who took over after Aeducan fucked off. I wrote a fic where she and Sigrun kissed.

- Dominic Amell. Of Chasind descent, but got passed off as Amell when actual Amell drowned due to Templar negligence while they were both being escorted to the Circle Tower. He does not remember this and has completely embraced his noble Amell lineage. Mage supremacist and Uldred fanboy, but unfortunately(?) wasn’t cool enough to ever get invited to the militant liberationist hangouts. Also Karl def caught Dominic trying to spy on an orgy he and Anders were hosting and kicked him to the curb. Bonds with Morrigan over them both being edgy misanthropic teenagers, but loses steam on it a lot quicker than her when the outside world doesn’t really conform to his worldview. Breaks up with her to explore his bisexuality with Zev, but there are still feelings for Morrigan when the Dark Ritual happens.

- Halliserre ‘Halli’ Surana. Not the Warden. Racially marginalised honor student, teacher’s pet, and wannabe Knight Enchanter. Dominic’s rival for Jowan’s attention until they both get overlooked for Lily. Left Dominic behind when she grabbed Lily and Jowan and escaped the tower in the Origin. Bc fuck that guy.

- Dolores ‘Lola’ Tabris. If Aeducan is diplomatically evil, Tabris is rudely and unpleasantly heroic. Angry and bitey and volatile and violent and a total pill. Would have liked to be happily married, but has beef with her father trying to silence her anger about her mother’s death. Tried to make her worthy of the ‘Like dogs, Shianni’ line. Religious syncretist. My one straight OC, and her taste is suave mercenary pump-&-dump fuckboys. Is surprised when Zev actually sticks around.

- Marian Hawke. Mage. Diplomatically evil (are we noticing a theme?). A bit of a user. Extremely into political power grabs. Had a fling with Isabela, but sweet on Merrill. Considered Anders a bit beneath her and not really worth the negative press of associating with him, but enjoys his sense of humour and the slight sadism of him putting others down. Doesn’t take it well when he assassinates the Grand Cleric and ruins her plans to become Viscount and sends him away. Currently hanging out in Ostwick, getting drunk and partying and reminiscing about how she almost became Viscount, while her wife, Merrill, and Velanna (whose contact deets Merr got from Anders) plan militant elf uprisings. Would absolutely never be caught dead publicly taking responsibility for anything that happened regarding Corypheus, and did not appear in DAI (Varric hired an actor). Towards the end of the game, Fenris clearly wasn’t very happy with her in Kirkwall, so she sent him to Ostwick where he was promptly mistaken for a mage and interned in Ostwick’s Circle Tower. But that’s a story for another day.

- Aedros Hawke. Runesmith, researcher, dwarven tech and history fan, and all around lover of the scientific method. They’re a blood mage, but not in a combat oriented way as much as a ‘let’s bleed a rune onto this rock’ kind of way. Transed their gender after Malcolm’s death. Their beard is v curly. Mama’s boy, but resembles Malcolm (who was of Rivani descent) more. Their biggest dream is to publish their own scientific journal about theirs and their research team’s (Merrill, Anders, Fenris) research. With that goal in mind, they are working in coordination with Xenon in Act II instead of Viscount Dumar. Also they mucked around with Darktown enough to reinstate the old tevinter plumbing system, so they are, in fact, a sexy plumber. Also they’re bad with money and drive Carver up a wall.

- Unnamed Adaar. idk, my canon Adaar. She’s levelheaded and centrist to a fault, as DAI protags tend to be. She romanced Thom, let him go after he kept pushing her away and went for Josie, then she and Josie together start something back up with him after he becomes a Warden. I like the idea of Josie doing diplomacy work at Weisshaupt.

- ‘Lady’ Lavellan. She has a Dalish name, but goes by ‘Lady’ in her line of work. She had half a falling out with her Clan after the Keeper’s son made a pass at her, and has since been doing work as a liaison for Clan Lavellan in their dealings with human cities. She is a chronic liar, very good at telling people what they want to hear, and not letting anti-elf aggressions get to her. This becomes important when she romances Sera. Has Elgar’nan Vallaslin so everybody knows she’s baby butch.

- Felice ‘White Tears’ Trevelyan. Ex-Circle Mage. Neurotic and extremely baby. Cries at the drop of the hat. Therefore it catches people unprepared when she schemes or shows any kind of backbone or reveals herself to be a competent fighter. Is a responsible Antiquarian, and was completely unprepared for the Mage Rebellion or being the Inquisitor, but pretty relieved she doesn’t have to seduce any scary noble dudes (all dudes are scary) to buy her way out of the Circle. She is perpetually scared of a good half of the DAI party (Dorian, Bull, Blackwall, Cassandra). Hero worships Vivienne like- whoa! Vivienne is mostly pissed off that babying this extremely neurotic blonde little magelet is now necessary to properly rub elbows with the Inquisition. But, yanno, it’s hard not to become the mask and start sympathising with someone who adores you so.

[bywandandsword]

So I was perusing through Daimler's God's and Goddesses of Ireland, as you do, and I came across this;

"Both Green and Jones compare Donn to the Roman Dis Pater, who Ceasar said the Gauls believed they decended from; as Donn was seen as an ancestor of the Gaels and also a deity of the land of the dead, this comparison seems valid. Green goes further in saying that Donn is likely also Da Derga, who appears according to her as a death God in the story of Da Derga's Hostel. Ellis suggests Donn might also relate to Dagda and Bile, while O hOgain agrees with the Dagda association, seeing the name as originally an epithet most likely of the Dagda; he relates the name to the concept of darkness and the realm of the dead." (emphasis mine)

I'm sorry, Donn is probably also the Dagda?? Did I just accidentally end up worshipping three gods of death?? Does Brighid have a death association that I don't know about? Manawydan?

[therealvagabird]

D&D 5E Homebrew Gods

Some more D&D homebrew. These are some racial gods I drafted up, largely due to not being fully satisfied with any of the canon options. These are mostly for the more popular non-human races, and are adapted for 5E though not necessarily limited to that system.

I chose to show off these gods because most of the human ones were simply derivatives of real-world ancient cultures. Some of these might reference setting-specific places or concepts, but I tried to keep them simple. If there’s a reason that almost every god seems to have the Grave domain it’s because funerary rights are obviously very core to most civilizations.

Elven: The elves believe themselves to be the descendants of the gods, and most give praise to the Fey, even if they have since diverged from the ways of the Green. Powerful elven ancestors are often deified by their descendants.

Quende (elven) — Masc — First king of Eld-Anor, and greatest god-ancestor of the High Elves. Quende reflects the principles of good governance, magical ability, and martial power. All High Elves give praise to Quende after the Light, or to one of the members of his Court to whom they might trace their ancestry.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Forge, Knowledge, Life, Light, Order, Protection, War

Virilome (elven) — Fem — Patron of the Drow, or Dark Elves. Some say the Gloomweaver was a member of the Shadow Court, while others outright call her a fiend. She came to the Dark Elves to teach them a new philosophy free from the fetters of basic morality and helped them to build their great empire. She is often associated with spiders, trickery, clever politicking, revolution, and shadowy magics.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Death, Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Protection, Trickery, War

Ia (human/elven) — Fem — Ia was a half-elven scholar from Sidhus who was worshipped as a god after she used her magical ability to leave the world and explore the astral planes. Ia was an extremely powerful and inquisitive wizard with an interest not only in lore but in the very foundations of knowledge, and her followers hold to her example. Now, many great universities and arcane institutions hold Ia as a patron over even their local pantheons. She is not worshipped so much as respected for achieving what many believe to be the pinnacle of magical ability.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Death, Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Light, Order

Dwarven: The dwarves have a similar ancestry to the giants, being born from the Stone. They deny that they are in any way related to their ancient giantish foes, however, by claiming that their entire race was created by Ule, the Great Smith, and an incarnate of the holy Light. All dwarves claim descent from either Ule or one of the first companions he crafted for himself.

Ule (dwaven) — Masc/Neu — The Great Smith, creator of the Dvergatal, or Ancestor Gods of the dwarves. Ule is held as an incarnate of the Light and is a patron of all crafts great and small. To the dwarves, Ule is perfect balance and form, and loves his children like any good artisan loves their work.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Light, Order, Protection, Tempest

Lofar (dwarven) — Masc — Ancestor God of war. Lofar is quick to joy and quick to wrath and is a patron of all dwarf warriors. Dwarven legends abound with the exploits of the undefeatable Lofar, the red-bearded god.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Grave, Light, Order, Protection, Tempest, War

Motsognir (dwarven) — Masc — Motsognir the Grim is the judge of the dwarven afterlife and stands for the laws and traditions of the dwarf holds. He also stands for the dwarves’ stolid persistence in the face of adversity. He is often held as a patron of the common folk, and any dwarf that requires assistance in their time of troubles.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Order, Protection, War

Dvalin (dwarven) — Masc — The Great Runesmith, and patron to all crafts-dwarves who work with the arcane energies of magic. Dvalin teaches the value of knowledge, and optimism even in the face of the unknown.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Forge, Knowledge, Light, Order, Protection

Yngvi (dwarven) — Fem — Ule crafted Yngvi to be his wife and is held as the first queen of the dwarves. However, she is better known as a patron to masons. Yngvi teaches good governance and civil responsibility and is the guardian of the mountain-homes as physical structures.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Light, Order, Protection

Nali (dwarven) — Fem — Nali is the goddess of fertility, farming, and motherhood. She is the wife of Lofar and makes sure that the dwarves might sustain themselves with meat and mushroom and grain. She is also the god of brewing, and a protector of children, said to be even more fearsome than Lofar when her offspring are threatened.

Major Domains: (5E) Grave, Life, Light, Nature, Order, Protection, Tempest, War

Eikinskaldi (dwarven) — Fem — The weaver, patron of those who work with thread as well as the wife of Motsognir. She is also the goddess of prophecy and fate and governs the laws of nature just as her husband governs the laws of mortals. The temple of Eikinskaldi is a much-respected institution despite how dark it appears.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Grave, Knowledge, Nature, Order, Trickery, War

Nithi (dwarven) — Fem — Nithi is the goddess of jewels and jewelers and the bride of Dvalin. She is a patron of all beautiful things and said to be the fairest of all dwarves. The legends hold her as crafting such legendary artifacts of power as the Crown of Durin and the Neshamotsten.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature, Order, Protection

Durin (dwarven) — Masc — First “true” king of the dwarves, son of Ule and Yngvi, and said to be the first dwarf to walk upon the surface of the world. Durin is sometimes worshiped as a god but has a more prominent place as a symbol of dwarven civilization.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Light, Order, Protection, War

Blackfire Ancestors (dwarven) — Neu — The Blackfire Clan was a group of dwarves who split from the mainline dwarven society in the elder days due to disputes of philosophy, believing the traditions of the dwarf-holds stifled their creativity. They are the ancestors of the Duergar, or Dark Dwarves, and are often considered “evil”, though in reality they express a broad spectrum of morality.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Death, Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Light, Order, Protection, Tempest, Trickery, War

Giantish: The giants descended from powerful elemental beings, who they worshiped both as animistic forces and as ancestors. Different giantkin groups give praise to different powerful god-ancestors, intertwined with their shamanistic religion.

Magkha Div (goliath) — Masc — Maghka Div was a clanless giant of the ancient era who rose to prominence as a great warlord and is said to be the ancestor to all Goliaths. Magkha Div commands storms and fires, and his temples are built high in the mountains. He is a patron to warriors and despises trickery and decadence.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Grave, Nature, Order, Protection, Tempest, War

The Hairy Man / Madoc (firbolg) — Masc — The Hairy Man is an enigmatic giant who is said to be the forefather of the Firbolgs. He lived within the Green in the elder days and supposedly became a consort of the Morrigan. He was a great warrior, but a greater shaman, said to be very wise and to have the power to “change his skin”. In the forgotten Firbolg enclaves of the Far East, he is known as Maorong.

Major Domains: (5E) Grave, Life, Light, Nature, Protection, Tempest

Ymir / Pangu / The Primordial (giant) — Masc/Neu — Ymir, as he is known in the West, was supposedly the first and mightiest of the giants, from whom all other giantish races are descended. Ymir’s aspects are storms, volcanos, and other powerful acts of nature. Ymir is still held preeminent by most giant clans, and in the days of their ancient empires many humans worshiped him too, such as the Thulians.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature, Protection, Tempest

Orcish: In ancient times, the original orcs and goblins were held under the sway of what they called the Great Shadow. It wasn’t until the rise of the hero Enkidu Bloodeye that they were freed from this dark cycle.

Enkidu Bloodeye (goblinoid/orcish) — Masc — In the old days, the orcs and goblins were held under the sway of the Great Shadow, being enslaved by various Dark Lords or warchiefs. It was Enkidu Bloodeye who supposedly discovered the secrets of shamanism and led a massive conquest that united the many greenskins under one banner. Enkidu Bloodeye is an enigmatic figure who is interpreted in different ways depending on his worshippers, but is usually held as a powerful, noble, and wise leader. Enkidu’s empire fractured shortly after his death, but many orcs and goblins believe he will one day be reincarnated.

Major Domains: (5E) Forge, Grave, Life, Light, Order, Protection, Tempest, War

Gnomish: The gnomes are a strange race of uncertain descent, with some claiming they are Fey, human-derived, or even giantkin. Gnomes are not fond of organized religion, instead having a complex series of traditions that are reflective of how they perceive their place in the world.

Motive Force (gnomish) — Neu — The gnomish conception of the “life energy” of the world, originally derived from Fey teachings but evolved outwards as the gnomes became more interested in the natural sciences. The motive force drives all of creation, trying to maintain a perfect balance but subject to the changes of those it governs.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Light, Nature, Order, Protection, Tempest, Trickery

Catfolk: The Catfolk, also known as Tabaxi, worship the Sun and Moon. They are envisioned as god-cats who teach mortals how to live their lives by example, as well as driving the forces of nature by their actions.

Sun / Rar (catfolk) — Fem/Neu — God of the sun, embodied by the solar disk, and patron of catfolk civilization. Said to watch over the catfolk and help them prosper.

Major Domains: (5E) Life, Light, Nature, Order, Protection

Moon / Mnyu (catfolk) — Masc/Neu — God of the moon, embodied by the moon, and patron of both war and leisure. Said to guide the catfolk through adversity.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Grave, Protection, Trickery, War

Lizard: Many of the scaly races worship draconic deities, or otherwise powerful fiends or celestials who take draconic form. However, others worship strange beings from another age.

God-Lizards (lizardfolk) — Neu — The lizardfolk say that before the ages of men and elves, it was they who ruled the planet with their own vast empires. The names of many of their God-Lizards are now forgotten to all but them, but they are held to be totemic ancestor-spirits of immense power and age.

Major Domains: (5E) Arcana, Grave, Life, Light, Nature, Protection, Tempest, War

[lazulimaya]

French Canadian Witchcraft: Symbols, Guardians and Divination

(forgive the long post, but this is information I’ve been collecting through personal experience and Beltane Lowen’s book, along with lectures and other scholarly articles I’ve read.)

Symbols

Le fleur-de-lys: Can be used as a symbol for the Trinity, the triple worlds. The flower, the lily, is a symbol of purity and was often placed with the Virgin Mary (hence, a Goddess symbol). It of course also displays the sacred number 3. 

