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yyawnjun · 10 months ago

Text

BUTTONS

seventeen!95'lines × reader (separately)

summary: according to an ancient story, the greatest way to confess to the girl you love is to give her the top button of your uniform. Knowing thus tradition, here's how I think S.coups, Jeonghan and Joshua would confess their love.

comments, like and reblogs are always greatly appreciated. I hope y'all will like it ♡

high school romance ; fluff!! ; 2.6k wc ; I am so weak for them 😭 ; @kflixnet ; pt2

thank u so much to my fav girl @sobun1est for proofreading this (she deserves the world AND a confession by S.coups asap !!)

CHOI SEUNGCHEOL [ 최승철 ]

Choi Seungcheol. The school slacker. The first time you heard his name was when the science teacher begged you to help him with his finals. He needed help in all scientific subjects, such as math, physics, bio, and chemistry… but from what was said, he was considered hopeless. The first time you met him, he was wearing a pajama - because he refused to “be like the others” wearing the uniform - and kept chewing gum while listening to music while you were trying your best to help him with his math homework.

From that very first moment, you understood why everyone thought he was considered a desperate case. In the first week, he did not listen to you at all, not even glancing at you, he had arrived late and left after less than an hour.

Over time he started to look at you and listen to you. He started to admire your patience, your passion, your focused look as you wrote, your clear voice as you explained, your optimism, and your kind heart...

At the same time, you also started to become attached to him when he first showed the will to improve his situation. Indeed after a week, he bought his first pencil, after two weeks he bought a schoolbag, and after a month he even had a collector with all of the subjects - it was quite well organized at the end of the third month.

His appearance improved during those months: his eyes appeared less tired, his hair wasn't greasy anymore, and he even wore half of the uniform.

On Monday, the results of the final exams had just arrived. It was 9 a.m. - still very early, as they would not display the result posters until 11 a.m. - when your science teacher called you with Seungcheol.

You both came out of your respective classes and as soon as you arrived in front of the teacher, she almost started tearing up with happiness at the news she wanted to announce to you. S.coups, as you had learned to call him by now, had passed all his exams. These were the exact words spoken to you by the professor. She almost jumped up and hugged you, but you were more focused on the proud smile that adorned your friend's face. Indeed by now, you were friends.

After hearing the news, to celebrate you opted to go for a bite to eat at the café near the school after class. That café where you first met when it all started is now filled with your happy chatter.

Having the time to be with him for more hours on that day, you were able to notice so many other details of the new S.coups. He had a rested face, a lot of energy in his speech, brighter eyes, and even an almost complete uniform - he had promised you that he would wear it perfectly only on the last day of school. After some time, he also managed to thank you from the bottom of his heart, and you to gain more confidence in your teaching abilities.

So, the last day of school had arrived, the last goodbyes, hugs, chats, and farewells before the end. But on that very full day, you had by no means forgotten your promise.

In fact, after saying goodbye to your friends, you moved to look for the boy. Thirty minutes had now passed, but nothing. You were about to give un helieving that you had overemphasized what had been between you. You turned to leave until a deep, masculine voice came to your ears that you now knew very well from hearing him repeat all the rules possible and imaginable.

You turned and saw him in all his glory. The sun was shining on his face, and his hair styled with was barely moving in the wind. His eyes were smiling, and he was still shouting your name to indicate his location. Only when he was closer, did you notice that he was wearing his uniform.

His eyes and chest were filled with pride, his smile was proud, and his happiness was more alive than ever. After a quick hug, he pointed out his uniform to you - emphasizing how uncomfortable it was and how much he had done it for you. With dreamy eyes, you stared into his eyes, and he accepted the challenge. Time and space around you appeared still, it was only you and him. But shortly, your eye was drawn to a detail in his clothing. A button was missing from his clothing, the first one from the top, and it was clear that it had been detached.

He noticed the movement of your gaze and your puzzlement. But before you could say anything, he had put the missing button in front of your face. As if to prevent you from doubting him and his promises to you.

"I read that giving the first button of one's uniform to the loved girl is a way of confession," he told you.

"Oh, your romantic side," and before you could ask him any more questions, he shushed you for the second time - like he used to do proudly when he explained the lesson he had learned because of you.

"Here, this is for you," he said handing you the button. In the end, he kept his promise: he was in his perfect (uni)form, wearing his school uniform and demonstrating his love to you.

YOON JEONGHAN [ 윤정한 ]

Yoon Jeonghan was taller than you, his eyes were brown as hazelnut and his hair black as ebony, his skin was flawless and his smile was always feeble. Although his sneaky character did not match his angel and kind appearance. From the teacher’s point of view, he was the perfect, smart, and angelic student. To everyone, he was the popular, handsome, and cocky boy. To you, he was something more.

You two had many classes together during high school, and you managed to learn more about him. Even if you did not speak much to him, you caught another side of him. Behind his angel appearance and presumptuous acting was a gentle boy. That gentle boy that made you lose your mind for him. You noticed once how he helped a guy who was being bullied or another time when he stayed until 11 pm in the library to help a girl with her math homework.

So time passed and he quickly became your crush, someone you would always look at and admire from afar. You can’t say that he did not like attention, because he did. But he liked them only when they focused on the things he wanted - like his appearance, his carelessness, his intelligence. He did not want to expose too much of his kind side and you always wondered why, and the more you knew about him the more you started to like him.

One-side love, mh? That was what you kept reminding yourself while observing him from afar. Many gorgeous girls and boys liked him openly, but he always ended up rejecting them; so you chose to stay silent and watch him from afar.

On one hand, it was nice to have someone to romanticize, someone to think about before bed, or when you needed to cheer up. But immediately after that comfortable feeling, a melancholy one showed up. But it's the one-sided love, isn't it?

So the years passed, you changed, and your crush on him got stronger. Until the last days before the end of high school. When you found yourself, on the last Monday in high school, on a fresh summer night - instead of studying - focusing on the choice of the words for the anonymous letter you would have given to him tomorrow.

He did not want to expose too much of his kind side and you always wondered why, and the more you knew about him the more you started to like him.You closed it at 10 am before putting it in his lock. As soon as you did, a huge weight lifted from your consciousness, making room for another.

He had seen you secretly place something in his locker. Because after you put the letter Jeonghan saw you, YN.

Yn, the one who won his heart since his freshman year of high school. The one who had been on his mind for years, and as much as he didn't want it, the heart decided on its own. He instinctively came closer to see what it was, but you quickly moved away. After a week, you went from wanting to confess to wanting to die to hide your feelings for him.

Your week was no different from his. Until Friday, the last day of school. Your heart lightened when all the exams - and the high school years with them - were over. The day was going beautifully, and you had stopped one last time to look at your - now ex-school. The others had slowly left, it was late afternoon, and you would have to go soon too. So many memories mixed with laughter and tears, so many regrets mixed with victories and disappointments.

Lost in your thoughts, you did not notice that he reached you. You were startled when someone patted your shoulder. He had arrived in silence, and without speaking he made so much noise in your heart that it started beating wildly. You looked at him awkwardly... since the day he saw you put the love letter into his locker, you had only given each other fleeting glances.

He kept not saying a word and looked down at his uniform. The sound of the button being detached from the uniform was the first sound you had heard since his arrival. Still, in disbelief, you didn't move. He took your hand and placed the button in it.

He smiled at you, with the faint smile of him - the one that you loved so intensely - with those hazel eyes that had drawn you, he patted your head, and without saying anything he turned to leave. Was this perhaps his way of confessing… Wait, was he confessing?

Your surprised look was replaced by a huge smile, and your heart kept beating rapidly - but not anymore only for the love tension, now even for the exhaustion of running as you chased him, demanding answers, confessions, and maybe something more...

HONG JISOO [ 홍지수 ]

Everyone knew who Hong Jisoo was. Everyone called him Joshua, and he was known as one of the nicest and kindest boys at school. However, he was so kind that people easily took advantage of him. Starting with occasional help with English homework, solving math problems, and planning for free private lessons several times per week.

Initially, he was happy that he could help everyone and was flattered when girls came to him with long letters that showed to be a mix of a confession of love and thanks for the school's help.

However, the more he gave of himself to others, the less of himself left. Joshua was gradually wearing himself out. He was so focused on others that he had forgotten about himself.

He thought about this for the first time as he left for school, with music in his ears as he finished tying up his uniform. Just as he was about to do so, he realized it was missing again the top button. The one that was meant to be given to the girl he loved. Instead, someone stole it for him when he had left his uniform in class for PE class.

It was the third time that week, but he had gradually accepted it because he didn't know who was responsible. He kept reminding himself that school would be over in a week. He could bear with it, right? So he arrived at school, greeted everyone with his usual cheerful smile, and sat down. Resigned that he would be without a button for one more day.

Or so he thought. In his underbench was a rosy cloth tissue, with a brand-new button inside and a small note saying: Take care of yourself.

The gesture made him smile immensely and soothed his troubled soul. Who on earth could it have been? Who on earth could have noticed what had happened to him?

And as his curiosity increased, so did your beats as you watched him bask in the happiness of having found your gift for him. Indeed, you had long noticed how much he was a victim of others' exploitation.

And once, after you had asked him who his love was - referring to the missing button - he had told you that someone had even taken the button off his uniform.

Since then you began to feel closer to that boy, who appeared perfect and cheerful from a distance. And you had decided to help him secretly and from a distance. And you realized that was great; seeing him happy after finding the button had already brightened your day.

The day had gone by swiftly, and you had exchanged a few words with him as usual. He had been gentle as always and proudly wore the button given to him.

The daily hour of PE arrived, and for the fourth time, his button was stolen.

This time it hurt him a bit more because it was a gift; you could see a blank expression on his face, a dull grin, and a suppressed anger with clenched teeth. That day he returned home earlier than everyone.

But the next day - the last day of school - you put for the second time a button on a pink tissue for him. “I am on your side; take care of yourself!” That was the new note you'd left on his desk.

As soon as he saw it, he hurried back to the school tailor's class and sewed it tightly to his uniform with a needle and thread.

Because it was the last day of school, you were both happy with the end of the tests, and your day went well until the last hour. You did not do PE, so you stayed in class and napped on your desk.

You did it to rest but also tried to catch the button thief in the act. It had been a few minutes since you heard the classroom door open and saw who had come. You quickly took a picture, scaring the thief away, but the robbery had already happened, and the button was missing again. Anger welled up in your veins after Joshua's button was stolen for the umpteenth time.

Without thinking about it, you pulled off the first button on your uniform, and with the sewing kit you always carried with you, you put it on his uniform.

Just in time for when your classmates returned to class.

You knew it was a button from the girl's uniform, but you hoped that he would not pay too much attention to it. And so it seemed, for he had said nothing and had only put his uniform back on.

So high school had ended, and you were heading home free of stress and negative feelings. When you heard someone call out your name.

You stopped and turned around; it was Joshua. He was running toward you waving his hand. "There's something I want to give you." He told you as he caught his breath after catching up with you.

"I think you know the legend of the button given to the loved one - and you nodded as your heart rate grew, was this what you thought was going on? - Here. Here it is the button as an act of my love and gratitude for your kindness, which quietly brightened my day."

With that said, he approached your face and very carefully began stitching up the missing button on your uniform with one of his own.

On a pleasant summer day, you two confessed your love with a button exchange, hand in hand, and excitement in your heart.

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mourningsbane · 4 months ago

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Okay this blog and the story has been circulating slowly in my head for days now and I feel like tossing out a theory because I never theorize but here I am

So. Tanglefern’s greatest mistake. I believe that he may have poisoned Honeyspring in some way. If not a direct poisoning, he was at the very least aware of and partially involved in Honeyspring’s rapid death. But I also think he was not aware she was pregnant. I do not know if the kits were not quite right because they were too early in development, some kind of curse stuff, or because of the poison/illness. Either way, it seems Tanglefern wished them no ill will due to the intense despair he felt when the crude surgery (is it surgery if on a corpse?) failed. Another note; I’m not fully sure Tanglefern meant for/wanted them to die. ‘There’s nothing more I can do for you’. And it seems very heavily implied that Rootstar ordered the c-section, which is where the ‘no respect for the dead!’ Line comes in from Bearface. Along with this, I’m like 99% sure Honeyspring and Flaildrizzle were in a romantic relationship and were planning to raise those kits together. Honeyspring looked so soft in her dream, maybe they were trying to look less spooky as to not scare Flaildrizzle?

I do not believe Honeyspring is ‘evil’. She is scared and oh so alone, and is lashing out because of it. She just wants help, as I believe that is what the messed up mouse is huffing at Tanglefern, and potentially Sweetkit too. Tanglefern even wonders why StarClan won’t take them, implying that in life she never did anything evil enough to warrant going to kitty cat hell. At least, not that Tanglefern would know. And, seeing how their mere presence is warping the prey, I think she could have killed Sweetkit if she wanted, but they didn’t.

A very out-there theory is that Honeyspring may have been kept from StarClan because of the rage fuelling the end of her life (towards Tanglefern?). In my opinion, she seems aware that her death wasn’t natural. Their first headshot reference says ‘I will never forgive you’ which I believe is specifically aimed at whoever orchestrated or at least played a part in her death. Her second reference says kind with a question mark in brackets, which means they were at the very least kind in life. Not being able to communicate with anyone, those who see her being terrified, not being allowed into StarClan, they must all tear at their mind and likely their overall stability. I honestly don’t think she’s as malicious as we seem to be getting led to believe.

This may also be me grasping at straws but with the ‘there’s something underneath the ground�� and the description of her disease-reeking blood seeping into the dirt floor I wonder if that’s something. Definitely not I’m reaching but meh it’s fun.

