#theobold von baden bismarck

[stepmarchen]

ASM Characters as Fairytales/Folktales

Shuri - Alice in Wonderland

Shuri being thrust into a world of strange characters that all seem to have it out for her is pretty in line with the Alice in Wonderland fairytale. Shuri and Alice being girls forced to "grow up" earlier than they were ready for and to help others without any promise for help in return. They're both just trying to awaken from this terrible nightmare.

Nora - Robin Hood

The character Robin Hood is all about compassion and rebellion against authority, both strong characteristics that Nora shares. Robin Hood uses vigilantism to fight against corrupt officials and has no mercy against people that take advantage of the weak.

Jeremy - The Lion and The Mouse

The Lion and The Mouse is a folk tale about a lion that takes mercy upon a mouse, and to be returned the favor when the lion is captured in a net with only the mouse around to bite through the ropes. In the early chapters of ASM, Jeremy and Shuri are in an equal predator/prey situation. Only when Jeremy is in peril with Shuri as his lone supporter, do they become equals.

Theo - The Emperor's New Clothes

They're both royals caught up in their vanity, both delusional and foolish enough to let people manipulate them for the sake of power. Theo's greed to steal the love of every parent in the country is just as foolish as believing in garments "so rich in quality that they can't be seen by the wearer."

Ohara - The Princess and The Pea

The Princess and the Pea tells the story of a princess who can't sleep despite her lavish bed. Turns out, the pressure of a pea lodged in-between the mattresses have been causing her ails all this time. While Ohara's insecurities may seem insignificant to outsiders, we know that years of her mother's foretold woes caused her to be hyper aware of her own relationships.

[stepmarchen]

i may... have gone a little overboard

[stepmarchen]

Couple Coding in ASM

So there's an interesting thing I noticed about Orka's color coding in ASM and the way it changes between different interactions.

For example, JerShu moments are commonly set during early dawn. There's a cool blue from the moonlight that shades the two, adding a sense of quiet mystique to their interactions.

Maybe it's to invoke a dream-like state where Shuri is stripped bare of her responsibilities and Jeremy is just a boy who misses his parents oh, so much. During the day, there's so much commotion and stress but when they're together at night, it's quiet and lonely, with only the moon watching over them. Because when morning comes, they're forced to return back to their normal lives like a Cinderella story.

On the other hand, NoShu moments are bright like a burning sun. It's a passionate watercolor of orange, pinks, and reds that bloom as they stare into each other's eyes.

It's pure romance the way you couldn't be sure whether the burn on their cheeks was because of the warm heat of the sun or because of something else. For a couple individually driven towards death, Nora and Shuri are experiencing living for the first time, when they're together. The way the light gleams on each other like they're always discovering new things about one another is just so perfectly lovely.

And then there's TheoShu. Theo and Shuri often interact in the morning, like a icy shock to the system. For a man plagued with too much guilt to sleep and a woman trapped in her nightmares, what's a more eerie wake-up call?

TheoShu as a morning motif is so interesting because we're faced with Theo who acts like he's still stuck in a dream where he's fated to be with Shuri and Shuri, who is trying to run away from those dreams and move on with her day. They're never quite on the same page, like the feeling you get when you're debating on getting up on a Monday morning.

Finally. RiShu. I find that Richelieu and Shuri are always in a strange state of limbo when they stumble upon each other. A space that only they know, where the light doesn't shine until Shuri walks in.

Richelieu is a man that exists in the shadows, lurking around in the dark underbrush. But he can't help but be drawn to that woman intruding upon that dark forest he lives in. She gleams like a holy light piercing the black darkness. Shuri knows what it's like to die in that forest and Richelieu wants to know what path she took to get there.

[stepmarchen]

Animal Motifs in A Stepmother's Marchen

I'll be breaking down the (main) characters and their respective animal motifs in A Stepmother's Marchen. Potential spoilers ahead.

Shuri: Rabbit

Animal Characteristics: Gentle, Kind, Swift, Alert, Patient

Visual Symbolism: Split hair = bunny ears, large round eyes

Story Motif: Shuri is literally a prey animal caught in a world of predator animals, including her children. While her nature is gentle, she doesn't hesitate to fight against injustices done to her or her family. While headstrong, Shuri often requires help from her stronger (physically and politically) allies to help her overcome or escape various conflict.

More Below

Nora: Wolf

Animal Characteristics: Adaptable, Brave, Loyal, Wildness, Intuitive

Visual Symbolism: Dark hair, blue eyes, often seen wearing informal (messy) clothes, Nuremberg Crest = Wolves

Story Motif: Nora is a lone wolf amongst the Nuremberg Family and prefers lurking in the shadows. While he seen as wild and brooding to those he dislikes, he is loyal and eager to please to those in his favor. He is quick to adapt to social situations and observes his opponents from afar before striking.