(Oh, this is my favourite painting done of Madeleine by Georges de la Tour, she just looks so pensive and looks like she’s learning lots of things, and the skull is just such a nice touch, a very witchy painting for me. ooh and fun fact: this painting was the one Ariel had in the Little Mermaid!)

Deities and Spirits

Saint Anne: The mother of the Virgin Mary, this saint was very popular among the French Canadians and Acadians living near the sea. Her feast day is July 26. She is matron saint of carpenters, single women, orphans, children, equestrians, grand-parents, housewives, lace workers, lost things, seamstresses, miners, clothes sellers, poverty, pregnancy, birthing, people who work in stables, teachers, sterility, and sailors (she protected against sea storms). I look up to her when I sew and keep my home clean and fresh. Her symbols are the threshold or a door, and books. She’s the matron saint of Brittany, and therefore, has Celtic connections. Her colours are green and red. 

Saint Marie Magdeleine: She is the matron saint of the Magdalen Islands (where my great-grandma came from). She was one of the female disciples of Jesus. She’s matron saint of women, spiritual revelations, of those that love to ponder and study, and discoverers of sacred mysteries, visions, apothecaries, jewellers, perfume makers, and pharmacists. I look up to her for vision quests and when I study witchcraft. She’s also someone I associate with sex, love, and the true meaning of loving someone for who they are. She’s been in religious debates among scholars if she was Jesus’s wife or not, but the mere implications that she could be are very appealing to me Pagan-wise, so there). I know, she’s been written as a repentent prostitute, but that was an addition made to the Bible long ago by a Pope so she’s not that for me. She’s witnessed Jesus’s crucifixion, burial and ressurection, so for me, she is a figure with which to work with spirits and death and rebirth. So I call on her for scrying and divination.

Virgin Mary: One of the prominent mother goddess figures, her symbols are cerulean blue, white and the lily, She protects women and children. I look up to her for learning love and compassion. 

The Devil: while the Church has painted a horrid image of the Devil in their structures, the Devil appears a lot in French Canadian folklore. He’s often there as a figure of temptation and getting seduced to act out of socially accepted norms (Church, right?), but, one could argue that there’s a primal wildness to this figure, as the French Canadian habitants were often very fearful of the forests when they came here. Some stories have heroes meet him in the forest, sometimes accompanied by little spirits and elves. He can transform into different beings, and sometimes, he appears as a fellow Voyageur (hence the liminal and sometimes dangerous aspects of the wilderness). He brings young women to dance wildly (something the Church frowned upon heavily, so let’s dance!!) In some stories, he helps build churches (I know, what the heck?) but the structure never ends up finished or it gets destroyed repeatedly. He’s basically a figure of mischief and wildness, of total chaos in the natural landscape, much like the Horned God. 

The Fée (from the Lecture: Erik Lacharity and Morrigane Feu “Les Dames Fées: Ladies Fae in French-Canadian Traditional Witchcraft”, Raven’s Knoll Workshop, 2018.) There were rules of engagement with dealing with the Fée. Stories of the Fée were roadmaps for people. When someone meets them, it’s because they’re embarking on a life-changing journey. Stories with “Ti-Jean” are like this. Crossing a road, stream, forest, or taking a right turn at the crossroads, they meet a Fée. In French Canadian tradition, Fée doesn’t mean belle fée. Fée meant something that is enchanted with the means of affecting fate. This is no ordinary stick, it can do something. The Fée would give them something to help them, usually in sets of three. The exchange that took place, the hero had a quest but usually, there’s something in it for the Fée. An example of this is a talking horse previously being a stable boy, and at the completion of the journey, they turn back to their forms. Depending on the setting of the storyteller, ex: Acadia, there were lots of stories with the ocean, boats, nets etc. In the interior, there’d be forests and valleys, barley and cakes. The geographical context matters. The Raconteur makes it so that you yourself are in the myth because of your geographical location. Trou des Fées: a little cave or a little crack in a rock and leave an offering of cream or milk. Normandy, Gasgogne, Picardie, Belgians, they came here, and they had fairies called les lutins. Little red-bonneted fairies, really good blacksmiths, more dwarf-like. They’d sharpen tools too. When Ti-Jean is on his quest, the Fée can give him a knife to defend himself or to deliver someone from imprisonment. Three main classes and areas of affinity for the Fée: those that take on aspects of the woodlands (the Queen of all the Animals/Birds etc) they were very straight-to-the-point peoples. The Fée as protectors, about 30-40 stories of those. Others were sorcerers or magicians. Some Fée would give advice and help the hero. Stories where lost loved ones were some of those. Many of these stories featured Princes and Princesses, kingdoms, etc. because the settlers came here before the Revolution, so it was still important to them. French Canadians, almost all their divination and magic was centred around their love, sex and family life. These are reflected in the stories. For magical objects that the hero would have, sometimes it’s a stick, sometimes a napkin (when you set it on the table a whole feast would show up), little pieces of iron, and if you set it down it becomes a cookstove. Animals of the Fée would help you: Eagles and Horses, they were the big deal. Eagles and Horses were passenger animals in and out of the Fée land. Hero is coming out of subterranean kingdom and there’s this giant Eagle there and offers him passage out of the Fée lands, but he needs sustenance. Use your magical knife and cut off a chunk of your thigh and feed it to me. Ok… but he got a passage. It’s about sacrifice. Little lessons are all hidden in there. Formulas came with using these implements. Ex: This stick can beat people up. If robbers come and take my stuff, I’d take my stick and say “Joue mon gourdin!” and the stick would beat everybody up. “Napkin, give me food!” and poof, food. It’s not about the big magical words, you already have a tool that you know is Fée and it’s a simple command. Every animal that is white is Fée. “Adieu Aigle” and you’d turn into the Eagle. Whoops. The French Canadians were super practical people, just do the thing. They had no time for frilly stuff. Archetypes are super fluid in this tradition. Never pigeon-hole the Fée. Ladies Fée is a type of Fée. Dames Amorphosées: shape shifters, ex: The White Cat, usually very very beautiful, the cat hops into the pail with four toads and she turns into a Princess. Another form of transformation is the whole aspect of going from the pauper to the Prince/Princess. Sometimes it was a curse, but other times it was to disguise themselves. Woodland Ladies Fée: you’d encounter them in the forest, and they had dominion over something, like Birds (super connected to the Fée). With the male aspect, there were beings like the Eagle King or the Ant King (they’d be more specific with their animal dominions). Elemental Ladies: personifying fire and water. Both those elements were big deals. Blue Bonnet Lady: she’s frustrating for the hero, sometimes blowing out his match when he’s cooking pea soup. The Lady comes in on a cloud in the fog. Fog is a big deal. There are Courtly Ladies, like Fée Princesses, and lots of items she offers are scissors, twine, thread, things that are tied to female weaving magic. Sometimes the pauper and the princess switch roles, sometimes they’re the same person. The Witch is another figure. They can have Fée Witches. These were not the type of witches you want to meet. Some stories have the hero stumbling over this thatched hut, and you can stay for lodging, just feed the good oats to the black horse, and beat the white horse to a pulp. The white horse is actually a Prince that she transformed. So he takes the white horse away. The Three Sisters, they come up often in French Canadian folklore and healing traditions. In stories with giants that want to eat humans, replace them with pork and barley bouillon, make a type of beer with raw dough makes the water boil without it boiling. When superintendents of New France were coming here, wine became less available, so French Canadians often made spruce beer, given the lack of hops. There’s a reason why in France they go “We love our wine!” and we go like “we love our beer”. A year and a day and forgetfulness is a big motif in stories. Gifts: magic weapons, animals, objects, transportation, social status (pauper to princess), riches, love (gets a bit non-consent, but in those days there was not a whole lot of consent in marriage, that’s why they were so preoccupied about who they’re going to marry, so they can psychologically prepare).Go to the threshold of the woods, where the Fée usually are, sit down, and offer your offerings. Clearings are good too, the beings you encounter can surprise you. White animals, characters from stories, etc. Following the steps of the story can allow you to write your own story with that formulaic narrative of the old tales. If you read the tales and use them as guides and embark on the hero’s journey, lots of wisdom can be attained. Stories became mixed with Irish folklore, because when the Catholic Irish came over, we bonded with them and created new stories. 

Historical Archetypes and Associations

The Voyageur: The liminal figure in its own right, voyageurs were known to shift and adapt endlessly to their environment and cultures they found themselves in, whether in French Canada or among Indigenous peoples. Can be linked to the Wild Man. They combined their Catholic rituals with the mythologies and cosmologies of Indigenous cultures. They’re temperamental figures, but knowledgeable off the beaten path to keep you alive.

The Raconteur: The storyteller had an important place in French Canada, telling stories as old as the first settlers in North America and sometimes from the old country. Some of them were itinerant, asking for food and lodging in exchange for a story. They were known to stretch stories for multiple nights, ending on cliff-hangers. They weaved tales together, and had vast repertoires. They’re learned figures, with silver tongues and enchanting qualities.

The Violoneux: The violinist or fiddler, a key figure in French Canadian culture. They had an innate sense of rhythm and song, and could bring a whole room to dance. The jigs and reels are also inspired from traditional Irish and Scottish music, as the two cultures mingled. 

The Bewitched Canoe: It’s a popular story of French Canada. It’s a variant of the Wild Hunt. One version, written by Honoré Beaugrand in 1892, tells it like this: some loggers get lonely in their winter camp on New Year’s Eve, and wish to go home to visit their families. The Devil appears to them to offer them an easy and fast way to go back to their homes through a flying canoe, as long as they get back before dawn, otherwise, their souls would belong to him and they’d go to Hell. The embark, and they arrive home, partying the night away. They almost arrive to the camp by the skin of their teeth, but the Devil lets them go, mysteriously. This legend comes from the Poitou region of France, where an english nobleman named Gallery loved hunting. He loved it so much, he skipped mass. As punishment, he was cursed to ride in the skies for eternity, chased by horses and wolves, like a Wild Hunt. When the French arrived in North America, they combined this Wild Hunt variation with the Indigenous realities of using canoes as modes of transportation. Some stories have the voyageurs or loggers ride the skies every New Year’s Eve for all eternity, and in some versions they escape Hell. Consequently, New Year’s Eve is an important day for French Canadians, and is very liminal in its aspects. 

Divination

Most French Canadian divination traditions revolve around the family, love, and sex. Back in the day, they were very concerned with whom they’d end up marrying, if their child would carry through an illness, or how their family and love life was fairing.

Lowen described some divination methods that can be applicable to a French Canadian practice, namely: playing cards, dice, reading tea leaves, mirrors and crystal balls, dream interpretation. 

[margridarnauds]

greenwitchpinkcrystals replied to your post “It turns out that every time I see “Danu” listed as an “Earth...”

Why

So, first off, let’s get this out of the way: This is not meant to affect ANYONE’S religious or spiritual practices. If you have a relationship with any of the Tuatha dé that doesn’t fit a given analysis, I’m not going to be the one who says “No, that’s wrong.” That’s YOUR relationship and your belief system, and I’m not going to touch that. That is NOT my place. 

What I’m talking about is purely on an academic level, reading the original medieval texts, and I will say that what I’m about to say, while I think it LEANS towards what I believe the academic consensus is, is not holy writ either. I fully admit that, if it came down to assigning myself to EITHER anti-nativist or nativist, I would probably class myself in with the anti-nativists, AKA The Party Poopers of Celtic Studies, as you’re probably going to find out soon.

On a more simplified level, there are three figures from Irish Mythology who I do NOT like discussing simply because they tend to elicit very strong reactions from people when Commonly Accepted Truths are questioned: Bríg, the Morrigan, and Danu. All three of them tend to activate my fight or flight response when they’re brought up (and, most of the time, my option of choice is FLIGHT.) 

Point 1 (AKA “In Which Rachel Rants About 99% Of The Over-Generalizations of the Tuatha dé Into a Given Function”)

 it’s nearly impossible to concretely assign almost ANY of the Tuatha dé to a function. They aren’t really...a PANTHEON like that, if you look at the texts. They’re an ever-shifting cast of figures loosely tied together by a sprawling body of texts, poems, and genealogies who, while they MIGHT have had a pre-Christian past, are being primarily used as literary figures. And it’s nigh impossible to tell where the one begins and the other ends, especially since the  Tuatha dé SHIFT depending on the text (and sometimes even in the same text!) 

One of my favorite examples is Lugh. Generally regarded as one of the best figures of the Tuatha dé, the hero of Cath Maige Tuired, master of all skills. A GOOD GUY, right? Except...in Sons of Tuireann, he brutally manipulates the deaths of three men simply because he decided that he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. And in the Dindsenchas poem Carn Ui Neit, where he kills Bres. And in How the Dagda Got His Magical Staff, where he kills Cermait for sleeping with his wife. And the main text where he’s a Shining Hero, Cath Maige Tuired, is generally accepted by scholars these days (most notably John Carey and Mark Williams) agree that the text primarily comes out of a 9th century context and is meant to be basically a bolster for the literary elite in light of the Viking invasions (the Fomorians come from Lochlann “Land of Lakes,” which can either mean “Norway” or “Norse occupied Scotland” in a medieval Irish context). It’s not that Lugh is NOT a pre-Christian figure, because the figure Lugus with Gaul is...pretty indicative that there’s SOMETHING, but we have no idea WHAT. And, really as far as the Tuatha dé are concerned, there are probably...less than five figures I would SOLIDLY say we have any evidence for worship for and an idea of where they MAY have fit. Give or take one or two depending how I’m feeling on a given day. (Obviously, some people, even on the more skeptical side of things, can be more or less generous than me; I’m just a naturally very suspicious person. The ‘less than ten’ thing should not be taken as any indication of a consensus here.)

Basically, they couldn’t even agree on how these guys were supposed to behave, much less give them a FUNCTION. Their powers, what and who they’re associated with, etc. all is variable, and it’s impossible to tell which figures were genuine pre-Christian figures and which ones were literary figures who were invented to serve the purposes of the time. (Also, there are some figures who are highly associated with the literary elite but who...don’t pop up in any of the folktales that adapt the same stories, which leads me to suspect that their MAIN association was with the literary elite and they didn’t have any real influence out of that. See: Bres. I WANT my special boy to have been a Big Figure who was worshipped and respected, but the evidence, to ME at least, strongly suggests that he was a figure strongly associated with the literary elite who was tacked on as a villain to Cath Maige Tuired.)

So, my tl;dr here is that, really, it’s hard to assign a “mother goddess” or “Fertility goddess” to the Tuatha dé because, simply put, there is no way to assign that kind of specific function to almost ANY of the figures of the Tuatha dé. How they’re depicted really depends more on what the individual scribe wanted to convey rather than consistently associating them with ONE thing, and even in cases like Cormac’s Glossary, which DOES give a FEW of them functions, it’s....shaky at times, as we’re about to deal with. There are figures who ARE mothers, but it’s hard to really say that they’re...THAT associated with it. Generally speaking, the designation seems to be given to female figures in the text mainly because...they couldn’t think of anything else to apply to women? Ditto for “Fertility”. (See: Bríg. There is no reason to assume that Bríg had ANY association with fertility, and yet it’s a claim I see regularly trotted out.)