Finally, I’m not fully sure that, whatever Tanglefern’s involvement was, he intended for them to die. ‘Distantly, some raw part of him, carbed open like the body before him, realized it was all for nothing’ now while it’s likely this is just in reference to the c-section, I feel this could also be the fact Honeyspring died and may not have been meant to. There was some kind of plan, I’m just not sure what it was’

Basically a summary I believe Tanglefern had an influence in Honeyspring’s sudden demise but was not aware of the kits, Bearface was NOT happy about the c-section, Flaildrizzle and Honeyspring were a couple and going to raise those kits, Honeyspring wasn’t evil in life but is now losing stability due to being so isolated, and Tanglefern may not have intended Honeyspring to die. I may be super off I am not good at theories and it is very late. But hey. All in good fun.

Anyways giving Honeyspring a big hug I love them and she is spinning around in my brain like a rotisserie chicken 24/7

also omg sorry this got so long i got lowkey rambly here but my brain is going whir because oh my god this is so cool-

Worry not, I do not mind receiving long post! I, too, tend to get rambly when talking about things, so I certainly don't blame you. Plus, I love reading theories! It gives me insight into what people think, and I don't want any lore elements to feel like they came out of nowhere! <3

As for your theories, you are very close! Tanglefern gave Honeyspring Mourningsbane instead of Clottingroot when treating the injury on her hind leg.

Honeyspring and Flaildrizzle were mates, and you're right that Honeyspring tried to look "softer". The time is soon, and Honeyspring didn't want to startle her. Honeyspring is weak and intangible at the moment, but not for long. And you're on the right track with her "disease-reeking blood seeping into the dirt floor"; her rotting body taints the very soil.

I agree that Honeyspring is not a villain in the stereotypical sense! She was very well-liked in life, and had a lot going for her! I would say that she's both a victim and a perpetrator.

#thank you for the ask!#lutumclan #clangen #clan generator #warrior cats clangen #ask #tanglefern #bearface #sweetkit #flaildrizzle #rootstar #lutumlore #lutum theories

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katerinaaqu · 15 days ago

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greetings!

kindly requesting some background info and perhaps some linguistic breakdowns on the compound names & epithets of the greek gods.

So far ive come across a fair few (like areia and kronides for aphrodite and zeus respectively) and wondered if theyre tied to certain myths, are markers of where the god is in theogony, or are as simple as greek honorifics.

tysm and have a wonderful day :D

Hello hello!

Oh my this is an amazing question but also so damn extensive! Hahaha because there are countless epithets given to the gods depending on their cult and worship, their attributes or relations even their appearance at times (ex. Κυανοχαίτης Ποσειδών aka "dark/blue haired Poseidon", or Γλαυκόφθαλμη Αθηνά aka "Athena with the blue/gray/bright eyes" or "eyes like an owl")! Only Zeus has a bunch of them! Much more the others! However I will try my best to scrap the surface of their names and epithets here.

For starters the gods, just like the humans in poems and such, bear the names of their heritage or parenthood. So, just like we have let's say Ατρείδης Αγαμέμνων (Atreides Agamemnon) aka "Agamemnon son of Atreus", we have also Κρονίδης Ζευς Kroneides Zeus "Zeus, son of Cronos" [Since whenever you see the ending -ίδης (-ides) at the end of a name means "son of" ]

They also might have an epithet depending on the area they are being worshipped or linked to their birth or residing, for example Κυπρία Cyprian, an epithet of Aphrodite to indicate her birthplace in Cyprus or even Κυθέρεια "From Kythera" for her other elleged birthplace, Kythera.

Gods also bear as epithets names that are linked to the lands they have their temples or sanctuaries in for example Ολύμπιος/α (Olymbios/a)= Of Olympus, Olympic, Πελάσγιος (Pelasgios) [Zeus]= Of the Pelasgic tribe, etc or Delphic (the one in Delphi) etc.

There are so many so I am not sure if I can touch them all but I will sure try! I am sorry if this message is long.

Zeus:

Zeus's name is ancient. In fact it is being rescued from the very first confirmed greek scripture, Linear B as di-wo among others. His worship is indeed linked to the ancient times. Etymologically his name is linked to meanings such as "divine" or "heavenly" among others very freely though given that the actual etymology is rather obscure and Zeus is one of the greatest examples we have in etoimology. I believe comes from an ancient root which means "to shine" According to Burket n Greek religion.

Zeus has a plethora of epithets and some of them have to do with his attributes and links to the sky and weather Όμβριος (Ombrios)= of the rain, Αφέσιος (Afesios)= the one who releases (rain or other weather phenomena), Σκοτίας (Skotias)= the darkening, the one who brings darkness (associated with rain and clouds), Κεραύνιος (Keravnios)= the one of the Thunder, Αστραπέος (Astrapeos)= the one of the Lightning, Κατεβάτης (Katevatis)= the descending one (from the verb "κατεβ��ίνω" in modern greek which means "to descend" or "to come down"), Κόνιος (Konios)= the one of the dust, Ικμαίος (Ikmeos)= of the moisture, Ευήνεμος (Evinemos)= of the good winds, Νεφεληγερέτης (Nepheligeretis)= Cloud-gatherer (Homeric epithet from greek νεφέλη=cloud and verb αγείρω= to raise or to gather) etc.

Other epitheds include his role among the gods such as: Βασιλεύς (Vasilefs)= King, Ύπατος (Ipatos)= supreme, sublime, the higest of authority, Κορυφαίος (Korypheos)= top, of the top, the highest of all (or linked to the top of Mount Olympus), Ύψιστος (Ypsistos)= the highest of all, the most sublime, the top authority, Θεός Αγαθός (Theos Agathos)= the Good God, Βουλαίος (Vouleos)= of the council, councilor, Κοσμήτης (Kosmitis)= the one who brings order to the world etc. even Πατήρ (Pater)= Father (aka "Father of gods and mankind")

Then we have a plethora of epithets that link Zeus to several things he represents such as justice or giving of goods for example: Ξένιος (Xenios)= of hospitality, Ικέσιος (Ikesios)= of the begging (here the ritual of begging see for example Odysseus begging Arete for heeding his plea for getting him home), Φίλιος (Philios)= of love, of friendship, of kinship, Γαμήλιος (Gamilios)= of the marriage, Καθάρσιος (Katharsios)= the one who cleanses, Σωτήρ (Sotir)= savior, Μειλίχιος (Milihios)= Gracious, merciful, Ελευθέριος (Elephtherios)= of freedom, Πανελλήνιος (Panhellenios)= of all Greece and all Greeks (from παν= complete, all and ελλας=greece), Αρείος (Areios)= of war, Στράτιος (stratios)= of the army, Σθένιος (Sthenios)= of power, Τρόπαιος (tropeos)= of the prices, loot, Σημαλέος (Simaleos)= bringer of signs/omens, Μοιραγέτης (Miragetis)= leader of Fates (μοίρα=fate and άγω=to lead, to bring, to raise)

And that is just a sample! Hahahaha! He has countless names and epithets depending on his worship, his attributes. In Homer he is even described by his appearance or what he wears, for example Aἰγίοχος (Aegiohos)= Aegis bearer (from the myth of Athena and Perseus where Perseus gives the head of Medusa to Athena, by some accounts Athena presents this aegis to her father Zeus). Some of his epithets that connect him to myths such as the attribute of being part of the top of the mountain of course leads not only to his battle with his father Cronos and his dominance over Olympus but also the second defeat of the Titans in Titanomachy where again Zeus defeated his arch-nemesis, Typhoon. His attribute to mount Ida in Crete is possibly due to the fact that he was raised there in secret so that Cronos wouldn't swallow him like the rest of Rhea's children. Multiple myths connext Zeus to sanctuaries such as the one of Dodona where he is also offering prophetic powers, similar to Delphi. Zeus also is connected to South Italy given that it is under Aitna that he trapped Typhoon according to some myths and traditions.

Hera:

Hera is also an ancient deity known already from mycenaean greek as well, written e-ra. Her name is of a little more obscure origins. I have seen people connect her to ώρα (hora) aka "time" or "moment" αήρ aka "wind" or "air" and some others. Plato says it comes from ἐρατή (erate) which means "beloved". Either way Hera has given her name in many figures of mytholgy including the infamous Heracles (Heracles= Glory of Hera).

Just like her husband, Hera has also a number of epithets that connect her to her nature as well as her attributes: Νυμφευόμενη (Nymphevomeni)= married, the one who gets married, Τέλεια (Teleia)= complete, adult woman, Ζύγια (Zygia)= married, of the marriage Ανθεία (Anthia)= of the flowers, Ακραία (Akraia)= of the top, of theheights (title she shares with her husband as well), Γαμηστόλος (Gamistolos)= the one who leads marriage (γάμος= marriage, στέλλω=to send, to lead to) Άνασσα and Βασιλίς (Anassa and Vasilis)= Queen. Βοῶπις (Vopis)= Cow-eyed (Homeric epithet, the one wit the big eyes. Also in Homer she is described as "white armed")

Other interesting epithets of hers are: Αλέξανδρος (alexandros)= protector of men (αλεξ= protect, repel and ανδρας= man, here is used as an epithet not as a name so it is female gender), Ηνίοχη (Iniohi)= of the chariot, the one who leads the chariot, Ὑπερχείρια (Hyperheria)= whose hand us up above. We also have one where she is called Αιγοφάγος (Aigophagos)= Goat-eater (Αίγα=goat and φάγω=to eat), linked to Laconia (Sparta) where Heraclesoffers a sacrifice in goats to her because he had no other sacrifice to give. Other names and epithets link her to specific heroes like Βουναία (Vounea)= of Vounos (a name of a hero) since many heroes offer temples in her name.

She is linked a lot with heroes due to her involvement with them both for the good and for the bad reasons. As charioteer we see her ride a chariot in Iliad as they descend together with Athena to assist the Greeks in the Trojan war. It also seems to be connecting her with her husband as his support and his co-ruler.

Poseidon:

Yet another god we know exists at least since the dawn of greek civilization in Bronze age, having his name engraved in Linear B as po-se-da-or among others, Poseidon is the second most powerful god in Greek olympian pantheon and like his younger brother Zeus is the god of the heavens, he is the god of earth as a living space for humans. His name is linked both to earth and to water since depending on the interpretation one can say his name comes rom "flow" or "earth" and of course one of his most famous epithets as earth-shaker. That is because earthquakes are by n large the former of the landscape.

Poseidon's plethora of names and epithets also link him to that. In fact many of his epithets include the term "gaea" which means "earth": Βασιλεύς (vasilevs)= king, lord, Πελαγαίος (Pelageos)=of the sea (πέλαγος=alternative word for "sea"), Αιγαίων (Aegeaeon)= of the Aegean sea, Προσκλύστιος (Prosklystios)= the one who strikes against (here waves probably?) Γαιήοχος (Gaeichos)= the one who holds the earth, Εννοσιγαιος (Ennosigaeos)= the Earth-Shaker, Εὐρυκρείων (Evrikrion)=wide-ruling (in Homer), Κυανοχαίτης (Cyanohetis)= of the blue/cyan/dark hair (in Homer from cyan and χαίτη which is a word used both for the maine of the horse but also means "hair" in general), Σεισίχθων (Sisichthon)= Earth-shaker (from verb σείω=to shake and χθων=ground, dirt, earth >see also "chthonian"), Ἐπακταῖος (Epaktaeos)= on the shore, worshipped on the shore (επί=upon, onto and ακτή=shore), Ποντομέδων (Pontomedon)= lord of the sea (ποντος=water, sea, μένδω=rule, stand steadfast -among others-), Φύκιος (Phykios)= of the seaweed, Φυταλμιος (Phytalmios)= plant nurturer

Other epithets can be seen as: Ἀσφάλειος (Asphalios)= protector (possibly protection for travelers in the sea), Δωματίτης (Domatitis)= of the house (as protector of kings and families and kin), Ἱππιος (Hippios)= of the horses, Ἱπποκουριος (Hippokurios)= the tender of horses (both these have the word ίππος=horse and the second has the term κούρα= which means "healing" or "tending", see english word "cure"), Ἐπόπτης (Epoptis)=overseer Γενέθλιος (Genethlios)=of the birth (here of the family or of the kin)

So by n large Poseidon is linked to some earthly values as opposing to Zeus who is connected with heavenly affairs. He protects the household and the kin, the partenthood and ansestors among others. Even the fact that his animal is a horse (symbol of status of nobility) plays its part. And of course on myths involving him we do know on the famous del with Athena over the control of the city of Athens but we also know the association of Poseidon with various monsters and monstrous creatures such as the cyclops and more specifically the cyclops Polyphemus. In one essence that could be an indicator of how nature is dangerous for humans who have to struggle their way to live through the unexpected turns of it. As a protector/patron god of Troy he is known for having built the walls of Troy after Zeus punished him for the coup he took part in against him. Poseidon had also sent a sea monster to protect Troy nown as Cytus of Troy, which was defeated by Heracles the first time he conquered Troy.

Demeter:

The other sister of the gods, Demeter also appears as far back as Linear B scriptures at least as da-ma-te with her name being associated of course to the cereal of earth but her name itself has multiple interpretations some of them I see is from a proto-indoeuropean "da" for "earth" and "mater" aka "mother" so in one way "mother-earth" aspect which makes sense given how Demeter is goddess of harvest, of nature, of rebirth of earth after winter and generally associated with earth. Also she is associated with the seasons and their changes. Consequently she is associated with wealth given how wealth comes from cullivating the earth. From the myth of Persephone and her struggle to get back her daughter and have justice for her, made her also associated with justice and law and also of course like many goddesses and gods that have to do with rebirth and the underworld one way or another, is also linked to mysteries and secret worships (ex. Eleusynian Mysteries).

