#owlish Elain

[wingedblooms]

Owlish Elain

This is a Maasverse post, so there are probably spoilers for all three series below.

With owls in the title (statue) and cover (eyes, thanks to SerpentWyrd on Reddit) reveals for hofas, I am once again thinking about their connections to Elain. I’ve mentioned owls repeatedly across different posts, most recently in Elain's witch series, so I thought it would be fun to compile all of the connections here. If I’ve missed any connections, I’d love to know about it in comments and/or reblogs. 

Connections to mythology:

Elain's story is believed to be inspired by the myth of Blodeuwedd, a spring maiden who is transformed into an owl in Welsh mythology. Like Elain, owls were believed to have mystical and prophetic powers, and the myths surrounding them were full of contradictions. They were associated with mythical beings and ancient goddesses, who at one point in history, represented a continuum of life and death (life, death, and rebirth). They were feared as bearers of death, and were admired as otherworldly messengers and solemn protectors. As a symbol linked to Athena, the goddess of wisdom in Greek mythology, they were viewed as a good omen: a sign of victory in battle. Some believed they had an inner light that enabled them to see in the dark (and after years of research, we know their sight and hearing have been adapted for hunting, giving them excellent precision; some can even hunt on sound alone in complete darkness). They were also viewed as a bad omen: a sign of catastrophe and death. This dark aspect is connected to Lilith, a woman, demon, and goddess in various legends who is linked to witchcraft. In Roman mythology, owls were believed to be transformed witches who drank the blood of infants. 

Connections to witches:

Owls and witches are connected in mythology, so it isn’t surprising that Sarah gives at least one of her witch clans similar features. Feyre and Nesta point out Elain's figurative claws and teeth in acosf/acosf bonus content, which may be a hint of what she hides in the shadows: a beautiful ironteeth monster. Ironteeth witches were gifted iron from the Three-Faced Goddess to prevent magic from pulling them away. It acted as an anchor to the earth, which makes me wonder just how many witches possess some form of Sight, and whether Elain’s collection of iron serves the same purpose. The biggest connection by far, though, is that ironteeth witches also blink into place a clear eyelid, similar to what owls possess, to protect their vision as they fly. Elain often blinks like an owl when she uses her Sight, and her sister, Feyre, blinks when she is released from the Cauldron's mystic-like power as it traveled across the battlefield in various animal forms. 

Connections to shifting form:

Nesta and Amren share otherworldly eyes, a connection that was foreshadowed by a family dinner conversation where Nesta boldly questioned Amren about her eyes. @kimsnnn noticed this conversation parallels Elain’s questions about Amren’s form at another family dinner in acofas. If this is a hint (and I hope it is), Elain and Amren might share otherworldly forms. Rhys makes a connection between them at another family dinner and interestingly, it also centers on transformation: “Some were as lovely as you, Elain,” Rhys said from beside Feyre, “from the outside. But once they set foot into the arena of battle, they became as bloodthirsty as Amren.” (acosf) We've seen Amren’s form on the battlefield and know it behaves like an otherworldly bird of prey. And in that same battle, we’ve seen Elain appear suddenly and take out a king’s throat to protect her family. I’m just hoping this transformation, if it happens, also comes with wings. 

Connections to healing:

From what we learned in Tower of Dawn (tod), healers bridge life and death. Their light can bind wounds and devour darkness. They can sense Death when it is near. They are also linked to owls through the goddess Silba and Maeve used this knowledge to her advantage to create her own secret army of protectors. The best weapon against the Valg (also referred to as demons) was not a blade, but healing light. Sarah describes the various owls carved into the healers’ tower (Torre Cesme, meaning Tower of Dawn), and one in particular stands out: “Even though it perched atop a gnarled branch of iron that flowed across the door itself, wings flared wide as it prepared to leap into the skies, it seemed … alert. Aware of all who passed that door, who perhaps gazed too long in the direction of the workshop.” (tod) This owl reminds me of those with the gift of Sight, like Elain. She also maintains her own herb garden, like a healer, and is consistently compared to the dawn. Add the possibility of shifting into a bird of prey, and we’ve got very powerful connections here. 