Jeremy: Lion

Animal Characteristics: Confident, Aggressive, Direct, Stubborn

Visual Symbolism: Golden hair, Feral grin, Neuschwanstein Crest = Lions

Story Motif: Jeremy has shown himself to be self-confident and aggressive, choosing to use his fists over mental tactics to get his way. He is fiercely protective towards his family and is a natural leader among his peers.

Theo: Eagle

Animal Characteristics: Tenacious, Authoritative, Egocentric, Leader

Visual Symbolism: White hair, golden (single exposed "eagle") eye, Baden Bismark Crest = Eagles

Story Motif: While Theo is distinctly selfish and possessive, he puts forward a facade of humility that is expected of a future leader. He is guilty of using underhanded methods to get what he wants, even at the expense of his subject of desire (Shuri).

Richelieu: Raven

Animal Characteristics: Prophetic, Transformation, Intelligent, Cunning, Partnership, Guidance

Visual Symbolism: Black hair, eye bags, long black robes

Story Motif: Cardinal Richelieu has once experienced "rebirth" and follows a deep devotion towards God. He works at the hand of nobody but often gives mysterious words of (sometimes manipulative) advice to others. He has expressed an interest in partnering with Shuri in recent chapters.

Ludovika: Swallow tailed kite

Animal Characteristics: Divinity, Freedom, Awakening, Playful, Transformation

Visual Symbolism: Split hair = split tail

Story Motif: Ludovika was initially a commoner turned Empress, with a bright personality and desire for power. Johannes has expressed a desire to cage her, but since her death, she has flown beyond his grasp.

Bonus: Alberon as a fox(?) and Everette as a chipmunk

[stepmarchen]

uhhh i'm back from hiatus? back to our regular scheduled shitposts 🥸

theo totally doesn't bathe. he layers musty cologne like it's nobody's business

you and i both know elias layers his axe body products

yes. that is a pumice stone. richelieu abrades the skin dirt off his body

[stepmarchen]

A Stepmother’s Marchen (as we know so far)

An extensive summary of the 1st timeline:

The 1st Timeline, Part 1 (2nd Timeline), Part 2 (2nd Timeline)

1072: Johannes is born

~ Johannes, Ludovika, Maximillian, Albrecht, and Heidi meet

~ The imperial war takes place. Alicia, an imperial knight, becomes crippled.

1095: Erwin (Richelieu) is born

~Johannes gifts Ludovika lavender roses

~ The Emperor Maximilian is engaged to Elizabeth but marries Ludovika

~ Johannes confesses to Ludovika. Ludovika challenges his love

~ Johannes marries Alicia

1099: Shuli is born.

1100: Ludovika gives birth to Theobold.

1101: Jeremy and Nora are born

~Ludovika dies. The royal family orders for all lavender roses to be destroyed.

~ Emperor Maximilian marries Elizabeth

~ Erwin is baptized and begins his priesthood training

1103: Elias and Ohara are born

1105: Erwin “dies” in a river and is saved by God

1107: Leon and Rachel are born

~ Alicia dies

~ Theobold blames Nora for breaking Albrecht’s (Nora’s father) prized pipe.

~ Nora’s rebellion begins and he befriends commonfolk

1119: Erwin, now Richelieu, becomes a Vicar

1110: Richelieu discovers the secret passageways of the Vatican and becomes a priest. He takes on Wolffe as his follower.

1111: Richelieu becomes Theobold’s teacher

1113: Johannes marries Shuli

~ Johannes begins training Shuli to be the head of the household

~ Duke Heinrich and Johannes decide to arrange a political marriage between Jeremy and Ohara.

1114: Johaness’ condition worsens. Shuli receives a love letter and a necklace. Johannes discovers this and accuses Shuli of an affair. Johannes attempts to lock away Shuli then collapses.

1115: Johannes dies of pneumonia.

~ Shuli's mother urges her to get remarried

~ Shuli turns away the Neuschwanstein relatives and starts a contractual relationship. Jeremy confronts her and Shuli isolates herself from the family.

~ To raise money for Christmas, taxes rise and the common folk begin rioting against nobility, royalty, and the church

~ Nora meets Shuli at the balcony of a banquet

~ Nora is sent off to boarding school

1118: Elias confronts Letran. Shuli begs the Royal family for forgiveness

Shuli's 19th birthday takes place. Jeremy gifts Shuli a peridot brooch.

