#iscariot-rising

[godslove]

𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐬

The Bible has many stories with great lessons, but there is one small detail that the scribes forgot to mention. Jesus Christ also loved Judas Iscariot. He asked God to forgive everyone in His final moments on the cross.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

—‭‭Luke 23:34

Jesus knew the prophesies and what will transpire from the very beginning of their journey together, till the end. He became his teacher, taught him the Father's love, washed his feet, shared meals on the same table and loved Judas like a brother anyway.

As followers of Christ, we are to do the same. This is what will set us apart as children of God. We know the Father's forgiveness and Christ's redemption. We are to embody Jesus' compassion and gentleness in a world that does not know our heavenly Father's love.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

—‭‭Galatians 2:20, Paul the Apostle

We are to love and pray for both our friends and our enemies, because Jesus loved and died for their sins as well.

‭‭“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

—Jesus Christ, Matthew 5:44-45

I think the greatest test of Christianity is not only loving Jesus Christ, it's also loving Judas.

Like Judas, we are all sinners. And like him, Jesus also loved us. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of what true Divine Love is. And it is far from the worldly, conditional love we know.

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

—John 15:12-13, Jesus Christ

To the child of God that is reading this, don't be so hard on yourself. Regardless of what you have done in the past, Jesus Christ also loved you unconditionally. He did it for you so that sin will no longer separate you from our heavenly Father.

So I invite you to see rightly in your heart what is beyond what scriptures, doctrines and laws written in books can teach, to know the embodiment of God's love that surpasses human understanding—Jesus Christ.

Repent and start having a friendship with our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who bled for your sins and died on the cross, the altar for all of humanity's salvation.

Jesus Christ loved everyone, including you.

[weavergrovedevotional]

Maundy Thursday: A Day of Humble Service and Profound Remembrance

Today, as the sun rises on Maundy Thursday, Christians around the world pause to reflect on one of the most poignant and significant days in Holy Week. The very name, "Maundy," derived from the Latin word "mandatum" meaning "commandment," points us directly to the heart of this day: Jesus' final instructions to his disciples at the Last Supper.

More than just a historical recounting of a meal, Maundy Thursday is a powerful tapestry woven with threads of love, humility, betrayal, and the institution of the Eucharist. It's a day that invites us to look inwards, to examine our own hearts, and to consider the depth of Jesus' sacrifice.

The Commandment of Love and Service:

The Gospel of John recounts how, during the Last Supper, Jesus, knowing his time was drawing near, rose from the table, took off his outer garments, and, taking a towel, began to wash his disciples' feet. This act, typically performed by servants, was a profound demonstration of humility and a powerful lesson in selfless service.

Peter's initial reluctance highlights the shock and discomfort the disciples felt. Their leader, the Messiah, was performing the lowliest of tasks. But Jesus' reply, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me," underscores the importance of this act. It wasn't merely about physical cleanliness; it was about spiritual cleansing and a call to follow his example of humble service.

This act gave rise to the "mandatum novum" – the new commandment Jesus gave to his disciples: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34). This commandment isn't just a suggestion; it's a directive, a cornerstone of Christian living. Maundy Thursday challenges us to ask ourselves: How well are we embodying this love in our daily lives? Are we willing to serve others, even in the most humble of ways?  

The Institution of the Eucharist:

Amidst the solemnity of the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).  

On Maundy Thursday, we remember the institution of the Eucharist, the sacrament through which Christians believe they partake in the body and blood of Christ. This act of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and a means of drawing closer to him and to one another. Churches around the world will often hold special services on this day, commemorating the Last Supper and sharing in Holy Communion.

The Shadow of Betrayal:

While Maundy Thursday is a day of love and remembrance, it also carries a heavy shadow – the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. The Gospels recount how Judas left the Last Supper to betray Jesus to the authorities. This act of treachery serves as a stark reminder of the human capacity for both great love and profound deceit.

Reflecting on Maundy Thursday:

As we observe Maundy Thursday, let us take time to reflect on the profound lessons it offers:

• Humility: Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet calls us to embrace humility and to serve others with a willing heart.

• Love: The new commandment to love one another as Christ loved us challenges us to extend compassion, forgiveness, and understanding to those around us.

• Sacrifice: The institution of the Eucharist reminds us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for our sins and invites us to participate in this sacred meal.

• Betrayal: The story of Judas serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to examine our own loyalties and to resist the temptation of self-interest over love and faith.

Maundy Thursday is not just a day to be observed; it's a day to be lived. It's an invitation to embody the love and humility of Christ in our own lives, to remember his sacrifice, and to strive to live out his new commandment. As we move towards Good Friday and the culmination of Holy Week, let the lessons of Maundy Thursday resonate deeply within our hearts.

[codypunk]

seth & hunter & god as the father

akwaeke emezi - the death of vivek oji / leila chatti - portrait of the illness as nightmare / tumblr user disqualified-human-1103 / rise against - injection / ethel cain - sun bleached flies / stephen adly guirgis - the last days of judas iscariot / chelsea hodson / wwe

[tokoyamisstuff]

What would happen if Andrenson met an really beautiful but lustful woman whom he has no opportunity to kill? But who, perhaps out of spite, mockery, or stupidity (or all at once), openly harasses him. After all, Andrenson has such a body that you can give compliments and try to touch it all your life, but still something will remain unknown.

And he doesn’t like it. But he can’t help but enjoy such unique attention.

f! regenerator! Reader | not proofread | blood/injury | pretty OOC | some cheesy ass dialogue | enemies to whatever the fuck this is

Anderson has been called many things throughout his life - handsome wasn't one of them.

Before he met you he didn't really waste much thought about appearances. After all, every person was made after the Lord's image in his limitless wisdom and grace. They're all perfectly flawed in their own right.

But lately he finds himself staring at his reflection in the mirror for longer than the short time he needs to get groomed, wondering what anyone could see in that face.

No, that was a foolish thought. You say those things merely to distract him - and much to his frustration it seems to be working.

Because a tiny, easily muteable part of himself secretly looked forwards to meeting you again.

The first time you fought he had you pinned down beneath him, straddling your waist to keep you in place. "Hey! You should at least buy me dinner first" you had told him with that damn vibrant laugh of yours, infuriating him not only because you weren't taken this seriously. Can't even let him have this moment of victory...

"I'll kill you, maybe that'll shut you up!" he roared, pressing his bayonet firmly against your throat - but you looked up to him with a dreamy expression, mumbling "Mhh...what beautiful eyes you have..."

Much to his shame this unexpected comment caught him so off guard that you could easily use the moment to free yourself from his grasp and flee, but not without taunting him a bit. "Looking forwards to our next meeting, Father Anderson..."

Ever since then you had cashed several times, each without determining a winner. Not only because your powers were more or less balanced, but rather since your behavior always manages to strike a nerve with him somehow.

More often than not you'd resort to try and touch him. Nothing too indecent, but still way inappropriate on a man of the cloth. You'd let your hand run through his hair, feel the muscles beneath his cassock or even try to peck a kiss on his scarred cheek, all while showering him in shameless compliments.

The sensation is driving him insane, on the one hand leaving him seething with rage for having a vile heathen like you touch a holy man like him, yet on the other he is aching for more. Each time he freezes in expectation, each time he groans internally when you pull away.