Point 2 (AKA “Okay, but what about DANU? Who IS said to be ‘Mother of the Gods?’”): 

Even by the usually-shaky standards of Irish Mythological continuity, (D)anand (not Danu in any of the medieval texts) is...strange, as far as her background. Not in a “There are like ten layers of literary stuff lightly sautéed on top of a Pre-Christian background” way, but in a, “Holy Shit, they REALLY created a goddess out of nothing, didn’t they?” way. The tl;dr is that, INITIALLY the Tuatha dé Danann were...the Tuatha dé. Just “Tuatha dé.” Which translates out very, very roughly to “God-Tribe.” Which WORKED but also, unfortunately, was the same term used for the Israelites in the Bible, which caused Confusion understandably. 

And, well. I’m going to let Mark Williams explain the rest, since he’s the man with the PhD (Also, if you have ANY interest in how our current conceptions of the Tuatha dé have been formed, I HIGHLY recommend this book. It’s a VERY solid, accessible book that doesn’t bog itself in academic jargon and instead tries to create something that can be read and enjoyed by anyone, and unlike me, he’s very open as far as the possibilities): 

This tangle indicates two things: first, the origins and developments of the mysterious Donand are not fully recoverable, and secondly the idea that Irish paganism knew a divine matriarch named Danu cannot now be maintained. The compilers of ‘Cormac’s Glossary’ may have been quite correct that there had once been a goddess called Anu or Ana associated with the Paps mountains, since it beggars belief to think that the pre-Christian Irish would not have associated so impressively breasted a landscape with a female deity. On the other hand it is suspicious that so important a figure as the glossary’s ‘mother of the Irish gods’ should go unmentioned in the early sagas, teeming as they are with former gods and goddesses. This raises the possibility that Ana/Anu may have simply been a local Munster figure, less familiar or even unknown elsewhere in Ireland. 

Michael Clarke foes further, and suggests that the lofty description of Anu/Anu in ‘Cormac’s Glossary’ may itself owe more to medieval learning than to pagan religion, and result from a monastic scholar musing learnedly on the goddess Cybele, mother of the classical gods...He also quotes Isidore, Irish scholars’ favourite source for the learning of Mediterranean antiquity, who describes Cybele in striking terms: “They imagine the same one as both Earth and Great Mother...She is called Mother, because she gives birth to many things. Great, because she generates food; Kindly, because she nourishes all living things through her fruits.” 

This, as Clarke notes, is so close to the Irish glossary entry that it is hard to avoid the suspicion that the ‘personality’ of the goddess Ana-’who used to feed the gods well’-has been cooked up in imitation of the classical deity. That Clarke’s analysis may be right is suggested by a distinctive oddity in the ‘Ana’ entry: While traces of the activities of divine beings are constantly detected in the landscape in Irish tradition, nowhere else is a natural feature described as part of a divinity’s body. This is rare even for the better-attested gods of classical tradition, with the signal exception of the great mother-goddesses of the eastern Mediterranean, of whom Cycle, the ‘Mountain Mother’, came to be the most prominent. Ana/Anu is simply not on the same scale or plane of representation as síd beings like Midir or Óengus, and it is telling that the Paps of Ana were imagined (by the early thirteenth century at the latest) as a pair of síd-mounds, the separate and unconnected dwellings of different otherworldly rulers. 

(Ireland’s Immortals, pg. 189-190)

So, just as much as it’s hard to assign a function to MOST of the Tuatha dé, it’s even harder to really....SAY whether Ana actually existed prior to a certain period of time. She definitely wasn’t called “Danu;” that form of her name is never used at that point. 

Was there a figure who was “Mother to the Gods?” I don’t know. Maybe there was! Maybe she was the Great Mother Goddess of the pre-Christian Irish! I’m not going to claim to KNOW one way or another until we invent time machines and I can properly go back in time to shake an answer out of Cormac in person. But it’s impossible to know and the evidence is scant at best, definitely not worthy of the press she gets. I wish I could tell you. I really do, even if the answer was something that I personally wouldn’t like. But then, we wouldn’t have a field, either. 

[tiarawcman]

okay but to talk about human!rhea we have to go back and talk about her grandparents and her parents because human!rhea, just like normal rhea, is very much a product of all of that.

and of course name changes because shi-el and mon-el and lar gand don’t really work well if you’re trying to go human names so.  shi-el becomes samuel, mon-el becomes michael, ysan becomes jason, and lar gand becomes hercule lark.  because i wanted to make a hercules reference don’t judge me.

rhea’s grandparents, simon and silvia morrigan, founded daxam, inc.  simon did most of the leg work, but silvia was wealthy so it was her money that funded the projects.  simon mostly focused on genetic modification.  it was the shallow scale that silvia liked, the little things that kept her hair permanently blonde without her having to go get it rebleached and colored every so many months, that smoothed out her wrinkles and made her look perpetually younger.  but when simon found he could do all these things, he wanted to do something a little more complicated: he wanted to make a child.

and maybe he wouldn’t have gone down that path if silvia hadn’t been having so much trouble having a child of her own.  and they tried.  for decades they tried, until it wouldn’t be healthy for her to try further (and still she tried because silvia is a very determined and stubborn sort of person).  and eventually, during her last pregnancy, simon hit upon the matrix necessary to create a human child.

silvia died quite unexpectedly, and the rumor was that it was in childbirth with her son, samuel.  when daxam, inc. fell into obscurity, it was assumed that this was due to simon’s grief over his wife’s death.  these were good assumptions, but they were wrong.

eventually, as samuel grew, he found himself inclined to the same sort of work and began to rebuild daxam, inc.  he partnered with the lark family, one of the new groups funding their work, and finally completed the work his father started.  (at least, that’s what the media thought.  really, he just made modifications, made it better.  simon had already finished his work.  samuel just perfected it.)

and using both his genes and those of his wife, samuel created rhea.

now, the media was all over this.  they’d been following samuel for at least a decade at this point, bringing back the odd circumstances surrounding his birth and what little they knew of his father’s work, addressing the huge ethical dilemma involved in creating a human being, as well as bombarding him for marrying a female celebrity at least half his age because they couldn’t believe he loved her or that she loved him.  (there were prenups.  he wanted to make sure she wasn’t after his business.  she wanted to make sure he wasn’t after her money.  they both understood this.  rhea stood to inherit all of it.)

samuel was not much liked by the public, and the fact that he created a daughter for himself and took to raising her did not help.  media followed rhea all of her life, providing updates on the abomination whenever they were having a slow day, bringing back the old feelings of hatred associated her.  (so, even if your character doesn’t know her personally, they’ve probably at least heard of rhea morrigan.)

at first, samuel wanted her to go to public school while he worked, and her mother, mesia, took care of her day to day.  but the first year of school was horrible.  no matter how hard she tried, she was seen as nothing but a threat to humanity, a horror, and the children, following the bias of their parents, shunned and bullied her.  at the end of her second year, when they tried a different school with the same result, samuel and mesia took her out entirely, choosing instead to homeschool her, providing her with tutors to encourage her rapidly growing mind.  samuel personally encouraged her toward her interest in the sciences, while mesia helped her understand the more social parts of life.  in all of this, rhea grew to believe she was special, and she was.

she was accepted to oxford, and while she was there, samuel died.  he’d finally stepped back to his full authority in daxam, inc, taking it back from the larks who had been keepers of the company while he and mesia focused on their daughter.  it was a scandal, although the public sided with the larks over the morrigans, because they could believe the larks were better for global society than the morrigans who literally created a human being we should not have this power.  but the public also didn’t like the idea of a family taking ethical justice into their own hands, even if they agreed with their actions.

the head of the lark family was imprisoned, and to appease the public view of their company, rhea morrigan and hercule lark, the children of the now extremely divisive heads of daxam, inc, married.  it seemed best.

hercule continued to lead daxam, inc. while rhea pursued her masters at mit.  when she returned, she stepped into the role of ceo, pursuing her own projects.  rhea was more of an administrator, more focused on bolstering public opinion and building the company’s reputation, while hercule focused on the interpersonal relationships within the company, making sure that their workers were happy, healthy, taken care of.

rhea and hercule had a son, michael, and while he had the weight of the previous generations on his shoulders, the media was not near as obsessed with him as they had been with rhea.  eventually, when he was older, he parted way with his parents entirely, never wanting to see them again.

shortly thereafter, hercule died under mysterious circumstances.  they suspected rhea, but nothing could be proven.

rhea hired jason as her personal assistant and allowed him a sizable chunk of control over the company, so long as he stays under her.  given his age, the media seized on this, believing him to be a lover of hers, even though he has a wife and child of his own.  they drug up his past, including multiple stints in juvie and one long stint in prison, and figured that had to be the only reason she wanted him.  they were wrong.

human!rhea is much less than normal rhea.  and by less i mean she’s not a queen, and so while she’s still just as confident as she is otherwise, she doesn’t have the supreme authority of a ruler and doesn’t believe she does.  she has an unhealthy obsession with the media and how the public eye views her and her company and her family.  while this doesn’t seem to fit with her hiring of jason, this is one case where his credentials and who he is as a person actually overcomes all of this, which is another thing.  human!rhea, while still focused on doing what she thinks is best for her company, will sometimes make decisions that aren’t the best for her own purposes, like with jason.  people can overcome her obsession with how she is seen.  and because rhea is obsessed with her external image, she is much less likely to take risky stances or do something in public that would be seen negatively.  she’s much more cultivated.

also she loses all of the daxamite specific hc.  she can swim, although she’s still not a fan of large bodies of water.  they make her uncomfortable.  she still runs a little hotter than the average human, but not so much that it’s a super huge big deal.  etc.

[celticwitchgod-blog]

Celtic Pathworking

These are the Gods/Goddesses I will include in my book. It will be a ceremonial magic grimoire dedicated to Celtic-Irish Gods and Goddesses

Celtic Pathworking-Irish

1.     Brighid-Celtic (Irish). One of the triple Goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. She is the daughter of The Dagda, the All Father of the Tuatha de Danann, one of the most ancient people of Northern Europe. Some say there are actually three Brighids; one is in charge of poetry and inspiration; one is in charge of midwifery and healing, and the last is in charge of crafts and smiths.

She probably began as a sun Goddess. According to legend, she was born at sunrise and a tower of flame beamed from her head.

As Goddess of fire and water, she is immortalized by many wells and springs. Most important of her monuments, though, was a shrine at Kildare where there was a perpetual flame burning for Brighid. It was tended by nineteen virgins called the Daughters of the Flame, wearing deep crimson habits and bearing swords. They would not talk to men, nor could men come near the shrine. Her feast is St.Brighids Days in Ireland and is the Pagan Festival of Imbolc

When Christianity began its onset, so loved was Brighid that she was made a saint. However, the upkeep on her flame was considered pagan by the church and it was extinguished out of more than a thousand years of burning. St. Brigit remains one of the most popular Irish saints today, along with Saint Patrick.

Identical to Juno, Queen of Heaven. Symbolizes human potential. Also known as Brigit, Brigid, Brigindo, Bride.

Dark the bitter winter,  cutting its sharpness,  but Bride's mantle,  brings spring to Ireland.

 2.       Morrigan-"The Great Queen". Celtic Goddess of war and death who could take the shape of a crow or raven. Supreme warrior Goddess. She is associated with the sometimes frightening aspects of female energy. Married to the Daghda. She symbolizes the power of fertility, the dark Goddess' prowess, death, war, fate. A shapeshifting war Goddess of sensuality, magic, prophecy, revenge, war. Known as Great Queen, Supreme War Goddess, Queen of Phantoms, and Specter Queen, she kept company with Fea (hateful), Badb (fury), and Macha (battle). Also known as a Triple Goddess form Maiden, Mother and Crone. Variants: Morrigu, Morrighan, Morgan.

3.       Babd Catha-Celtic (Irish) Goddess of war. Mother aspect of the triple Goddess. Symbolizes life, enlightenment, wisdom and inspiration. Sister of Macha, the Morrigan, and Anu, the name of this Goddess means "boiling," "battle raven," and "scald-crow". Known as Cath Bodva in Gaul. A Mother Goddess and Triple Goddess and part of the trio for which Ireland was named including Eriu and Fotia or Fodla, Badb's cauldron boiled with the ever-producing mixture that produced all life. Variants: Badhbh, Badb, Banba

4.     Balor-Celtic. Although he was born with two good eyes, one was ruined in an accident; the eye is so hideous that he only opens it in battle so that its venom will slay whoever is unlucky enough to catch glimpse of it; his daughter marries Cian. Also known as Balor of the Evil Eye.

5.     Bel-Celtic (Irish) Fire and sun God, also God of purification, science, fertility, crops and success. Symbolizes element of fire, health. A sun and fire God closely connected with the Druids and the festival of Beltaine (May 1). Variants: Belenus, Belinos, Beli Mawr (Wales).

6.     Branwen-Celtic (Irish)Goddess of love and beauty. The sister of Bran the Blessed and Manannan mac Lir, daughter of Lir, and wife of the Irish king Matholwch. Died of a broken heart after Bran's death. Known as Venus of the Northern Seas

7.     Cailleach-Celtic (Irish & Scottish) Goddess of disease and plague. A Destroyer, or Crone, Goddess, she was also called "Veiled One". As the Crone, she ruled with the Maiden and the Mother. Monsterous Dogs guarded the gates of her afterworld realm where she received the dead. Celtic myth has her gatekeeper dog named Dormarth "Death's Door". Irish bards who could curse with satire were often called cainte "dog".

8.     Camalus-"Of the Invisible Sword", "Heaven". Celtic God of war and sky. Similar to Mars, only more vicious.

9.     Cernunnos-Celtic God of virility, fertility, life, animals, forests and the underworld. The Horned or Antlered God is born at the winter solstice, marries the Goddess at Beltane, and dies at the summer solstice. He alternates with the Goddess of the moon in ruling over life and death, continuing the cycle of death, rebirth and reincarnation.

Symbolizes element of earth, love, fertility, death the virile male aspect and the dark half of the year. The two fold aspect of the God year with the Greenman or Jack o' the Green being his light aspect. This takes on a similarity to the Oak King and Holly King legend. Leads the wild hunt at Samhain, hence the day best associated with the Dark Lord.

Also A consort to the mother Goddess. Druids knew him as Hu Gadarn, the Honored God. Ancient Celtic images show him seated in a lotus position, naked, with antlers or horns on his head. Christians demonized this benevolent God for easy conversion and is where the image of the Christian devil comes from(Couldn't be further from facts nor truth but alas yet another tragedy of misdeed and "bearing false witness", to quote a commandment).

Animals that were sacred to him: bull, ran, stag, and horned serpents. Variants: Cerowain, Cernenus, Herne the Hunter.

 10. Cyhiraeth -Celtic Goddess of streams, her scream fortells death. Coincides with the Beansidhe or Banshee

11. Dagda-Celtic (Irish) God of the Earth and All Father. He mates with his wife The Morrigan or Raven on the Celtic New Years Eve (Samhain) Also had a secret love of Boann. Also a God of death; the father of Brighid.