National Founder's Day takes place. Jeremy and Nora duel at the swordsman tournament.

~ Jeremy joins the Imperial Knights and becomes Theo's chosen knight.

~ Nora joins the Emperor's secret police organization Streife and is assigned to observe Shuli from the shadows.

~ Elias, Rachel, and Leon make surprise plans to bring Shuli to the wedding.

~ Jeremy tells Ohara his plans to reconcile with Shuli before the wedding. Ohara lies to Shuli that Jeremy is not in favor of her attending the wedding

~ Shuli discreetly makes plans to leave the Neauschwanstein estate. Alberon confides in Wolffe, sharing Shuli's plans. Wolffe reports to Cardinal Richelieu, who organizes for Shuli's murder.

~ The day of the wedding ceremony begins. Shuli is brutally murdered by Safavid bandits. Jeremy refuses to start the ceremony until Shuli arrives.

~ Alberon follows Shuli to give her a final goodbye and discovers the murder scene. The only recoverable item is Shuli's peridot brooch. The Imperial Guard detain Alberon at the scene and Streife announces Shuli's death at the wedding.

~ The truth behind Shuli's death is covered up and news of war between the Empire and Safavid begin to spark.

~ Nora begins investigating deeper into the truth behind Shuli's death. Jeremy confronts Nora.

~ Jeremy is sent off to war

~ Ohara and the Heinrich family goes into hiding.

~ Wolffe and Everette make an attempt to save Alberon, who is about to be executed. Alberon is executed.

*Some important things to note in this timeline:

- Theo never meets Shuli

- Nora never speaks to Shuli after their first meeting

- The 2nd timeline is currently chronologically behind the 1st timeline. The date that Shuli is supposed to die has not happened yet.

[stepmarchen]

[stepmarchen]

some more ASM alignment memes for the books

[stepmarchen]

do you know if there are any real persons, places or even events that asm plot/characters could be based on ? spice&kitty uses a lot of historical events and characters in her novels (how to get my husband on my side for ex) i did some researches and i found some good similarities between theo and Ludwig II of Bavaria , places such as Neuschwanstein Castle , Nuremberg state.....

there are! they are largely unconfirmed but i have some theories! (i will speak about locations later, i have separate plans for that one!)

It's difficult to be 100% certain whether Spice&Kitty took direct influence from these historical moments but there's some strong implications. I'll put my theories below!

1. Affair of the Necklace (1785): It's the story of Cardinal de Rohan, who was swindled into purchasing a diamond necklace on behalf of Queen Marie Antoinette (unbeknownst to Marie herself). Unable to pay the 1.6M livres, he was tried as a fraudster and punished, but not before exposing the woman he believed was his sponsor, Marie Antoinette. Although she was guilty of plenty other crimes, it was the nail in the coffin that led to her eventual beheading.

There's two connections we could make here: 1. Shuri being put to blame for promiscuity over necklace(s) that she was never connected to in the first place. 2. Corrupt cardinals like Meissner willing to drag royals (Theo) down to hell with them.

2. King Henry VIII and Anna Boleyn (1536): Anna Boleyn was the second wife to King Henry VIII. Despite being in love during their early encounters, Anna was eventually convicted to a majority of charges, including but not limited to treason and incest (w/ her brother), and was sentenced to death.

This one's a little more on the nose. A King executing his own wife after discovering an incestual affair? Sounds about right.

3. Eleanor of Aquitaine and her two Kings (1137-1204): According to historical accounts, Eleanor was a bright and adventurous lady who clashed with first husband, the straight laced King, Louis VII. Eventually their marriage ended and Eleanor found love with King Henry II, Louis' rival, who was massively powerful in France. Seeing his rival and ex get together, Louis became extremely angry and this would be the start of a long-lived rivalry that lasted even with their descendants.

We don't know if Johannes and Max were rivals during their friendship together, but we do know that Ludovika was the girl that managed to catch both of their hearts. Not to mention the similarities in their personalities: Free-spirited Ludovika choosing Max's reign over Johannes' reservations and call to duty. Meanwhile, all this continuing down the line with their children, Theo and Jeremy.

that's all I've got so far, but feel free to share your findings about Theo and Ludwig II!

[stepmarchen]

A Stepmother’s Marchen (as we know so far)

An extensive summary of the 2nd timeline, part 1 (pre timeskip):

The 1st Timeline, Part 1 (2nd Timeline), Part 2 (2nd Timeline)

1072: Johannes is born

~ Johannes, Ludovika, Maximillian, Albrecht, and Heidi meet

~ The Imperial war takes place. Alicia, an imperial knight, becomes crippled.