While he's aware no one is immune to temptation, it surely hurts his pride that he's prone to such impure attention. Man of god he may be, you remind him he is still just a man and it makes him loathe both you and himself.

To add to his frustration, you're never truly trying to harm him. You keep saying you're only there to kill vampires, only ever deflecting his attacks or maybe throwing some non-serious jabs yourself.

One night he was called to purge a town that's been claimed as both Iscariot and Hellsing territory, and he can't help but be subconsciously thrilled about the possibility to meet you again. He even caught himself wondering if he looks presentable enough, bloody pathetic.

Suddenly you jump down from the ceiling and straight onto his back, burying your face in the crook of his shoulder. His body instantly betrays him and he feels goosebumps rising at the contact of your skin against his.

"Heya, handsome!" you cheer alluringly, your fingertips running along the scar on his cheek making him shudder. "Long time no see. Must be my lucky day!"

Anderson acts reflexive and throws you over his shoulder, trying to throw you to the ground but you land a few feet away from him, smiling mischievously.

"Touch me again, and I'll cut that hand right off, Hellsing scum" he warns, but you would only smirk amused, excited even at his attempt to threaten you. "Wouldn't be the first time, but it's always worth it."

"...stop messing around" the priest grumbles irritated, hesistantly drawing his weapons. "I'm here for the vampire."

"Already taken care of" you chant in return, invitingly batting your lashes. "Just the two of us left, darlin'."

He just gives a sour look at the comment and lunges at you before you could confuse his morals any further. It doesn't take long until he wears you out and finds an opening, one of his bayonets piercing your abdomen. You chuckle as you pull out the weapon, and for the fraction of a second he feels almost guilty when blood pours from the gaping wound until it heals almost instantly.

"Heh, I'd rather you stick something else inside of me." The mental image invades his mind despite his best efforts, his face already bright red when he shouts at you but struggles to find any insults. "You...damn minx! I'll teach you some manners!"

"Don't threaten me with a good time, Judas Priest." Another blow almost hits you and you leap backwards. "C'mon, love, can you blame me? You look too adorable when you're flustered." He grits his teeth, trying to remain menacing but stumbles across his own words. "I'm- I'm not flustered, I'm furious!"

"Whatever you need to tell yourself" you tease some more, and each word is like a punch to the guts for the man. It feels like hes getting tainted more and more, his resolve slowly but steadily crumbling.

After a while of futile attempts to overpower you, eventually a bold idea pops up in his brain: Fighting fire with fire. As soon as he gets close enough, he grabs the back of your neck and slams his lips onto yours, the shock knocking all air out of your lungs. He takes the opportunity and presses you against the next best wall, a knee between your legs keeping you in place.

"H-Hey, I was just fooling around..." you stammer as he glares at you with a wolfish smirk plastered across his face, gleefully enjoying how you writhe beneath his grip. "Nah ah-ah, no backing off now." Leaning in, your scent deepens the lustful haze encoating his mind, his breath hot on your ear when he speaks.

"So...what should I do with you now, beautiful?"

[ambersonic96]

JIEDHUEADHGAEGHDGHAEDGHAEJBCAEEBJACHGECHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNGGGGHFFJHSDGJFFHGAEGHFAEGJFAEJGAFE

I apologize in advance because I’m going to go on a rant

I WATCHED YOUR NEWEST RISE ANIMATIC AND I JUST. OH. OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOHOHOMIGOSH. IT HAS REWIRED MY ENTIRE BRAIN AND MERGED WITH MY SOUL AND BECOME AND INTEGRAL PART OF ME. HEHSFHJSEFHJFESHJFJAEJGFJGAEFGHAEFHGFEAABJE

I HAVE WATCHED IT OVER AND KVER AND OVER AND OVER DURING THE LAST FEW DAYS TO THE POINT WHERE I’VE LOST TRACK BUT IT HAS TO BE OVER 60 TIMES AT THIS POINT. It’s been a great source of comfort after and during school and it’s just. So good.

Also I had no idea Iscariot existed before I watched it and I have been hyperfixating on it ever since, I’ve basically been listening to it every second on repeat for days now lol

I watched it frame by frame and screenshotted basically the entire animatic and studied it and redrew my favorite panels because I am in love with your art style. Not only was it a lot of fun, it improved EVERYTHING about my art. It completely changed my style in the best way and helped me figure out posing and expressions and lineart and basically everything else. YOU ARE INCREDIBLE.

Anyway I’m just gonna analyze it if that’s okay with you :]

The tension in his arms, the posing, the dimensions, the camera angle, all of it is AMAZING. JHFESJHADEGHGEADHHJADSHJVEJHVAEHJ

I love how you draw eyes, especially in this panel. He’s so shaped and the way you draw expressions conveys so so much emotion and I love it. Also your lineart is impeccable and I love how it flows

The way you draw mouths inspires me so much in a way I can’t explain. I love the way they’re shaped, and I also love how you utilize shadows. Also you draw their plastrons so well

THIIIIIISSS ONE. THIS PANEL. MHJFEWHJWEBJDEBJSADJEBFBJBJFAEBJAFE. I love how you overlapped them kinda and also the perspective, and the tilt of April’s head. 10/10

HE- I- I JUST- THE WAY HE JUST COLLAPSES OUUUGGHHHH. ALSO THE WAY YOU ARRANGE EVERYTHING SO YOU CAN TELL THEY’RE IN A CIRCLE AROUND HIM. YOUR MOVEMENT IS SO EXPRESSIVE AND SMOOTH. THE KEYFRAMES FIT TOGETHER SO WELL

FUTURE LEO COMING DOWN FIRST TO STAND ON THE GROUND THEN KNEEL WAS SO SMOOTH. ALSO THE WAY IT ALSO FEELS LIKE HE’S BOTH CONDESCENDING BUT ALSO COMFORTING AT THE SAME TIME IS SO FREAKING GOOD. THE SOMG CHOICE IS AMAZING AND PERFECT. “You know you had it coming my friend” SO MUCH BEHIND IT. IT’S LIKE A KICK TO THE GUT /pos

His eyes are glowing but you can still see the SADNESS in them. Ough. He’s been through this before and knows exactly what Leo’s feeling- mostly

LEO SOBBING IN TIME WITH “my friend, by friend” OUUUUUGGGGHHHH

ALL OF YOUR TIMING AND TRANSITIONS ARE INCREDIBLE. EVERY BEAT HITS SO HARD HHHHHHNNNNGGGGHHIFFHJFSHJVDWBJDWCBJ. I AM IN AWE.