A formidable fighter, but a God of simple tastes who dresses in a brown tunic, hooded cape and leather boots. Dagda had a club which could slew nine men with one end, but could bring back life with the other end. He possessed two swine, one of which was perpetually roasting, the other perpetually growing. His other symbols are the bottomless cauldron of plenty and a harp with which he controls the seasons and is the harp that is seen on many Irish flags and symbolizes Ireland to this day(Hehe, Including the signature symbol for Guiness Beer). God of the arts, knowledge, magic, music, prophecy, prosperity, regeneration. Known as the "Good God" and "Lord of the Heavens," he was one of the high kings of the Tuatha De Danaan and had four great palaces under hollow hills.

12. Danu -Celtic (Irish) Goddess, the mother of The Dagda the All father, Creation Goddess, and Mother of the Tuatha de Danaan. Aspect of the Morrigan or Triple Goddess. Considered to have been an early form of Anu, the Universal Mother. Patroness of wizards. Symbolizes rivers, water, wells, prosperity, magick, and wisdom. Tuatha de Danaan literally means Children or Clan of Danu. The Tuatha de Danaan are the Fae folk of Ireland. EXTREMELY potent Goddess form I easily connect with and work very closely with, personally for most of my rituals and castings. Her celebrations were either Beltane and/or Litha (Summer Solstice)

 13. Labraid  Celtic (Irish) God of the underworld. Corresponds with Gwynn Ap Nudd.

Math Mathonwy -Celtic ( Irish & Welsh) God of magick, sorcery, and enchantment. Legend has him as a king who was also a God of enchantment and magick.

14. Myrrdin-Merlin", Celtic (Britania, Irish & Welsh) Sorcerer, Druid, Wizard and Magician. Originally an ancient Welsh Druid, priest of the old religion, and great magician. He was transformed in the later Arthurian sagas. Tradition says he learned his powerful magic from the Goddess in her forms of Morrigan, Viviane, Nimue, and Lady of the Lake. Legend says he now lies sleeping in a hidden crystal cave. Variants: Merddin, Merlyn.

15. Neit-God of Battle

16.   The White Lady-Celtic all Celtic countries; goddess of death and destruction. Called the Dryad of Death and Queen of the Dead, this goddess was a Crone aspect of the Goddess.

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[imagine-loki]

A Warrior’s Life

TITLE: A Warrior’s Life

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter One Hundred

AUTHOR: wolfpawn ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Viking Loki coming to your village, raiding, and pillaging, before deciding there is something about you that intrigues him and deciding to take you back to Asgard with him. There, you are forced to learn a new life and language, and though you hate what has happened to you, you learn that Loki is not as bad as you think.

RATING: Mature

NOTES: This chapter is a little bloody, and I do not own the images used.

The two men stared between husband and wife, both standing with their swords drawn and identical looks that told the men of their murderous intent. ‘I would like to introduce you to the true me UíNeill, not the heavily pregnant and purposely underfed and filthy thing you were shown as a means of control.’ Maebh stated, swinging her sword around casually. The battle was lost, and as with many times before, the Aesir stood triumphant with their Midgardian allies looking around somewhat shocked, those alive rounded up as per Maebh’s command.

‘You…’ Conor looked at her. ‘Demon!’

Loki looked to his wife. ‘I apparently am in cohorts with Hela herself.’ She looked at the men, grinning as she gave a small whistle, a moment later, Morrigan landed on her shoulder again, giving an angered caw at the men as it did so, but men staring in fear.

Conor whimpering in terror. ‘You are a monster.’

‘I am not a Monster, or a Queen, I am the Goddess of Death.’ He fell to his knees, so she pointed her sword at UíNeill, ‘What are you the God of?’

‘You cannot be…’ UíNeill’s words were weak and shaking as they left his lips.

‘Look around you, look at the death and carnage, our numbers are smaller. Also, remember how you last saw me, not once did I flinch, now here I stand in front of you, I am tall as you cower.’

Loki looked at her in concern. ‘What did he do?’ He growled furiously, angered that someone would lay hand on his wife.

‘Nothing to worry about dear, though I have to inform you…’ She smiled.

‘I knew it, my visions were right, mine and Danu’s.’ He chuckled. ‘Einar.’

‘We will have to see how accurate Danu’s predictions are, as time goes by.’ She turned to look at the men and spoke in a blase manner. ‘There is so little fun to be had when your husband has visions of the future.’

Conor stared in terror at Loki. ‘How else do you think I was here, waiting for you?’ He sneered, not understanding why it concerned the man so greatly, but he could see the effects of it on him.

Maebh frowned for a moment as Morrigan cawed, she turned slightly to see on the hill nearby were those they had left behind to protect her children, Danu sitting on the front of Fandral’s saddle. ‘Looks like there are more to add to the battle, it is a pity you have already lost.’

‘You would not have been so successful were you to face us like men.’

‘I am not a man, though, am I? And yes, were you to have your armies here, you would indeed win a field battle, but you do not, do you? And as it stands, you have not, so they other possibilities do not matter, do they?’ She smiled. ‘Make this easier on yourselves, forfeit your weapons, do not make this any more difficult.’

‘You think I would let you just take everything?’ UíNeill snarled.

‘I do not want what you have.’ That silenced the man. ‘I do not want to be on this land any longer, I want to take my children and go home with my husband.’

‘And more than likely claim I do not want any more children only for us to have another one within the year.’ Loki grinned.

‘Insatiable, I swear.’ She grinned. ‘I am one for a bit of sport, so here is going to be our little game. I am going to choose men of yours and they are going to try and kill me, if they lay one cut to my skin, if I bleed even from the smallest nick, you all go free, if they don’t, I kill you all.’ She smiled playfully. ‘Alright?’ She turned and looked at the men kneeling on the ground and inspected them all. ‘Him, him, that one, and has anyone seen a man with blonde hair and a tragic attempt at a beard?’

‘I got him with my axe.’ Volstagg stated apologetically.

‘Ah well, you cannot have everything you want in this life, can you?’ Maebh smiled before moving on. ‘Okay, and there was a...oh wonderful, he is alive still...for now. Yes, this one, in fact, I will start with him. Get him to his feet and give him a sword.’ The man in question was dragged to his feet and thrown forward, a weapon given to him. With others going around UíNeill and Lord Conor to prevent them trying to escape. The man looked at the weapon as Maebh dug her shield into the earth standing up before she handed her sword to Thor as Loki gave her her favourite daggers, which he had brought with him in his search for her. She looked lovingly at him as he handed it to her. She looked to her shoulder and gave a small nod. The raven flew over to her shield, perching on it as she walked forward, watching keenly as she did. She looked at the man in question, the man who was in charge of taking her from Asgard. ‘Come on now, fight me, there is no old woman for you to threaten this time or my daughter.’ her words made Loki and Thor realise who it was in front of her and what he had done to their mother. ‘You do to me what you did to her, you all live, if my blade gets you first, you suffer.’

The man looked at the sword for him and the small dagger that she had. She was wearing leather and a dress, he was wearing metal armour. Thinking that she could not win, he lunged forward, just as he did, Maebh got to a knee, allowing the sword to go through the air above her as her dagger, sharpened by Loki as he waited his chance to use it on someone and used her new lower vantage point to slice it deeply across his stomach under the area that is protected by his armour, allowing her access to his lower abdomen and associated organs. No sooner had the blade ceased its job when she stuck her hand in and pulled out his innards as he screamed in agony and fell to the ground, she threw them to the dirt in front of his face as he continued his painful cries, death coming slowly to him. ‘That is for Figga.’ She stated coldly before turning to the other terrified looking men. ‘Next,’ another was thrown towards her. He looked around in terror for an exit. ‘The only way you are leaving alive is if you hurt me.’ She took the sword the other man had tried to use on her and threw it at the next man. ‘Come on.’ She grinned viciously, swirling the dagger in her blood-soaked hand. The man wanted nothing to do with her. ‘You were all talk when I was tied up like a rabid animal, how you wanted to “Teach me my place”, was that not what you said?’

The man’s fear became too great and he rushed forward towards the weakest part of those gathered, where Loki and Thor stood. The brothers looked at one another for a mere moment before Loki brought out his sword and stepped forward. ‘You heard my wife, the only way you leave alive is to fight her and win.’

‘I….’

He ran forward as Loki raised the sword, impaling himself on it, as he pushed the sword in more, Loki pulled the one out of his hand and grinned as he leant in. ‘Learn your place, under my wife’s feet as no more than a corpse.’ He growled before pulling out the sword, allowing the man to fall to the ground, Thor getting the sword and throwing it over closer Maebh again.

‘Really, is anyone even going to try and fight me?’ Maebh seemed as though the idea that none of them would fight her was upsetting in some manner to her. She looked to the first man she had pointed to, ‘Come on then, what was it you said again, after my child was born I should be forcibly bred time and again, was that not it?’ She glanced at Loki and Thor who were both equally angered at the idea. ‘No man touches me but my husband, ever. So come and be a man and defend your words against me.’

‘I will not.’

‘Whyever not?’

‘I cannot win.’

‘Well, that you must have known from the start, surely?’ She smiled.

‘How can one defeat the Goddess of Death?’

‘You call yourself Christian, ergo you cannot believe in me.’

The man looked to Morrigan, then to the Aesir warriors. ‘You had no right winning, only the old Gods could alter it so.’

‘You hung your colours to the new faith and you were found to be wrong, a bad decision on your behalf, live with it, or should I say, you do not get to live with it, for your error will cost you your life.’ She indicated for him to rise to his feet. ‘I will make it easier on you, choose another to attack me at the same time, that should make me less daunting, perhaps.’ Another man was thrown forward and another sword given out. The Aesir sneered at those Midgardians allied to them watched in terror, having heard so much of the woman that had been taken from Midgard, the daughter of the Uladh king that had fought UíNeill’s tyranny. Together the men stepped forward, to which Maebh indicated to her husband and Loki threw a second dagger into the air for her to catch, the drying blood on her hands from the man she had disembowelled meaning her grip on the weapons was almost as though they were stuck to her. She was still looking at her husband to thank him when they rushed forward, she grinned and turned again in time to sidestep the sword aimed at her and getting both daggers, brought both across his throat at once, causing him to fall to the ground gargling as his last breath left his body. Before the other man knew what hit him, she sliced deeply into the insides of both of his legs, then stuck one dagger into his heart before the other into his temple. When he fell, she placed one foot on him before taking out her daggers again, ‘Next.’

‘You mean to toy with us all?’ UíNeill tried to act as though he was bored, but his fear was blatant, she was as deadly as he had heard.

‘Well I am getting bored and my newest son will require another feed soon.’ She stated factually.

Maebh walked towards her shield again and looked at Morrigan, who flew back to her shoulder before she got her shield out of the ground and walked to her husband and Thor and to the two men still being forced to kneel. ‘Have you had your fill?’ Thor chuckled.

‘Not yet.’ She looked directly at UíNeill as she spoke.

‘Midgard will not bow to you.’ UíNeill had no idea what was said between them, but seeing the way Maebh looked at him, he knew it was regarding him in some manner.

‘I do not want it to.’

‘Then why all of this?’

‘You brought me here, you brought this on yourself.’ She hissed. ‘I want my home, my children, my husband, you had me brought here, if you had left well enough alone…’

‘They raid our lands!’

‘And you raid others. It is a vicious circle really.’ She stated boredly as a young man, came to help her clean her hands. ‘Now we will leave and with you gone, the Midgardian Lords will fight and bicker among themselves too much to care of our leaving, and with all that happened, your plan to continue antagonising us will not continue and we will all live in relative peace once more.’ She took a rag from the young man and looked to one of the dead on the ground, dipping it in his blood before turning and going to Conor, dabbing it on his chest over his heart. She smiled at him as he stared at her in terror. ‘I would try to flee if I were you, I have no use to keep you alive any longer.’ Morrigan gave a vicious caw and the man got to his feet and was about to flee when an arrow hit the mark in his chest and he fell to the ground dead. ‘Well now, that is that business is done.’ She looked to UíNeill who was looking to the direction where the arrow came from, ‘That leaves us with you.’

‘The…’

‘She is my daughter after all. She has incredible aim for one so young, do you not think so?’ Maebh stated proudly, looking to the hill behind them, Danu stood on a rock, with the bow still raised from her shot, her face one of pride, Fandral’s one of respectful fear, clearly seeing the deadly likeness between mother and daughter.

‘What sort of animal does not allow people the right to their last prayer?’

‘They are not prayers to me, so why should I allow them?’

‘You call yourself a God, but you are not one.’

‘My husband is named after the God of Mischief, Lies and Chaos, he deceived you on your arrival here, did he not? What is to say he did not do so by his Godly powers? Beside him is a man named after a God of Thunder and other things, including fertility, he fights like a raging storm and he gave a blessing on this marriage which can almost be considered a curse, I have bore more children than any normal woman would want.’ Thor chuckled. ‘Cease it.’

‘No.’

‘Honestly, do you see what I have to endure?’ She acted as though he was a friend rather than a foe. ‘I alone decide life and death, I have given life and taken it here today.’ she stated.

‘You stand with them.’

‘What reason have I not to stand with them?’

‘Even with what they did to your siblings?’ She frowned. ‘The youngest was younger than the child brought with you, I was brought the axe that was in him, in his back, severed his little spine, did it not?’ Maebh’s nostrils flared. ‘It was one of theirs, it had those symbols on it,’ He pointed to an axe one of the men had, indeed the symbol of Tyr, the War God was on it, she remembered the insignia from the one she had seen in Aodhán’s back. ‘They killed your brothers and raped and killed your sister, and you stand with them.’

‘The men who did those acts died in the middle of them.’ Maebh stated, not allowing her anger show. ‘I know for a fact their actions were not ones permitted, I do not hold all accountable for the acts of some, I was the one that sent them to the next world.’

‘Yet you claim to be the Goddess of Death, to say you allowed your own kin to die means you are more heartless than I imagined.’

‘It is noted that sometimes things change as a result of certain factors in the world around them. We often do not intend to be what we are. You chose your path, mine was chosen for me by your actions, but I adapted and made myself what I am now as a result.’ She stated, looking at him, walking towards him as she did. ‘By my actions, you will die, so many will die, because I will create chaos through your actions and their ramifications.’

‘You think it right to let them die?’

‘It is you that has caused this unrest.’ She dismissed.

‘But you kill me, they war.’

‘I will not be here to care. I will be at home, nursing my baby, training my daughter, raising her and her brothers to be the next generation to put your kind back in their place when they get too big for themselves.’ She smirked. ‘I will be busy ensuring my son, the future king of Svartalfheim and his wife will be happy, I will find my children good spouses and I will grow old caring for my grandchildren before I embrace my family already passed in death again, happy to have lived so long with those I love so dear.’ UíNeill gave a look of contempt. ‘You see, that is the difference here. I live life for love, I love my family, I will kill to protect them, I do not love to kill. You, on the other hand, enjoy bedlam and chaos, blood and loss, ergo you were never happy in this life.’ She petted Morrigan who affectionately toyed with some of her loose hair, the man looking at the bird and her in disdain. ‘Lean over, it makes it a cleaner blow and guarantees a swifter death.’

‘I rather look you in the eye, see if you are as strong as you pretend to be.’ He sneered.

‘Suit yourself, I was being kind.’ She gave the shield to Thor who gave her her sword. ‘I suppose you want to say a prayer.’ She scoffed.

