#underworld header

[hiloedits]

— underworld saga headers

like or reblog if you use/save.

© hiloedits on twitter.

[hgstuff]

pjo headers

like or reblog if u save and don't repost without credits ✨

[pinki-minki]

• 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒘𝒐𝒐, 𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔, 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅. 🪦🦴🌑

Song: Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Lorde

Masterlist

[vagabond-umlaut]

hey, where is the pomegranate tree?

unstoppable force, aka kore, aka gojo, meets immovable object, aka hades, aka you— nothing can ever go wrong from this collision, trust me— n-o-t-h-i-n-g.

▸ gojo satoru x fem!reader; hades and persephone retelling [with a twist ;))]; 1.2k wc; stubbornly persuasive gojo; the reader is js so tired and annoyed [and tired]; enemies to lovers vibes[??]; talks of marriage and children; gojo thinks you are a fool, he is the real clown here

▸ pls don't glare at me if there is more than one inaccuracy here, haha. anyways, the header is from pinterest, the divider is by @benkeibear and the characters used ain't mine. pls don't plagiarize, translate or repost this. enjoy reading! ❤️

▸ update: this fic is now part of a series!!! wreaths of asphodel 😊😊

"you shall spend the rest of your days in tears."

you're foolish; woefully so, gojo thinks, carefully observing you from his place on the chaise lounge, smiling while you continue seething, "and there will be no one who can save you. neither a hero nor a god. neither demeter nor zeus. no. one."

"but why do you think i will need saving, my rose?" the endearment rolls off his tongue like honey, the taste sweetening at the way your pretty lips dip into a deeper frown, "you're not a monster, are you?"

"no!" the defensive reply comes in less than a beat. though the words following it sound a tad less bold; it seems as if you're trying to make yourself believe and not scare him.

"i'm someone far fiercer— hades. the goddess of the dead. the queen of the underworld— and the cause for your misery should you choose to vex me any further."

"aw, no," gojo cries, decidedly making a show by slapping a hand over his eyes and faking a sniffle, "why must the only woman i want as my wife see me as an annoyance?"

then lets his hand drop down to the cushion, willing his eyes to well over with pitiful moisture. "as the god of life, i've only ever given and given– be it grains or fruits or vegetables or flowers– without asking anything in return— yet the first and only time i ask..."

he doesn't bother finishing his sentence, choosing to sob to add to the tragic atmosphere— though that doesn't mean he doesn't note the war of emotions on your face:

pity, confusion, anger, again confusion— you're so easy to read, to steer. very foolish, really.

"you'll not like living here," you eventually break the silence hanging within the room. your voice is much softer now; the god wonders if you sing. if you do, the muses will certainly be put to shame... "your days will be spent in utter boredom and gloom and tears–"

"– and no one can come to my aid then: yes, thank you," he interrupts you, more than a little tired, "you've driven the points too well into my head– so much so that i'm surprised there isn't a gaping hole in there, oozing blood and my brains. but why must you think i'll need rescue, huh??"

if a smidge of force escapes into his words, gojo decides not to pay it any mind— though only until he notices the small flinch you give– his insides twist and torment, quite inexplicably, thereafter.

"okay, look," he says, getting up from his slouch to move near you, but stops on catching the warning glint in your eyes.

"first of all, i'm not some damsel in distress being whisked away in a chariot here– i came here by own volition. and i'm offering my mind, body, heart, soul– the special package that i am, in fewer words– to you, by my own volition. why shall i want anyone to rescue me then?"

"besides," he proceeds to add, allowing an easy smirk to form on his face, "you're just the cute little goddess of the dead– not at all scary like your brother used to be; though i guess you try to imitate him in your glares, don't you? sukuna was quite notori—"

"don't you dare utter my brother's name, foul olympian," a quiet growl slashes gojo's comment, sending it plummetting to the ground— and making him understand why you, the inconspicuous, sheltered sister of the vicious former holder of the name 'hades', was given the crown, in the aftermath of your brother's banishment– instead of the several more well-known candidates...

