#support | eir

[lustrous-dreams-art]

Welcome to the Order of Heroes!

[pheraesladyknight]

Eir's outburst surprised Isadora. "You..-?" She chose not to ask about motives at a time like this. She looked over at the body-- wishing it was Harken before she ultimately turned and looked away. "Let's just take it. Someone probably moved it so we can do the same." Once the tarp had been thrown over the body, Isadora adjusted the tarp onto the wyvern.

"I'm sorry-- I hope you don't mind." Isadora mumbles before watching Hilda climb on. "Oh-- wait, you want.. ok. I see." She easily mounted herself on the wyvern. She was used to horseback - but this? This was new, so when they landed, Isadora found herself rather wobbly.

"Ah... I see it, it's over there. Just... give me a minute"

Movement -- 1

@thankudeath

battleships but instead of boats it's dead bodies

team theta | insiders | minigame team 1

[microwave-mars]

Happy aromantic spectrum awareness week!!!

My incredibly supportive friend recently gifted me a bottle of green nail polish, so today I painted my nails green! Debating trying some green themed makeup looks to match it. And tomorrow I'll be buying my first aromantic pride flag pin!! Very excited for that :D

How are y'all celebrating?

[carmennivis]

80 years in the face of eternity

Someone - or something - has been disturbing graves in the monastery's graveyard. The knights are busy with preparations for the monastery's defenses, and so patrols to the site have not been a priority. If you have some rare free time, would you bring peace back to these departed souls? Then find the culprit, even if it means having to spend the night surrounded by the dead.

@thankudeath

The graveyard was cold and silent. The sky was overcast and nearly black, no stars able to pierce through the thick veil cast over the skies. For several nights now, there had been reports of a hooded figure standing over a single grave, the only thing visible being glowing red eyes. Some claim it was death itself visiting the recently departed, others made accusations of grave robbers. Either way it was a hot new topic for gossiping over the table in the dining hall.

Tonight was, once again, one of those nights. Standing in front of one grave in particular, a short hooded figure was playing a song on his flute. But this wasn’t death, no. It was a student, Nils, of the Golden Deer House. He stood over the grave of a recently deceased old nun, playing a mournful song.

Once the song ended, he allowed the last note to drag out just for a little bit longer, before it finally stopped. Taking the instrument off his lips, he began to speak, his voice trembling slightly. “There… I finally got to perform for you. I’m sorry I couldn’t do so sooner…”

For the past few weeks, Nils had been assisting in the care of an elderly nun that lived at Garreg Mach. She had no family, and often kept to herself. But she was very passionate about the choir, visiting almost every day when they had practice. It was apparently something she was in charge of, several years ago. By chance Nils got to talking with her, and they found they got along quite well!

She was still recovering from an illness, but they had agreed that once she recovered, they’d go outside to see the wildflowers that are in bloom this time of year, and that she would come see him perform. He knew getting close to humans was difficult, but the woman treated him so very kindly, he.. was looking forward to getting to know her better.

Perhaps that was his mistake. Humans were fragile creatures, living for only the smallest fraction of the time he would. ….she died, only a few days ago, both promises unfulfilled. Now he stood there over her grave, contemplating why he even tried at all.

“You’re all so fragile… why.. why do I even bother with humans…” He said, his voice full of sadness, but also something akin to bitterness, almost. Losing someone hurt. This was exactly why he avoided becoming too close to humans. It.. makes it harder to move on when they inevitably pass. Before it was his time, he’d have to say goodbye millions of times. And that scared him. He already had other humans in his heart, against his better judgment, and the idea that they would all pass on someday, eons before he would… it scared him.

His shoulders shook as his small frame trembled, holding back sobs. Then, he suddenly heard a rustling sound. Quickly turning around, he spoke up. “W-Who’s there?!”

[fideidefenswhore]

🔥 anne of cleves or katherine howard

Anne of Cleves was more popular among the English subjects than her last two predecesors (at the very least) and Katherine Howard was more successful at queenly intercessions than her second to last predecessor.

[askrena]

something old ; something new

starter for @asphuxia <3

         SHARENA RISES WITH THE SUN: THE BEAMS FILTER THROUGH her thin, linen curtains and shine on her face, beckoning eyelids to flutter open like flowers in morning bloom. The habit is a timeworn tradition, born from the early forenoons demanded by the Order. It's funny how the welcoming of a new year begins with something so old, but The Askran supposes it's only fitting. They were two sides of the same coin, after all; old and new, closed and opened, death and life.