You are SO FREAKING GOOD at replicating the show’s style, and the shots, in this segment. Holy smokes. It’s basically exact and you are SO FREAKING COOL for that

The realization, and seeing his own actions playing out right in front of him, HHHHHHHHNNNNGGG. THE TEARS STREAMING DOWN HIS FACE, THE PERSPECTIVE LOOKING DOWN ON HIM, THE MOVEMENT OF HIS EYES- AAUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH HHHHNNNNNGNGGNGGGGGGFGFGFGFFBFNNFFFFFFBBMMMMMMBBBBBGGGGG. Also I’m not sure if the dialogue is exactly the song’s lyrics or if it’s left to the viewer’s interpretation, but either way HHHHHHHHNNNNGGGGG. “Before/after you I had nothing” REFHJFWEBHDAHBEHDABBDHEAEDBHDADEHBADEBHDAJBE

THE ABSOLUTE P A I N. IN HIS EYES. HIM REACHING OUT HAD ME ABSOLUTELY SOBBING. THE GUILT. MMMMMFFFFFHHHMHMMHMHMHMMMM. also you draw side profiles SO WELL DCDEWHGGHGHEDHGDWEEDJHAANJDS

This panel. This. THIS. Just. It just. Absolutely broke me. My favorite moment of the entire animatic, and incredibly emotionally charged. The absolute grief you can feel coming from the screen. Everyone time I watch it I lock on to just how DEVASTATED he looks. The anguish in his face. Ough. And then don’t even get me started on future Leo. There is so much devastation in just this one shot and I am not okay over it /pos

Leo collapsing and not watching any longer RIGHT BEFORE HE STOPS THE KRAANG. He doesn’t get to see just how brave he was for doing that. But future Leo does. I am unwell.

Future Leo looking at himself. His younger self, who in this timeline, did what he could not, and stopped the apocalypse. The change in their dynamic in this moment is just aaauuuughghghhhhhhnmnnnnnggggmg.

I WANNA KNOW ABOUT THIS. SO BADLY. HCJHSBHECBDHAADBHCCADJHCEA. AWWWWWWW. HIS BROTHERS LOOK SO FREAKING HAPPY HJDCJBASDJHXSAHJXAS. Is it like, he finally brought them back as hamato ghosts, if that makes sense? Like, he was so wrapped up in his guilt over the apocalypse that he didn’t think he deserved to see them, or he unintentionally blocked them off from himself, or…? Or is it something else? Or am I just reading too much into this lol? It just feels like a reunion but maybe that’s just me 😂 Either way, AAAUHEFSJHJGEFWGHFSHEGHDSFHGFDSGHSDFHGWDFWEGHEHGDWEWJEDWHJDEWHJHJWEDEJWDH SOBBING SHAKING CRYING ON THE FLOOR

AAAAAAAHHHH THIS PANEL WAS SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MANY SO’S FREAKING GOOD. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. THE B E A T D R O P HEHHADEGJAHJDHJAJNDEKNECKDEJGDWWHJDEEEHEEHEEHEEHEEE THAT WAS SO FREAKING COOL. AGAIN, YOUR TIMING. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH. ALSO SPLINTER KARAI AND CASEY IN THE FRONT ROW STANDING WITH THEM JJDJDDGDBCJABDBJCDSDCSJBACDBJJBSAC

FUTU.RE L EO. EX TenDIN.HG HI.S HAND. , TO LEO. M Y H.EART. JKCHJSDHHDCBHBSCDHCSDHGHGDSJGAGHFVHDSVCHDBHSCBJBJCBJCBJCCBJDHBCDDBJCWWJCBDCJDBWWBDCJCBJWJBCWDWDKCHKWHKDWKEJKJCWDOJCKODWCJKWEGJCWEJGCEJHWCJEHJCWJHEDJHSDCBHCJWDBCAHEJAKCENNKCSDCSJBDJBCBJSDCKJSDCNDKJNSCNJDJNCDJNDSHJJHSDCJHDSHHCSJHDCHJDJSHCHJDSGHWDCWGHEHGCDWHGCCWEHGHGWEC

HE JUST. I JUST. I UH HHHHNNNHDGDCCD AAAHHHHH. Also I felt that on an emotional level. Someone providing comfort when you’re having a rough time and just breaking down sobbing. Man I feel you

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. NO THOUGHTS JUST SCREAMING

THEEEYYYY. THEMMMM. HHHHHNNNNNGGG. UAAAUUUGGGHGHHHH. IT ALMOST LOOKS LIKE THEY’RE MIRRORING EACH OTHER. BEFORE I FEEL LIKE THE PERSPECTIVE WAS LOOKING DOWN ON LEO MOSTLY BUT NOW THEY’RE ON THE SAME LEVEL AMD I JUST I JUST I JUST MANY MUCH EMOTIONS ABOUT IT.

HIS LITTLE NOD. JHEFVJBBCDSDCCSDBJBJCDSDCSBCDSJB. AWH.

MY BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. HE’S JUST SO HAPPY I CAN’T TAKE IT. AAAWWWWWHHHHHHHJJDEHHSNDNBDNAJAKAJ. LOOK AT HIMM. I LOVE HIM. HIS GIANT GRIN *breaks down in sobs*

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH THE GREEN SHINING IN HIS EYES FOR A SECOND HHMMMFMFMFMMFMFMFMFMFMFMMFF.

THIS SHOT WAS SO FREAKING COOL. THE TIMING WAS AMAZING. RIGHT ON THE BEAT DROP. OUUUUGGGHGHHHHHH

JFCJHCWESHJCDDAHJJNACDADN THE BACKGROUND??? HELLOOOOOO???? AMAZING???? THE LIGHTING???

HHHUUUAUAAAAGGGGHHHHHH. SUCH A GREAT ENDING. THE LIGHTING IS ALSO AMAZING. I LOVE IT SO FREAKING MUCH. “my brother” AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Anyway, in summary; I am very extremely totally normal about your animation lol.

Thank you so much for making this. I can tell so much time and effort was poured into it, and in all honesty it has changed my life. Ever since I watched it for the first time it’s fueled me to draw a whole lot more and made me ENJOY it more. Thank you for increasing my love for art. I didn’t know that was possible.

Anyway, sorry for the long ask! 😅 i hope it’s okay. There’s no pressure at all to answer this!! Hope you have a great rest of your day/night ^^

Ahah no worries, I'm happy to hear that my work can inspire/help in any way, big or small that it might be ✨

Thank you for the comment/analysis!

[mirthfulmoonshine]

Howdy Minty! I am politely asking for all the info i can have of Samone/Marlene pretty please 👉🏽👈🏽🥺✨️💚??

Tex @tex-treasure-chamber (I'm the person who comm'd you for sibling art of my Santana oc and Alucard)

Please know if you'd rather not answer on your blog that I would be delighted to talk via dm anytime I'm always thrilled to learn more about hellsing OCs ♡

OMG! How did I never see this? (I never check my inbox lol) Where do I start? A little bit has changed about her since my original post, just the usual OC developing over time thing y'know?

Salome is still a stenographer and secretary of sorts for the Round Table Conference, being hired by and working directly for Irons. She is amicable, professional, and very sweet -- she knows what doting can get her when surrounded by men. However, she never flirts or takes carnal bargains, she is quite prude when she wishes to be. Being a member of lower staff to the RTC is how she ends up meeting Walter. I say 'meeting' lightly-- they've met before, just in his capacity as vampire hunter.

So Walter's prowled around her terf? Go on. Okay I will. Salome is part of a small vampiric community in London called the Épicea Rouge, led by Ira Absil aka St. Bartholomew's Vampire. (pictured on the left below) The ER is a half way house of sorts for vampires trying to get by in London, with high standards for who can stay there: no gratuitous feedings and no senseless violence. This makes the ER vampires a relatively calm, non-violent group just trying to make a living in the world of the undead. Some of their friends get into trouble, often resulting in a Hellsing run in and Hellsing is slowly closing in on this vampiric haven.