‘Would you allow me?’

‘You wanted to take my daughter and have her forget who she is and what she comes from for the sheer pleasure and joy of it, and my son to fight as a warrior for you, what do you think?’

‘Then get on with it.’

‘I will give it to you, you are braver than T adhgán , Cathal and so many others that snivelled as they awaited my sword, you could be commended, were it not for the fact you are such a horrible piece of shit.’ She shrugged.

‘You are what they say.’ UíNeill acknowledged.

‘I am, but I am not the whore they say though, that part they got wrong.’ She smiled before taking the sword and having it cut through the air, into UíNeill’s raised neck, severing it. No sooner had his head hit the ground and she turned to face the men still on their knees that had fought for him. ‘You backed the wrong man.’ she stated, before looking to those standing over them. ‘Kill them all.’ The men looked to Thor who nodded and unsheathed their swords before plunging them into the men in front of them.

Maebh walked off towards her children, Morrigan on her shoulder, having righted itself after she moved aggressively to kill UíNeill. Loki walked beside her, saying nothing, but ensuring to remain as close to her as possible. He looked up and smiled as he noticed his daughter running towards him. He dropped his weapons and knelt for her to run into his arms, kissing the side of her face time and again as he held her. ‘My beautiful little girl.’

Maebh smiled as she looked at them for another moment before going to Fandral, who was walking forward with her son in his arms. ‘Thank you, I know you would rather be able to battle, do not think it is because I do not feel I cannot trust you.’ She stated to the blonde warrior.

‘You left me as the last line of defence for your children, there is no greater declaration of your trust in me, I would think.’ Fandral stated. ‘Though I do not think I would be needed.’ He looked to Danu.

‘Well, every woman should know how to defend herself.’ Maebh smiled taking Einar from him, the baby still sleeping soundly. She looked down at him, his little tufts of black hair visible. She gave her thanks to Fandral and turned to Loki and smiled. With Danu in his arms, he walked forward again before putting her down as he came to Maebh.

‘Einar.’ He took him from his mother. ‘He is a good size.’

‘Our biggest yet.’ Maebh agreed. ‘Even if he hid so well.’

‘You gave birth to him and did all this…’

‘All in one afternoon.’ Loki looked at her in shock. ‘He is not the day old yet.’

‘You are incredible, there is nothing you cannot do. You are invincible.’

‘I disagree, this ride is going to be hell, I can guarantee that after it, I will very much show I am not.’ She groaned, causing Loki to laugh, before looking at her shoulder, ‘What is this about, may I ask?’

‘What?’

‘The bird, the Goddess thing?’

‘Oh, it is intertwined really, there is an older religion than the one practised here now, and in it, there is the Morrigan, the Goddess of Battle and Death, and she has a raven, or three ravens, or even turns into a raven, whatever you wish to believe, they watch the battles for her, and she decides on the field who lives and who dies. So of course, when this little thing came to us, it played into the old religion.’ She explained.

‘And they actually thought you a demon?’

‘Einar was not showing when I came, he made his presence known overnight, so really, they thought I had made a deal with a demon to get out of this, that I bore him as some form of demonic offspring. Christians are very superstitious.’

‘Evidently.’ He looked at her in awe. ‘My beautiful Maebh, I am so sorry.’

‘We had no idea, they lay in wait.’ She leant in against him. ‘How long before we can go home?’

‘We need to get Danu cleaned and you and Einar checked, we will head tomorrow.’ He stated. ‘Are you sure you can ride?’

‘I need to, he needs clothing and warmth.’ she looked to her husband. ‘I thought we finally ran out of chances.’

‘Never, the God of Mischief and Lies and the Goddess of Battle and Death cannot be outdone.’ He grinned.

‘The day will come.’

‘Then promise me that we go down together, hand in hand.’

‘Taking as many of them as we can with us.’ She promised. ‘But not this day.’

Maebh

Loki - minus the helmet

Thor

[oaklheart-blog]

Mother's Day Reverie

Large parts of my childhood are hard to remember. Discussion of this topic with my therapist has yielded to me the knowledge that a childhood full of trauma will cause the memory to lapse, because some things are simply too painful to recall.

My mother's death was shocking, even though we all saw it coming. A battle with aggressive colon cancer ended her life at the young age of twenty eight, so when I turned thirty this year, you can imagine it was a bittersweet sort of feeling. In the 90's, cancer was not as well understood as it is today, so her battle was one sided, and though I was young, I do recall the pain she experienced, quite clearly.

However, my mother's death claimed more than her life. My father was not prepared to raise a daughter on his own, and despite the mistakes he made in my youth, I have some insight to understand that he was trying his best. He worked long, hard hours--in factories and when the factories went away, he worked wherever he could find employment. He was always tired, but more than that, what I remember the most about  my father is the profound effect that my mother's death had on him.

It tore him up inside, and it haunted him. I cannot eve begin to imagine the pain of losing your spouse at such an early age, and I pray to the Gods that I never have to learn. He cried often, and I remember him as a lonely man who relied on his music to get him through trying times.

My mother's death, of course, effected me in ways I could never foresee as a child. Always, I found myself wondering how one situation or another might have been different, if my mother had been around. How things might have played out, what my worldview would be now if she were still alive. I think about it more than I thought I would.

I see my mother in other women. In their smiles and the way they laugh, in their warmness and their kindness, their wisdom and their strength. I see my mother in myself every day, for these same qualities. Her love of words, art and music affected me profoundly, and I carry a love for those things even to this day. My mother, in her short time here, taught me lessons. She taught me never to judge a book by its cover, and never to look down upon someone who has less than me. She was the pinnacle of the good, Christian woman--so it's interesting to understand now, how she affected my faith.

It's no secret that I am a Witch. I embrace the powers of the universe by worshiping two deities chiefly, The Dagda and The Morrigan. The Dagda, in Irish Mythology, is "The Good God", among his many titles, he is often called "The God of the World" and is associated with kindness, generosity, hard work, knowledge, time, justice, and fertility, to name just a few of his attributes; and his wife, The Morrigan, is the embodiment of The Fierce Mother. Strong, cunning, and all at once soft and terrifying, she embodies all aspects of the feminine--the maiden, the mother and the crone. I see, at once, myself, my mother and my grandmother in her. I see the women whom I admire within her, as well.

I was drawn to the Morrigan because I see all those aspects in her that I saw within the women in my life. My mother, kind and soft, compassionate, loving, honest and wise beyond her years. My grandmother and now my mother in law--kind but firm, always guiding me with their wisdom and strength, keeping me on the right path with the knowledge of their years; and finally, myself and the other young women in my life.

While I don't have any children of my own, I think of myself as a mother of sorts. I'm nearly ten years the elder to my fiance, so there are times when I must impart my own wisdom and knowledge to him. I care for my family, I nuture and see to it that everything moves in working order in our home by doing those things that the women in my youth taught me to do.

We as women have an important role to play in the lives of the people around us, whether we know it or not, we are invaluable to our loved ones. So this mother's day, I will be honoring not just the mothers in my life, but the women along my path who have taught me so much in the coarse of my life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being there where my mother could not, and know that the Goddess looks upon you and smiles for all your good deeds.

[chaoticsoda693-blog]

Tips for People Planning to use Mythology in Their Stories

- Don't make Hades the villain. He's not evil and never has been. Yes, in later versions of the myth he kidnapped his wife and forced her to be with him, but he was also not a serial rapist. - You know what? Say this with me. JUST BECAUSE THE GOD IS ASSOCIATED WITH SOMETHING THAT SEEMS BAD TO OUR MODERN MINDS DOESNT MEAN THE GOD IS EVIL. That includes gods of war, death, stealing ect. - Consider not making Loki the villain. He makes considerably more sense as a villain then Hades as he was a dick, but consider making him a wildcard instead. Making him straight up the villain just strikes me as kind of lazy. - Not all polytheistic systems use the Greek pantheon system. - Unless you are willing to do all the homework, don't go near Irish Mythology. Listen that shit is so fucking complicated. - I haven't ever seen this, but just for future reference don't make goddesses with multiple forms the Maiden/Mother/Crone. -DONT MAKE HADES THE VILLAIN - Ancient Egyptians were not white, and "G*psies" are not from Egypt. - Bare in mind that all gods have modern worshippers. You don't have to change your story or whatever but just keep that in mind and respect that. - The Morrigan was not in love with Cú Chulainn. - Keep in mind that we look back on mythology with a modern eye. What seems like one thing to us nowadays likely meant something very different back then. - Just because she's the wife of an important god doesn't mean that she has to be a one note character. If you look into the myth, Persephone is fascinating, Hera is misguided but still hurting, Sif is a goddess of her own right, and Sigyn isn't Loki's bitch. Don't discount the goddesses. - This is a side note but seriously make Sigyn the villain that would be so cool. - None of these ancient societies have anything to do with Christianity. - Thor is not the Marvel Character. That's all i can think of for now, feel free to add on

[beyondthedreamline]

Ladies of Legend: Morgan le Fay and Morgause

References: Women of Camelot: queens and enchantresses at the court of King Arthur (Orchard Australia, 2000) by Mary Hoffman, Le Morte d’Arthur in two volumes: volume one and volume two (J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1978, originally published in 1485) by Sir Thomas Malory, Mythology: Myths, Legends, & Fantasies (Hodder, 2013) by Dr. Alice Mills, The Complete Book of Witches and Wizards (Carlton Books Ltd, 2007) by Tim Dedopulos

Trigger warning: references to rape

There is a tendency, in Arthurian legend, for Igraine’s daughters to be highly variable in number and almost entirely interchangeable in identity, their roles within different versions of the myth generally depending on which woman gives birth to which sons. The Vulgate Cycle, for instance, has a whole crowd of half-sisters, while other versions whittle it down to one or two. The Complete Book of Witches and Wizards credits Morgan le Fay with eight sorceress sisters – Cliton, Gliten, Glitonea, Mazoe, Modron, Moronoe, Thitis and Tyronoe – all living together on the island of Avalon and acting as good fairies at Arthur’s birth. Mythology: Myths, Legends and Fantasies speculates that Morgan le Fay may have originally been a Celtic sea goddess or even a goddess of death. She has associations with the Morrigana, an Irish triple goddess represented by the three warrior queen aspects of Badb, Macha and Morrigan, the latter of whom is also strongly associated with fertility.

In Le Morte d’Arthur, there are three sisters: Morgause (alternatively spelled Margawse) being the eldest, Elaine the middle child and Morgan as the youngest. They were the children of Duke Gorlois of Cornwall and Igraine. When Gorlois was defeated in battle by King Uther Pendragon, Igraine had little choice but the marry the victor. She gave birth to a son, Arthur, who was taken away to be raised with a foster family, his very existence a well-kept secret. Uther then used his newly acquired stepdaughters to secure political alliances, marrying Morgause off to King Lot of Orkney and Elaine to King Nentres of Garlot. At this point Elaine promptly vanishes from the narrative.

Morgan was perhaps too young for marriage at the time because she was sent to a convent for an unexpectedly arcane education, learning the arts of necromancy and sorcery. Other stories have her trained at court by Merlin himself. Eventually, however, she was given a royal marriage of her own and became queen to Uriens of Gore.

Morgause had four sons with Lot – Gawain, Agravaine, Gaheris and Gareth. The only one to inherit any magical tendencies was Gawain, whose strength increased as the sun approached its zenith. When Arthur emerged from obscurity and Uther’s former allies went to war against him, including Lot, Morgause calmly came as a messenger to the embattled young king (with all of her boys in tow, what’s more) and had a month-long fling with him that resulted in a fifth son, Mordred. The relationship appears to have been consensual and mutually misinformed.

When Merlin finally told Arthur the truth, it came with a side serve of apocalyptic prophecy and the two of them threw a full King Herod routine by having all the baby boys born on May Day sent to sea to be drowned. Mordred survived. What’s more, he appears to have been raised by Morgause, because he shows up later in the story as a knight in Arthur’s court, not quite popular but respected and running around with the other Orkney boys. How he got from one point to the other is one hell of a mystery that Malory never explains.

Nentres and Uriens were also aligned against Arthur, though that did not stop Igraine bringing Morgan along when she met Arthur for the first time. Which means that Morgan was present, listening, when Igraine told the court how Uther appropriated her husband’s face in order to rape her.

The fight for the throne was brutal. During the final battle, thirteen kings were killed; among them, Morgause’s husband Lot, brought down by Arthur’s ally Pellinore. This was the beginning of a labyrinthine tangle of messed-up relationships, as Gawain eventually killed Pellinore and the widowed Morgause later took Pellinore’s son Lamorak as her lover.

Arthur held a great funeral, attended by Morgause and her sons, Morgan and her husband Uriens, and their son Ewaine (also spelled Yvain). Eager to connect with his half-sisters on a non-sexual level that is also not a battlefield – this family is such a disaster in so many ways – Arthur entrusted his sword Excalibur into Morgan’s care. Apparently she had a trustworthy vibe or something. Arthur proved once again that he was a shocking judge of people because not only did Morgan plan to use that sword for a double regicide, she had learned enough about Arthur’s personality to arrange it that he took every step into the trap for himself.

Arthur went hunting with Uriens and a knight called Sir Accolon who, unbeknown to the others, was Morgan’s lover and accomplice. The kings and their companion spied a beautiful ship floating in nearby waters and were invited to stay the night aboard by the twelve beautiful women who were its only occupants. However, when Uriens awoke he was in bed with Morgan – and when Arthur awoke, he was in the dungeon of Sir Damas, a knight in the middle of a property dispute with his little brother and who had a habit of kidnapping promising fighters in the hope that one of them would consent to be his champion. Thus far, nobody had. Arthur grimly offered himself on the condition that the other prisoners would be released. He didn’t realise that the messenger girl he was talking to was a servant of Morgan le Fay, or that the sword he went to fight with was not Excalibur at all. Morgan sent Accolon to Sir Ontzlake, Damas’ brother, to volunteer as his champion in the upcoming fight, and he had the true sword.

It’s neatly done. It would have worked beautifully had the Lady Nimue not been among the spectators, because in Le Morte d’Arthur it is she who received the training from Merlin, not Morgan, and after she got rid of him for good, she took over the role of Arthur’s intermittent protector. She forced Accolon to drop Excalibur, so that Arthur could reclaim it. Accolon confessed to everything. Morgan’s plan was to kill Uriens as well, take Accolon as her consort and rule the land herself. I shouldn’t like that. But I sort of do.

Expecting Accolon to have already succeeded, Morgan had moved in for the next kill. She sent a handmaiden for Uriens’ sword so that she could kill her husband with his own weapon – nasty sense of irony that the lady’s got there – but the handmaiden had qualms and woke Uwaine, who was sadly prepared for exactly this kind of situation. “I may say an earthly devil bore me,” he said, catching the sword before his mother could strike. She might be willing to murder her brother and husband in cold blood, but Morgan loved her son and in exchange for his forgiveness, she swore that Uriens would be safe from her. She kept her word, too; as far as Malory tells it, she never made another attempt on her husband’s life.