        Under the guidance of the light, she finds it within herself to awaken fully, sitting up and stretching. A few yawns escape her, remnants of a deep sleep, but after a few moments, she is alive with her usual vigor. Now is the time where would normally jump to her feet and proceed with the rest of her morning in earnest, especially as there was a celebration that demanded most of her time to prepare for. (She doesn't know why Commander Anna is so insistent they dress for this occasion— she was never one for opulence— but Sharena wouldn't dream of disobeying her soon) But there remains a certain something (someone) on her bed that she must address— with kisses, she decides.

        "Eir…? Eiiiiiir…" Sharena leans over to the princess laying beside her, singing the name into her ear. Eir, in sleep, seemed fitter for a funeral pyre than a cot— the serenity of her resting face mirrored those of the denizens of Hel to an admittedly scary degree. But Sharena knows that she would wake soon. If not from the sound of her voice, then from the kiss that Sharena lovingly presses onto her forehead.

        "It's time to wake up," though her voice is soft, the excitement is palpable, "we've got a big day ahead of us today!"

[mapsofnonexistentplaces]

commission me to help with transition costs 🏳️‍⚧️

gonna be getting a consultation to start testosterone in early november and i am not insured (and will not be for a couple more months) so blood tests are gonna be expensive and i need some support for that. looking to raise about 300-400 euros by the next 2 months. i've opened an unlimited amount of slots for my drawing commissions to facilitate this.

some examples of my art

you can also commission my boyfriend stanley @fuckknowledgeandideasinstead, we're pooling money together for these costs

some of eir art

any support is appreciated!

[ascalonianpicnic]

Are we on the "eir's a bad mom" bullshit again? I'm supposed to be on fucking break

Since its almost mother’s day, I figured I’d post a little essay I wrote last summer, prior to No Quarter’s release.

Disclaimer: as said, this is nearly a year old and doesn’t take into account the end of icebrood (which i still havent played). additionally, I am not saying anyone has to like Eir, but I do expect people to at least hold Rytlock to the same standards

And Warning: discussion of parents, particularly absent mothers and fathers

There was a trend recently in the fandom that has really been on my mind. Rytlock, often referred to as Dadlock in these scenarios, acts as a father figure for the commander or other oc members of their squad. It’s a cute idea, very found family. It’s not personally my favorite, but I don’t have a problem with it on its own. But there was another trend that popped up recently that, when combined with this one, really bothers me. So let’s talk about Eir. 

Eir Stegalkin is our mentor in the norn personal story, as well as a member of Destiny’s Edge, the famed heros and protectors of Glint. She’s tough and strong and independent, but not afraid of admitting when she makes mistakes or needs others. She’s imperfect, a bit overconfident at times, and she makes plenty of mistakes, but she tries really hard to be a good role model to our character and to others. One thing she isn’t, however, is a mother.

Keep reading

[makingqueerhistory]

Queer Books Challenged in Florida Schools and Libraries

There are some affiliate links below in case you want to support MQH.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, Maia Kobabe: Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears.

The Color Purple, Alice Walker: Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance and silence. Through a series of letters spanning nearly thirty years, first from Celie to God, then the sisters to each other despite the unknown, the novel draws readers into its rich and memorable portrayals of Celie, Nettie, Shug Avery and Sofia and their experience. The Color Purple broke the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, narrating the lives of women through their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery.

Julián Is a Mermaid, Jessica Love: While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes -- and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love's author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

Drama: A Graphic Novel, Raina Telgemeier: Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Cemetery Boys, Aiden Thomas: Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can't get rid of him. When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.

I Am Billie Jean King, Brad Meltzer: This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Billie Jean King, the world champion tennis player who fought successfully for women's rights. From a young age, Billie Jean King loved sports--especially tennis! But as she got older, she realized that plenty of people, even respected male athletes, didn't take women athletes seriously. She set to prove them wrong and show girls everywhere that sports are for everyone, regardless of gender.

This One Summer, Mariko Tamaki: Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening. It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

Marriage of a Thousand Lies, Sj Sindu: Lucky and her husband, Krishna, are gay. They present an illusion of marital bliss to their conservative Sri Lankan-American families, while each dates on the side. It's not ideal, but for Lucky, it seems to be working. She goes out dancing, she drinks a bit, she makes ends meet by doing digital art on commission. But when Lucky's grandmother has a nasty fall, Lucky returns to her childhood home and unexpectedly reconnects with her former best friend and first lover, Nisha, who is preparing for her own arranged wedding with a man she's never met.

And Tango Makes Three, Peter Parnell: At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.