Χθονια (Chthonia)= Of the earth, Χλοη (Chloi)= Green/Grass related, Καρποφορος (Karpophoros)= Bearer of Fruit, Θερμασια (Thermasia)= of the heat/warmth, Πλουτοδοτειρα (Plutodoteira)= giver of wealth, Παναχαια (Panachaea)= of all the Greeks, Ανησιδωρα (Anisidora)= Giver of gifts, Ὡρηφορος (Oriphoros)= Bringer of Seasons, Πολυφορβος (Polyphorvos)= Nourisher of many, Αγλαοκαρπος (Aglaokarpos)= of the Good Fruit, Καλλιστεφανος (Kallistephanos)= Beautiflly crowned, Χρυσαορος (Chrysaoros)= of the golden blade (perhaps cythe?) Μεγαλη Θεα (Megali Thea)= Great Goddess, Μεγαλα Μητερ (Megala Miter)= Great Mother, Προστασια (Prostasia)= leading/standing forard, Ευρώπη (Evropi/Europa)= broad-eyed, Λουσιη (Lusyi)= Bathing/Purifying), Μέλαινα (Melena)= Black (associated with both the land when fertile being dark of color but also her mourning clothing for Persephone's loss) also in this manner Κυανοπεπλος (Cyanopeplos)= Of cyan/black veil, For her association with Justice we have: Θεσμοφορος (Thesmophoros)= Bringer of Law, Θεσμιη (Thesmii)= of the Laws, Ερινυς (Erinys)= Fury (Associated with her fury when her daughter was kidnapped) Other descriptive titles: Σεμνη (Semni)= Modest, Ἁγνη (Agni)= Pure, Πότνια (Potnia)= powerful/noble, Ξανθη (Xanthe)= Fair-haired/Blonde (possible description as well as linked to the golden color of cereal), Ευκομος (Efkomos)= Lovely-haired, Ανασσα (Anassa)= Queen

So generally the most famous story of hers is her association with Zeus, the god of justice and heavens thus herself associated with justice and the change of seasons. With Zeus she has Persephone. When Persephone was taken by Hades/Pluto, she dressed herself in black in mourning and kept on searching for her daughter. Her sadness was translated to the change of season, making winter roam the earth. Eventually when Persephone was proven to have eaten food from the Underworld, pomergranate, Demeter demands to be able to see her daughter at least half the year thus we have the change of seasons for Persephone is sad at her daughter's departure in the Underworld, thus bringing winter to the earth. She is also associated with her other brother, Poseidon, through their worship for the fertility of earth.

Hephaestus:

Another Olymbian god is of course Hephaestus who also has a long history since he also appears to the Linear B texts as A-pa-i-ti-jo and known for his protection over blacksmiths and metalworkers and not only. Unfortunately one of his most prominient features is that he is limping (either by birth or because he was thrown off Olympus either by Zeus or by Hera depending on the myth) So many of his epithets reflect on that: Ἀμφιγυήεις (Amphigyiaes)= the laming one or Κυλλοποδίων (Kyllopodion)=the one who drags his feet.

However he has many other glorious epithets about his craft or glory: Αἰθαλόεις θεός (Aethaoaes Theos)= Sooty god, Ἀγακλυτός (Agaklytos)= very renounced (άγαν= very much, κλέος=glory, fame), Χαλκευς (Chalkevs)= the blacksmith of copper, Κλυτος (Klytos)=famous renounced, Πολυτεχνης (Polytechnes)= of many crafts (πολύ=much, many, τέχνη=art, craft), Πολυφρων (Polyfron)= witty, ingenius (πολύ+ φρην=mind) And one of my favorites: Πολύμητις (Polymites)= wily, of many wiles, of many devices [Yup! The god of crafts has the same epithet that Odysseus gets! How cool is that?!]

Now for myths involving Hephaestus and his nature to be a good blacksmith or a cunning fellow come from various myths that involve him binding gods wih invisible or strong chains to name a few we have the famous story where he traps his wife Aphrodite and her lover Ares by binding them on their bed. Or the myth where he binds his mother Hera in a chair and he needs to be made drunk by Dionysus to be coersed to set her free. His nature as a craftsman is connected to the attempt of rap of Athena and the birth of Erichthonius through the Earth/Gaea that gets fertilized with his sperm thus being technically the progenitor of Athens and the Atheneans. And of course the myths that involve him forging various armors for heroes and gods.

Ares:

So Ares is another deity with Mycenaean roots A-re and his name does seem to resemble the term αρά which means "curse" or even "wish" in ancient greek. God of war and courage Ares was not very popular around Greece due to his apparent savagery of character and his connection to war and slaughter and yet he too has a bunch of epithets based on his identity: Θηριτας (Theritas)= Beastly, Ἱππιος (Hippios)= Of the Horses, Αφνειος (Afnios)= Abundant and Γυναικοθιονας (Gynaikothionas)= Feasted by Women. Others such as Ανδρειφοντης (Andrifontis)= Slayer of men, Χαλκεος (Chalkeos)= Bronze or Χαλκοκορυστης (Chalkorystis)= Armed with Bronze, Θοος (Thoos)= Swift, Θουρος (Thuros)= Violent, Δεινος (Deinos)= Terrible, terrifying, Ενυαλιος (Enavlios)= The one sung by the flutes or Warlike, Χρυσοπελεξ (Chrysopelex)= The one of the Golden Helm and more In his case we talk more about epithets that have to do with war and violence which is why he was mostly hated god by the Greeks and represented by the obvious lack of lickiness that Zeus shows for him.

Ares is being connected to various of warriors in mythology and arguably he is responsible for the birth of the Amazons since he fathers many of them. He is also associated to Aphrodite (either as her husband or as her lover) in one way indicating how love or passion are oftentimes reasons for fights and combat). Ares also often gives horses to some strong wariors in myths (thus his association with horses and not just horses of battle). In one essence given how horses are signs of status, could be mythologically winking to the aspect of people gaining status through wars and conquest. Generally Ares is one of the most hated gods due to the aspects of violence he represents (even mythologically is shown as he is one of the least favorite children of Zeus) but his association with Aphrodite and arguably the birth of Eros from their union is to say the very least interesting

Aphrodite:

Aphrodite is a goddess witha plethora of epithets. Her name doesn't seem to be rescued from Bronze Age tablets but of course her name comes from te term αφρός (Aphros=foam) and the verb that means "to rise from" or "to give" or "bring to existence" but there are other theories too that seem to be under discussion. Her epithets of course reflect her notions of love and sexuality but that is not all

Ουρανια (Urania)= of the sky, Heavenly, Πανδημος (Pandemos)= of all people, of all that live, Επιστροφια (Epistrofia)= the one who returns (from verb επιστρέφω which stands for "return" or "turn back"), Αποστροφια (Apostrophia)= the one who reverts (here from aunlawful loves), Κατασκοπια (Kataskopia)= the spying one or even Ψιθυριστης (Psithiristis)= the whispering one So many of her epithets are linked to her lovey nature and to actions of sexuality. Even terms such as Μελαινις (melenis)= black of night (nightly actions such as love), Συμμαχια (Symmachia)=Ally (to love), Απατουρος (Apatouros)= Deceiving one (possible links to affairs), Μορφω (Morpho)= the one of appearances She is also linked to marriage having also the names Νυμφία (Nymphia)= of marriage, Μιγωντις (Migontis)= Unifying one even assciated with Hera by taking her name as an epithet Ἡρη (Iri)= of Hera (aka "of marriage") In Sparta she is worshipped for aspects of war as well thus getting names such as: Νικηφορος (Nikiphoros)= victory-bearer, Αρεια (Areia)= of war Ὡπλισμενη (Hoplismeni)= Armed While from her sea origins we get names such as Ευπλοια (Efplia)= of Fair Voyage, Ποντια (Pontia)= of the sea, Λιμενια (Limenia)= of the port and Ξένια (Xenia)= of the stranger/guest

Aphrodite is also associated like Zeus with her affairs with mortals and immortals alike. She is also the birther of heroes that eventually become founders of cities (like Aeneas) but she is also connected to the aspect of beauty which is very important in ancient Greek spectrum. Arguably her divine origins (either from the birth through the foam of the sea or through the god of Heavens, Zeus) is also associating the aspects of love and passion to a divine level for the ancient Greeks. Her association with war (either through her affair with Ares or by being a war goddess herself for the Spartans) is also associating the aspet of love with war and fighting (ironically we have the modern saying as well "All is allowed in love and in war"). Aphrodite is also associated with the rebirth of nature in one aspect through her love for the beautiful Adonis, who for her sake comes up every spring even if he is dead in the underworld. Her protective nature is also seen when she tries to take her offsprings out of harm's way even at the cost of her own pain (see for example the events of the Iliad) so in a way she is also a mother-goddes even if motherhood is not her ultimate attribute, in my opinion is a very important too.

Apollo:

For Apollo we do not have a steady association with Linear B tablets for it seems like a name we assume refers to Apollo could be written as "Hyperion" instead. Etoimologically it seems to come from roots that are used later to express a young boy coming of age as mentioned how Apollo is the "ultimate kouros" aka "ultimate youth". Homer also speaks on him as "the one with the silver arrows" to speak on his equipment. His association with archery and music but also prophetic powers earns a series of epithets linked to these;

Θεαριος (Thearios)= of the oracle, Προοψιος (Proopsios)= Forseeing, Κληριος (Klirios)= distrubuter of lottery, Μουσηγετης (Mousigetis)= Leader of Muses, Ἑκατος (Ekatos)= Shooter from afar (aka "archer"), Αγραιος (Agraeos)= Of the wilderness (here "of the Hunt"), Αιγλητος (Egilitos)= Shining For his association with healing and disease and plague we have also: Παιαν (Pean)= of the health, Ακεσιος (Akesios)= Healer, Σμινθαιος (Sminthaeos)= of the Mice [the ancient greeks probably did connect plagues with animals as well], Παρνοπιος (Parnopios)=of the Locsts, Επικουριος (Epikourios)= Helper, Αλεξικακος (Alexikakos)= Averter of Evil, Θεοξενιος (Theoxenios)= God of Foreigners (possibly also linked that he was a protector god of the city of Ismarus that was inhabited by Thracian people), Λυκειος (Lykios)= Of the wolves On myths on which associate him with rescues by dolphins (as well as that the dolphin is one of his sacred animals) he gets the name Δελφινιος (Delphinios)= Of the Dolphin, Ακτιος (Aktios) = of the shore and Επιβατηεριος (Epivatirios)= of the sacrifices before embarking, Πυθιος (Pythios)= of the Python (from the myth that he killed the python at Delphi), Διονυσοδοτης (Dinysiodotis)= of bestowing Dionysus (for his contibution to the deification of Dionysus)

Apollo has a very rich set of myths that is very hard to put them all. But of course his birth that is associated with the island of Delos, the moving island of the prophecy and his known myth of freeing Delphi from the python that was guarding the Castallia fountain gives him the association with prophets and omens. We also know Apollo from the tragic stories of affairs he has with both men and women. Apollo despite the fact that is a very beautiful god is being widedly rejected by his love interests. A known myth is his unfortunate story of Hyakinth too who even if he was reciprocating his feelings, their story ended in a tragedy. In one essence connects his aspect with music and poetry to the tragic aspect of life. He is also associated with the Muses through his attribute of music. His lesser known association with plague and disease and also healing or calling it off can be seen through myths such as the plague of the Greeks in the Iliad and his association with Asclepius and the teachings of healing of Chiron. Of course his association with Archery can be seen in the myths, one of the most infamous was the killing of the children of Niobe who was blasphemous towards his mother.

Artemis:

Apollo's twin sister ironically appears to the tablets of Linear B as a-te-mi-to and a-ti-mi-te (in gen. and dat. respectably) as for her name's origin there are various thoughts some of them that comes from the word ¨αρκτος" (arktos) which means "bear". Either way of course we also know Artemis as archer, goddess of wilderness and hunting and protector of the virgin girls (being a irgin goddess herself). A lesser known aspect of hers is that she is also linked with childbirth and raising children since according to the myth she was born first and then assisted her mother Leto give birth to ber brother Apollo. Also she was often associated with death, especially of women thus many figures in mythology call on Artemis for death. So her epithets also reflect on her roles:

Αγροτερη (Agroteri)= of the fields (here: of the hunt), Δικτυνναια (Dyctynea)= of the (hunting) nets, Φεραια (Pheraea)= of the beasts, Ελαφιαια (Elaphiaea)= of the deer (given that deer is also her sacred animal), Λυκειη (Lykii)= of the Wolves (sharing it also with her brother), Αριστη (Aristi)= the most noble, Καλλιστη (Kallisti)= very beautiful, Ἱερεια (Iereia)= Priestess, Ποτνια Θερων (Potnia Theron)= The leader of Beasts, Ἑκατη (Ekati)= shooter from afar (sharing it with her brother), Χρυσαλακατος (Chrysalakatos)= the golden-shafted (opposing her brother who is "silver shafted"), Ελαφηβολος (Elaphivolos)= shooter of deer, Ἁγνη (Agni)= pure, chaste, Παρθένος (Parthenos)= virgin, Αιδοιος παρθενος (Aidoios Parthenos)= reverted virgin, forever virgin On her attributes on children childbirth and girls we have: Παιδοτροφος (Pedotrophos)= the nurturer of children, Φιλομειραξ (Filomirax)= friend/beloved to young girls, Ορσιλοχια (Orsilochia)= helper of childbirth (since λοχία lochia, means "childbirth"), Ἡγεμονη (Igemoni)= leader (here of dance, from myths that involve dances in wilderness)

Artemis association with birth and labor is as I mentioned above, connected to her myth of birth. She gets born first and then helps her mother give birth to her twin. Her myths connecting her to wilderness are of course connected to the various animals she has as symbols. One myth involves for example the transformation of Aktaion into a deer and her sending his own dogs against him because he saw her naked while bathing in the river. Along with her brother Apollo she shoots the children of Niobe when she claims that she is better than their mother for having more children. Thus she is associated with death especially of females since she infamously shoots the female children of Niobe while her brother shoots the male (from what I remember at least, I could be wrong on that)

Hermes:

Hermes, the messenger of gods and also the sender of souls, the protector of all who travel (including merchants and thieves) also appears in Linear B tablets as e-ma-ha. For the origins of his name I do like the version of ἕρμα (erma)= stone heap. Onc again Hermes as a god that has multiple attributes not only as a god that brings the messages to others but also protect the travelers and interesting the thieves also (Hermes himself starts his life as a thief for he steals the cows of Apollo in his first day! XD) Thus he is also linked to pastoral life and flocks! So we have:

Διακτορος (Diaktoros)= Guide/Messenger, Αγγελος Θεών (Aggelos Theon)= Messenger of the gods, Αγγελος Μακαρων (Aggelos Makaron)= messenger of the blessed (or of blessed news), Χαριδωτης (Charidiotis)= Giver of Joy, Ἑρμηνευτης (Ermineftis)= Interpreter, Ψυχοπομπός (Psychopombos)= Sender of Souls, Κυδιμος (Kydimos)= Glorious/Noble As protector of flocks and merchants we have Επιμηλιος (Epimilios)= Protector of sheep/flocks, Κριοφορος (Kriophoros)= ram-bearer, Βουφονος (Vuphonos)= killer of cattle, Οιοπολος (Iopolos)= Sheep-tending/Shephard, Αγοραίος (Agoreos)= of the Market/Agora As protector of wandrers and thieves we have: Μαστηριος (Mastirios)= Of the searchers, Πομπαιος (Pombeos)= the Guide/the one who sends, Ποικιλομητης (Pikilomitis)= of the various wiles, Δόλιος (Dolios)= Wily/Planning, Κλεψιφρων (Klepsifron)= the one with the thefty mind, Μηχανιωτης (Michaniotis)= Deceiving/Trickster, Φηλητης (Philitis)= Thief, Εναγωνιος (Enagonios)= of th Games, Προμαχος (Promachos)= Champion And one of my favorites: Πολύτροπος (Polytropos)= of many turns/ways [YUP! Odysseus again shares his epithet with a god!]