Connections to the song of the wind:

When Elain tracks down the Suriel, she notes that it travels like the breath of the western wind. In other words, it travels like an owl: a shadow on the wind. Elain starts moving similarly after this scene and continues to surprise others with her swift appearance. It’s probably also intentional that the first question she asks Azriel relates to his ability to fly, which he connects to the song of the wind. Witches also possess power related to wind and use it to create brooms that allow them to fly. I wouldn’t be surprised if Elain has learned to move like the wind by watching others (especially Azriel, whom she observes closely) and listening to its call. 

Connections to those with Sight: 

When Feyre is bound to the Cauldron, she travels with it as it flies through the world. It continuously shifts animal form (like Urd) when it searches for someone, but it begins in what I assume is a bird of prey. Elain seems to possess the ability to move like this fluid form with her Cauldron-gifted Sight. This might even be how mystics travel and search for answers, which often first requires them to find specific creatures. The Suriel’s comment about seeing Elain’s doe eyes search for it across the realm is a big hint, as is Feyre’s comment on Elain wandering in her Sight.  

If Elain isn’t connected to owls, my friends, we riot. 😆

[buddaimond]

More glowing reviews of Rob’s performance in The Lost City of Z

MovieKnights2016 (UK)

Robert Pattinson puts a great performance in as a side character.

Movie Hangover (UK)

By far the strongest performance, and I’m shocked to be saying this, is Robert Pattinson as Percy’s fellow explorer Henry Costin. Masked behind a truly magnificent beard, he gives a quiet internal performance, filled with loyalty to Percy and a dry wit that eases the somewhat heavy themes involved.

Demon Media (UK)

Pattinson shines, and I couldn’t help but think that the film would be better off for dedicating more time to his character.

Inside Robbie (UK)

I found myself wanting more Robert Pattinson, because he appeared to have an actual character and moulded into the role far more Hunnam did. There is a quietness to him, which allow there to be a mystery with his character and this in turn makes him incredibly watchable.

Culture Fly (UK)

Robert Pattinson is a delight as the sturdy best friend, Henry Costin

The Movie Sense

Robert Pattinson has given good performance too.

The Fan Carpet (UK)

Hunnam is captivating in the role, Miller puts in an impressive performance and Pattinson is quite unrecognisable as Fawcett’s bearded companion. 4 out of 5 stars

Elaine McIntyre

… trusty sidekick Mr Costin at this side (this last a nicely understated performance from a bushy bearded Robert Pattinson doing that Brad Pitt trademarked ‘hey I ain’t no hearthrob’ thang)”

The Times of Malta

Pattison [sic] offers solid support as Costin, Hunnam’s second, friend, and confidante; oftentimes he was the only one who truly believed in Fawcett’s venture while at the same time being the voice of reason.

Red Carpet Crash (DIFF 2017 – US)

We aren’t likely to watch a more beautiful or expertly photographed film this year… a terrific Robert Pattinson.

Film Ireland Magazine (UK)

Robert Pattinson, whose character could stand in for a John Lennon lookalike, was underused in the film, mainly to ensure that this film is primarily Percy Fawcett’s.

Screen Crush (US)

… (which includes a nearly unrecognizable Robert Pattinson beneath a bushy beard)… The Lost City of Z; its unhurried pacing, complex themes, and magnificent visuals that must be seen on a big screen make it feel like an artifact from an era of big-budget filmmaking that has been rendered essentially extinct by the franchisification of Hollywood.

Film Journal (US)

(Robert Pattinson, looking and acting slightly consumptive as usual) … the movie’s early scenes cast an immediate spell that holds throughout.