More Happy Than Not, Adam Silvera: In the months following his father's suicide, sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto can't seem to find happiness again, despite the support of his girlfriend, Genevieve, and his overworked mom. Grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist won't let him forget the pain. But when Aaron meets Thomas, a new kid in the neighborhood, something starts to shift inside him. Aaron can't deny his unexpected feelings for Thomas despite the tensions their friendship has created with Genevieve and his tight-knit crew. Since Aaron can't stay away from Thomas or turn off his newfound happiness, he considers taking drastic actions. The Leteo Institute's revolutionary memory-altering procedure will straighten him out, even if it means forgetting who he truly is.

Melissa, Alex Gino: When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.

Melissa thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. Melissa really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part... because she's a boy.

With the help of her best friend, Kelly, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities, Mady G, Jules Zuckerberg: In this quick and easy guide to queer and trans identities, cartoonists Mady G and Jules Zuckerberg guide you through the basics of the LGBT+ world! Covering essential topics like sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and navigating relationships, this guide explains the spectrum of human experience through informative comics, interviews, worksheets, and imaginative examples. A great starting point for anyone curious about queer and trans life, and helpful for those already on their own journeys!

This Book Is Gay, Juno Dawson: This candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it's like to grow up LGBTQ also includes real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, not to mention hilarious illustrations.

Little & Lion, Brandy Colbert: When Suzette comes home to Los Angeles from her boarding school in New England, she's isn't sure if she'll ever want to go back. L.A. is where her friends and family are (as well as her crush, Emil). And her stepbrother, Lionel, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, needs her emotional support. But as she settles into her old life, Suzette finds herself falling for someone new...the same girl her brother is in love with. When Lionel's disorder spirals out of control, Suzette is forced to confront her past mistakes and find a way to help her brother before he hurts himself--or worse.

King and the Dragonflies, Kacen Callender: Twelve-year-old Kingston James is sure his brother Khalid has turned into a dragonfly. When Khalid unexpectedly passed away, he shed what was his first skin for another to live down by the bayou in their small Louisiana town. Khalid still visits in dreams, and King must keep these secrets to himself as he watches grief transform his family.

It would be easier if King could talk with his best friend, Sandy Sanders. But just days before he died, Khalid told King to end their friendship, after overhearing a secret about Sandy-that he thinks he might be gay. "You don't want anyone to think you're gay too, do you?"

Sorted: Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place: A Transgender Memoir, Jackson Bird: An unflinching and endearing memoir from LGBTQ+ advocate Jackson Bird about how he finally sorted things out and came out as a transgender man.When Jackson Bird was twenty-five, he came out as transgender to his friends, family, and anyone in the world with an internet connection. Assigned female at birth and raised as a girl, he often wondered if he should have been born a boy. Jackson didn't share this thought with anyone because he didn't think he could share it with anyone.

The Black Flamingo, Dean Atta: Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he's navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican--but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough.

As he gets older, Michael's coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs--and the Black Flamingo is born

Explore the full list here.

[femmedionysus]

something something we have this discourse every year but like. re: the “bi girls bringing their straight boyfriend to pride” thing I feel like we on tumblr need to rediscover the lost art of Minding Your Business

my fiancée & I were in new york last weekend for eir birthday & we went to cubbyhole, famously a lesbian bar, & there were in fact a couple of guys there! & literally no one in that bar gave a shit that they were there, bc they were just having a drink with their friends & not bothering anyone!

& like even leaving aside all the very valid points about people assuming some bi girl’s boyfriend is cishet when he’s actually bi4bi and/or t4t (many such cases) - when a cishet guy is at pride with his bi girlfriend & he knows how to be normal, you might not even notice him being there. if a straight guy is in an lgbt space being supportive of his friends or partner, & he’s not harassing anyone or being obnoxious, literally why do we care? bc quite frankly I would rather have Straight Steve at the party holding his gf’s drink than have a big “no straights allowed 😠” sign at the door & make it a hostile space for, say, a gnc trans woman who someone mistakes for a straight man, or a nb/transfem who’s not ready to be out yet, or a bi man who’s not ready to be out yet, or anyone else who has every right to be there. because you don’t know anything about someone just by looking at them! if they’re not being an asshole, mind your business!! I say this as a man-hating lesbian myself but oh my god some of y’all have never grown past the “boys have cooties” stage.