So yes Hermes very early on is being assosiated with trickery and theft given how he steals the cattle of his half-brother Apollo and then pretends being innocent (also we have the creation of the lyre by him, which he gives as a gift to Apollo) and as a messenger of gods that is constantly moving to transfer the gods' will to humans and other gods, he is always associated not only with messengers but travelers in general (wanderers, thieves, merchants etc) also as a rule-breaker he plays an important part in the Odyssey as he helps Odysseus in Aeaea on his own accord also associated with the thief Autolycus to whom he gives special powers to disguise himself (according to traditions he is also his father). Hermes also has the task to guide the souls to the underworld till the river where they will be taken by Charon or wait for 100 years if they have no money to pay him. Thus later in alchemic traditions he is linked to transformation through death as well and many associated Hermes with Thoth in Egyptian mythology.

Athena:

The oldest and most known child of Zeus in Olympian pantheon is no other than Athena. Her name also rescued from Linear B scriptures as a-ta-na (in fact the full title we have is a-ta-na po-ti-ni-ja =Potnia Athena) an there are various of suggestions on the name's etymology, I believe Plato says that her name deprives from Ἀθεονόα (Athoenoa) which deprives from he word "theos" (god) and "noisis" (mind) so her name says to be "godly knowledge" or "godly mind" (according to Plato's Cratylus 407b, they say the first α is an old and foreign way to spell η so technically he says Α θεονόα would go Η θεονόη aka "the god's knowledge/mind"). Either ay Athena is undoubtedly one goddess with various attributes that are also reflected to her names. Goddess of Wisdom born from the goddess of mind and wisdom Metis and Zeus, being born out of Zeus's head, Athena is goddess of war and war tactics, protector of crafstmen and goddess of weaving and culivation of plants (especially olive), protector of heroes and bearer of the Aegis of Zeus Athena is without a doubt one of the most prominient and mportant characters in the pantheon and some of her epithets go:

Παλλάς (Pallas)= Pallas (Arguably one of her most famous epithets. In Homer is used as part of her name, future writers such as Pindar or Plato deprives from the word "palleis" which means "to brandish" because she brandishes her aegis, others speak it comes from the name of a giantess that she killed but I believe the most beloved version is the one that has her taking this epithet from the name of the daughter of Triton who was her best friend and Athena accidentally killed and she was so devastated that in her mourning she adopted her dead friend's name as her epithet)

Τριτογένεια (Trigogeneia)= Born from the head (τριτύς=head), Κορυφασια (Koryphasia)= of the head, Γλαυκόπις (Glaukopis)= Owl-eyed (also light blue/gray or shiny-eyed), Οξυδερκης (Oxyderkis)= sharp (eyed or witted), Γοργολαφας (Gorgolaphas)= Gorgon-crested, Γιγαντολετειρα (Gigantoletira)= Destroyer of Giants, Αξιοποινος (Axiopinos)= the one of the Rightful Vengeance, Ανεμωτις (Anemotis)= of the Winds, Κελευθεια (Kelefthia)= the one who sends you on the way, Προναια (Pronaea)= the one before the temple, Παναχαια (Panachaea)= of all the Greeks, Παρθενος (Parthenos)= Virgin, Κορη (Kori)= Maiden, Αμβουλια (Amvulia)= Coincilor, Απατουρια (Apaturia)= of the deception, Μαχανιτις (Michanitis)= the one who comes up with plans, Ξενια (Xenia)= of the foreigner/of hospitality As protector of city of Athens we have: Πολιας (Polias)= of the City, Πολιουχος (Poliuchos)= the one who has the city (city-protector), Πολιατις (Poliatis)= City-keeper, Ερυμα (Eryma)= Defender, Σωτειρα (Sotira)= Savior As war goddess and associated with victory and such: Νικη (Niki)= Victory, Αρεια (Aria)= of the War, Σαλπινξ (Salpinx)= war-trumpet, Λειτις (Leitis)= distrubutor of war loot, Ζωστηρια (Zostiria)= gildred (in armor), Σθενιας (sthenias)= of the Strength, Πολεμηδοκος (Polemidokos)= war-sustaining, Ἱππια (Ippia)= of the horses, Χαλινιτις (Chalinitis)= the bridler of horses, Αλεα (Alea)= Escape (of refugees) As protector of arts and crafts: Εργανη (Ergani)= Worker, Παιωνια (Paionia)= Healer, Ὑγεια (Ygia)= (of) Health Also interestingly she also has the title Μητηρ (Mitir)= Mother even if she is not a mother-goddess maybe that is closer related to her association with helping heroes

Of course we know the countless myths Athena is involved in, from her quarrel with Poseidon over the city of Athens and the Gigantomachy where she gains her title of "destroyer of giants", in epic poems she is associating herself with some of the greatest heroes including Tydeus, his son Diomedes, Odysseus and his son Telemachus but also women such as Penelope. Of course her wonderous birth from the head of Zeus is also very important part of her titles. Also her association to her half-brotherHephaestus and their protection of crafts.

Dionysus:

Dionysus whose name literally means "Child of Zeus" or even "Young Zeus" is the youngest Olympian and the first one to be born of a mortal woman (Semele), starting from a demi-god and ending up being deified as olympian god. His name appears to Linear B tablets as di-wo-nu-so and is one of the most beloved gods to think of. He has various attributes although he is mostly known as the god of wine and festivities his rich cultural background can be also god of madness and ritual madness and ecstasy, of fertility of nature and the rebirth of it after winter, of theater and of wilderness. From the Orphic traditions he was born once more as Zagreus and killed by Hera or devoured by Titans and thus he was re-incarnated as Dionysus through Semele. His trip to the underworld and his rebirth connects him so with regeneration and rebirth and connects him to Eleusynian Mysteries. As god of madness and orgic celebrations he is also god of theater and culivation of the vine. From the orgic nature of his worship we also have epithets that connect him to the eating of animals, often associated with omophagia (raw-eating). So here are some epithets:

Δασυλλιος (Dasyllios)= of the forests, Λιμναιος (Limneos)= of the lakes/marshes, Σταφυλιτης (Staphylitis)= of the grapes, Ομφακιτης (Omphakitis)= of the unripe grape, Ληναιος (Lineos)= of the wine-press, Θεοινος (Theoinos)= God of Wine, Αγαθος Δαιμον (Agathos Demon)= Good God, Προτρυγαιος (Protrygaios)= the one who comes first for grape-picking, Οινοψ (Inops)= wine-dark (potentially reference to his dark hair according to his descriptions), Κισσιος (Kissios)= of the Ivy, Ακρατοφορος (Akratophoros)= Bringer of unmixed wine, Ανθιος (Anthios)= of the Flowers, Κιστοφορος (Kristophoros)= Basket-bearer (basket both for sacrifices also for grapes), Ερεβινθινος (Erevinthinos)= of the cheakpea, Πατρωιος (Patroios)= Paternal (god), Αισυμνητης (Asimnitis)= Dictator, Πολιτης (Politis)= Citizen Asossiation with sexuality and cullivation: Ανδρογυνος (Androgynos)= Androgynous (sexually), Φαλλην (Phallin)= Phallus, Αυξιτης (Afxitis)= the raiser in size As god of madness: Βακχος (Bacchus)= of the Bacchic frenzy, Ιοβακχος (Iobacchos)= of the bacchic-cry, Ιακχος (Iakchos)= of the ritual-cry, Μαινολης (Menolis)= Mad/Raging, Βρομιος (Vromios)= Noisy (or of the eating), Ανθροπορραιστος (Anthroporrestos)= Man-slayer, Σωτηριος (Sotirios)= Savior (recovering from madness) As a god of orgiac festivities and omophagia: Ταυροφαγος (Tavrophagos)= Bull-eater, Βουφάγος (Vuphagos)= cattle-eater, Μοσχοφαγος (Moschophagos)= calf-eater, Αιγοβολος (Egovolos)= the striker of goats, Νυκτελιος (Nyktelios)= of the night, Λαμπτηρος (Lamptiros)= of the torches/lambs, Ἑστιος (Estios)= of the feast, Μελπομενος (Melpomenos)= Singing From the orphic traditions and regeneration: Ζαγρεύς (Zagrefs)= Zagreus, Διμητωρ (Dimitor)= two mothers (or twice born), Λυσιος (Lysios)= releaser, Ελευθερευς (Eleftherefs)= Liberator, Σαωτης (Saotis)= Savior, Μυστης (Mystis)= of the mysteries, Χθονιος (Cthonios)= of the earth (also cthonic worshipping)

Without any exaggeration Dionysian worshipping festivities are some of the most ancient known n Greece and some of them survive one way or another even today. I have made some answers in regards to the dionysian worshipping process but in general he is associated with myths that involve the inducing of madness in various occasions. His followers satyrs and maenades also are involved in various of myths on their own. Dionysus is also known for being chased by Hera in various occasions and the inducing of madness by her and him being released by Rhea using the stone of Amethyst (crystal associated with wine due to its color). Dionysus is also one of the gods known for going to the underworld and reviving people or giving them immortality (such the reviving of his mother Semele and his marriage to Ariadne), thus associated with Eleusynian Mysteries and rebirth rituals. His status as god was earned from the myth that says that Zeus finished the pregnancy of Semele himself by sewing the fetus in his hip. His association with the vine has also many myths but I like the myth of Ampelos, the young Satyr that was his lover who got killed (depending onthe myth he has a different end) and was transformed to the first vine by Dionysus (or he died because he tried to pick grapes and thus Dionysus naming the plant after him) His association with theater comes from his dionysian celebrations where people wear animal skins or masks and dance in their ritual ecstasy, literally becoming someone else while also dancing and singing as a chorus (choir), thus the association with theater and the ritual offerings to Dionysus before a theatrical performace

***

Sorry I was so late my friend! Your ask was one of the most extensive I ever had and I wanted to include as many pieces of information as I could! And this is but a sample! I will be glad to analyze further specifics you might think you want to hear more and give you the myth behind it if it exists because man this is like a thematic for an entire book I swear! Hahahahaha

Other honorable mentions could be Hestia and Hades

Hades:

The last out of the three great gods including Poseidon and Zeus and he inherits the realm of the dead. In fact oftentimes especially after the 5th century BC the word "Hades" (Άδης) was used to indicate the underworld itself while the god was being referred to with the name Πολύτων which means "Wealthy" or "Wealth" and the name was later taken by the Romans as "Pluto". Hades was a hated god to woship because he was connected to the essences of death which Greeks disliked (in the homeric hymns for instance Hades is often not even named but he is referred to as "The one with The Many Names" The name deprives according to Plato from the word that means "unseen" Due to the fact that he was so feared because of the essence of death, by n large there is no cult for Hades in temples but Hades is honored to funerary rights and necromantic rituals. So epithets and cult names are rather scarce but interesting non the less:

Πλουτων (Pluton)= of the Wealth, Θεων Χθονιος (Theon Chthonios)= God of the Underworld, Ζευς Χθόνιος (Zefs Chthonios)= Zeus of the Underworld, Πολυσημαντωρ (Polysimandor)= The ruler of many, Πολυδεγμων (Polydegmon)= Host of Many, Πολυξενος (Polyxenos)= the host of many, Νεκροδεγμων (Nekrodegmon)= Receiver of the dead And my favorite: Νεκρων Σωτηρ (Nekron Sotir)= the Savior of the Dead

There are not THAT many myths that include him except of course the infamous kidnapping (and depending on source) rape of Persephone which also leads to the change of seasons. In one essence the way that he is worshipped during the dunerals AND is associated with this myth in a way seems to connect together the essences of life and death; rebirth and doom or even marriage and death which often go side by side (see for instance how often women died in childbirth or young). However I love the term "Zeus of the Underworld" showing how powerful he was feared to be. Especially since like Zeus he has a domain that is untouchable by humans (Heaven and Underworld) but I also love how he is known to be also a "Host" to the dead and also a "Savior". That last one touches me really much.