1095: Erwin (Richelieu) is born

~Johannes gifts Ludovika lavender roses

~ The Emperor Maximilian is engaged to Elizabeth but marries Ludovika

~ Johannes confesses to Ludovika. Ludovika challenges his love

~ Johannes marries Alicia

1099: Shuli is born.

1100: Ludovika gives birth to Theobold.

1101: Jeremy and Nora are born

~Ludovika dies. The royal family orders for all lavender roses to be destroyed.

~Emperor Maximilian marries Elizabeth

~ Erwin is baptized and begins his priesthood training

1103: Elias and Ohara are born

1105: Erwin “dies” in a river and is saved by God. He becomes a cleric.

1107: Leon and Rachel are born

~ Alicia dies

~ Theobold blames Nora for breaking Albrecht’s (Nora’s father) prized pipe.

~ Nora’s rebellion begins and he befriends commonfolk

1109: Erwin, now Richelieu, becomes a Vicar

1110: Richelieu discovers the secret passageways of the Vatican and becomes a priest. He takes on Wolffe as his follower.

1111: Richelieu becomes Theobold’s teacher

1113: Johannes marries Shuli

~ Johannes begins training Shuli to be the head of the household

~ Duke Heinrich and Johannes decide to arrange a political marriage between Jeremy and Ohara.

1114: Johaness’ condition worsens. Shuli receives a love letter and a necklace. Johannes discovers this and accuses Shuli of an affair. Johannes attempts to lock away Shuli then collapses.

1115: Johannes dies of pneumonia. Shuli is “reborn” in her second life, losing some of her traumatic memories. The second timeline begins.

~ Shuli becomes head of the household

~ Shuli invites Lucretia and Valentino to the estate. Shuli kicks out Lucretia and Valentino.

Shuli meets Cardinal Richelieu before the Noble Council Meeting

Shuli and Jeremy meet Nora at the marketplace

Shuli and Theobold meet at Johannes’ memorial banquet. Jeremy and Ohara meet.

Theobold confesses to Shuli

Heidi, Nora's mother, enlists Shuli's help to reconcile with her son

Christmas takes place. Shuli gifts Jeremy and Nora swords and Elias receives his crossbow.

The Christmas banquet takes place. Jeremy punches Theobold in the library and gets arrested.

Jeremy confronts Theobold about his feelings for Shuli in his cell

Jeremy’s royal trial takes place. Shuli attempts to divorce Johannes. The empress calls off the trial.

Jeremy swears loyalty to Shuli

~ Shuli begins sleepwalking

See Part 2 for the rest of the timeline.

[stepmarchen]

A Stepmother’s Marchen - Manhwa Resources

Character Profiles

Chapter Guide

Chronological Reading Guide

The 1st Timeline

The Current Timeline (Pre Timeskip)

The Current Timeline (Post Timeskip)

Extras

Blog Tag (for general text posts)

Ask Tag (blacklist "askstepmarchen" to mute asks)

Moodboards

Predictions & Theories

Memes

[stepmarchen]

An appreciation for Ch. 91/92

I don't think I can stop talking about how much I love Ch. 91/92 and the animal symbolism.

During the hunting tournament, Jeremy and Nora begin their hunt when they come across a wild rabbit. Instead of killing it, they contemplate giving it to Shuri as a gift (alive).

We all know that the rabbit symbolizes Shuri but it's somehow even funnier to see that the way Jeremy holds the rabbit is even a metaphor to the changes in their relationship.

He switches from a tight fist to a gentle pedestal, not unlike how Shuri started off being scrutinized by Jeremy then eventually being supported by him.

Jeremy asks Nora "If he's ever had Rabbit Pate" to which Nora says "No, is it good?" It's playful banter considering they've already agreed not to kill the rabbit, but also serves as a reminder that the two are both dangerous in their own right (just not to Shuri).

Eventually, Theo's fanboy, a fellow trainee of the imperial knights shows up to antagonize the two for their disloyalty to Theo. He winds up snatching the rabbit, dangling it above their grasp, taunting them.

Jeremy and Nora don't seem to be bothered by him, they focus on the bigger picture, as an eagle (Theo) comes swooping in from behind to sink it's claws into the rabbit.

Just moments before it goes for the kill, Jeremy hands Nora an arrow that Nora shoots into the eagle, also taking down the fanboy's red cape with it. Although they are rivals, Jeremy and Nora will always work together when it comes to Shuri and isn't that such a beautiful thing?

Meanwhile, it foreshadows two moments: Theo's plan to monopolize Shuri (even if it means ruining her) and his impending doom. The red cloak is a common symbol of the empire but it's also like blood spilling.