So that's the tension with Hellsing: she's an undercover vampire in the den of the enemy that is slowly closing in on her special, loving community. Salome works at the ER as a laundress, doting especially on the young people who find themselves on the unexpected other side of life. She sympathizes much with them.

More details!

Salome has hemokinesis/blood manipulation, but only with her own blood; her favorite methodology is making a blood whip. She has vampiric strength, speed, and jump height! With Ira being her sire/once master, she has only a snippet of his strength but she can be a force to be reckoned with; she's held Walter off a couple of times. When irked extremely, she can blood siphon akin to Alucard.

Salome's alias at work is Marlene Steward and her birth name, prior to her undeath, was Marlene Harlan. She died in 1913 at the age of 25.

As a character, she is designed to carry into Seras' time as Hellsing's sole vampire after the Airship Incident.

She has a scar on her neck from her turning. She likes to come up with different lies about it.

Upon her hands are a miasma of red markings; these developed after she became her own vampire and left Ira's fledgeling-ship (?). These marks also travel along her spine.

Salome was turned in 1913 by Ira after his once friend, a vampire much older than Ira even named Ernest, attacked and maimed Salome. Ira saved her life, agonizing over the cost being her immortality (he has strong feelings about vampirism, being a vampire himself). Pre-Hellsing, the ER is eventually successfully raided by Hellsing and in the process, Salome is wounded by Walter and Ira is fatally wounded, causing a schism between any friendship or more she and the Angel of Death ever could have had in their 'normal human lives'. The raid of the ER radicalizes Salome and she becomes a strong vampire name of legend in London for a long period of time, rising from the shadows after the Airship Incident. In a post-Hellsing canon world, she would serve as a foil to Seras, questioning how Seras -- a powerful Draculina -- allows herself to be ruled by humans.

I HOPE THIS IS SOME GOOD INFO

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ASK, FRIEND!!!! <3 <3 <3 I am always down to talk OCs in DMs too! I have some Iscariot ones too :3

[psb-of-the-day]

5th of February 2025, SONG OF THE DAY:

If Jesus Had a Sister

Released in 2024 on the single 'Dancing Star'

Revealed to be written from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, this song contemplates what could've happened to Jesus - if only he had a sister*. Maybe she could “bring him down to earth” and tell him to get a job as a tradesman instead. Perhaps Judas is using this imaginary sister to tell Jesus all the things he wishes he could?

This song includes many biblical references, such as the sermon on the mount, and the paraphrased proverb “pride comes before a fall.”

Interestingly, the narrator seems to believe that only someone in the role of a sister could (successfully) 'stand up to' Jesus, so to speak. Even his mother Mary “never seems to offer any sensible advice.” Neil has an older sister, so it's possible he's using his own experiences growing up as an aspiring songwriter, and how his family reacted to this.

The song was released as a bonus track on the single 'Dancing Star', a song about the ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who defected from the USSR. Maybe PSB chose to release 'If Jesus Had a Sister' alongside 'Dancing Star' to show a contrasting view of a story about the 'prodigal son's' rise to fame - this time from the perspective of those left behind. Obviously, the two stories are very different, but the songs share some similar themes.

*whether or not Jesus did have a sister(s) is interpreted differently by various denominations. Roman Catholic (as Neil was brought up) doctrine says he didn't, owing to his mother's virgin status.

.......A Jedus PSB song was not on my bingo card in 2024 but here we are.

[solarflicker]

Judas Iscariot: The Queer Iconoclast's Icon

With queer acceptance on the rise (at least compared to past decades), the experience of coming out of the closet has changed significantly. Coming out is often an occasion that calls for celebration, Pride is a corporate parade celebrated in every state with at least one major city. But for many queer people, particularly in the evangelical American south, coming out remains a traumatic ordeal (this is especially true for transgender youth). Coming out as queer means coming out as a liar and a traitor to everything you were raised to uphold. Within evangelical theology, one cannot embrace queer identity and be a Christian. One cannot belong in their community if one is not a Christian. To embrace your own queerness you must become an apostate in their eyes. To become an apostate is to be effectively excommunicated. With this experience in mind, it is not surprising that many queer people from Christian backgrounds have embraced the figure of Judas Iscariot.

An icon is an image of religious or political significance, and an iconoclast is someone who shatters an icon. For the purposes of this post, I am going to focus on icons representing saints and martyrs. The image and the person represented are both referred to as icons. The person depicted in the icon is an aspirational figure that one is meant to be inspired to emulate, a shorthand representation of a person at their idealized best. (This is not necessarily a bad thing, nearly every culture has icons of their own. Familiar queer icons include the likes of Marsha P. Johnson, Leslie Feinberg, and Sappho of Lesbos.) However, being upheld as an icon is not the same as being known as a full person. The icon is an inherently incomplete representation and can never be a complete, nuanced person.

A common experience among queer people, particularly in religious communities, is feeling the need to hide a part of themselves. But no matter how it manifests, queerness is not easy to hide and it only gets more painful over time. Being in the closet is more than simply neglecting to mention a preference. To be in the closet, first a closet must be built. Walls need to be constructed to protect ourselves from people who love us, and the most readily available materials are lies, secrecy, and deceit. While our real selves hide behind the constructed identity, the person we present as is one that meets the hegemonic expectations of cisgender heteronormativity, or at the very least respectable abstinence. The icon is a pretty picture, and we are rewarded with acceptance, but the fear of being outed is a prison. The only way to escape is to shatter that icon. 

Very little is known about Judas Iscariot within biblical canon. He seems to have been largely erased from the narrative outside of his famous betrayal kiss. The authors of the gospels did not see his experiences as relevant to the story, despite the magnitude of his role. To them he was nothing outside of a traitor. In popular culture his name is synonymous with betrayal, and his portrayal in biblical art is unflattering at best. Judas’s erasure is similar to what many queer people who are disowned by their family experience. Their picture is taken down from the wall and Judas’s story is unwritten. The life and love they shared with their family, everything about them that was inoffensive before is irrelevant. Judas is erased and so are they. All that remains is his icon, an image of a cold, heartless man who hated God and betrayed an innocent man.

One can easily speculate about Judas. It seems unlikely that he spent years in Jesus’s ministry scowling in the shadows and plotting his demise. He could not have truly betrayed Jesus if Jesus did not trust and love him. Some apocryphal literature suggests that Jesus was closer to him than the other disciples and personally asked him to turn him in so that his mission could be completed. In this interpretation, Judas’s betrayal is an act of sacrifice and devotion, sealed with a kiss. And people think he deserved to suffer in hell forever for it. Modern retellings are often more sympathetic to Judas. Many are told by secular artists (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of the Christ, Judas (Boom! Comics)), but notably The Chosen, which is created by an evangelical studio, has taken humanizing approach to his character. Through this media he has been given a new image and become a completely different icon.

A queer relationship with spirituality and religion is often complex and deeply painful. Progressive theology can be healing and while I am not Christian myself I do enjoy engaging with it, but it doesn’t change the fact that this year at Pride, three different people told me that I deserve to burn in hell as they held a Bible in the air. I went to a Christian college and I had friends who were afraid of losing their scholarships if they were outed. I attended a protest against banning books at my local library and was called a groomer to my face. These are people that shop at the same grocery stores that I do and ask me what church I attend when I am in line at McDonald’s. One man openly sneered and turned away when I answered I was attending an Episcopalian church at the time. The people around me have made it abundantly clear that queer people are not welcome in their heaven. If Judas is in hell, he will find good company.