Hestia:

Hestia is one of the siblings born out of Cronus, the oldest one according to tradition. As a goddess she is the goddess of the house and household. She never leaves Olympus and rarely ever leaves the kitchen where she feeds all these endless mouths of Olympian gods and their entourages! Like Athena and Artemis she is sworn to remain a virgin and unmarried. Her worship is really important. For starters the house fire that burns in every Greek House is dedicated to her (her very name means "heath of fire" nowadays)

Unfortunately cannot find epithets as such dedicated to her. She is known as a Virgin goddess just like others before her in this list. She is known as the Goddess of Altars and Heaths. Oftentimes she is not even depicted, possibly to indicate her importance by the absense of image. Her sacred animal is the pig which again is an animal that can give to people pretty much everything from meat till blood till skin and bone.

Of myths again I know only of one, her attempt of rape by Priapus or rather that Priapus tried to sneak on her while she was sleeping, she wakes up and screams and Priapus is scared for his life and runs off. Generally she is worshipped and honored like a good lady of the house. She has altars everywhere (arguably ALL altars are in one way dedicated to her)

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sectumsempraaa · 30 days ago

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Crimson Sparks

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x reader

Summary: Simply put, dating your academic rival, Draco Malfoy, has its challenges. But admist your journey with anger, you find your favorite Slytherin a bit more understanding than expected.

Word count: 1.1k

TW: Arguing, anger issues, minor violence

Based on this request! Thank you :)

A/N: I tried my best to approach this subject with sensitivity and respect. Internalized anger is a very real struggle for many people. Also, sorry this is shorter than normal. It’s good to be back!

“Draco, that doesn’t make even remotely any sense. If we do it your way, we’ll fail.” You say, articulating each word with utmost certainty.

You and Draco have made a nearly perfect couple for a few months now, but that didn’t stop the two of you from being academic rivals. In fact, if anything, it’s become worse.

And being paired up for a potions project is starting to test both your limits.

“Just because you don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it isn’t right. Look, if we take these ingredients…” Draco explains, his demeanor growing slightly more impatient with each sentence.

A conflict burns within you as the voice you cherish speaks to you with a tension you know won’t end with the two of you in his bed. He continues on his attempt to educate you, his tone turning more argumentative.

“Love, you’re not listening. You know the potion will oxidize if we make it outside.”

“The amount of flame we need underneath won’t sustain in a classroom. It needs as much air as it can get.” You spit back, your cheeks beginning to warm.

“Y/N, come on. You’re talking utter nonsense. That’s some Longbottom shit you’re thinking.” He retorts, his eyes squinting slightly with disdain.

He crosses his arms, sitting back in his seat. The slightest shake of his head sends you reeling.

“Ridiculous, the way you’re comparing us when you know damn well my potions grade is lightyears beyond his.” You fight back with gritted teeth.

And just when you thought he couldn’t get under your skin more, he mumbles something under his breath that genuinely takes you by surprise.

His voice low, his eyes lower, he mutters to himself with his brows furrowed.

“Ridiculous the way we’re having this fight when you know damn well my potions grade is lightyears better than yours.”

Your gaze shoots up to meet his immediately. The sting of the insult lands on your ego, causing you to see red.

Despite your greatest efforts, your hand grabs the nearest object, which happens to be one of your ingredients. A strength in your arm grows instantly, a force guided by fury.

Before you can even think, the vial is in tiny glistening shards on the floor, the sound of the shatter hits your ears almost as fast as a pang of shame hits your chest.

Draco stands quickly, his chair sliding across the floor.

For a moment, it’s quiet. The both of you stand in silence, waiting for the other to speak. But the guilt that has already started to consume you prevails, and he notices.

His eyes soften, the aggressive gesture not being foreign to him. He’s seen this in his father all his life, and he knows how to handle it.

“Y/N, darling…” Draco coos.

He makes his way slowly to your side, avoiding the mess on the floor as he gently pulls you away from the glass. “Look at me.”

“I can’t.” You choke, a genuine sorrow lacing your words.

“I want you to.”

Every bit of hesitation in your body fights to keep your eyes closed, but fighting the weakness you have for him is even harder.

You lift your gaze to his, his face closer than you expected. A hand snakes around your waist, pulling you close enough to smell his cologne. It feels like a lifetime until your chests meet each other.

“I know you didn’t mean to.” He whispers, placing a soft kiss on your forehead.

You can’t help the tear welling up and threatening to escape. But before you can worry about that, his thumb is wiping it clean off your skin.

“I’m s-sorry, I really am trying,” you start to say, just before he cuts you off by placing his hand under your chin and his lips onto yours. A subtle, gentle pull back to reality.

“I know, love. Let’s get out of here.” He suggests, and all you can think is how frustrating it is that someone can handle you with such care when you’re in this fragile state.

—

Draco walks the two of you to the Black Lake, sitting near it and retrieving some snacks from his bag. He offers you some, and you take it with a small smile.

“Nothing is worth that. Nothing is worth doing something that dangerous.” You admit, fiddling with the snack wrapper in your hands.

“You’re adjusting, Y/N. It’s going to take time. And it’s okay.” He responds, rubbing his hand on your thigh.

“Thank you. For being so understanding.” You profess, leaning a little closer into him.

“I watched my father do this very thing. Relearning how to react isn’t easy. It took him ages.” He explains, your expression turning sympathetic.

He taps your head playfully as he continues on.

“You’re rewiring things. It’s an unimaginable task to do at our age. And you’re damn brave for it.” He exclaims, looking at you with an adoration that convinces you he means every single word.

His fingers fiddle with yours, pulling you close to kiss you on the forehead. You stay quiet, his understanding and your shame still conflicting inside you.

But you feel heard, and that’s all you can ask for right now.

His voice lowers again, not too different than the way it sounded in the classroom. Except his mouth is still on your forehead, and you feel it growing into a grin.

“I’m still right, though. We shouldn’t do it outside.”

You can’t help the laugh that escapes you, the movement of your shoulders leaning into him further.

“I don’t have it in me to fight that again. But if you’re wrong, and the fire goes out, I’m entitled to the biggest ‘I told you so’ of the century.”

“Fine. Meet in the potions lab at 3?” He says, his grin somehow growing bigger as he nudges your side with his elbow, challenging you in that sweet, full, boyish voice you’ve learned to love.

“You’re on, Malfoy.”

—

After several hours of compromise, going back and forth and hovering over each other, the potion is finally complete.

It turns out he was right, the potion couldn’t survive outside. Like, not even a chance. You kept to yourself about this, unwilling to admit the obvious defeat.

But he points it out towards the end of the night, and the argument sparks again. But this round, the words light a different kind of fuse.

And this time, it ends in his bed.

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

#slytherin boys #slytherin boys x reader #draco malfoy #slytherin #draco x reader #draco malfoy fanfic #draco malfoy fic

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noel-fielding-web-page · 2 months ago

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‘The fact that I’m still here is amazing’: Noel Fielding on Bake Off, booze and the Boosh

He has gone from cult niche to smash hit and he still can’t believe it. As Bake Off returns, the comic talks about his ‘feral’ upbringing, his party years – and the day Hammond fell out of a hammock

Noel Fielding’s highlight of the new series of The Great British Bake Off wasn’t a show-stopping cake. In fact, it wasn’t any type of baked goods. It wasn’t even a shot of a squirrel with outsized testicles. It was his co-host Alison Hammond falling out of a hammock.

“I’ll never be able to unsee it,” he says. “What I love about Alison – and I mean this with the greatest of respect – is that she’s an absolute klutz. If anyone’s going to fall out of a hammock, it’ll be her. She also fell backwards off one of the workbenches while showing off. Don’t worry, she was OK. No Hammonds were harmed in the making of this series.”

As the autumnal fixture returns to our screens, Fielding promises a 15th series on peak form. “It’s a belter,” he says. “There are some very special bakers in the tent this year. Somehow the standard keeps getting higher. These unbelievable young bakers are way better than they should be for their age. It’s a vintage year. One of the best yet.”

By stealth, the surrealist goth has become a Bake Off veteran. This is Fielding’s eighth series at the helm, meaning he’s now served a longer stint than original hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. “Who knew that was going to happen?” he marvels. “Maybe Paul Hollywood’s hypnotised me. I can’t escape the tractor beam of those blue eyes. I loved that original lineup, with Mary [Berry], Mel and Sue, as much as anyone. When me and Sandi [Toksvig] took over, we were terrified. We knew it was a massive risk. We said: ‘Let’s see if we can last one series.’ The fact that I’m still here is amazing.”

A family affair? … (from left) Fielding, Alison Hammond, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Photograph: Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4

Toksvig later admitted “I felt my brain atrophying” after three series of glazes and ganaches. How does Fielding keep it fresh? “Sandi, as we know, is a massive brain. She went to Cambridge, she’s super-smart, she writes, she does politics, she needs to be stimulated. She never stays anywhere too long, except QI which is the perfect show for her. The difference between us is that I’ve always really enjoyed hanging out with the bakers. I befriend them and get them to open up. Nobody expected that to be my strength. I assumed it’d be the sketches and banter. In fact, I’m fascinated by the people. I feel protective of them. If Paul and Prue [Leith] are hard on them, I’m absolutely livid. It’s devastating when they leave. This year I was particularly fond of one baker. When I had to send them home, I cried.”

Hammond is his third co-host. “It feels like I’ve done three different shows,” he says. “First with Sandi, under enormous pressure but we pulled it off. Then with Matt [Lucas], which was a privilege because he’s a comedy genius. Now I’m enjoying it more than ever. Alison’s not a comedian, so she’s not as neurotic about jokes as I am, but she’s a brilliant improviser and instinctively funny. She slotted right in. Paul and Prue are very fond of her. Even my kids adore her. We’re having a blast.”

Judges and presenters refer to “the Bake Off stone” – a tendency to gain weight during each 10-week run. In her sophomore series, Hammond valiantly attempted to resist. “She tried to eat less this year but Alison’s quite childlike. She said: ‘Noel, stop me eating cake, I want to be good.’ The next time I saw her, she was literally like [he mimes shovelling in cake]. Alison has a good time all the time. You don’t want her to not be eating the cakes.”

Fielding, now 51, had a “feral” upbringing in Croydon. Hammond was raised in a Birmingham council house. He relishes these “two working-class kids galloping around Welford Park”, the Grade I-listed Berkshire estate where the marquee is pitched each summer. “If you’ve grown up in a working-class environment and go to a stately home, you’re like: ‘Woah! This is like Willy Wonka’s factory.’ We’re like urchins in front of Dame Prue. I permanently feel like I’ve come to sweep Prue’s chimney.” He describes Bake Off’s star quartet as “a funny old family”. Who’s who? “Prue and Paul are Mum and Dad, obviously. Alison’s the wild daughter. I reckon I’m the cat. Or am I the dog? Paul would say I’m the teenage son who’s secretly a vampire.”

‘We knew it was a massive risk’ … Fielding with Sandi Toksvig on the 12th series of The Great British Bake Off. Photograph: Channel 4/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon/PA

The last time we spoke, Fielding reflected on his 00s era as a hedonistic scenester. “I took partying to its logical conclusion,” he said. “When you’ve been partying with Kate Moss and Courtney Love, you’ve gone as far as you can go. A few friends ended up in rehab. I was sick of partying anyway and lucky enough to have my family at the right time [he has two daughters with wife Lliana Bird]. It was like: ‘This is what I was looking for!’”

He returns to the theme today, pondering how Bake Off arrived at the right time. “When I got this job, I’d just had my first child, I was painting a lot and had a different lifestyle. This show fitted that phase. You want to match your career to where you are in life. It’s mainstream, family-friendly and my kids love it, so it suits me. I love not partying – and I never thought I’d say that.”

A fellow comic turned artist provides career inspiration. “I’d love to concentrate on art more as I get older. I love what Vic Reeves [Jim Moir] is doing, making art documentaries and his Painting Birds series. Vic and Bob [Mortimer] were a big influence on me. Now he looks genuinely happy. I’d love to do something similar.”

Claudia Winkleman jokes that she gets mistaken for Fielding. Does it happen the other way round? “I did see a trailer for The Traitors out of the corner of my eye and go: ‘I swear I didn’t film that.’ But no, Claudia looks like a beautiful 60s model. I look like a melted candle. A wax model of Roy Orbison that’s been left too near the radiator. It’s flattering for me but harsh on her.”

Earlier this year, Fielding scored a streaming hit with The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. After wrapping filming on Bake Off, he’s off to shoot the highwayman sitcom’s second series. Has he learned to ride a horse? “I can get on and off, that’s all I need. Luckily it’s a comedy, so I don’t need to look impressive. One thing I enjoyed was that it’s made by Apple, so there’s a bit of a budget. With The [Mighty] Boosh, it was always a financial struggle to bring your vision to life. If you do fantastical stuff, you’re forever going: ‘We want an underwater race with people riding porpoises but that’d be all the budget gone.’ We’d end up using bits of animation to work around it. With Apple, they go: ‘Yeah, we can do that. Fine, let’s blow up a carriage.’ I’m like: ‘What, really? It won’t be a model?’”

He has formed an unlikely double act with Hugh Bonneville, who plays Dick’s thief-catching nemesis. “You can never predict who you’ll have chemistry with. I’ve learned a lot from Hugh. He’s a really skilful comic actor. And Mark Heap, who plays my dad, has the best timing of anyone ever.” As well as starring, Fielding has a writing credit. In the pilot episode, Heap tells him: “You always were a bit weird. Drawing, coming up with funny ideas, wearing strange outfits.” Was that line autobiographical? “I did write that scene, yeah,” admits Fielding.

Slice of history … Fielding (left) with his Mighty Boosh co-star Julian Barratt Photograph: Martin Argles/The Guardian

He also drew the amusingly rubbish “Wanted” posters that appear in the show. “I’d send them to the director and he’d go: ‘No, not bad enough, do another, make it more ridiculous!’ I’d end up doing them left-handed in about 10 seconds.” There’s even a role for his brother Michael, who played Naboo in The Mighty Boosh: “I put my brother in everything I can. He’s not only very funny but it means I get to hang out with him all day.”