"i apologise," gojo offers in the very next instant, making it as genuine as he can, "i never meant to upset or offend you. i'm sorry if i did."

you just stare at him for a beat, gojo watches, before your shoulders lift then fall in a sigh. the fire burning in your aura abates by a pinch.

sighing once more, you finally break your silence, "It's okay, and um– suppose i too should apologise. you might be an olympian but you're not as foul as them, no. please forgive me for calling you so."

"no problem, my rose," the god is quick to accept your words with a wave of his hand and a beam, further widening when he notices the sliver of smile on your countenance, "but does this mean i appeal to your tastes? i mean, you called me 'not as foul as them', didn't you?? did you just accept my hand in marriage, then???"

"no, i didn't..." your subtle smile disappears swifter than it appeared. a half of gojo's floral crown, quite inexplicably, wilts on the table before. he watches your eyes fall to it, then snap up to meet his.

"do you love me?"

not yet, but he thinks he can. you might be an idiot but you certainly aren't an unlovable idiot— and one voice in his mind murmurs, those precious, innocent looks of yours aren't even the main reasons why...

the god shoots back a languid smile. "if you want to see me in love with you, so be it."

"that's neither 'yes' nor 'no'," you point out, frowning, before vaulting your second query of the evening, "if we get married, do you want to have children?"

it won't be very unfavourable, if you both do... with the vivid colour of your eyes, or the adorable shape of your nose, or the radiance of your skin, or the— "if you want, i shall be happy to assist," he ekes out with a meaningful wink, albeit he doubts how much of it reaches you.

you're very foolish, after all... and no– it's not because of the awkward way he says it– no! not in the slightest! he wasn't fumbling at all!

you wrap the shawl tighter around your shoulders but don't move any further away, gojo notes. the same way he does the slight tint in your cheeks when you roll your eyes with a scoff.

"you're unbelievable, kore. truly, terribly unbelievable." you press the pads of your thumbs over your forehead before releasing it, gaze an unprecedented mark of sharp when it settles on his face.

"is there nothing you want from our union, eh? i refuse to believe you wish to marry me without any demands, as if on a mere whim– but if it is so, i ought to warn you, kore: my answer is and will always be one firm 'no'."

your words mustn't ignite this odd restlessness in him. they certainly mustn't— still, gojo finds his chest tight and the air heavy as he grins back and says, "i only want to be your husband, your majesty... but if that is too much for you right now–"

the stretch on his lips simmers down to something smaller. yet truer.

"i want you to call me by my name. my real name. can you do that, my rose?"

you don't say anything in response for a long while. so long, in fact, it makes the god wonder if you are ever going to reply to his request.

perhaps not, he thinks quite a bit down-spirited when you suddenly turn on your heel and with a swish of your long shawl, stride out the rooms– o-oh.

you stop just as abruptly at the threshold. a complicated grin shining on your face as you twist to look at him over your shoulder then say:

"good night, gojo satoru. pray the ghosts prowling these halls don't eat you up ere dawn."

you're gone not even few feet away from the door, before gojo falls face-first into the bed, the entire room suddenly erupting into thousands of roses in all colors ever seen. [lolol, he is such a loser for you! xD]

▸ masterlist

[catacomas]

enter the underworld...? 💜💜💜

Andrew Lucifer. aka andi/coma/fragola/gem. he/she/it 18yrs transsexual tme lesbian faggot, special white boy and full time freakazoid. art blog is @devilbunzzz ask off anon for 18+ blog

icon | header

main interests are fish and guilty gear. i fuck with a lot of other shit too though youll see if you stick around

16+. proship, transmisogynists, zionists and anyone else i dont like will be blocked

random warnings. i will post animal death/gore block #predation if you dont want to see that. im undead and not human i post about this often if that sounds offputting you dont belong here

lets roll

[asmolfolk]

Hello! Can I please request Zagreus x reader headcanons for what Zagreus would be like if he gets jealous? Thank you!

Okay... That would be a continuation of this headcanons! ^^

I don't think Zagreus would get jealous so quickly! So I made some scenarios were he could get a lil' jelly. [And I'm seriously wanting to make one Greek Gods x [You] series after so many thoughts about Poseidon, Apollo and Dionysus as boyfriends and being Hera's 'secret' lover - Like, before marrying Zeus or something like that.] If Anyone wants to see that, please tell me :]

So, to refresh your minds about the personalities traits:

Sun [Extroverted, funny and carefree people.] - GOD.