[tex-treasure-chamber]

F. Anderson & a vampire reader that kept their faith (this is Christian oriented, mind, for maximum angst)

G!n reader and relationship unclear; I used humour throughout because some of this can feel a bit well hurtful reading, even for me writing it jdjdjd

@tokoyamisstuff here is the post I said I'd make! I hope it helps satisfy those asking for this sort of HC post!

At first, you are an enigma.

No, not an enigma- you're not real to Alexander in the beginning; to him, you simply shouldn't exist (and not just because you're an 'abomination').

You defy his core belief system so succinctly, so precisely, that the moment you mention that you're a Christian (or heaven forbid, Catholic-- he'd prefer it if you were some 'dirty Protestant' than Catholic) he automatically thinks you're lying just to upset him.

I'm so sorry honey but he becomes a total neckbeard about religion toward you for a while :/

I'm talking, "Oh really? Name five parables, explain their meanings, tell me which books they're in, and recite them verse by verse then if you're a PROPER TRUE Christian...... Go on. I'm waiting." about Christianity toward you because you can't be a Christian, you're a bloody vampire! Act like it, damn it!

When you rightly call him out on his awful gaslight girlboss gatekeep behaviour he gets hellllllllllllllla defensive about it. Shuts down and just starts trying to (unsuccessfully) kill you again until taking his leave with a scowl. (Why are you so hard to kill anyway?)

He doesn't care if you didn't choose to be a vampire or if you did- not at this time, anyway. You're damned as far as he's concerned and he doesn't care (yet)

Each time you meet afterwards for the longest time, he calls you a false worshipper either to your face or inside his mind.

Also, each time you just smile that close lipped smile, politely hiding your fangs, telling him you forgive him for his hostility in that genteel tone, each time you 'turn the other cheek' and don't rise to the bait he tries to ensare you with to argue with you, the sight of it eats him up inside that much more.

He wants you to get angry-- no. He NEEDS you to get angry at him, needs you to lash out, to prove to him that you aren't as saintly as he thinks you're pretending to be. When you don't, when you just escape him, it leaves him feeling so hollow and confused inside.

'What's real? Surely Y/N isn't a real believer- how can they be?' He thinks when he should be sleeping, 'It's impossible- vampires are beyond salvation, aren't they? God has no love for creatures such as these, isn't that right? Surely I'm right, surely God--'

Wait. Is he ....? Trying to speak for God?

He closes his eyes. Goes to sleep.

It's not until you've managed to earn his respect just by being the you that you are that he even begins to consider that MAYBE.... you're telling the truth.

The implications that you even might be telling the truth only send Alexander deeper into a spiral of confusion as your very existence forces him to reevaluate what he knows of his own God vs what Iscariot has drilled into his head for years.

When he catches you praying on his behalf, praying to God and asking that He 'forgive Father Anderson' for his behaviour toward you..... that's when the change in his heart begins to start.

How could he cling onto the doubt fueled by his innate hatred of vampires when he's heard you ask God to forgive him?

It slips out of his hands slowly but surely like sand from the beach.

The next time you see him, he's... he's quieter. He doesn't stand as tall; he hunches in just a little as though trying to get a better look at you.

"Why do you still believe in a God who has forsaken you?" He asks, the usual contempt and arrogance in his voice snuffed out, replaced with only meek wonder.

There are so many ways to answer that; whatever way you do answer, it only leaves Alexander a little awestruck by you.

He asks for forgiveness. Truly asks. "Y/N, I... I'm sorry. Sorry for the way I treated you. Sorry for what I've said, what I've called you." he says, and it's clear from the slow, careful way he speaks that this is all a bit rusty on his tongue but he means every syllable.

Your forgiveness feels like a stifling blanket- it's too much; he doesn't deserve it. He knows he doesn't. He's already gotten to the point of thinking about how if the roles were reversed, he wouldn't handle the behaviour he had shown you with such kindness, such... grace.

From that moment on, he's there for you. He can't imagine the psychological stress of being a vampire and a person of faith might do to you, can't imagine the struggle you face daily with knowing what you are vs knowing what you believe in.

He knows what it's like to struggle with being oneself.

If you didn't choose to be a vampire, he reminds you gently that it's not your fault that you crave blood; it's who you are now, but it isn't who you have to always be.

If you did choose to be a vampire, you must have your reasons. He may not agree or accept them, but he quietly respects them because at the end of the day, your salvation or damnation isn't up to him and he understands that now.

When you express doubt that you'll ever get to Heaven, or that you'll ever see God's face because of your vampirism, he just reminds you that the fact you keep trying every day to be good and do good despite your vampiric condition should be enough to earn yourself sainthood.

It's not easy for you.

But it makes it easier now that he knows and supports you.

[loadinghellsing]

WARNING // LONG POST

Anderson is a character of two inverse extremes that he expresses with absolute unwavering certainty.

Best summarized as the belief that "all demons are evil" (bloodlust), and the belief that "all children are innocent" (care).

And everything in between is conflict. Because if all children are innocent, and all demons evil; humanity is the conflict between the two. Once the child dies, and no longer cries, it becomes nothing but a monster.

When Anderson is certain in his standing, his eyes are visible. They express the extreme. But the moment his beliefs conflict or overlap, He shuts down and closes off.

His glasses function as a physical portrayal of this. A barrier between himself and the world for those moments where he's processing, or feeling emotions he doesn't know how to express.

---

There are three core aspects to Anderson's portrayal, beyond the extremes in which he functions. Aspects that are all presented within his introduction.

Issues with Authority.

This interaction isn't exactly "extreme". But one must recall Catholicism is structured around faith in authorities. So, Anderson's questioning, the 'get to the point and explain why this matters', alludes to Anderson not cooperating if he doesn't approve. Regardless of authority. Regardless of shared faith.

*His issues with authority is also shown in the muesume

This scene goes a step further and presents a key conflict between Anderson and Maxwell's beliefs. Anderson thinks Maxwell is too clever. that he schemes and plots - for power, control, influence and Maxwell thinks Anderson is out of control because he acts without scheme.

2. Belief in Innocence

While Anderson curses out Hellsing, the moment he goes on to say "It's England's problem" his expression closes off.

Because that's not a statement he means in its entirety.

Does he have issues with the people? Yes. But he also recognizes the diffrence between "demon" and "human".

And a vampire attack means there is a demon preying upon potential innocent. Innocent that are undeserving of the devil's wrath. Personal prejudice aside.

This is seen when he praises Maxwell for his faith, only to curse him out for his cruelity.

Contrary to when he's seen defending Integra. Regardless of her being their enemy. Because he recognizes her humanity.

Her humanity won his respect. Humanity means as much as faith, for the two go hand in hand.

3. Why he's an Iscariot.

Having issues with authority, and a conflicted heart. It prompts the question of "why does Anderson work with them?" and "why do they call upon him when he's a proven liability? " Well, the answer is because they serve the same goal. All demons are evil.

The moment Renaldo informs him the case is in Ireland, all of Anderson's frustrations are gone. Because that means he gets to deal with it. It's not that Anderson "works for them" per say. More "Anderson works with them".