While we’re on the Boosh, was he aware that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the comedy troupe’s TV incarnation? “Does it? Oh wow. Me and Julian [Barratt, his comedy partner] were proud of everything the Boosh did – the live shows, radio series, TV show. We probably should have made a film. People wanted more and that would’ve been a nice way to finish. Julian’s the funniest person I’ve ever worked with, hands down.” Of today’s comedy crop, he rates James Acaster highly.

Would the duo ever reform? “What we had together was so special. Comedy double acts are such rare beasts, like unicorns. I’ll probably never meet anyone like that again but I loved it while it lasted. We stopped at the right time, before the quality dipped. The Boosh was all-consuming, like being in a band. It’s difficult to recreate that when you’re older. You don’t have the same drive and energy. As much as I’d love to get back together, I wouldn’t want to do something that wasn’t as good.”

Going from Boosh to Bake Off has been an unexpected journey. “When the Boosh ended, because it had been a cult hit, I wanted to make something more avant garde and experimental to satisfy my art school side. So I did [Channel 4 sketch series] Luxury Comedy. After that, I didn’t know what to do with myself, then Bake Off came along. It was a huge curveball for me. I love that it’s old-fashioned TV. Millions watch it weekly. People come up and talk to me about the latest episode. It feels like being part of British culture. There’s so much choice now, thousands of shows on streaming, but shows like Strictly, Gogglebox and Bake Off somehow still cut through.”

After dismal weather all series, the sun even came out for this year’s final. “It had been raining and storming but as soon as we went to announce the winner, sunshine started beaming down.” Fielding grins. “Bake Off’s like that. There’s something magical about it.”

Guardian, 14.09.2024

#Noel Fielding #Paul Hollywood #Julian Barratt #Alison Hammond #Prue Leith #Sandi Toksvig #The Great British Bake Off #GBBO #The Mighty Boosh #The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin #Guardian #Info

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duskwoodraven · 6 months ago

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I feel moved to speak, sooner rather than later because I believe time is of the essence and this needs to be understood in order to keep Moonvale from crumbling to the ground completely.

This is not completely spoiler heavy, but it will discuss the game. I should note that unfortunately I have not finished the episode because I am struggling with the mini games in making progress. So I do not know how the episode ends, but I need to say this in order for me to rest.

I am very angry and disappointed with this game, and even more than that, I hold a great deal of second hand embarrassment for Everbyte.

One of the greatest reasons I respected these developers during Duskwood is that the game never felt like a cash grab like so many games do these days. The option to make a one time payment for complete access to Duskwood was fantastic, an option they should have carried to here and that is the biggest grievance I have.

There is no reason a game should cost hundreds of dollars to experience and enjoy. There is no reason for the prices of gems to be as expensive as they are. This is unacceptable Everbyte, and you should feel ashamed of it, you should know better.

The beauty of Duskwood and what set it apart was its feel of realism and the fact that every question had a reasonable answer. Your use of AI art has cheapened the look of your game, not enhanced it, not to mention it’s insulting to use generated art when there are many artists who are already losing jobs to AI, artists who would have been happy to work with you if given the chance. If the cost of commission is too high, then use of stock photos you had before was just fine, and I believe you should have kept it, I can’t look at Ash and Charlie’s profiles without it striking me as goofy.

Furthermore, the story does not make sense, we were able to read chats because Jake made it possible for us, now it just feels like the return of a gimmick with no explanation, the same with the mini games, in the past we did mini games to “hack” into Hannah’s cloud, now we do it “just because”. It’s lost its feeling of meaning, not to mention most private chats are behind the gem paywall, which we never had to deal with before!

The characters seem more plain to me, or maybe they are loveable but I’ll never know because again, paywall. I can’t read the premium options and get to know them deeper because of it. There are also no profiles like before, which is awful because we can’t look back on past video calls and links and we can’t see what these characters are all about, their personality is gone.

Even MC’s answer options seem blander, more vanilla, repetitive or one directional.

I say this truthfully from my soul, if this was the style of of game you dropped but for Duskwood instead, I never would have played it.

I would have never fallen in love with it.

I would have never made this blog and would never have waited years for every episode and a new game.

I would have never made art and countless theories.

I would have deleted the game immediately.

So I’m asking you, begging you, please change this for our sakes, and especially for yours.

Because despite all my gripes and anger, and everything I’ve said, I know you guys have actually worked hard on this game because the evidence is there, hidden beneath it all.

I love the actual real life people you have for Adam and Eric, I was so moved to help Adam when he started to cry. I want to know why he knows us and wants our help. I laughed when Eric told us he had tripped, and I do want to get to know him. I even wished to lovingly twist Charlie’s neck! That is the game I remember loving, its writing and characters, I can see the potential here.

But you need to change something, otherwise I cannot support this game, I cannot force myself to play it. I will drop Moonvale.

Give the players a one time payment option for 100% complete access to the game, access to all premium options. That’s the least I feel anyone could ask of you and is biggest reason you are getting this backlash.

To my fellow players, if you agree with any of what I said then I ask you not to pay for anything until Everbyte changes to make their game more affordable. Don’t be quiet and please voice your opinions everywhere they can see it. That’s the only way something could change.

I am so sorry this is what we got… you all deserve better.

#i feel sick #make a change everbyte #moonvale #everbyte studio #everbyte #duskwood #moonvale x duskwood #moonvale release #moonvale game #moonvale everbyte

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kingsandbastardz · 7 months ago

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Tumblr ate the anon ask I was responding to so I'm gonna paraphrase it here:

what do mean llh gave di feisheng to fang duobing? the letter totally said something else

Yes, it did - but I didn't feel I could comment too deeply on it when it's been retranslated and people who are far more literate than I am have analyzed the contents already. -- The letter itself seems pretty straight forward.

However, what I wanted to focus on was analyzing unspoken social dynamics - so I'm gonna get in depth into my reasoning for my interpretation. And admittedly in previous posts I was playing fast and glib with my responses (they were just insomnia-fueled thoughts I typed real fast) so I wasn't really in depth or anything. Anyway~~~ That means it's time for me to get long winded.

So! First thing - this is the scene: The letter was written from Li Xiangyi and addressed in its entirety to Di Feisheng. However, when it was delivered the fisherman asked for both DFS and FDB. It was then read outloud by either the fisherman or FDB -- I assume read out loud, and loudly, because DFS never left his position by the rocks and emoted his distress at the contents. That means everyone there also was privy to the letter contents.

The letter itself is straight forward. It's addressed from LXY telling DFS that he regretfully can't make the duel and that he respects him both as a martial artist and as a person, and if he wishes, he can go to FDB who has inherited his skills and shows great promise, etc.

The thing IS - I firmly believe that this is not a message meant just for DFS.

Both LLH and DFS code switch between their non-leader selves vs Li-Menzhu and Di-Mengzhu. It's easiest to see based on what they're wearing. Li Xiangyi when he's dressed in the Sigu Sect uniform. Or the Styx flower hand-off scene where he calls him Di-mengzhu (not Lao Di or A-Fei or whatever else) likely as a reaction to his official regalia/red uniform which means DFS was showing up in an official capacity. Both of them know very well the importance of a certain.... how to say.... drama? They're both leaders and they were also very performative in their roles as leaders. They both expected that massive peanut gallery that showed up to witness the fight - the one filled with members of various sects, including Sigu Sect leadership -- because dfs was likely the one announcing it.

Imo - aside from the need to express the full weight of what he felt, part of the reason LLH was so formal in his letter is expectation that there would be other people there - influential people. The very people DFS and FDB would have to deal with in the future alone. FDB would be ok but he's largely unknown to the rest of jianghu and therefore his story is still malleable. DFS is known, but infamous and his narrative is as much of a trap as LXY's was. And now he no longer has the benefit of a sect to act as a buffer.

LLH's last act as LXY was not to save Yun Biqiu but to carve a new path open in the world for DFS and FDB:

Expresses that he bears deep emotion and the greatest and deepest respect for DFS despite a reputation of them being enemies

Informs everyone that DFS is not seeking dominion or 'the throne' but rather, is going the fighter-scholar path of studying and testing martial skill -- aka, this is message from one sect leader to all the others present. Spread the word, this man is NOT gunning for your power. None of you have reason to take him down.

Establishes FDB as his one and only successor - while also stating clearly it's entirely up to FDB to decide whether to continue down this path or not

Creates a pathway for DFS and FDB to maintain their connection with each other - and in fact lets everyone else know that there is a pre-established, legacy relationship between DFS and LLH that FDB will be inheriting.

Gently asks DFS to keep an eye on FDB's development - iterating that if dfs is the one asking, then FDB may make the decision to continue to train - aka help him see his full potential whatever his decision is.

At the same time, he silently wishes FDB to maintain connections with/keep an eye on DFS. In another reply I kinda went on about this: imagine a scenario where your friend's mom pulls both of you in front of her. And the whole time is telling your friend that they need to do, expectations, a list of goals, etc. The entire time she's only focused on your friend - but there is this silent implication that you, as the witness, is expected to act a reminder or even an enforcer if your friend isn't listening. If things go wrong, you're expected to go in there and help them to do the thing they were asked to do. This is the unspoken message I'm getting for FDB. Even though his name wasn't mentioned in the letter, it was explicitly delivered to both him and dfs. He's standing right there while an imaginary LLH talks to DFS. So if after all this, dfs disappears without another word = fdb can feel emboldened to go after him, knocking on doors until he answers. Should he decide to do so.

Entreaty - "These are LXY's (my) last wishes. Please respect my memory after my death."

Conclusion: LLH's last actions were to create a space where both DFS and FDB can make their own decision on their path in the world, without the weight of all those other people in jianghu influencing them.

Note: I also believe that on dfs' side, his clothing choices point toward his plans to publicly step down and leave the martial path with Li Lianhua. But llh sucker-punched him and left him standing on some rocks like a widow waiting for her husband who's lost at sea. They were technically on the same page, but it somehow went wrong because... well. Unfortunately that's DFS' narrative. He never quite reaches his goal without the hero either hindering or helping him. The entire drama was LLH being that karma busting fulcrum for him. But now, should he wish it, it'll be FDB's turn to step up and do the same.

#also as an aside - with all the marriage symbolism and the dead brides in every story arc - both lyx and dfs with red uniforms?#llh stealing dfs repeatedly away from marriages? sgd wanting llh to wear the red for HIM but instead llh wears it for everyone else but him #it's very much giving me sacrificial savior where the hero is for the people and not any given individual #mysterious lotus casebook #my royal ramblings #di feisheng #li lianhua #li xiangyi #fang duobing #lxy's last letter #meta

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max1461 · 1 year ago

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I will reiterate again my views on private property, for those who have not heard them:

Property is a legal construct, by which an individual is recognized by the state as having essentially unilateral authority over some bundle of resources, and whereby this control is enforced by the state at the behest of the individual using the state's monopoly on violence.

Right-libertarians view the right to private property as a fundamental individual liberty that must be respected any just state, akin to freedom of speech. However, I believe this view is incorrect. At the most basic level, the difference is that freedom of speech puts restrictions on what the state may do—it may not arrest us for what we say. On the other hand, the "right to property" demands an enormous amount of active interference by the state in everyday life—to decide who is the legitimate owner of what, and thereby who may use what and step where, what is trespassing or copyright infringement and what is not. It demands that if you use the wrong resources in the wrong way, resources not recognized as yours, you must be jailed. It demands a constant management by the state of exactly who is using what where. Far from being the actions of a "small government", a pervasive system of private property is a status quo that can only be maintained by an extraordinarily large and everywhere-reaching government.

This difference needn't mean that private property is bad. In fact, I don't think it is in general bad! But I also don't think it is in general good, or in general conducive to the ideal of individual liberty and autonomy.

In our present society, private property serves a variety of social functions that I think are very positive. For instance, private ownership (or something basically akin to private ownership) of one's home provides them with certain guarantees of privacy and autonomy within their own living space that I think are vital in any free society. At the same time, when a home's resident is not its owner, as in the case where a home is owned by a landlord, the right to property is instead an obstacle to these basic individual liberties.

Furthermore, I think that owning a very large amount of property makes one a kind of de facto autocrat, backed by state force in the exercise of their own private whims. As goes the old quip: who has more control over your life, the president, or your boss? And which one is democratically elected?

The truth is that we almost all spend the majority of our waking lives within the workplace, a domain ruled autocratically by an unelected, unaccountable authority. Yes, we each have the meager freedom to choose which autocratic authority to submit to, or to submit to none and starve on the street. But this is not freedom in any sane sense. And I think the notion that we live in a free society when the majority of most of our lives are spent in submission to the arbitrary whims of state backed authority is ridiculous.

Does this mean that I think private property should be replaced with nothing? That all rivalrous resources should be allocated by first-come first-serve, or according to who can guard them by exercise of the most individual force? No, of course not! Rather, I merely think property as it exists today is something of an arbitrary system, an accretion of history, steered at every turn by the powerful to guard their own interests. I would like to see a wholesale reworking of the way that resources and their use are coordinated by society—this time, engineered from the ground up specifically to empower the greatest number of people with the greatest amount of personal autonomy. I think anyone who defends the present system of property against such efforts has no business calling themselves "libertarian".

This is no simple project, and though I have many ideas (which you can find by perusing my posts), I am almost certainly not equipped with the full set of skills necessary to envision an ideal system. This is a project which must be approached at the same time with a technical eye towards economic issues and a humanistic eye towards the broader effects of the new system on people and their wellbeing. I am, as always, interested in talking with anyone who can contribute towards a vision of better system.

#society

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nalyra-dreaming · 7 months ago

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Reading the S2 reviews (so beware spoilers ahead!). Wanted to get your take (and others’ if people have thoughts!), citing The Wrap’s review:

“Daniel might be the most radically different character from book to screen. He’s older, more pessimistic and utterly allergic to the allure of vampire life. Only now he is able to confront the deep-seated scars left behind after his night with Louis (although book fans might be disappointed to know that the show doesn’t tease out more of the romance he has with Armand in the books. Theirs is strictly an adversarial relationship in the series.)”