The New Yorker (US)

Pattinson cuts an unlikely figure, yet you follow his every move, and, from the instant at which he laughs at a snake on the forest floor, you wonder what compels him. Unlike Hunnam, he hints at mysteries held in reserve …

Flavorwire (US)

… but Robert Pattinson is terrific as his right-hand man …

Contact Music (US)

Patterson [sic] and Macfadyen add some texture as loyal and obnoxious colleagues, respectively.

Why So Blu (US)

The film works as a character study, with some nice supporting roles to help fill out the surroundings, which are quite wonderful to behold. When not being impressed by the stunning cinematography by Darius Khondji, enjoy the other performances in the film, such as Robert Pattinson’s Henry Costin …

The Smithsonian (US)

Also remarkable in the film is the movie star, Robert Pattinson, as Fawcett’s aide-de-camp, Henry Costin, who—with a huge bushy beard and tiny Victorian-age spectacles—is indistinguishable from the teen-heartthrob he played in the “Twilight” series of films beginning a decade ago. As a character in Gray’s film, Pattinson is stalwart and steady.

Rolling Stone (US)

… (a terrific Robert Pattinson), an assistant who sticks with Fawcett even on the battlefields of World War I. Pattinson gives Costin a quirky edge that rubs just right against Hunnam’s outer stiffness.

Time (US)

Robert Pattinson is wonderful as Henry Costin, Fawcett’s solemn, bearded, no-nonsense aide-de-camp. We barely see his eyes—they’re half hidden by small John Lennon-style glasses—but his bearing alone tells us what he’s thinking every minute.

FanboyNation (US)

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland each delivering solid performances.

Screen Rant (US)

[T]he most memorable side player in the film is easily Robert Pattinson (and his impressive beard) as Percy’s loyal and capable, if somewhat offbeat, fellow explorer, Henry Costin.

Rogert Ebert (Matt Zoller Seitz – US)

[A] terrific character turn by Robert Pattinson …

Miami News Times (US)

“an unrecognizably grizzled and charming Robert Pattinson”

Spectrum Culture (US)

… including his sturdy and witty sidekick Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson, delightful)

Jo Blo (US)

The supporting cast is uniformly solid, with Pattinson doing great work as the bearded, slovenly Costin, Percy’s trusted companion. Anyone still doubting that Pattinson can indeed be a fine actor should look no further than here.

The Mercury News (US)

Henry Costin (an excellent, heavily bearded Robert Pattinson)

Flickfilosopher (US)

Often, Robert Pattinson (The Childhood of a Leader, Life) as Fawcett’s aide-de-camp Henry Costin creates a much stronger presence just sitting quietly in the background.

Rogers Movie Nation (US)

The real revelation here is Pattinson, donning a bushy beard to play a crusty second banana, at long last liberated from the demands of a “Twilight” matinee idol. He growls and swallows his lines, wears loyalty in his eyes (Costin follows Fawcett into WWI) and gets across military competence in way you’d never have guessed when his face was covered in vampire glitter.

Paste Magazine (US)

Henry Costin (a generously bearded and faintly eccentric Robert Pattinson)

Filmdrunk (US)

Pattinson fares best as an actor, mainly because he’s the only one who doesn’t deliver all his lines with the feigned conviction of a high school mock trial student.

Popmatters (US)

Pattinson continues to wash the Twilight stink from his resume with another solid supporting role, even if his scraggly beard and tattered hat make him look like Torgo from Manos: The Hands of Fate.

The Atlantic (US)

Costin (easily Pattinson’s best screen performance to date).

Filmthreat (US)

Robert Pattinson is actually marvelous as Henry Costin. He turns in a truly standout performance as Fawcett’s aide de camp and fellow hearty adventurer. I didn’t recognize him at first under the beard and glasses, but there’s the man himself, acting his ass off with intense humor and presence and not a sparkle to be found anywhere. Mr. Pattinson, actor: welcome

Kaplan vs Kaplan (US)

Costin, played by a bearded, bespectacled and virtually unrecognizable Robert Pattinson. He, too, turns in a controlled but effective performance.