---

He wishes to be the bayonet of god, to serve god without emotion, regret, or conflict. Dealing with demons is something he can do with absolute certainty.

His bloodlust is fully invested, unashamed, and unmistakably lethal. Bloodlust not held by human law or command. But the will of God.

This is why he's fucking Terrifying. A monster of a fanatic without a leash to hold him back. A force that can't be swayed because his mind is already set.

He's to much of liability to rise through the ranks. But he's far to skilled (if not most skilled member of Iscariot) for them to set him aside. And even if they tried, well... it's Anderson.

Maybe, at best, he'd stay at the orphanage (hard maybe). Because the other half of his unwavering ideology is that "all children are innocent".

---

You don't realize until you get to know Anderson. His self destructive tendencies, the dehumanization, the conflict. How he plunges himself into the abyss as a mere tool because he doesn't want to feel.

That the moments where he's open, alive, and without conflict. Moments where he's human. Genuinely himself. Without goal and a just a little awkward.

Are absolutely precious.

The first page, with the orphans. In Every. Single. Frame. Anderson's eyes are visible. And this continues to be the case if there is anything to do with the orphans. With only acceptations being...

His memory of Maxwell coming to the orphanage; It begins open, but closes off as he approaches Maxwell's corpse.

His expression remains closed off as he mourns. The child who was corrupted, and who he had to kill.

Whenever his two lives blur, such as being in a fanatic headspace at the orphanage, or a fatherly headspace in a war zone, he closes off unless he's left alone.

2. When he dies; With his eyes dried out and lost to the wind like dust. He says his final thoughts and prayer. And hold a final image in mind.

Being the orphanage and his kids. Them laughing, being unbothered by the mess of the world. Oblivious to the weight of life.

That is his comfort in those final moments. The thing he values over all else.

All children are innocent. All demons are evil. Innocence is deserving of protection. Demons are deserving of death. Because those demons are a threat to the exsistance of innocence.

That is what I'd say is the foundation of his character.

(more details/thoughts about this) (extended thoughts/commentary)

[a-mason]

Woods had been preparing a little surprise nearly months in advance, something he carefully spent time acquiring, going through documents after documents of paperwork to even get ahold of it. Yet, he found that as soon as he walked up from the basement (something he still wasn’t used to, and probably shouldn’t get used to, considering he only had around 17 more hours of this left), and heard someone, a cough, someone clearing their throat, he bolted.

It could’ve been an enemy, he could’ve easily gotten himself killed by rushing out without checking, but as soon as he saw Mason, alive, breathing, every thought left his head. He rushed over, shoving a table out of his way, dropping down to his knees in front of his lover (and being pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain from his knees), he began checking for injuries, rough hands lifting his shirt up and patting, watching for flinches, looking for any bruises, cuts, god forbid bullet wounds.

He didn’t realize he was crying until he couldn’t breathe. Hot, choking sobs wracked him, flooding his senses in a way that made him more delirious than he’d ever been in Vietnam. His arms wrapped around Mason’s body, holding as tightly as he could, completely disregarding Bell, as he lay wherever surely somewhere in earshot, or their other Bell, whoever they were lurking. The Valentine’s gift had been forgotten temporarily.

“Mason—I thought—“

Every word was a gasp for air, his lungs burning. Only a few hours ago, Mason had been bleeding out in the middle of fucking nowhere, and Woods hadn’t been able to do a thing. He’d gone and saved Bell, the kid being tortured by Rook, and Woods hadn’t been able to do anything. Even their other Bell had taken a bullet, protected Mason, and Woods had done nothing. He’d thank them later.

All he could do was cry, the Valentine’s gift, a messily thrown together bouquet of handpicked flowers from around the house, a few Polaroids of Woods, Weaver, Hudson and him, some of David, a keychain around one of the flowers, all wrapped together by a recognizable red cloth that a certain Russian Mason had known used to wear, had been dropped to the floor.

- @ask-woods

his chest spotted with reddening squares of thick cotton, wrapped in gauze, riddled with scars and healed and unhealed damage. sheer ghosts of rust ribbons running down his torso. m████ was wounded in action - but he was still alive.

[cutting for length purposes]

he startled at woods sudden appearance, damn near reaching for a gun until he recognized the wet face in front of him. as shock dissipated, he looked over the scene: a table knocked over; woods, sobbing at his feet and tenderly looking over his battered body; a smattering of flowers, polaroids and lovingly curated gifts.

never did he see woods cry so hard. even as a young boy he was as hard as stone, only breaking after hard blows. he could only imagine just how worn down the man was. after everything; the loss of war, the irreparable damage of death, the scarring of betrayal; woods had earned his tears and more. m████ took woods' face in his hands, gentle and soft, and thumbed a cheek dry. "i'm here, woods." m████ coaxed woods up and into his arms. pressing mindless, apologetic kisses to woods' cheek, he too was crying. "i'm home."

m████ breathed woods in, taking in the notes of whiskey, forests, and pennsylvanian rain forever embedded in his skin, melting into his warmth. woods was a fiery soul, emblazoned by his free spirit; radiant and sublime, always to rise from dead, live on and inspire. he was as beloved as the sun of spring.

despite his cruelty to him and betrayal, m████ was always welcomed back, loved, and forgiven by woods. like judas was by jesus. he was only spared of iscariot's fate by denying pantheon their chance to condemn woods, all for a kiss. and a kiss he'll steal.

pulling back, he took a moment to link eyes with woods - he looked like hammered shit. m████ couldn't help but laugh a bit before pulling him into a kiss proper.

[litcest]

Incest and the Medieval Imagination, by Elizabeth Archibald: Chapter 3: Mothers and Sons: Medieval Oedipuses

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 Part 2 | Chapter 3 Part 3 | Chapter 4 Part 1 | Chapter 4 Part 2 | Chapter 4 Part 3 | Chapter 5 Part 1 | Chapter 5 Part 2 | Conclusion

The rise of romance narratives in Medieval Europe lead to the widespread of incest narrative, as the romance was a genre that concerned itself with identity and the psychology of love. The incest also seemed to be the sin of choice for stories which focused on repentance, as it showed that even the monstruous sin of incest could be forgiven if the sinner confessed and did their penitence, which is a striking contrast to the suicides, mutilations and transformations that are usually found in the end of Classical incest stories.

This was perhaps why the story of Oedipus wasn't that popular in the Middle Ages, as neither mother or son seek God's forgiveness, instead, they give into despair and turn away from God's grace. However, the trope of unwitting incestuous marriage, continued to be used and adapted to fit this new context, leading to the rise of many Oediupus-like tales.

Medieval Oedipuses: Judas, Gregorius, and Their Literary Descendants

One of the earliest narratives derived from Oedipus is that of Judas Iscariot. Written versions of the story date back as early as the 12th century, and are found both in Latin and vernacular languages across Europe.