In his shock, the fanboy releases the rabbit and it goes hopping away into the woods. Like this, Shuri escapes her demise with the help of Jeremy and Nora... only to eventually meet a similar fate that she will have to overcome.

Look, I know this was all obvious, but I've got to remind you of it again.

[stepmarchen]

one thing I’m always intrigued by is the depth of Theo’s feelings (?) and emotional state. Admittedly we don’t see too much of what he’s thinking besides a few chapters here and there, but his obsession with stealing parents of the empire + the tangentially related attraction to Shuri is honestly something I’ve never seen in a manhwa character before. If Theo and Shuri were to be married, do you think Theo would treat her well/actually like her? Or would his interest wane? So many questions….

omg me too!!!! He's a super complex character once you think about his childhood, and it explains everything about the way he behaves. I find it super refreshing that he has a sympathetic side to his backstory despite being so despicable.

He's a handsome prince that holds love from the empire, but he doesn't have the one basic thing that other children seem to have: their mother's love. And he's so blindly eager for this one thing that he can't have that he's willing to throw away his closest allies to get it.

So... do I think Theo would treat Shuri well if they were married? Well... technically, yeah?

He's been kind to her before. Sympathetic, charming, and funny in ways that made Shuri feel some affection for him. He would probably give her anything he deems suitable like expensive jewelry, a dedicated garden, and a bust in her likeness. But I don't think he would be exactly what Shuri wants in a partner.

Theo doesn't seem to understand the concept of how to love, only loving the idea of Shuri loving him. I think Shuri would pick up on this emotional disconnect pretty quickly, considering she did love him at all.

When he visits Jeremy in his cell, he admits that he confessed to Shuri not knowing if he loved her or not. There's a certain level of disregard for Shuri's feelings to make such a decision. If they married, I think we would have a lot of moments where Theo would disregard Shuri's feelings/opinions without a second thought.

It'd be simple comments like "I replaced your tea time with my mother with reading sessions with me. You didn't mind having tea with her majesty? No, that's not important anymore, we'll have more fun reading together." or "You want to go back to the Neushwanstein Manor? There's no reason to return there, you belong here in the palace."

It's hard to tell if Theo's greed would be satisfied with Shuri and if his interests would wane. I don't think he'd ever become disillusioned (because he doesn't have anything to compare her to) but I think he could become more controlling and jealous as Shuri DOES become disillusioned by him.

I wouldn't doubt that he'd ever resort to abusive methods if Shuri began spending more time with Nora or even Jeremy, her own "son." I could see Theo using baby-trapping or kid-napping as a way to shut her inside and away from her old friends and family.

If they ever married, I would expect ASM to end with Theo not really changing much from the 1st timeline and Shuri slowly withering away alone in the royal palace. The war may not happen, but it's be a slow, sad, and lonely death for Shuri.

[stepmarchen]

A Stepmother's Marchen Chronological Guide

A Stepmother's Marchen: Chronological Chapter Guide (manhwa ver.)

Feeling confused about the order of events shown in the manhwa?

You're not alone! This is a chronological reading resource to a Stepmother's Marchen, including the order of major and minor flashbacks, memories, events from both timelines, and more.

Don't scroll too fast, because you may miss a memory! Some key events flash by in a single, or even half a panel!

Please be warned, this guide includes major spoilers to the manhwa! I recommend using this resource AFTER you have caught yourself up to recent chapters.

The Chapter Guide will update as the manhwa updates.

Chronological Chapter Guide link below

https://stepmarchen.tumblr.com/chronological

Note: Since there are some derivations from Spice&Kitty's novel, my information is purely based on the manhwa. For context, I have not read the novel, but I plan to do so once the manhwa has finished! This is a (novel) spoiler free zone!

Note: this is still a work in progress, not including events from the 2nd timeline.

[stepmarchen]

A Stepmother's Marchen fancast (names in alt desc)

how i'd imagine they look like irl

[stepmarchen]

The Extensive Character's Guide

A Stepmother's Marchen: Character Profiles (manhwa ver.)

Including major, supporting, and minor characters from the noble parents, children, royals, the church, commoners, servants, and more! All based on the information we know from the manhwa so far!

If anyone has scans from ORKA's character bible, I would do anything for that information (please dm me)

Character Index link below

https://stepmarchen.tumblr.com/characters

Note: Since there are some derivations from Spice&Kitty's novel, my information is purely based on the manhwa. For context, I have not read the novel, but I plan to do so once the manhwa has finished! This is a (novel) spoiler free zone!