[y2sims]

Nine More Stealthic Hairs in The New Hair System.

colors by pooklet.

textures by remi (straight) & poppet (wavy).

binned, familied, tooltipped and compressed.

all four colors are in one .package file.

all the meshes are included! 💜

Stealthic Amber Lights

all ages

10.6k~ polys

mesh conversion by eir-sims

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

Stealthic Babydoll - two versions

ages tf - ef

mesh conversion by juliej

note! there's a neck gap in the mesh and some transparency issues, has nothing to do with my retexture

two versions, original and shorter alpha by charismatictrait

DOWNLOAD BOTH: sfs // mf

Stealthic Candence

all ages

12.6k~ polys

mesh conversion by eir-sims, fixed by rented-space

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

Stealthic Fairytale - two versions

all ages

10k~ polys

mesh conversion by eir-sims

two versions, original and shorter alpha by mdp

DOWNLOAD BOTH: sfs // mf

Stealthic Lovesick

all ages

11k~ polys

mesh conversion by rented-space

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

Stealthic Persephone

ages cf - ef

14.3k~ polys

mesh conversion by eir

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

Stealthic Sanctuary

all ages

10.5k~ polys

mesh conversion by puccamichi

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

Stealthic Summer Haze

ages cf - ef

8.6k~ polys

mesh conversion by martini

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

Stealthic Valo

ages yaf - ef

mesh conversion by mazexworld

DOWNLOAD: sfs // mf

💜 like my content and want to support me? please consider leaving a tip or requesting some hairs through my ko-fi! 💜

[fluxrspar]

In just a night, the four lost bodies are once again found—Holst and Reyson by Selena’s own party, Nergal and Harken by their rest. Four—so are they numbered, when none of them should’ve been. (Had seven been all who were lost; had the killings stopped then and no later…)

It takes not a moment longer for Selena’s senses to dull—an unnatural draw into the recesses of her consciousness. (She had to remain sharp in a moment like this, and yet: she finds she is unable.) All that remains is her hearing and the echoing question:

Will you stay in Rusalka and defend it or will you try and make your escape back to reality?

The first thing that captures her: defend. (It proposed that the village was at risk; its inhabitants and their lives unsecured—including His Majesty’s.) The second thing she notes: escape back to reality.

If she could’ve sighed then, she perhaps would’ve, for whatever voice this was soothed her mind in its phrasing: Rusalka was, for all intents and purposes, not real. If such was the case, then the consequences were not so dire as she had thought—those were not their still living, and those were not their still dead.

(He was not amongst them—not truly, at least.)

And as so, the answer resolves itself: for if the choice was between an idyllic fantasy and harsh, cold reality, Selena would choose life every time. If not for any other reason, then because her work was not complete—employment aside, there was still Prince Lyon, cast into the shadows; Sir Duessel, a bond still in the process of healing. The alternative was to leave it all behind: to take the coward’s way out.

Her vision refocuses, and she recognizes suddenly the presence of various villagers, the last of the Newcomers amongst their ranks as well. Though not immediately hostile, they were armed—they were prepared for battle (perhaps against the Outsiders; perhaps against them). Selena sees the villagers; she hears their question:

Are you leaving?

“Yes.” (It is the only way to make these sacrifices worth it, after all.) In turn, the villagers brandish their weapons, a combat already brewing—so too does the ex-captain; the past emperor of Grado. Selena palms red beads in her hand.

It is not Thunder. (Lightning stung; this—though it would bring pain, it would only be temporary; it would be unlike the relics of the sky’s rage.)

“Your Majesty,” and her eyes turn to Vigarde’s directly, gaze focused and sharp: “I’m going to have to ask you to stand down.” (A battle was inevitable now, what with the building tension—but he did not have to be here for it.)

There is a glint of recognition—both a look that she knows and a look that is knowing—in his eyes when Selena speaks to him. The Silent Emperor was a man who said much with very little; naturally, the Fluorspar emulated him.

(She made her choice, and she would go forth with it—to the end.)

Selena attacks Vigarde with RED BEADS: Roll: 7 - 4 = 3—MISS. Vigarde: 10/10HP

But determination was one thing—she could choose a path, but that did not mean to go through with it would be easy; or possible. (Ability was another.) The bead shatters on the ground.

Vigarde counters with SPEAR: Roll: 2 - 4 = -2—MISS. Selena: 10/10HP

She ducks past the spear that flies in her direction, except—when she looks at its path, the course of its trajectory before it is drawn back, she sees it: had she just stood there, it would have missed her still. Mage pretends she does not realize what that means.

“I–”

A sharp spike runs through her heart—not a physical pain, she knows; not a magical one either, she can surmise. It is a turmoil of emotions predominated by an intense and nigh inexplicable guilt.

ET TU? activates! Selena: 2 Ruin

(It is the same emotion she felt during the assassination attempt—twice now, by her hand and her liege.) It grows—monstrous feeling, swirling and spreading as though trying to separate her from her being.

Perhaps this was how he lost himself—would he again? (She forces herself to relax.)

“We can still have peace,” is all he says.