Moon [Introverts, gentle and creative people.] - UNDERWORLD GOD.

Eclipse [Ambiverts, can change their humors a lot.] - HALFBLOOD.

 Cloud [Quiet, smart and can be someone gentle] - PUNISHED SOUL

 Rain [An confort zone, caring and gentle but just for the ones that they care about.] - FORCED TO LIVE IN THE UNDERWORLD, GOD.

 Rainbow [Flirty, charming and adventurous.] - GOD MENTIONED BY OTHERS.

This header was made by this amazing person!

Zagreus Jealous

Does he get jealous quickly?

No, he doesn't.

Zagreus isn't some kind of yandere or anything like that, he knows that you can handle any situation very well - So, he doesn't get jealous of anything.

Everything seems okay to him; You want an poly relationship? Okay, talk to him and he will make this work well. You want to date his dad? No. You want to date Dyonisus? All fine for him.

But, he can get Jealous quickly if people can do things that he can't with you.

What does he get jealous of?

That depends on the personality you chose. If it is Sun or Eclipse, he gets jealous about how the other gods can just... Go and talk to you, hug you, kiss you...

If it is Moon, Cloud or Rain, he is probably going to get jealous if you are approaching or give too many gifts to other beings, especially if he - by himself - doesn't get that many gifts - Or - you giving too much attention to someone other than him or his family.

If you are Rainbow, if you are flirting too much with others, he can feel a little jealous - especially if you start getting touchy with them.

It's very difficult to get him jealous and not mad. [Situations that some people put to 'jealousy act' (SA) would get him mad - what is not the ask.]

How does he act?

When he is jealous... Well... It is a little difficult to say with 100% certainty - because his actions change depending on what you like and if you are in the underworld and everything.

He starts to roll his eyes at the subject [The other person], especially if they are trying to get your attention. He WILL be very very sarcastic with the other person, even mocking their words.

With you [around the other person] he would just play off as being chill and would just give some hints about his jealousy for you to understand that he wants to talk with you alone. [He wouldn't make you just let your friend behind just because he felt jealousy]

With you, alone, he would explain everything that he felt and ask for forgiveness - cause he couldn't control his own feelings. You would need to say some kind stuff to him, in your own way, to make him understand that feeling jealousy is normal... And that he shouldn't feel so down about that.

...Now, you would want to know how he would act with the personality that you chose... Right?

.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

✿°。Sun - Combine Boon✿°

  .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

You and Aphrodite combined boons for your true love... Well, things didn't go as right as you thought.

You thought that it was a GREAT and FUNNY idea to surprise your boyfriend. You and Aphrodite just appear two time - in the beginning and to get a combine boon, after that, it seemed like you two just disappeared... Of course, it was part of your fun plan!

You and Aphrodite were chilling around after getting Zeus and Hades permission to go down there and were just waiting for Zagreus to chose between your boon or Aphrodite. With an 0,3 time record, he choosed your boon.

"Thank you, my beloved! I will remember this~ I would Aaaaalways choose you too!"

"What a shame... Could I be the third person into your relationship? Oh wait, I already am." Aphrodite was talking about being the third wheel... But, Zagreus [who was thinking that you two were acting suspicious] understanded... Another meaning.

"Heeey! Don't say it like that!"

He didn't like it. He just avoided the heart (Aphrodite's skill) and killed all the monsters, before just picking Aphrodite boon so he could continue his way, not saying anything.

 You could sense there was something wrong with Zagreus, but you couldn’t actually tell exactly what… But you were so happy and excited for Zagreus to get back at Hades’s place so you could surprise him that you didn’t even think about how sus everything sounded. 

 And after some time, Zagreus died… Well, no sh- But he got back at the ‘checkpoint’, where… Tada! You were there too!