One of the most circulated versions is the one written by Jacobus de Voragine in a the Legenda aurea, which collected stories from the lives of many saints. It goes as following: Ruben and Ciborea lived in Jerusalem, and one night, the pregnant Ciborea is woken up by a dream in which her child turned out to bring the downfall of humanity. Fearing this fate, when the child is born, the couple exposes the child in a basket at sea, only that the basket is carried by the waves to the island of Iscariot, where the queen finds the baby and raises is as if it was her own. Judas grows up and when he finds out he's not the biological son of the queen, he kills his foster-brother in jealousy before fleeing to Jerusalem. There, he begins to work for a man named Pilate, who one day comes to desire an apple from a neighbouring orchard. When Judas goes to pick the apple, the enters in a fight with Ruben, who was the owner of the orchard, and unknown to him, his own father. After killing Ruben, Judas take possession of his lands and widow. In talking to Ciborea, he realises that she was the mother who abandoned him years ago. He goes for Jesus seeking help for redemption, and the two become friends. Eventually, Judas comes to betray Jesus.

In this story, the incest and parricide serve to highlight the evilness within Judas. Just how accusations of incest were (and still are) made to villainise real people, here they function to make Judas an even more despicable character.

In some earlier versions, the legend mirrors Oedipus even more closely, with the father being the one to dream that Judas would kill him and with Juda's legs being mutilated, which later allows his mother to recognize him.

Other hagiographies (a.k.a. biographies of saints) also feature incest, with sometimes the saint being the product of incest and other times, engaging in it, after which they repent and achieve salvation. Some, like Saint Gregorius, even fit in the two categories: the legend goes that Gregorius was the result brother-sister incest, and later married his mother/aunt,; it was the discovery of his sin that made him join the monastic life. This feats of double-incest were of particular interest to the Medieval writers, despite not having occurred in Classical stories.

The legend of Saint Gregorius (for it is just a legend) dates back to 1150, with the oldest attestations being in French. Around 1190, a German version of the story, in the form a poem Gregorius by Hartmann von Aue, reached new levels of success (it is this poem that centuries later, would inspire Thomas Mann to write The Holy Sinner).

According to Gregorius the life of the titular saint begins when the a Duke, tempted by the Devil, raped his sister. Despite this inicial encounter being non-consensual, the sister fell in love with her brother and gladfully continued the affair until she discovered that she was pregnant. When the baby boy was born, he was abandoned and then found my fishermen. Meanwhile, the Duke goes to the Holy Land and dies there from a broken heart, leaving his sister to become the Duchess. The fishermen name the baby Gregorius and raise him to become a knight. When Gregorius learns of his noble origins, he sets off to find his family, taking with a him an engraved tablet that was left by this parents in which the circumstances of his birth are detailed.

On his journey, he happens upon a city that is under siege of a rival Duke, who wishes to marry the reigning Duchess. Gregorius defeats this Duke, which impresses the Duchess, to asks Gregorius to marry her. The two are happily married for a while, until the Duchess finds the tablet, reads it and realises that Gregorius is her long lost son/nephew. They are both horrified at the discovery, but Gregorius insists that they must seek God's pardon.

To pay for his sins, Gregorius chains himself to a rock, where he spends many years, until two men from Rome come get him, wishing to make him the next Pope, due to his devotion to God and the way he has done his penitence. On his way to Rome, Gregorius begins to show healing powers. Hearing a new Pope with great powers, the Duchess goes to Rome to seek absolution for her sins. Arriving there, she learns that the Pope is her son/nephew/husband, and becomes a nun. From then on, they both live pious lives.

This ending adds another complicated layer to the relationship: as the Pope, Gregorius is the spiritual father of all Christians and is married to the Church; while, as a nun, the Duchess becomes the spiritual bride of Christ.

While the incest in Juda's story serves to demonize him, in Gregorius' tale, the incest is just an obstacle, something that Gregorius needs to repent for before achieving spiritual enlightenment. As such, "the point of the story is not to denounce human weakness and appetite, but to celebrate the power of remorse and penance, and the infinite mercy of God".

And Saint Gregorius wasn't the only saint to engage in incestuous escapades, as another saint, St. Andreas of Crete, also married his mother.

St. Andreas' tale always is very Oedipus in nature: a merchant receives a prophecy that his son will kill him, marry his own mother and then rape hundreds of nuns. So when the merchant's wife births a son, the couple main and expose him. Andreas is found and raised by a nunnery, until one day, when possessed by the devil, him commits a mass rape. Running from his crime, Andreas finds himself in Crete, where he gets a job as a vinery watchman. One night, his employer does in disguise to check if the watchman is doing his job properly and, thinking that the man in a thief, Andreas kills him. Unknown to him, this man was his father, the merchant. Andreas then marries the widow of the man he killed and inherits the lands (much like Judas did). The woman then recognizes Andreas by his scars and immediately sends Andreas to a priest to seek absolution. The priest, however, refuses to pardon Andreas. So Andreas kills the priest. And then two more priests who also refuse his request. Finally, the Bishop agrees to issue him a pardon, but says that Andreas' sins will only be forgiven if he stays chained in a cellar that's being filled with dirt. The mother, meanwhile, has to use a padlock on her nose and wonder around looking for the key in order to pay for her sin. After thirty years the finds the key and moves to a convent, while Andreas miraculously appears on top of the cellar once it's full of dirt. He's then made the next Bishop of Crete and becomes a Saint after hsi death.

Another 13th Century legend about Saint Albanus also combine the incest and patricide motifs. It begins when a windowed Emperor seduces his own daughter, who then falls pregnant. To hide the affair, the child is exposed along with some jewels. He is saved from death by the King of Hungary, who finds him, names him Albanus and raises him as if he was his own son. When Albanus is old enough to marry, the King arranges for Albanus to marry the Emperor's daughter, unaware that she's Albanus' mom. After a while, the woman find the jewels that were left with Albanus and recognizes them. When the incestuous relationship is revealed, a monk orders Albanus, his mother and their father all to do penitence by seven years, after which the three should reunite. When the reunion happens, the Emperor can't resist the lust for his daughter and they get back together. When Albanus finds out, he kills them both. To pay for the murder, Albanus is ordered to wander for another seven years, but he is killed by bandits. The place where is body is dumped begins to showcase healing powers and Albanus is then made a Saint.

Perhaps the biggest departure from other Oedipus-like myths is that in Albanus case, he first marries his mother and then kills his father, an inversion of the usual order. Not only it's out of order, but the knows the man he is killing is his father and the killing can even be seen as justified, as he was punishing a sinner who refused to repent.

This type of narratives weren't created just for saints. The Italian tale La Leggenda di Vergogna is one exemple of a non-hagiographic Oedipus-like tale:

A baron seduces his daughter. Their son is exposed as a baby, and eventually is adopted. The baron goes on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and dies there. The daughter becomes the rules of the lands until one day, a neighbouring barons attacks her lands, and besiege hers. The son, now grown up, hears of the invasion and goes to rescue the baroness, not knowing of their relationship. As a reward for saving her, the Baroness marries him, but after some time, he tells her of how he was exposed as a child and the Duchess realise that he is her son. They go to the Pope, seeking redemptions, who orders them to go to two separates monastery in Rome; there they stay until they die. They are buried in one tomb, with an inscription indicating that they mother and son, sister and brother, wife and husband.

Another story that doesn't involve saints can be found in the Prose Tristan, a 13th Century prose romance that recounts the story of Tristan and Isolde, linking it to the Arthurian Legend. In this romance, one part is dedicated to the story Apollo Aventureus, son of Chelinda and her first husband Sador, who is believed to have died in ship munity. When Apollo is born, he is exposed by his mother's second husband, Thador (sometimes called Canor), the King of Cornwall, who dreamt that the child would one day kill him. Apollo is found my a maid, who raises him. Meanwhile, Sador himself is still alive, having survived being thrown off-board, and becomes friends with King Pelias of Leonois.