Reason (US)

Henry Costin (a bearded Robert Pattinson, surprisingly effective)

Los Angeles Times (US)

Costin, whom the thickly bearded Pattinson plays with wry, witty understatement.

Killer Movie Reviews (US)

Pattinson is equally good at Costin. Behind owlish glasses and a beard, there is a refined sense of irony that watches one of those ci-mention snakes curl around Fawcett’s feet and languidly comments that he might be too English for the jungle.

Reeling Reviews (US)

The film’s leads are well played by Hunnam, Miller and Pattinson and gather sympathy and give strength to their characters.

 The Filmfreak (US)

Robert Pattinson though, is the true surprise for me. As Henry, Pattinson commands a redemption tale through the eyes of a struggling alcoholic who now sees purpose for his life. He does it all in his best John Lennon appearance, and it is intriguing how easily this man loses himself in this role, despite a third act that is less than kind to the creativity of his character. Robert has earned a fan out of me because of his subtle delivery that constantly feels like the cloud of clarity for these characters. A cloud that rightfully earns him the status as Percy’s right hand man, a man who is always quick to cast a hilarious truth. 

Washington City Paper (US)

Pattinson disappears into his role—the thick beard hides his high cheekbones—and his understated comic delivery is a welcome reprieve.

Culturess (US)

It’s also easy to forget Robert Pattinson is in the film, as Fawcett’s aide de camp Henry Costin. Hidden behind a bushman bird, Pattinson plays the strong, silent type to perfection. Much of his performance is conveyed through reactions, proof that the actor is more than a pretty face.

The CW44 Tampa (US) Hunnam may just be average in the role, but luckily Robert Pattinson is there to carry the extra weight. Pattinson is almost unrecognizable as the loyal Henry Costin who accompanied Percy on many of his expeditions. The intriguing subject matter and the strong supporting performances from Sienna Miller and Robert Pattinson help make up for the lack of charisma in Charlie Hunnam’s leading role. Part 1 of Robert Pattinson’s reviews in TLCOZ.~ Updated as of Apr 24 2017

[wingedblooms]

Fate's favorite seer

Threads of fate

Forbidden secrets I Blooming dreams I Bright as the dawn | Heart of the Night Court | Secret, slumbering land

Life itself, Life herself | A promise of spring

Stone Mother I Three sisters for the faces of the Mother | Three stones and three sisters | The third sacred sister peak | Marked by Wyrd | Dreams that are answered

Three sisters witches I Sister caves 

Forms of light I Starborn light 

Rose symbolism I Hidden depths I The flower of life 

A quiet dreamer in Velaris

Space between I Peering into a pit of Hel | River to Hel

Maasverse crossover I Far larger forces

Spy and courtier and ambassador I A different strength 

Seeds Sarah planted for Elain in acosf | Elriel’s cover art

My favorite predictions for Elain’s story (bingo)

Vision and gifts

Language of creation | Blooming hope part 1 and 2

Such powers 

Oracles and mystics

Witches

Using the high lord’s orrery

Like a moth to a flame

Shifting forms of fate I A rose in the thorns | Lovely darkness

Balthazar 

Wraithlike I Wraiths wear bodies | Glamour me

Blodeuwedd I A new kind of Suriel I Owlish Elain 

Woven together with love

Rhysand and Elain

A thing of secret, lovely beauty

The absolute poetry of Elain and Azriel

Why I ship Elain and Azriel

Gilded with the dawn

Flame and shadow I Dawn and dusk

Two sides of the same coin I Twining souls I Perfect blend 

They rescue each other I Newfound boldness

Lingering looks I Quiet understanding I Get each other

She was not afraid of the monster he became | The Hind and the Fawn

Forbidden oracle

Guilty as sin? | Elain is a member of the TTPD