Arthur was deeply hurt by Morgan’s betrayal. He settled matters between Damas and Ontzlake, and when Accolon died of his injuries, four days after the fight, Arthur sent the body to Morgan as a warning. She hid her grief, planning her vengeance. She went to see Guinevere before Arthur returned to court, acquiring royal permission to travel into the country. Travelling with a company of her own knights, she found the abbey where Arthur was staying overnight and tried to steal Excalibur from him, only to discover he’d taken to sleeping with it in his hand. She settled for snatching the scabbard, which protected its wearer from physical harm. Arthur soon woke and pursued her. Maliciously, she hurled the scabbard into a lake and enchanted herself to disappear into the landscape as a rock until Arthur gave up looking.

After that, Morgan rejoined her knights and travelled on. She encountered one of Arthur’s knights, blindfolded and pushed into a fountain by the man whose wife he was sleeping with. The imperilled knight was Sir Manassen, cousin to Accolon. Morgan turned the tables: it was the other knight who drowned and Manassen was sent back to court unharmed, as a message to Arthur: she saved one of his knights for love of Accolon and with all her magic, she did not fear Arthur. She then turned her attention to building up the defences and devotion of Gore.

Her next attempt to get at Arthur was presented as a truce. She sent a handmaiden with a beautiful cloak as a reconciliation gift, but Nimue was there once again to foil her; she suggested the handmaiden try the cloak on first and the court watched, horrified, as the girl burned alive. Though Arthur did not blame Uwaine for his mother’s actions, the young knight was no longer welcomed at court and when he left, his loyal cousin Gawain went with him. The children of Morgause and Morgan were fiercely clannish. Of course, Morgause decided to be on good terms with Arthur – as he had no children with Guinevere, Morgause’s children were his obvious successors, a good reason if ever there was one to take his side in this unusually bloody sibling squabble. But Morgause never seemed to be on bad terms with Morgan either.

Which is not to say Morgause didn’t have problems of her own. To begin with, her (favourite) son Gareth took it into his head to arrive at Arthur’s court incognito and prove himself as an unknown knight instead of claiming his royal birthright from the get go, so Morgause had to storm over there and tell off Arthur for not keeping a better eye on his nephews – and then she told off her other sons for not recognising their own goddamn brother when he was right under their noses. Upon hearing that the court bully Sir Kay nicknamed her son Beaumains (meaning ‘fair-hands’, this being a way of calling him a freeloader) she tersely retorted that Gareth was ‘fair-handed’ indeed, flipping the insult into a compliment to Gareth’s sense of justice. The adventure ended happily, with three of her sons all getting married at once.

Meanwhile, Morgan’s one woman war on Arthur continued undaunted. She started running with a girl gang of fellow queens, including the Queen of Northgalis, the queen of Eastland and the queen of the Out Isles. I swear, I am NOT making this up. They captured Sir Lancelot while he was out questing and tried to make him choose a lover from among them, but he held true to Guinevere and was rescued by another independently-minded handmaiden, the daughter of King Bagdemagus, who is not named by Malory but who Howard Pyle calls Elouise. Morgan preferred to work with women (she was later reputed to have a spy network of up to thirty women across the kingdom) but was prone to overestimating her influence on them.

One woman Morgan was completely disinterested in bonding with was Guinevere, who she appeared to view as nothing more than a weak spot in Arthur’s defences. She knew – well, everybody knew – that Guinevere and Lancelot were lovers, and came up with increasingly ingenious ways to try and drum home the message to Arthur. She sent a horn that could not be drunk from by an unfaithful lady, only for it to be waylaid and given to King Mark of Cornwall’s court instead; she depicted a king and queen on a shield with a knight above them both, imagining the symbolism to be obvious, only for Arthur to dismiss it entirely. He was too familiar with his sister’s traitorous habits to take her word for anything.

Morgan also captured Arthur’s knights whenever she could. One of her female spies tried to talk Sir Tristram and Gawain into an ambush. Though Gawain revealed her as one of his aunt’s servants, Tristram wanted the fight anyway, but (recognising a bull-headed hero when she saw  one) Morgan refuses to send out her knights. She later managed to imprison Tristram and made  him carry the suggestive shield in return for his freedom. That was not enough for her lover at the time, Sir Hemison, who chased after Tristram against Morgan’s advice and was killed in the ensuing fight.

Morgause, meanwhile, was thoroughly enjoying her widowhood with Lamorak. He was a contemporary of her sons, so presumably a couple of decades or so younger than herself, and who was the kind of fiery type who picked fights with anybody who implied Guinevere might be more beautiful than his own regal silver vixen of a girlfriend. He also beat a whole gang of Morgan’s knights to work off some steam. The sex was canonically excellent.

Unfortunately, Morgause’s sons were not on board with her having an active love life. Gawain resented Arthur’s fondness for Lamorak, seeing him only as the man whose father murdered his own, and taking Lamorak as a lover ‘shamed’ Morgause in Gawain’s eyes. All his brothers, apart from possibly Gareth, took the same view. Having intercepted a message that named the time and place for a rendevous, Gaheris stormed in on the lovers and cut off his own mother’s head. Covered in the blood of the woman he loved, Lamorak screamed that he would rather have died in her place, but he was unarmed and could not fight back. Gaheris’ twisted sense of honour would not allow him to kill a naked man and so he let Lamorak go, but the enmity between him and the Orkney brothers was bitter after that and Lamorak was eventually killed by Gawain, Agravaine, Gaheris and Mordred acting as a mob. The only one who refused to be involved was Gareth.

It was a terrible end for a remarkable woman.

Both Arthur and Lancelot were horrified at Morgause’s death and Gaheris was banished from court. The narrative being what it is, Morgan’s reaction is not recorded, but her enmity with Arthur seemed to taper off after that. She went into small-scale acts of evil sorcery with the Queen of Northgalis as her partner. For instance, she allowed King Mark to talk her into using her sorceress connections to find an enemy of his…only to turn around and heal the young knight in question, swearing him to her service. She kept him at the castle of La Beale Regard. The castle’s true heiress soon showed up, brought the knight over to her side, then had the castle razed to the ground, once again proving that Morgan needed to stop underestimating other women.

It was possibly with that in mind that Morgan and the Queen of Northgalis cursed Elaine of Corbin, called the fairest lady in the land, leaving her to boil alive without ever dying until the best knight in the world came to rescue her. It’s a brutal act of spite. Of course, this could also have been an indirect attack on Arthur, as Lancelot’s rape by Elaine ends up triggering great turmoil at court, but predicting all of that might be beyond even Morgan’s talent for scheming.

In any case, Arthur’s court crumbled on its own, first losing many knights to the hopeless quest for the Sangreal before being shaken apart at the foundations when Mordred revealed Lancelot and Guinevere’s affair beyond any chance at denial. It was Mordred who took over the kingdom; it was he who led the final battle against Arthur and struck the blow that would kill him, even as he himself lay dying.

Arthur sent Bedivere, the sole knight remaining at his side, to throw Excalibur into the nearby waters. To Bedivere’s amazement, a hand rose to catch the blade. By the time he carried Arthur down to the water, a barge had arrived at the bank. Nimue was aboard it, and three queens: the Queen of the Waste Lands, the Queen of Northgalis and the Queen of Gore. Arthur laid his head in the lap of his sister and Morgan asked, gently, “Ah dear brother, why have ye tarried so long from me?” They disappeared together, across the water to Avalon. Neither were ever seen again.

Morgause and Morgan were ruthless women, in their different ways – Morgause being the pragmatic one, willing to overlook the blood on the hands of the men in her life if she got what she wanted out of it, while Morgan pursued power with a single-minded force of will and fierce cunning. What is so glorious about Malory’s women is that they are, above all other things, people. Their motivations may be obscure, but they are their own selves, making decisions in their own interests. They are not shadowy seductresses stalking the edges of Arthur’s court; these women are queens, and the daughters of a queen. Their lives might be tragedies, but they lived them proudly – the political matriarch and the warrior witch. They are not interchangeable at all.

These stories vary wildly depending on time and teller – I work with the sources I have to hand but if you know an alternative version I would love to hear it!

Originally posted on Wordpress

[thecrypticbirds]

A List of Names

Exactly what it says on the tin. If you’re curious about the reasoning or meaning behind any of the names I’ve used for the siblings or their companions, look no further. (Well, do look further, because there’s a cut, but... you know what I meant.)

First off: Cryptix23, Aluminum Eagle, and Threnody are all usernames I’ve had in various places and become attached to. There’s no special meaning behind them, they’re just sounds that I liked strung together. Carrion Crow is just a continuation on the bird theme.

A lot of these names are just there because they ‘sounded right’ and don’t mean anything in particular, but some of them do.

Also my Russian might be a bit off at times. Sorry.

Lady 23

Raven: 23 is, or at least started, as a self-insert, and I have a thing about ravens and corvids. She also happened to pick up a trio of ravens early on.

Dvatsat-tri: Russian pronunciation of 23.

Voron: Russian for Raven.

D.T. Vorone: Short for Dvatsat-tri Vorone, literally “23 ravens”

Raven Svabodna: The surname is Russian for “freedom”, more or less.

Morrigan, Huginn, Muninn: Theological names associated with corvids. Nothing especially creative here. Morrigan is an Irish goddess of fate and battle, Huginn and Muninn are the raven advisers to Odin and mean “thought” and “memory/mind”, respectively.

Zorya, Utrenyaya, Vechernyaya: The Zorya are two Slavic star goddesses. Utrenyaya is the Morning Star, Vechernyaya is the Evening Star.

Pravda, Krivda: Right and Wrong, or Truth and Falsehood.

Athena: Owl-related Greek goddess of wisdom.

Taska: Russian word for melancholy or yearning.

Myshkin: Russian name, diminutive form of the word “mouse”.

Faramond: There is no reason for this one, Faramond just sounded like a talkative rat name. Apparently it is Germanic and derived from the words for “protection” and “journey”.

Albion: Just sounded like a name for an Orphan from a supposedly moneyed family. Apparently it is Celtic and means “white cliffs”.

Mystery, Grace, Mothbite: Cute words that young Urchins might decide to name themselves, seeing as 23 will call them whatever they like.

Kit: No particular import.

Petal: pet name borrowed from Sinning Jenny

Bartholomew: An unusual religious name for an unusual religious man.

Asenath: An anachronistic guilty pleasure name borrowed from one of Lovecraft’s few female characters.

Lavinia: No special import.

Clement: Named after a Pope to reflect religious conversion.

Vratislav: Sounded right. Slavic for “to return to glory”

Adam: Just a simple name with religious overtones.

Cliff & Arline: Self-indulgently borrowed from pulp Shadow novels, from The Shadow’s agent in the underworld and his wife.

Prue/Prudence: Vaguely religious name for a spy who likely practices under Saint Joshua. Also I was listening to an analysis of the Charmed TV series and happened to like the name.

Belshazzar: Hebrew form of an ancient Akkadian name, which seemed fitting for someone from the Elder Continent. Means “Ba’al protect the king”.

Isery: Not my choice, I read somewhere that was their official name from either Sunless Sea or the tie-in comics.

Saoirse: A not-uncommon Irish name, meaning ‘freedom’

Connie: Short for Constable, for obvious reasons.

Lawless: Borrowed from Irish poetess Emily Lawless, for both a poetic and Piratey feel.

Tekeli-li: Shameless anachronism borrowed from Lovecraft, being the sound uttered by Shoggoths.

Zlatica: Russian name meaning “golden”

Scheherazade: An extravagant tigress needs an equally extravagant name.

Maslenitsa: Russian diminutive form of Marzanna, a Slavic goddess of life and death associated with winter.

Shustri: Russian word for “nimble”

Zimny: Russian word for “winter”

Bashka: Russian word for “noggin”.

Teresa Avila: From Saint Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish saint and prevalent writer.

Ushakovna: Feminine form of Ushakov, from Fyodor Ushakov, the “most illustrious Russian naval commander and admiral of the 18th century.” (Wikipedia)

Veles: A Slavic underworld god also associated, among other things, with earth, water, and music.

Bayushki-Bayu: From a Russian lullaby, essentially “nighty-night”

Ophan: Singular form of Ophanim, the eye-covered ring angels.

Koschei: Borrowed from the popular Russian fairytale figure Koschei the Deathless, who is deathless because his soul is hidden elsewhere than his body. Seems appropriate for a possessed, soul-stealing monkey.

Calamus: A Latin name referring to a water reed or a reed pen, named after a youth who drowned himself after his lover drowned. Which is all entirely coincidental because I actually borrowed it from the OneShot character because I thought it sounded nice.

Phobetor: One of the Greek Oneirei, personifications of dreaming, alongside the likes of Morpheus. Phobetor specifically means “frightening” and dealt with nightmares, often appearing in dreams as an animal or monster.

Seshat: Egyptian goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and writing; also various technical and intellectual professions. Later overshadowed by Thoth.

Charlie: No special import.

Miri: No special import, just a name I like.

Nefermaat: Ancient Egyptian name meaning “with perfect justice”.

Rags and Riches: Just a cute pair name since these bats appeared one right after the other.

Vizhko: Disparaging diminutive form of ‘screech’

Wallace: No special import.

George & Garfield: Not my choice, ask Failbetter.

Rafflesia: Based on the name for a genus of carnivorous flowers, but also intended as a feminine form of “Raffles” after the gentleman-thief literary character.

Sartory: A possibly made-up noun form of the word “sartorial”, referring to clothing or style, which is from the Latin word for “tailor”.

Abzu: The ancient Sumerian name for the “primeval sea below the void space of the underworld and the earth above” as per Wikipedia. The literal translation is “deep water.”

Euroclydon: A tempestuous northestern wind.

Aluminum Eagle (”Lumi”)

13: The atomic number of aluminum. Also a number I happen to like.

Trinatzet: Russian pronunciation of 13.

Orel, Alyumini: Russian for “eagle” and “aluminum”, respectively.

Besstrashnaya and Neustrashimi: Feminine forms of Russian words for “fearless, dauntless, lionhearted, intrepid” etc.

Fishguts: A fondly unflattering name for a disappointingly unmenacing wolf.

Venatora: Latin, “huntress.” (Technically the feminine form of venator should be venatrix, but 13 is hardly a scholar. Be amazed he found a latin name to begin with.)

Dzievana: Slightly corrupted name of a Slavic goddess of life and hunting.

Toothless: Fondly unflattering name for a very intimidating dream-hound.

Boxes & Alfie: No special import. Seemed like Urchin names.

Whatsisface, Bishop, Little Bastards, Shut It: Lumi doesn’t care to learn many 'real’ names.

Isery, Saoirse: See entry under Lady 23.

Ey-ti: Russian for “Hey, you.”

Buran: Word for a powerful Siberian wind that can be hot and dry with sandstorms or bitterly cold with blizzards.

The Mourning Dove, Threnody Lament

Threnody Lament: A threnody is a sad song for a dead person. Someone already had that username so I added Lament because it is also a word for sad and it sounds nice.

Mourning Dove: Following the bird theme, goes with the sad names.

18: I just needed a number to follow the number theme. No special import.

Vacyemnatzet: Russian pronunciation of 18.

Galubushka: Diminutive form of the Russian word for “dove”

Sokrushasta: Russian word for “lament”

Chantilly: Fancy name for a fancy bird. Chantilly apparently can refer to a particular French town, to lace, to a type of porcelain, or to whipped cream, all of which fit the aesthetic Thren is going for.