Pelias meets Chelinda and falls in love with her, and so requests that Sador steals her from Thador and brings her to him. Sador accepts to do so, but when he recognizes her as his wife, they run away together. Their happiness don't last long as they are kidnapped by a giant, who lets them go after a while. This giant then takes Pelias and his son, Luces, hostage. Apollo grows and becomes a knight. One day, he finds the giant who poses him a riddle and tries to kidnap Apollo when he answers correctly. Apollo is stronger and kills the giant, freeing Pelias and Luces. Pelias returns to his kingdom and declares war against Thador, but is quickly killed and replaced by Luces as King of Leonois. Sadoc is involved in the war, fighting by to avenge Pelias, and gets by injured Thador. He then sees a man wearing the emblem of Cornwall and attacks him, but this is not Thador, rather it'ss Apollo, who defends himself and kills Sadoc.

Luces, son of Pelias, sees this and leaps in to protect Sadoc from Apollo, but he's too late and Sadoc dies. Ten Luces attacks Thador, who injuries him. As Luces lays dying, he tells to Apollo to take the throne to Leonois. Apollo then kills Thador and becomes King of Leonois. As king, he needs a wife and so requets the hand of the most beautiful woman in the land: Chelinda. Since she is a widow, she has no choice but marry Apollo. Their marriage lasts a long time, until Saint Augustine revels the truth about them being mother and son. Chelinda doesn't belives Saint Augustine and orders him to be killed, but instead, she's the one to die, hit by lightning (much like Antiochus and his daughter in some versions of Apollonius/Pericles). Apollo, not wishing to be damned, chooses to convert to Catholicism, believing God to be his only salvation.

(This story is included in Archibald's book, but at the opening of the second part of the third chapter. I think it fits better in the first part of the third chapter, as it concerns unwitting mother-son incest. Also, Archibald doesn't go in full detail, I made a more in depth summary from reading the tale myself).

[thejokerismybf]

ranking the disciples by how likely they'd be to end up in arkham

(My friends helped me make this)

1. Judas Iscariot – ALREADY THERE. Literally betrayed the Son of God for 30 silver coins like he was speedrunning villain origin stories. Definitely hearing voices. Canon Joker-coded. He has a reserved cell in Arkham and probably licks the wall paint.

2. Peter – Impulse Control Issues. Pulled a sword on a guy, chopped off his ear, then IMMEDIATELY emotionally spiraled. Would 100% be pacing in his cell screaming “I NEVER KNEW HIM” while throwing Bibles at the wall. Peak Arkham.

3. Simon the Zealot – Active Domestic Terror Watchlist. The word “Zealot” is doing all the heavy lifting here. Political extremist, would unironically call Joker “misunderstood.” Probably thinks he can convert Harley Quinn. Spoiler: he cannot.

4. Thomas – Conspiracy Brain, Needs Medication. Doubted Jesus to His face. Not because he’s evil, but because he’s chronically online in the brain. Would be that Arkham inmate muttering “He didn’t really rise. It was a psyop. Show me the scars.”

5. James the Less – Silent But Scary. Called “the Less” because he NEVER talks. That’s Arkham behavior. You know he’s crafting bombs out of communion wafers in the psych ward and no one is stopping him.

6. John – Prophet or Psych Patient? Yes. Wrote Revelation. Saw literal beasts with seven heads and thought that was fine. Claimed he was “the disciple Jesus loved most.” Delusional. Probably Joker’s favorite roommate. They braid each other’s hair.

7. Matthew – White Collar Criminal Turned Religious Cultist. Ex-tax collector turned Jesus blogger. May not look crazy, but he knows how to reroute church funds. Would be in Arkham for “creative accounting and speaking in tongues at City Hall.”

8. Andrew – There by Accident. Peter’s chill brother. Arrested for accessory to chaos. Just wanted to help feed some people and now he’s stuck in Arkham trying to get cell reception to check on his pet dove.

9. Philip – Thought This Was Bible Camp. Asked Jesus to “just show us the Father and that’ll be enough” like it was a group project. Wrong place, wrong time. Might actually still think he’s in a youth retreat.

10. Bartholomew – No One Remembers Him. Literally might be a hallucination. He’s there, but like… is he? Other patients say he “smells like incense and old milk.” Haunts the Arkham vents.

11. James the Greater – Kinda Just Vibes. Went along with whatever Peter did. Probably helped light something on fire once and felt really bad about it. Arkham staff forget he’s in there until he yells “I was in the Transfiguration!”

12. Thaddeus (aka Jude) – Thinks He Can Help. He Cannot. Wants to be everyone’s emotional support disciple. Keeps trying to lead group therapy. Got tackled during a breakout because he was standing in the hallway whispering “What if we just prayed?”

✨✝️ Live. Laugh. Lose your mind for Christ. ✝️✨

[americanssweetheart]

A Guide to the Holy Week 🐣

Holy Week is the final week of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday. It is the most sacred time in the calendar, remembering Jesus Christ's last days: His suffering, death, and resurrection. Each day of the week has a deep meaning and prepares for Easter's joys. Holy Week 2025 begins on Sunday, April 13th, and ends on Sunday, April 20th.

Palm Sunday The Holy Week began when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Crowds of people started waving branches at him and shouting praises. Although they celebrated him as King, many did not understand His true mission.

Holy Monday Jesus enters the temple he created to become a house of prayer and witnesses people making it into a marketplace. Angered by their actions, he drives the money chasers out and clears the temple. This shows his authority and call to true worship.

Holy Tuesday On this day, Jesus teaches everyone in the temple, speaks in parables, and answers difficult questions. He warns the people against acts like hypocrisy, speaks of the greatest commandment, and envisions the destruction of the temple and the end of times.

Holy Wednesday/ Spy Wednesday Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 disciples, agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This day is recognized as "Spy Wednesday" because of Judas's secretive deal with the religious leaders.

Maundy Thursday Jesus had his final meal that day with his disciples, known as the Last Supper. He washes their feet as a sign of humility and service and institutes the Eucharist. Later that night, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he is arrested.

Good Friday Jesus is put on trial, sentenced to death, and crucified. Jesus is in immense pain, is mocked, and carries the cross to Golgotha, where he dies. His body is then taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb.

Holy Saturday This is a day of silence and mourning and waiting before the resurrection. Jesus' body remains in the tomb; his followers grieve and are uncertain as to what is coming.

Easter Sunday On the third day after his death, Jesus rises from the dead. His tomb is empty, and he appears to his followers, proving that he has conquered death.

Easter is the greatest celebration in our faith: the victory of life over sin and death!

[walkwithgod07]

6 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

[littleoddwriter]

Thanks for the tag @t3acupz!!! <3

Last Song: Ryuusei by MUCC

Fav Colour: anything between/from blue to green (I can never decide, hush, I love all colours)

Currently Watching: hulu's The Hardy Boys (waiting for s3)

Spicy/Savoury/Sweet: Savoury

Relationship Status: Single

Current Obsession: Hugh Dancy, NBC Hannibal, and Rohan Campbell all at the same time (my brain is Loud)

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