Other reviews confirm that S02E05/the episode about Daniel’s past is not romantic at all, rather a horror episode. Which I’m sure will be good (some describe it as the best episode), but I can’t help being a bit disappointed that they don’t seem to be doing DM - or at least not in this season at all. I think the reviews only cover episodes 1-6, but this reviewer seems so very sure… (also they seem to know the books so I’m guessing the episode won’t be too similar to the book either. Meaning it won’t end with “the chase” or will it?). So is there a real risk that no DM will play out?. The greatest hint of DM in my view was Zaman’s podcast appearance where he stated that Armand is curious about Daniel and that there is a history there. But this could just be referring to their horror-filled encounter in episode five. So I don’t know, I’m a little sad - was pretty excited for some f*cked up memory stuff (there is just something so compelling with the idea of discovering that there is a whole side of your life that you’ve lost - that this person you don’t know is someone you loved etc.). I wanted to see what it would do to Daniel and Armand respectively, and I wanted their dynamic to be as interesting as possible. Remember reading speculation that Daniel will remember more in the finale - maybe a romantic aspect but I think it was just pure speculation, no hints or comments from the cast/writers backing this up.

What do you think? Grateful to hear your thoughts! Also, I’m still psyched about this season of course, looking forward to the Armand/Louis romance, the Theatre! Hayles performance is supposedly going to be amazing, and I’m looking forward to more of Daniel’s snark obviously! It feels unreal that the season is around the corner!

It is!!! And I am also sooooo hyped, it's unreal *laughs*

Okay, so... first of all, it's always a thing of perspective with reviews. For example, there's this as well, after episode 1:

Now... that is no review, granted.

But it's perception. I... do not think that all of the "Devil's Minion" will be spelled out in the first episodes (nor do I think we will get all of it this season!). In fact, I think the horror that "he loved this monster" is part of the horror of it all, this realization. And that will very likely be in the last episodes, in whichever way.

So. With that in mind - btw, which review did confirm it's ep5? (I only saw that focused comment I think?) - I did not expect Devil's Minion to be "happy". In fact, I think it might have stalking, cages, attacks, and the beginning of the chase - and that chase does NOT start out as cute.

Daniel just gets used to it, over time. And then Armand falls in love.

Season 2 is going to be significantly darker. I bet it's also going to be a lot campier, if the comments to this hold true, with dark humor. But they're leaning fully into the horror aspects of this vampire world now, and the beginning of the Devil's Minion is exactly that - horrific.

The above review matches with what Jacob said about Louis and Daniel forming alliances... and I bet that alliance is indeed needed to drag the whole story out.

And when that whole story is out - that will lead to repercussions.

THAT in turn goes for Louis just as much as it goes for Daniel... because this second interview has just as much to do with him.

So... I would wait until you can see it with your own eyes?! :)

I mean... AMC's promotion(and pairing of the actors) speaks a very loud language? And Assad said he had chemistry read with "Daniel"... for reasons.

But it won't all be revealed in the screeners. I bet the last two episodes will pack a punch.

Maybe even literally. 😜

#Anonymous #sending you a hug nonny #we will get the whole story no worries #but we might not get it all this season #asks #ask nalyra #amc iwtv #iwtv #amc interview with the vampire #interview with the vampire amc #iwtv amc #interview with the vampire #the devil's minion #armand #daniel molloy #devil's minion #iwtv s2

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ayeliiss · 4 months ago

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My two cents on MHA430 and Izuku's character

Disclaimer: this is NOT a hate post against Horikoshi and his manga. Simply, I need to lash my disappointment out somewhere and write my feelings down before I implode. I'm not trying to sound like 'ugh, I know better than them' at all, although I am aware some of my claims may give the 'why does the author think he knows so much?!' vibes, but keep in mind this is just my irrelevant opinion and it won't change anything anyway. So, please, don't come at me with 'lacking reading comprehension' or 'you're coping' (yes, I am) because I feel like fans are allowed to be upset at this ending even if you think differently! To each their own opinion, as long as it's respectful! Also, this might be unnecessarily long so, I apologize in advance.

Discussion about Izuku's character

First of all, if you're satisfied with the ending and what Izuku did/became, I'm genuinely happy for you. Truthfully, I envy you so damn much because I personally couldn't stop feeling empty and crying at night for him, and before you come at me with 'girl, he's fictional, it's okay you'll move on', yes, I know I'm a drama queen and I shouldn't be in one hell of a state for a fictional character, but I can't help it. I've grown as attached to him as I've ever grown to any character before, and there's no turning back. MHA is the first manga that ever moved me this hard and it'll forever remain a masterpiece for me, but it doesn't mean it's not flawed and should be free of criticism (always with respect for Horikoshi's work).

Funny thing is, I didn't even like Izuku when I first met him. He was the typical crybaby and too-optimistic MC I tend to dislike when I read a manga. Yet, the more I read, the more I started to understand him, the more I sympathized with him, and the more I loved him. I realized I related to him to such an outlandish extent, though I know we remain different in the way we act or think. But Izuku, even before Katsuki (and my friends know how obsessed I am with this blond lmao), became my first and greatest over-fixation and my main reason to continue reading/watching MHA. This manga changed my life; Izuku did too, and this isn't an understatement.

Just like him—and probably just like many of us—, I've endured bullying, been made fun of for being different, felt unwanted and hated, been belittled, and treated like shit for most of my teenage years. I think that's what really endeared him to me. I wanted to watch him grow, to watch him make real friends, to watch him receive the apologies and respect he deserved, to see him succeed. I wanted him to realize he was worth it and loved and, oh God, I wish he could know just how much his fans do love him.

And for 200+ chapters, I got what I wanted. Izuku got to live his dream, be around his idol who recognized him, and made new friends who admired him and wanted nothing but to be by his side. Then, the Vigilante arc happened, and everything changed. I won't dwell on the fact that, for me, this arc was the beginning of the decline of his character. It's worth noting though that it's at this precise moment that we've lost track of all his thoughts, but I'll focus on the ending, and how the way Horikoshi handled Izuku's character remains my biggest disappointment.

I sometimes joked with a friend of mine, saying, "Hori's favorite character is Katsuki and it shows so much, he even forgets he isn't his MC!" but I don't think it's much of a joke anymore.

Again, I'm very happy for those who are pleased with Izuku's closure. But, honestly, I can't grasp their process of thinking (I wish I could) because there's no way I can understand how it makes sense. It's not about him being quirkless—actually, I think this choice was cool—, it's about his obvious fucking depression.

After his initial withdrawal, there is never any resolution. He has never talked about his feelings to anyone, never opened up about all the things that bugged him, never taken it out on anyone. He just stopped having development, and never learned how to 'control his heart' (one of the biggest plots of the story, remember???). So, he continues to take everything up on his shoulders by the end of the story, and eight years later, he is feeling lonely, as he says himself:

Yes, I can read, and I know he's also saying he's happy with helping/encouraging other people. But it's literally denial. Izuku is in denial and it hurts me so much. He's alone (I'm not talking about how he's barely seen his friends, I know they didn't abandon him or anything, I'm talking about how he is feeling in general), deprived of his dream, and never got to talk about it to anyone (at least, on-screen. And if it's not shown, then it didn't happen). Even the adults around him don't see he's in pain—or, at least, don't think it's worth addressing. Aizawa can't even simply answer 'yes, you're cool' when Izuku obviously seeks praise and needs nice words after everything he's been through. He doesn't even get fans (except for two, waouh!) after saving the fucking world. He doesn't get a statue, no recognition. Katsuki leads a project for him to get a suit, but not the government? After everything he did? Why isn't he more recognized and acknowledged for his hard work? Killing him would've almost felt like a better choice lol (#it's a joke).

Even if, in the end, he gets to join his friends again and be a hero with them, he's still not opening up. How is it sane/healthy for him???? How will he even be able to maintain good relationships of any kind if there are already so many and huge miscommunication issues?

I hate this—I dislike how it's basically saying 'his feelings weren't that important!'. Izuku deserved better, a better closure. So much is missing from him; from this bitter ending, and I can't find any way to make myself feel better or to cope with it.

I am devastated, I feel empty for him, I just want someone to take him to therapy, to help him.

Some rumors have started to spread, about how 'Horikoshi has been forced to shorten his manga' but I don't believe this—MHA has been SJ's money-maker for a while. And even if it were to be true, the epilogue could've been handled differently. Hori could've focused on the most important parts (that he hasn't even shown/resolved at all) and left the irrelevant ones out (why introduce a new character if not to make us feel hopeful to see Tenko again, lol). He chose to not address the most important aspects of his story (including his MC's resolution and growth) and left us with huge plot holes. And now, we're stuck with our imagination, as usual.

I just can't with 'open endings' and 'it's left to interpretation' stuff. It's too easy to do that. I'm tired of mangakas not taking risks, rushing their own plots, and not digging deeper into their own MCs' traumas. I don't know what happened, but among the many issues left regarding this last chapter, Izuku's conclusion remains my greatest ick. I'm so sorry to say this, but Izuku didn't grow. He never learned from his mistakes and just didn't change—oh wait. Yes, he did change on one crucial aspect—his biggest trait, being obsessed with his childhood friend, totally disappeared! Maybe he started to stop caring about 'Kacchan and the others' and put himself first, to the point of forgetting the said childhood friend died twice for him, who knows? :))) (yeah, I'm especially pissed off at this lol don't mind me).

In my imagination, I see him being a pro-hero who continues to suppress his feelings and continues to act recklessly, to risk his life in the face of any danger that shows up. This is what happens when you leave it to fans' imagination, after all.

I know fanfictions exist, and I'm very happy this unclear ending motivated some writers to challenge their creativity. For me, it had the opposite effect. I'm disgusted, I am angry at Izuku and I know I'll struggle to finish my fics where he's involved because I don't want to deal with his character anymore. I'm too attached to canonical representation.

Man, I'm just devastated. I have no other words. And I'll have to live with this for the rest of my life. I feel betrayed. Shitted on. I'm dying inside and there's nothing I can do because it's over. Just like this long-ass essay, btw lol. Thank you if you're still here, thank you if you've read this! I'm pretty much open to discussion so if anyone wants to try and reassure me over some aspects or respectfully explain why I am wrong (I know I probably am, yet again those are my own feelings), please don't hesitate to do so. Also, I definitely need friends with whom I could talk about this deeper... so, my DMs are open too if you'd like to!

Much love to Izuku though; one of the best MCs I've encountered in my life, despite how he turned.

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wheelie-sick · 5 months ago

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-> TW for in depth discussion of suicide <-

a lot of people look at anti psychiatry and say "well these aspects of psychiatry helped/saved my life!" and that's not the point. the point isn't that no one can ever find psychiatry helpful the point is that the system abuses its patients

I have been uncontrollably suicidal at many points in my life but 3 stick out to me and those 3 were my full suicide attempts (rather than my suicide near attempts i.e standing at the ledge of a cliff with the intent to jump, something I have done so many times I cannot possibly count them) I have been so desperate to die that despite having every possible lethal mean removed from the house I lived in I tried to drown myself in a bathtub. I tried this twice. there is nothing more desperate than frantically shoving your head under the water face down hoping you have the willpower to stay there until you black out and inevitably die. I remember these things viscerally and painfully. suicide is not unfamiliar to me.

but no one could have forced my recovery. recovery is a decision I had to consciously make. trying to force my hand would only have traumatized me further. I am all too familiar with forced recovery, I have been in ABA therapy against my will and had an awful experience. I would sob and beg to leave the system. I was in ABA partially because my mental illness was classified as severe, not just because I had moderate autism. my family admits a large driver of it was the fact that the support I was receiving from my incompetent therapist was not helping and they hoped ABA would. in the end it only made me worse by providing me more trauma on top of the existing trauma I already had.

with that said full recovery is something I will never experience but that does not mean I cannot be supported in ways that do not remove my personhood. I am bipolar, bipolar disorder is lifelong. it has been one of the main contributors to my suicide attempts as it started creeping into my life at 10 years old. I have, since my last suicide attempt, strongly considered trying again. there were points where I considered willingly going to a psychiatric hospital. something pushed me away- both from the ledge and from a psychiatric hospital.

there's a theme with when all my suicide attempts happened. my first was at the age of 12 and my last was at the age of 14. I was isolated. I was living with an incredibly abusive father and a mom who just couldn't keep up. I had very few to no friends. around 14 I started to gain community and mend the relationship with my mom. I had support. my latest near miss was only a couple of months ago, it was during a manic episode and the impulse arose and I barely had the self control to stop it. manic episodes are when bipolar people are at greatest risk of suicide. again, what saved me was having support. people saw what was going on and intervened- not through hospitalization against my will but through peer to peer support.

a psychiatric hospital would not have helped me. psychiatric hospitals are traumatizing experiences. trauma is a large influence on my life as is. the trauma of going to a psychiatric hospital outweighed the danger of me at my lowest staring at a bottle of opioids with intent to take them.

the thing about anti psychiatry is that it's not anti treatment it's anti abuse. if there was an alternative to psychiatric hospitals that did not revoke my autonomy, that would not have traumatized me, I would have gone. I don't believe that live-in alternatives are the answer for everyone, it looks different for different people, but I do believe everyone has a right to autonomy in their treatment.

I am happy I am alive and I am happy I survived my attempts but what I needed was not a traumatic experience at a psychiatric hospital what I needed was support that respected my autonomy and personhood.

a lot of people assume that anti psychiatry people just don't understand the experience of mental illness but I'd argue the contrary- most of us are classified as "seriously mentally ill" and most of us have become anti psychiatry through negative experiences with the psychiatric industry. we want autonomy for mentally ill people, not abandonment.

#tw suicide #suicide tw #anti psych #anti psychiatry #antipsych #antipsychiatry #mad pride #madpunk

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jacebeleren · 1 year ago

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It bothers me so much that the only transfem rep in mtg cards is this like. Soldier military woman, like 'ooh look at this guy's we made a trans woman who's a part of a war machine' fantastic thank you magic very original

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Okay.