Llorana: Borrowed from La Llorana or “The Weeping Woman”, a Spanish-American phantom. Continues the theme of beautiful melancholy.

Emil: No special import.

Bartholomew, Isery, Belshazzar: See entry under Lady 23.

Zivena: A variation on Dzievana, the same goddess Lumi named his dog after.

The Coterie: While a coterie is a name for a group of people, it's also a little bit of a pun on “dovecote” or a shelter built for doves.

Dimitri Rickard: No special import.

Carrion Crow

Carrion Crow, Buzzard: Other words for vulture. Crow’s aesthetic was supposed to be somewhat vulture-like at the onset.

Shrike: Shrikes, occasionally known as butcherbirds, are a little closer to how I view Crow now.

15: No special meaning.

Pytnatzet: Russian pronunciation of 15.

Cyervi Sorakaput: Russian for “Butcher-bird”. Sorakaput alone means “Shrike”.

Kanyuk, Hyshnyk: Russian for “Buzzard”, “Vulture”

Nightshade, Belladonna: Most of Crow’s companions are named after different poisons. These two are coincidentally his birds.

Foxglove: Seemed fitting for a smallish mammal.

Curare: No special reason.

Strychnine: Somewhat like ‘stricken’, otherwise no special reason.

Jessamine, Hellebore: The most name-like poisons after Belladonna, both belonging to poisonous plants but things one might reasonably call a person.

Laudanum: A somewhat poisonous substance that relaxes, fitting for a companion that reduces nightmares.

Francesca: Just a respectable religious name for a respectable secular woman.

Aderyn: Welsh name meaning “bird”.

[swipestream]

Sensor Sweep: Classics, Steve Tompkins, Queen of the Black Coast, Gun Ghoul

Culture (Legends of Men): The primary professional association for classicists is the Society for Classical Studies. This was formerly called the American Philological Association. Mary Frances Williams, a Ph.D. in classics, former professor, and an independent researcher, decided to attend this year’s annual conference. There, she witnessed first hand how the classics field is becoming a vehicle for social justice (a.k.a. Marxism). The SCS, as well as academics across the country (and presumably across Europe), is accomplishing this on multiple fronts.

  Fandom (Don Herron): Hard to believe it was ten years ago today when Steve Tompkins punched his ticket. Only 48 years old, hospitalized for food poisoning after hitting Burger King, then out of the blue a heart attack. If they can’t handle a heart attack when you’re already in the hospital, game over.

  Fiction (John C. Wright): Many a fan, this one included, calls Queen of the Black Coast the finest of the Conan stories, in part because of its legendary scope, in part because of its lurid romance, it passages of lyrical poetry, its vivid and bloody battle-scenes, the sense of mystery and adventure, the chilling eldritch visions of ancient eons and shades of the dead, the Viking funeral at the end.

The writing excels on three levels: first, striking characterization gives life to an intimate and tragic romance; second, lyrical world-building conjures a vision of a lost age, cruel but not without its savage beauties; third, a deep and even grim theme dignifies what would otherwise be a mere boy’s adventure tale with adumbration of deep time and an almost Norse melancholy touching the brevity of life, the indifference of the gods.

  Fandom (DMR Books): Steve Tompkins died ten years ago today. I and a few other bloggers will be posting blog entries in tribute to Steve, whom I consider the best “genre” blogger of the first decade in this twenty-first century. Below, you’ll find a very concise history of Mr. Tompkins’ life and hyperlinks to all of his blog entries and online essays. This post is intended to function as a one-stop guide to Steve’s online legacy.

  RPG (Playing at the World): The Illusionist in Dungeons & Dragons was created by Peter Aronson, an early Boston-area fan. In 1975, Aronson submitted an initial description of Illusionists to TSR , who ran it in the fourth issue of the Strategic Review. Then the following year, Aronson’s additions with system for higher-level Illusionists appeared in the debut issue of The Dragon. But Aronson didn’t stop there – he made a number of further expansions and corrections which he circulated informally in 1977, of which the first page is shown above. Today, we’re looking at the complete Illusionist subclass for OD&D as Aronson envisioned it, and the implications it created for “schools” of magic in role-playing games.

  Fiction (DMR Books): Hira Singh was Talbot Mundy’s fourth novel; his second and third novels (The Winds of the World and King – of the Khyber Rifles) are more properly part of the Greater Jimgrim Mythos of interconnected stories and we will discuss them in their own time.  We will also be reviewing the Jimgrim Saga itself (those books whose hero is James Grim) in its own place.  Hira Singh was serialized in Adventure magazine in late 1917 and then published in book form by Bobbs-Merrill in 1918.

  Popular Culture (Kairos): Hang out around science fiction authors long enough, and you get the sense that they’re all crazy.

John Scalzi claims that Donald Trump and the weather conspired to give him writer’s block. Patrick Rothfuss and George R. R. Martin have cited similarly temperamental reasons for not finishing their popular series.

The ancient Romans had a saying, Ars longa, vita brevis. Moderns take it to mean that life is short, but works of art last.

  Popular Culture (Men of the West): This weekend, Captain Marvel defied expectations among traditional fanbase comic book audiences who expected the movie to gross between $80 and $100 million. It seemed as though every indication was there that the movie would tank, due to its blatant promotion of third wave feminism—both in the movie as well as in promotional material. However, the justified critics were wrong to presume the larger society of Americans were on their side, and the movie earned $153 million domestic.

  Authors (Fredericksburg.com): AS THE final weeks of the 20th century drew to a close, much attention was given to the question of what had been the best—the best of the century or best of the millennium? An endless flurry of polls, surveys, Top 10 and Top 100 lists were compiled.

And when it came to the best book or best author of the past 100 years, in poll after poll, survey after survey, list after list, J.R.R. Tolkien was nearly always at the top.

  Comic Books (Jon Mollison): Back in December I took the Arkhaven Comics then new online book store for a test drive.  Wil Caligan’s Gun Ghoul showed up in plenty of time, but personal events made reading a comic centered on death and justice too painful.

Still, Wil’s a good guy who deserves support, so I cinched my belt tighter, sniffed and thumbed my nose like a good Mayberry Sherriff’s Deputy and shouldered my wife through a story of loss, revenge, and redemption.

  RPG (Karavansara): The game in question is called Atlantis, the Second Age, that is a game with a complicated history – there’s at least three different editions that I am aware of: the first by Bard Games (when it was just called Atlantis), the second by Morrigan Press which is the one I own, and recently a new edition was released published by Kephera Publishing (I do not own it, but all reviews are glowing).

  RPG (Tower of Zenopus): I’ve been interested in the Savage Worlds game since the earliest days of its existence – maybe before if we’re going back to Deadlands and the Great Rail Wars days. I played and ran some Deadlands in its original form, picking up pretty much all of the books and the Deadlands: Hell on Earth setting and books as well. I dove into GRW a little later and picked up a bunch of the miniatures and books for that too. I was on the Deadlands email list in the late 90’s/early 2000’s and followed the development of the system as bits came out there – you can see a more extensive version of that info here.

Fiction (George Kelly): I’ve been a big fan of Night Shade Books’s volumes in The Complete Stories of Jules de Grandin series. Black Moon, just published, is the fifth and final volume. Seabury Quinn created a psychic investigator whose cases usually involved weird, occult, and supernatural aspects. For four decades, Seabury Quinn wrote stories that attracted a devoted audience of readers. The stories in this collection bring together Jules de Grandin stories from the late Thirties, all of the Forties, and a couple stories from the Fifties.

  Fiction (Too Much Horror Fiction): Pity poor Robert James Atchison. Living in a California town known as America’s preeminent burial ground, where the dead outnumber the living five thousand to one, he’s a sensitive 17-year-old boy with a fondness for poetry, instilled in him by his dear departed mother, and he actually enjoys reading books like The Iliad for school. He may have good hair, vibrant eyes, and fine features, but all that’s lost on his high school classmates: to them he’s a gangly, awkward-limbed, tongue-tied goof who they’ve nicknamed “Coma Man” with an embarrassing crush on Carla, the prettiest girl in school. He’s written Carla a poem and has two scarlet ribbons to give to her. What could go wrong?

  Pulp (True Pulp Fiction): After having hardly any time for pulp reading for a while I finally got a chance to settle down with this issue of Adventure from from Howard V. Bloomfield’s editorial regime. Despite the cowboy on the cover the lead story is a Georges Surdez novelette, “A Head for the Game.” It’s a change of pace for Surdez in that his usual French Foreign Legion protagonists appear here as antagonists, picking a feud with a commander of Senegalese Tirailleurs.

    Sensor Sweep: Classics, Steve Tompkins, Queen of the Black Coast, Gun Ghoul published first on https://medium.com/@ReloadedPCGames

[tipsycad147]

Celtic and Druid Spirit Animals

By shirleytwofeathers

Below are listed some of the animals denoted by Celtic Shamanism and Druidism along with their spiritual denotation:

Adder, Snake (Nadredd):

The snake has long been associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Poisonous adder of the British Isles has the same reputation. Although there were no snakes in Ireland, the Irish Celts knew about them. The Druids were known in Wales as Nadredd. The Druids also carried an amulet called gloine nathair (Serpent Glass); which was supposed to be formed from the eggs of an adder.

Badger (Breach):

This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. In the Welsh tale of Pwyll’s courting of Rhiannon, a badger is mentioned as a guide during dreaming. The badger will teach you to fight for your rites and defend your spiritual ideas.

Bat:

Associated with the underworld or Awwyn, as the bats radar guides it through the night avoiding obstacles and barriers, so it can teach you to do the same.

Bear (Arth):

Although the bear was native to the Isles, it is now extinct there. The word Arth, means bear, which is the root word for the name Arthur. The bear was noted for its strength and stamina. It is said to help give you balance in life and the strength to do what is necessary.

Bee (Beach):

The bee is revered as industrious, single minded when performing a task, and fearless when defending its home.

Blackbird (Druid-dhubh, Lon Duhb):

Legends say that the birds of Rhiannan are three blackbirds, which sit and sing in the World Tree of the Otherworlds. Their singing puts the listener into a sleep or a trance which enables him/her to travel to the Otherworld. It was said to impart mystic secrets.

Boar (Bacrie):

Important in the arts and myths of the Celtic people, the boar was known for its cunning and ferocious nature. A famous legendary boar was Orc Triath, which the goddess Brigit owned. In the Arthurian tales of the Mabinogion the boar Twrch Trwyth was a terrible foe to Arthur. The White Boar of Marvan sent inspiration to its master to write music and poetry.

Bull (Tarbh):

A common animal figure in Celtic mythology, the bull symbolises strength and potency. Certain divination rituals required the sacrifice of a white bull. In the tale of the Tain Bo Cuailgne (Cattle raid of Cooley), two special bulls are coveted by two rulers. The Tar-roo-Ushtey (Water bull) is said to haunt the Isle of Man.

Butterfly:

In many cultures the butterfly is thought to be the souls of the dead and keepers of power. There is said to be no negative energies experienced in any Otherworld area when there is the presence of butterflies. It is said that they will help you to view matters with greater clarity.

Cat (Caoit, Cat):

Many of the Celtic legends picture the cat as a ferocious, evil creature, but that may have been because cats at that time were untamed. In Ireland Finn mac Cumhail was said to have fought a clan of “cat-headed” people. The cat is a strong protector, especially when placed in confrontation.

Cock:

In several Celtic legends the cock chases away ghosts and unwanted spirits by his crowing at dawn. It represents the power of the word to dispel negativity.

Cow (Bo):

Once so important to the Celts it was used as a form of currency or monetary exchange. Ancient Irish lords were known as bo-aire or cow-lord. The cow was sacred to the goddess Brigit. The cow symbolises contentedness, defending the inner child, and providing for daily needs.

Crane:

At one time the crane was a common animal in the British Isles. One later Celtic tradition, apparently originated after the arrival of Christianity, is that cranes are people who are paying a penance for some wrong doing. The crane is associated with the Cailleach and Manannan Mac Lir, who made his crane bag from its skin. The crane with its colours of black, white, and red, was a moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magick, shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths is said to be taught by the crane.

Crow (Badb):

This animal is to be treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of conflict and death, an ill-omen associated with such Goddess as Macha, Badb, and Morrigan. The Irish word for crow is badb, which is also the name of a Celtic war Goddess. Although the crow was ill-omened, it was also considered to be skilful, cunning, and a bringer of knowledge. It teaches you to learn from the past, but not to hold onto it. It is of most value when trickery is in need.

Deer (Abhach) or Stag (Sailetheach):

In its form of the white doe or white stag, the deer was often a messenger and guide from the Otherworld. Following such an animal led the unsuspecting human into contact with supernatural beings. The antlered headdress of Cernunnos is a symbol of the stags stature. The deer represents keen scent, grace, swiftness, and gentleness. These are the ways of reaching our goals without using force.

Dog (Abach, Mada) or Hound (Cu):

Devoted hounds are often mentioned in Celtic myth, such as Bran and Sceolan which belonged to Finn mac Cumhail. Underworld hounds, such as the Welsh Cwn Annwn belonged to Arawn, are always white with red ears. The Underworld Hounds run down and punish the guilty. Dogs represent tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail, and companionship.

Dolphin:

This creature was associated with the sea deities. It deals with dreams and harmony, and recognising and balancing the rhythms of your body with those of nature.

Dragon (Piastras, payshtha, Horn):

The dragon in Celtic-British mythology has more varieties than the standard legged form; it is sometimes represented as a water serpent or worm-shaped beast. There are many references to serpents or dragons in Celtic myth. On many occasions the Fianna fought huge dragons in lakes. Most cultures consider the dragon a benevolent dweller of caves, lakes, and the inner Earth. It was an ancient symbol of wealth. The dragon symbolises the power of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind.

Eagle (Lolair):

A bird noted for wisdom and long life in Celtic stories. The eagle represents swiftness, strength, keen sight, and the knowledge of magick. It helps you to see hidden spiritual truths.

Eel (As-chu):

One of many stories in which the eel is mentioned is the story of the swineherds who battled through a variety of shape-shifting forms. In their final forms as eels, the swineherds were swallowed by cows who later gave birth to magickal bulls. Cu Chulainn’s spear Gae-Bolga got its name from the eel. The eel symbolises adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defence.

Fox (Mada Rua):

In Taliesin’s Song of His Origins, the Bard says he assumed the shape of a satirising fox, a reference to the cunning, slyness, and ability of the fox to make fools out of those who chase it. The ability to watch the motivations and movements of others while remaining unobserved is the skill which we may learn from the fox.

Frog:

In many cultures the frog is a symbol of magick. It can teach you to leap swiftly from one level of consciousness to another, from this world to the Otherworld. The frog can also help you find the courage to accept new ideas, nurture yourself, and find connections between ideas.

Hare or Rabbit (Coinin):

An animal sacred to the Goddess Andraste in particular. Its movements were sometimes used for divination; Boudicia used a hare this way just before her last battle with the Romans. It is associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages.

Hawk (Aracos):

Celtic oral tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with other birds, the hawk is a messenger between the Otherworld and this world. However, it is of greater skill and strength than other birds. It symbolises clear sightedness and longevity of the memory. If you hear a hawk cry during a journey, be alert to upcoming situations that need boldness and decisiveness to keep from being thrown off balance.