@ashenprofessor

the brightest shade of sun

team theta week 2 combat

[sapphicsophos]

Hey if anyone could help me and my spouse out, even just by sharing this, it'd be massively appreciated. The full story is on the page, but the short version is that I have a condition that causes my vision to gradually degrade, and it's getting worse faster than my doctors anticipated so I'm having surgery on my right eye to try and compensate and strengthen it a bit. This had been planned for a while, but on top of that my spouse injured eir back on Friday and needs an MRI to see how bad it is and most likely surgery to correct it (it's highly likely ey have a herniated disk, which has happened to em before). I've been out of work since September, despite my best efforts, so we're asking for help to cover both (and stuff like gas and basic necessities while recovering). I appreciate any little bit, even a reblog.

[mapsofnonexistentplaces]

ALRIGHT remaking this post. yesterday i just had my first consultation about starting t. i’m not insured yet and i’ve got some bloodwork coming up so i need just ~100 euros to reach the estimated costs

i’ve got art commissions open in my regular art style and some more experimental ones, and i also do character designs

here’s my ko-fi

you can also commission my partner stanley instead, we’re combining funds for this heres some of eir work!

thank youuu 😊

[artificidel]

'Return to my embrace, Ephidel.' Lord Nergal's voice echoes, 'return to the warmth of my love.'

The promise of it continues to be all too tempting.

Celephais 28.5/30HP casts Painless World on the party! [Roll: 14 - 4 = 10; Hit] Ephidel is inflicted with -6 dexterity for their next turn.

His arms surround his creation, long fingernails dragging up their limbs and almost consuming them entirely. 'To your Master, to your God.'

Yet, again the thought is cemented in Ephidel's mind that they can not fulfill his wishes. Not of their true god, not even to the illusion of him. In both, they were a failure. They did not deserve him; but his false-master was right about one thing.

Ephidel struggled back to their feet.

Ephidel does NOT sync with the vengeful spirit of Nergal

They were not meant to heal; made only to destroy. Pasithee herself had proven as much to the morph. And then that fire began to burn within them again, and with it, a will and desire formed on their own. Outside of purpose. Outside of loyalty and servitude. Outside of Lord Nergal or the church or existence itself.

Ephidel wanted to dismantle this illusion, not for the church, but to prove the inherent treachery Pasithee saw in them. To be the thief she had branded them as months prior. To snatch away what ever they could of her remaining happiness.

Ephidel staggered forward, Fimbulvetr coalescing in their grasp.

Ephidel 10/10HP attacks Celephais 18.5/30HP with Fimbulvetr at melee range! Heartseeker activates! [Roll: 7 + 2 = 9; -2.5HP] Post-Apocalyptic Savior activates! [Roll: 1, hit! -2.5HP, Celephais 16/30HP] ; Celephais is frozen! Celephais is unable to counterattack! Poison Strike activates! -1HP, Celephais 15/30HP

The tundra strikes true, and encases Celephais in solid ice. Ephidel would find Pasithee. They would find her and destroy her with hands made only to kill.

murder is a long-term investment

team theta | week three

[notthesomefather]

Odin and Recovery

[[ Hi, friends! As a heads-up, this post is about addiction and recovery. If those topics upset you, take care of yourself and I'll see you next time! ]]

Discussions of Odin recently made me think about his more loving tendencies, which in turn made me reflect on the tremendous support and strength he lent me during my recovery. In addition to traditional/medical forms of treatment, I credit Odin immensely, and I carry that gratitude with me every day.

I've gradually realized that a sizeable number of heathens express that Odin was the god who helped them survive addiction and navigate recovery. Of course, there are numerous examples where heathens credit Frigge, Eir, and others—so this is not to assert that Odin is the only or best god to seek help from with these matters. But there are many heathens who felt Odin step in, unprompted, when they were at their most vulnerable stages of addiction.

I think I can see why he would take such an active interest in these matters. I feel like he understands the impulse to isolate yourself while also being the hand yanking you up onto the lifeboat when it's time to get help. He knows the pangs of unhealthy desire as well as the pain of re-emergence/rebirth, and it's the last part specifically that meant a lot to me. I can see why people shy away from this part in most discussions of addiction, but it's a fact that recovery can SUCK. It can (often) be one of the most physically and mentally painful periods in a person's life. Odin hanging from Yggdrasil would come to mind when withdrawal was at its most excruciating, and it would remind me that the pain I was experiencing was not endless. While the exact amount of time is obviously different, recovery was my "nine days and nine nights," and Odin's support and protective nature helped me get through it.

TLDR: thank you, Odin. Your lack of judgment, your resolve, and your belief in me were life-saving and they continue to be.