First of all, there is no "our" interpretation of the text. My thoughts are my own, and your thoughts are your own. Some of our thoughts might align, but I will not allow you to speak for me.

Second, I am sorry you feel so disappointed in the current state of transgender representation in Magic. I understand your concerns and I think they're valid concerns.

Third, your concerns being valid does not mean I agree with what you have to say, though. Don't come into my inbox complaining unless you're ready for me to honestly respond. Respectfully, your approach to these concerns makes it clear to me that you don't actually understand what you're talking about.

It's apparent that you follow me or have at least seen many of my posts. You appear to respect my opinions / analysis (at least regarding Jace and Tezzeret). So listen to me when I say this:

What constitutes 'good' representation is context-dependent, and it's not something you alone get to decide.

Yes, Alesha is a "soldier military woman", as you said. I understand that you have this complaint because you believe this makes Alesha an example of the stereotype that trans women are violent. But context matters. What you're failing to consider is the fact that she comes from the Mardu Horde, a faction on Tarkir inspired by the Mongol hordes of real-world history. In this context, Alesha isn't presented as violent because she's a trans woman. She's violent because she literally comes from a warrior clan based on one of the greatest military forces in human history. And honestly, with Magic being a combat-centric game, she's not any more violent than any non-Mardu Legends, either.

Do you seriously think a story about a trans woman fighting to proudly declare her trans identity in her culture and later becoming the accomplished and well-respected leader of her clan is bad representation? Does the fact that she's a warrior really outweigh the rest of the lovingly crafted trans narrative they created for her, to you?

It's fine if you feel that way. You don't have to like Alesha or her story. But just because something wasn't made for your taste doesn't mean it's bad writing / bad representation.

Anyway, I highly recommend you read Alesha's story, "The Truth of Names", since it seems like you haven't read it yet. It's a fantastic story-- the most beloved short story in all of Magic, actually. It was the most-read article on the entire Magic website for like 5 years, according to WOTC.

And if you're interested in learning more about transfem characters in Magic who aren't Alesha, I recommend you read about Xantcha, who first appears in the novel "Planeswalker".

Next, I need to make things clear about Ashiok.

Ashiok was never intended to be nonbinary representation. Ashiok was created to be a mysterious, unknowable villain. What makes Ashiok special is that we are not mean to know anything about Ashiok. We do not know Ashiok's species or plane of origin, for example. Another part of that element of mystery is not knowing Ashiok's gender, or how Ashiok identifies. Ashiok's original style guide from Theros explicitly instructs people to not use any pronouns for Ashiok at all (which I still follow because old habits are hard to break.) Official Magic sources did not begin to use they/them pronouns for Ashiok until 2022, in the story "A Garden of Flesh" (another excellent story, BTW.) And they only started using they/them for Ashiok because it is really hard to write a story where the character is mentioned that many times without pronouns.

All this to say: Ashiok as intentional nonbinary representation is certainly not the narrative WOTC is pushing.

Yes, there are many fans of Ashiok who interpret Ashiok as nonbinary, but those are their thoughts and you need not concern yourself with that, if it bothers you so.

As for Niko, it's weird that you say they're "non-existent" in Magic story when 2 of the 5 side stories ("Know Which Way the Wind is Blowing" and "Aim Through the Target") in their debut set Kaldheim were entirely focused on Niko. They're also a starring main character in 15 of the 25 issues of the BOOM! Studios Magic comics.

I'm glad you like my analysis of Jace and Tezzeret as transgender characters. Thank you for that, genuinely. But I want you to understand that the reason I have these interpretations is because I love Magic Story. And more importantly, I actually read it. I love Magic Story, and I have so much respect for the Magic Narrative team and the work they do.

What most people don't understand is that the Magic Narrative Team is in fact very careful and very loving in their approach to queer representation. You may not know this about me, but I'm friends with A LOT of people who formerly or currently work on Magic / Magic Story. Knowing these people personally, I know for a fact that the Magic creative Team does not create queer characters for "diversity points". They're not just checking boxes. The Magic creative team creates queer characters because the Magic creative team is full of queer people and allies who want to tell stories that reflect their own + fans' experiences. And they have to constantly fight to include more / better queer representation in Magic. They want good queer representation in Magic just as much as we do.

Am I going to defend everything they do? No! Are they perfect? No! They are just people. They make mistakes and they have blind spots. For example, in my essay about my analysis of Jace as a trans man, I explain that the reason my interpretation means so much to me is because there is currently zero meaningful representation for trans men in Magic canon. There are zero transgender male characters in Magic canon who have names. That's a HUGE blind spot considering the number of canon trans characters! That's something that disappoints and upsets me.

I'm not afraid to criticize Magic Story, and I do so very often. But I am critical of Magic story because I love it. My criticism does not equal hatred or unhappiness.

Sorry to hear that their efforts at including better trans representation in Magic would piss you off. I'm sorry that you've given up.

Lastly, I think Liliana is cis, but that's just my headcanon.

#mtg #gwunky #long post

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fanficsiwillneverwrite · 9 months ago

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On my umpteenth rewatch of lok, I had a sudden interest in old Zuko…. And let’s just say another wip is brewing in my brain now about Zuko and his involvement in book 3 :/

Zuko looks in the mirror and sees only a face he no longer recognizes: old, long past its prime. An old wound haunting him, even how many years later. It happened so long ago; only yesterday. Shaky hands rub the rough skin as the memory takes hold. It was for the better, he once told himself long ago. It led him on the path of good, toward the light. But the thought of giving such a punishment to Izumi… He admittedly was not perfect when it came to raising her, but he was no Ozai.

Through the reflection, he sees Akari, the Firelord’s senior aide, emerge from the golden doors. “Lord Zuko,” she says with a respectful and low bow. Her voice is distant, muffled, despite being so near. Just a reminder of his aging body. “The Firelord will see you now.”

He nods, acknowledging her, but his focus remains on the stranger–no, the old man–staring back at him, copying every move he makes. Akari backs away to give him space. And he touches a few wrinkles. Uncle always said they were a sign of living, far better than the alternative. His laughter still echoes in his mind; the steam of hot tea still lingers around him.

He moves away from his reflection and into the throne room where his daughter sits high above him in all her glory. Zuko smiles as he bows–and his old bones crack as he bends. Another reminder that the old man in the mirror and the boy who thought his destiny was to capture the Avatar were one in the same. “The Firelord has requested an audience with me. I would be interested in knowing what for.”

“Hello Dad,” greets Izumi gently as she stands. She approaches him, a familiar look of care mixed with concern permanently captures her face each time she looks at him. He knows it well. Old age brings on pity. No, Uncle would say, old age brings on care. They hug and, suddenly, he is drunk with the scent of familiarity. Once Mai’s favorite perfume worn now by a grieving daughter who wants only to keep her mother close. “How are you?”

“I am fine, daughter,” he assures, his hand squeezing her shoulder as if to emphasize the fact. Sadness lingers around them with Mai’s passing just over a year ago. “Though, perhaps it is I who should be asking you that very question. Avatar Korra has led us into a new age where spirits and mankind must now live together in harmony. As the Firelord, it is your duty to make her decision a reality. With some guidance from me, of course, if it doesn’t interfere with my nap time.”

She rolls her eyes as a smile forms. “I think sometimes I can make better sense of your snoring than your political babble,” she teases.

“Be careful what you say next, daughter,” he shoots back. “I still have claim to the throne, you know.”

“Like I’d give it back,” she tells him playfully. But her face turns serious. And like a stuck bandage, the news of why she has summoned him is ripped open quickly to ease the anticipation: “I’ve just received word from President Raiko in Republic City. It seems… Harmonic Convergence has brought back the Airbenders.”

His heart feels as if it has sunk. The Fire Nation’s greatest burden, their deepest regret—now, so suddenly, fixed? He would have to see it to believe it, especially if Raiko is the one reporting it. All the man cares about is the votes. “What?”

“I haven’t yet received word from Tenzin, but there has been at least one Airbender sighting in Caldera alone. Most, it seems, are in the Earth Kingdom.”

“That could mean trouble.”

The Earth Queen remains bitter over land now the United Republic of Nations and everything surrounding it, Air Temple Island included: Earth Kingdom territory, she makes false claims. While her father was timid, mostly oblivious as a leader, Hou-Ting is loud, demanding, and a complete tyrant.

Zuko turns, hurrying out the room. There is no time to waste. “I’ll head straight to Ba Sing Se—”

His daughter is quick to stop him. “The Fire Nation should not have any involvement there, dad. You know this.” His intent would be to liberate this new wave of Airbenders from the grasps of great tyrannical power, but the world might view it as another Firelord’s attempt to again dismantle the Air Nation. He blinks, seeing clearly now as his daughter faces him again. “Furthermore,” Izumi continues cautiously; they’re always dancing around his state of retirement. The nation is hers–it is her birthright–but he makes diplomatic trips around the world to assure peace, to continue what he and Avatar Aang started so long ago, yesterday. “A man your age should really be fretting over pai sho and gardening. Not the state of the world.”

The man she is describing is Uncle. Not him, never him. “I will not turn my back on the world when it still needs me,” Zuko insists. His reflection shows an achy old man with a story long ago completed, but as long as his heart still beats and the fire still burns, he can be useful.

“I know,” she says, “but… you can only do so much before it becomes too overwhelming for you.” She adjusts her glasses as a sigh escapes her. “Dad, I care only for your safety–”

“I am still capable–”

“–which is why I think it perfectly sensible for you to take in a ward.”

He stops, hurt–offended. “A-a ward?”

“One of Master Muromachi’s young pupils,” she continues. “Someone who can be your companion. Someone who will watch your back and defend you when you’re unable.”

Zuko huffs, rubbing his forehead in frustration. His daughter thinks him unable, an invalid of his craft now just because of a few wrinkles. Spirits! He is Lord Zuko, Leader of the Fire Nation and the Avatar’s Firebending Master. And she thinks he needs a sidekick? Some noble boy defending his honor? “No, absolutely not. I don’t need some child protecting me.”

Izumi rolls her eyes. “This isn’t a suggestion, dad. Master Muromachi is expecting you. We’ll go down there this afternoon.”

He stomps away stubbornly, like a child not getting his way. The roles were reversed long ago, just yesterday when he was still in charge, when he was still capable. “I can choose my own ward, can’t I?”

“Of course–”

“Then I’ll go on my own, if it pleases the Firelord.”

He exits before she can answer. Anger boils within him. He hates being the man who is old, the man who needs help. Most of his friends are gone now and this new generation is perfectly competent, his daughter being one of them, but the fire still burns inside him. The face in the mirror is the face he saw long ago–yesterday–when there was no scar.

The Fire Nation Academy for Gifted Boys is a secondary school for sons of nobles. It teaches Nonbenders how to fight through the art of swordsmanship. Only the best, or most wealthy, can attend. And the training is rigorous, not for the faint hearted. Tom-Tom became one of the academy’s pupils when he came of age, mastering sword fighting at the age of fourteen. Firelord Ozai always dismissed the school’s teachings, saying Nonbenders could never truly be masters without the ability of bending. In his final years, without his bending, his father learned the way of the sword, though he never tried to understand the relationship between a man and his blade, thus never becoming a full master of the craft.

These days the school is just as rigorous with Master Muromachi, a stern and, dare he say, cruel man, in charge of this new generation of fighters. The boys stand straight in a line when Lord Zuko arrives. Eyes forward, not one hair out of place, not a single crease in their suits. Their movements are in sync as they all bow low when Muromachi introduces him to them.

“You have honored this school with your presence, Lord Zuko,” Muromachi says with a bow of his own. He moves aside for Zuko to properly examine his students. “Please, choose anyone you think is worthy.” He gestures to the tallest of the group: tan skinned and golden eyed, Zuko sees a darkness in him that brings only suspicion. The way the boy eyes him; it’s not like the others. “Eigo here is our star pupil.”

“Is that so?”

Muromachi gestures again and Eigo assumes a fighting stance as he draws his sword. He dances with it around Zuko–impressive but, still, there is something about him that he doesn’t quite like–before returning to his spot in line.

“Very good,” Zuko tells him, “though I find your lack of moderation rather… unsettling.”

The boy’s expression darkens at the criticism. Not suitable for his company at all. Muromachi moves on without a visible reaction: “Pao,” he calls. And the next boy moves skillfully around the room with his blades. A mindless routine, practiced over and over again until perfection. He does what he is told and nothing more.

“Your moves, though highly skillful, lack originality,” Zuko notes. He will find something wrong for each of them. He does not need a protector, nor does he want one.

Muromachi becomes more tense as they move down the line, each boy weaker than the last. This Academy is a show and these so-called warriors are nothing more than performers this day in age, not like how they used to be, he will tell his daughter later over tea. That is why he did not choose a child today. That is why he should not have a ward.

Finally, they arrive at the last: the smallest of the group. A softness exists within him that the other boys do not have. Short hair above his ears cut in a wonky bowl shape and fierce blue eyes with a sparkle in them that shows he is ready, not to win but to fight for what is right—he knows those eyes. It hits him, suddenly. A girl, disguised as a young boy.

“Lee!” orders Muromachi, sweating profusely at this point. Zuko instantly understands the name is false, an alias to hide her true nature.

And the girl disguised as a boy begins her dance around Zuko. Her movements are hesitant. She nearly trips over her own two feet. Her two swords do not move together as one but rather as completely separate entities. An amateur compared to her peers. Muromachi is visibly appalled by her performance, but remains silent out of respect for his guest. Zuko, admittedly, is intrigued by the girl. Why would she openly go through such turmoil?

#zuko #prince zuko #lord Zuko #old zuko #fanfiction #fanfic #ao3 fanfic #legend of korra #lok #lok fanfic #atla #avatar the last airbender #also like I’m sorry for all the wips I’m pumping out but life is just up and down right now so

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