Horse (Cab-all, Capall):

A popular animal of the Celts. Sacred to the Goddesses Epona and Rhiannon. The horse was considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld. It symbolises stamina, endurance, and faithfulness.

Lizard:

The lizard symbolises the shadowy plane of manifestation where events are constantly changing shapes and patterns. If you see a lizard on a journey, be alert to all below the surface activities going on around you.

Lynx:

This creature is considered the keeper of deep secrets and hidden knowledge. It can help with divinatory skills and the development of psychic senses. Sometimes it symbolises the need to look deeper within yourself to see that which is often hidden.

Magpie:

This bird is said to deal with omens and prophecies, as well as the mysteries of life and death.

Mouse (Luch):

The mouse is often mentioned in Celtic folklore. In a Welsh story with Manawydan and Pryderi, a mouse is portrayed as the shape shifted wife of the magician Llwyd. The mouse represents secrets, cunning, shyness, and the ability to hide in times of danger.

Otter (Balgair):

These animals were considered very magickal by the Celts. Otters were said to appear and help during the voyages of Maelduine, Brendan, and others. The otter is a strong protector who helps with gaining wisdom, finding inner talents, faithfulness, and the ability to recover from any crisis.

Owl (Caillech):

These birds were most often associated with the Crone aspects of the Goddess. The word “cailleach” in the Scottish Gaelic means “owl.” The owl is often a guide to and through the Underworld, a creature of keen sight in darkness, and a silent and swift hunter. It can help unmask those who would deceive you or take advantage of you.

Pig (Muc):

A swine was considered to be the magickal, sacred food of the Tuatha De Dannan and an animal of Manannan mac Lir. In the Mabinogion Pwyll received a gift of pigs from the underworld God, Awrawn. Their later theft by Gwydion caused the death of Pwyll’s son Pryderi. The writings of Merlin say that he spoke with a little pig in visions. Symbolic of the spiritual food necessary to the Druids who were said to be swine herders.

Rat (Francach):

Rats are not mentioned in a favourable light in Celtic folklore, but they have their place. Rats are sly, sometimes aggressive, creatures who can track down whatever they seek, defending themselves ferociously.

Raven (Bran):

Take care when dealing with this bird. An important animal of the Celts. In Ireland the raven was associated with the battlefields and such Goddesses as Morrigu or the later Welsh Morrigan, just as the crow. The bird was connected with Bran the Blessed. In Welsh, bran means, “raven.” Although its reputation is dubious, it is an oracular bird. It often represents the upsets and crisis of life that are necessary for new creation.

Salmon (Brionnfhionn):

A very wise, magickal creature in Celtic lore. A salmon of great knowledge is said to swim in the Well of Segais, eating the mystical hazelnuts that fall into the well. When the Irish hero Finn mac Cumhail burned his thumb on a salmon and then put the thumb in his mouth, he gained shamanic knowledge. The salmon teaches how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and how to put it to practical use.

Sow (Airc):

The Goddess Cerridwen was known as the White Sow. The sow was considered a very powerful creature in the Underworld. As a creature of Cerridwen, it was associated with the Sacred Cauldron and the granting of inspiration; also a creature of death and rebirth.

Squirrel:

This creature is always preparing for the future; it is said to have shown the druid how to do this in a practical way. Sometimes its appearance heralds changes, even adversities. Plan ahead so that you may always be prepared.

Swan (Eala):

A mystical bird who finds its way into several Celtic stories. Its feathers were often used in the ritual cloak of the Bards. Swans are connected with music and song. Swans also help with the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.

Turtle:

The turtle is a slow moving, methodical creature, carrying its protection constantly with it. It is said to teach the druid to be grounded, how to stay in tune with Earth energies, the wisdom of flowing with the cycles of life, and to be gentle with the body’s needs.

Unicorn:

This mythical Celtic creature had the body of a white horse, the legs of an antelope, tail of a lion; and a single horn on its head. It is the symbol of supreme magickal power. It teaches that every action is creation, so make every day count.

Wolf:

The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out thinking hunters. It can teach you how to read the signs of nature in everything, how to pass danger invisibly, how to outwit those who would wish you harm, and how to fight when needed.

Wren (Dryw, Dreoilin):

A sacred bird to the Druids specifically, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.

Source: Father Oak

https://shirleytwofeathers.com/The_Blog/powers-that-be/celtic-and-druid-spirit-animals/

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Celtic and Druid Spirit Animals

By shirleytwofeathers

Below are listed some of the animals denoted by Celtic Shamanism and Druidism along with their spiritual denotation:

Adder, Snake (Nadredd):

The snake has long been associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Poisonous adder of the British Isles has the same reputation. Although there were no snakes in Ireland, the Irish Celts knew about them. The Druids were known in Wales as Nadredd. The Druids also carried an amulet called gloine nathair (Serpent Glass); which was supposed to be formed from the eggs of an adder.

Badger (Breach):

This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. In the Welsh tale of Pwyll’s courting of Rhiannon, a badger is mentioned as a guide during dreaming. The badger will teach you to fight for your rites and defend your spiritual ideas.

Bat:

Associated with the underworld or Awwyn, as the bats radar guides it through the night avoiding obstacles and barriers, so it can teach you to do the same.

Bear (Arth):

Although the bear was native to the Isles, it is now extinct there. The word Arth, means bear, which is the root word for the name Arthur. The bear was noted for its strength and stamina. It is said to help give you balance in life and the strength to do what is necessary.

Bee (Beach):

The bee is revered as industrious, single minded when performing a task, and fearless when defending its home.

Blackbird (Druid-dhubh, Lon Duhb):

Legends say that the birds of Rhiannan are three blackbirds, which sit and sing in the World Tree of the Otherworlds. Their singing puts the listener into a sleep or a trance which enables him/her to travel to the Otherworld. It was said to impart mystic secrets.

Boar (Bacrie):

Important in the arts and myths of the Celtic people, the boar was known for its cunning and ferocious nature. A famous legendary boar was Orc Triath, which the goddess Brigit owned. In the Arthurian tales of the Mabinogion the boar Twrch Trwyth was a terrible foe to Arthur. The White Boar of Marvan sent inspiration to its master to write music and poetry.

Bull (Tarbh):

A common animal figure in Celtic mythology, the bull symbolises strength and potency. Certain divination rituals required the sacrifice of a white bull. In the tale of the Tain Bo Cuailgne (Cattle raid of Cooley), two special bulls are coveted by two rulers. The Tar-roo-Ushtey (Water bull) is said to haunt the Isle of Man.

Butterfly:

In many cultures the butterfly is thought to be the souls of the dead and keepers of power. There is said to be no negative energies experienced in any Otherworld area when there is the presence of butterflies. It is said that they will help you to view matters with greater clarity.

Cat (Caoit, Cat):

Many of the Celtic legends picture the cat as a ferocious, evil creature, but that may have been because cats at that time were untamed. In Ireland Finn mac Cumhail was said to have fought a clan of “cat-headed” people. The cat is a strong protector, especially when placed in confrontation.

Cock:

In several Celtic legends the cock chases away ghosts and unwanted spirits by his crowing at dawn. It represents the power of the word to dispel negativity.

Cow (Bo):

Once so important to the Celts it was used as a form of currency or monetary exchange. Ancient Irish lords were known as bo-aire or cow-lord. The cow was sacred to the goddess Brigit. The cow symbolises contentedness, defending the inner child, and providing for daily needs.

Crane:

At one time the crane was a common animal in the British Isles. One later Celtic tradition, apparently originated after the arrival of Christianity, is that cranes are people who are paying a penance for some wrong doing. The crane is associated with the Cailleach and Manannan Mac Lir, who made his crane bag from its skin. The crane with its colours of black, white, and red, was a moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magick, shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths is said to be taught by the crane.

Crow (Badb):

This animal is to be treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of conflict and death, an ill-omen associated with such Goddess as Macha, Badb, and Morrigan. The Irish word for crow is badb, which is also the name of a Celtic war Goddess. Although the crow was ill-omened, it was also considered to be skilful, cunning, and a bringer of knowledge. It teaches you to learn from the past, but not to hold onto it. It is of most value when trickery is in need.

Deer (Abhach) or Stag (Sailetheach):

In its form of the white doe or white stag, the deer was often a messenger and guide from the Otherworld. Following such an animal led the unsuspecting human into contact with supernatural beings. The antlered headdress of Cernunnos is a symbol of the stags stature. The deer represents keen scent, grace, swiftness, and gentleness. These are the ways of reaching our goals without using force.

Dog (Abach, Mada) or Hound (Cu):

Devoted hounds are often mentioned in Celtic myth, such as Bran and Sceolan which belonged to Finn mac Cumhail. Underworld hounds, such as the Welsh Cwn Annwn belonged to Arawn, are always white with red ears. The Underworld Hounds run down and punish the guilty. Dogs represent tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail, and companionship.

Dolphin:

This creature was associated with the sea deities. It deals with dreams and harmony, and recognising and balancing the rhythms of your body with those of nature.

Dragon (Piastras, payshtha, Horn):

The dragon in Celtic-British mythology has more varieties than the standard legged form; it is sometimes represented as a water serpent or worm-shaped beast. There are many references to serpents or dragons in Celtic myth. On many occasions the Fianna fought huge dragons in lakes. Most cultures consider the dragon a benevolent dweller of caves, lakes, and the inner Earth. It was an ancient symbol of wealth. The dragon symbolises the power of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind.

Eagle (Lolair):

A bird noted for wisdom and long life in Celtic stories. The eagle represents swiftness, strength, keen sight, and the knowledge of magick. It helps you to see hidden spiritual truths.

Eel (As-chu):

One of many stories in which the eel is mentioned is the story of the swineherds who battled through a variety of shape-shifting forms. In their final forms as eels, the swineherds were swallowed by cows who later gave birth to magickal bulls. Cu Chulainn’s spear Gae-Bolga got its name from the eel. The eel symbolises adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defence.

Fox (Mada Rua):

In Taliesin’s Song of His Origins, the Bard says he assumed the shape of a satirising fox, a reference to the cunning, slyness, and ability of the fox to make fools out of those who chase it. The ability to watch the motivations and movements of others while remaining unobserved is the skill which we may learn from the fox.

Frog:

In many cultures the frog is a symbol of magick. It can teach you to leap swiftly from one level of consciousness to another, from this world to the Otherworld. The frog can also help you find the courage to accept new ideas, nurture yourself, and find connections between ideas.

Hare or Rabbit (Coinin):

An animal sacred to the Goddess Andraste in particular. Its movements were sometimes used for divination; Boudicia used a hare this way just before her last battle with the Romans. It is associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages.

Hawk (Aracos):

Celtic oral tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with other birds, the hawk is a messenger between the Otherworld and this world. However, it is of greater skill and strength than other birds. It symbolises clear sightedness and longevity of the memory. If you hear a hawk cry during a journey, be alert to upcoming situations that need boldness and decisiveness to keep from being thrown off balance.

Horse (Cab-all, Capall):

A popular animal of the Celts. Sacred to the Goddesses Epona and Rhiannon. The horse was considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld. It symbolises stamina, endurance, and faithfulness.

Lizard:

The lizard symbolises the shadowy plane of manifestation where events are constantly changing shapes and patterns. If you see a lizard on a journey, be alert to all below the surface activities going on around you.

Lynx:

This creature is considered the keeper of deep secrets and hidden knowledge. It can help with divinatory skills and the development of psychic senses. Sometimes it symbolizes the need to look deeper within yourself to see that which is often hidden.

Magpie:

This bird is said to deal with omens and prophecies, as well as the mysteries of life and death.

Mouse (Luch):

The mouse is often mentioned in Celtic folklore. In a Welsh story with Manawydan and Pryderi, a mouse is portrayed as the shape shifted wife of the magician Llwyd. The mouse represents secrets, cunning, shyness, and the ability to hide in times of danger.

Otter (Balgair):

These animals were considered very magickal by the Celts. Otters were said to appear and help during the voyages of Maelduine, Brendan, and others. The otter is a strong protector who helps with gaining wisdom, finding inner talents, faithfulness, and the ability to recover from any crisis.

Owl (Caillech):

These birds were most often associated with the Crone aspects of the Goddess. The word “cailleach” in the Scottish Gaelic means “owl.” The owl is often a guide to and through the Underworld, a creature of keen sight in darkness, and a silent and swift hunter. It can help unmask those who would deceive you or take advantage of you.

Pig (Muc):

A swine was considered to be the magickal, sacred food of the Tuatha De Dannan and an animal of Manannan mac Lir. In the Mabinogion Pwyll received a gift of pigs from the underworld God, Awrawn. Their later theft by Gwydion caused the death of Pwyll’s son Pryderi. The writings of Merlin say that he spoke with a little pig in visions. Symbolic of the spiritual food necessary to the Druids who were said to be swine herders.

Rat (Francach):

Rats are not mentioned in a favourable light in Celtic folklore, but they have their place. Rats are sly, sometimes aggressive, creatures who can track down whatever they seek, defending themselves ferociously.

Raven (Bran):

Take care when dealing with this bird. An important animal of the Celts. In Ireland the raven was associated with the battlefields and such Goddesses as Morrigu or the later Welsh Morrigan, just as the crow. The bird was connected with Bran the Blessed. In Welsh, bran means, “raven.” Although its reputation is dubious, it is an oracular bird. It often represents the upsets and crisis of life that are necessary for new creation.

Salmon (Brionnfhionn):

A very wise, magickal creature in Celtic lore. A salmon of great knowledge is said to swim in the Well of Segais, eating the mystical hazelnuts that fall into the well. When the Irish hero Finn mac Cumhail burned his thumb on a salmon and then put the thumb in his mouth, he gained shamanic knowledge. The salmon teaches how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and how to put it to practical use.

Sow (Airc):

The Goddess Cerridwen was known as the White Sow. The sow was considered a very powerful creature in the Underworld. As a creature of Cerridwen, it was associated with the Sacred Cauldron and the granting of inspiration; also a creature of death and rebirth.

Squirrel:

This creature is always preparing for the future; it is said to have shown the druid how to do this in a practical way. Sometimes its appearance heralds changes, even adversities. Plan ahead so that you may always be prepared.

Swan (Eala):

A mystical bird who finds its way into several Celtic stories. Its feathers were often used in the ritual cloak of the Bards. Swans are connected with music and song. Swans also help with the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.

Turtle:

The turtle is a slow moving, methodical creature, carrying its protection constantly with it. It is said to teach the druid to be grounded, how to stay in tune with Earth energies, the wisdom of flowing with the cycles of life, and to be gentle with the body’s needs.

Unicorn:

This mythical Celtic creature had the body of a white horse, the legs of an antelope, tail of a lion; and a single horn on its head. It is the symbol of supreme magickal power. It teaches that every action is creation, so make every day count.

Wolf:

The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out thinking hunters. It can teach you how to read the signs of nature in everything, how to pass danger invisibly, how to outwit those who would wish you harm, and how to fight when needed.

Wren (Dryw, Dreoilin):

A sacred bird to the Druids specifically, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.

Source: Father Oak

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