“. . .Oh my, if it isn’t Zagreus’s partner!” With Hypnos' lack of keeping secrets and surprises, he would be upfront with that information. Zagreus quickly turned his head so he could see… You. You … The vision he had - first seeing you - was probably one of the prettiest in his head.

 he didn’t wait, just runned to hug you with all the speed he had - using his dash to be close enough to you before just pulling you to his embrace. Aphrodite would laugh at this demonstration of affection.

 “Seems like Zagreus and you match~” She would say, happily almost not seeing how dark and dull his eyes would be almost hostily towards her “Oh my- I should apologize for what I did say earlier~ I understand that you misunderstood my words, I was talking about being the ‘Third wheel’ and not the ‘lover’~”

 “Oh… I see, it's my fault.” He would say in his worried but sorry tone as he created a little distance between you and him “...Though… Could I talk with you, [Reader]?”

 He would guide you to his room, there, he would be way more upfront with his thoughts… “Look, I’m sorry… I… I just couldn’t say those things in front of Hypnos and Aphrodite… But… I got jealous of that whole thing… I just noticed that you could live happily with some god of the Olympus. It would be way easier and you wouldn’t have too much trouble… Especially because of having to go through a lot of stuff just so you can get into the Underworld.”

 “Do you think I give a single fuck?” You would say, with your characteristic smile and would pinch Zagreus’s cheek “I love you, Zagreus… And if I need to go to hell, another dimension or whatever to be with you, I will.”

 “...You are too… Much… You know?” He would say with a chuckle.

 “You were the one that, for the first time seeing me, guided me to your room.”

*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*

°∴,*⋅〖Moon☽ 〗

*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*

Hypnos and you started to get very close... Because of that, some souls didn't know about your true romantic relationship and would have their doubts.

 Hypnos and you - for some reason - were getting very close, maybe it was because you could see his value, you don’t judge his laziness and tries to help in what you can, even defending him from the verbal attacks from the others gods - Even if it was from the mighty Nyx or Hades.

 Because of your protection, an ‘meme’ started towards the souls - “Zagreus, his partner [you] and Zagreus's partner husband [Hypnos].”

 No one seemed actually uncomfortable with that joke and - sometimes - Zagreus or Hypnos would kindly laugh it off and change the topic - But, this day, a Soul asked in front of others [loudly] if Hypnos was your boyfriend.

 “No.” That was your fast answer.

 “Hahahaha… How is that even an question...?" Hypnos would try to laugh it off, because he could feel Zagreus glare towards him - waiting for his answer “No, no. They are with this handsome fellow” Hypnos would point toward Zagreus and the words that the soul told Zagreus what they thought about the situation.

 “Well, you should be careful then. They are too close.”

 “Excuse me, but I trust both of them. If they were in love, I know that they would tell me… And, I’m not against polyamour.”

 The soul would stay quiet after that, Hypnos would sigh of relief and you would just wait patiently for Zagreus to go back to his room - following your boyfriend, you would hug him - bringing him closer to your body as a ‘gift’. 

 “Even as a God, I’ve never heard something as sweet as that… I’m happy that you trust me… But I could feel a hint of jealousy.”

 “I’m sorry, dear. Some feelings are difficult for me to… Understand, I admit that I was a little jealous of how fast you two became friends. Just that… But - I do not think you would ever cheat on me. I know and believe when you say you’re loyal.” 

╭⋟─────────────────────╮

✦ ✧ Eclipse ✦ ✧

╰─────────────────────⋞╯

You were in the middle of a training session with Heracles... For the first time, Zagreus appeared in the Olympus in the middle of it... And- Well, a misunderstanding started. [I swear it's not like the ones where the other person just lets it all be the way it is and doesn't try to explain.]

As always, your training with another demigod was marked - This time with the champion, Heracles. Your muscles were hurt, and you could feel a heavy pain around your neck, with that, Heracles promised you a great massage. Then be it… The only bad thing was that you were almost naked in front of your long distance boyfriend with a 2-3 meters muscular soft boy behind you.

 “Oh shit.” You would say making it seem more sus than it already is.

 “Am I interrupting… Something?” Zagreus would ask, waiting for you to realize that he was on Olympus.

 “HOLY COW! YOU ARE IN OLYMPUS, WHAT IN HERA!?” You would run towards Zagreus, hugging him “And Alcides was just giving me a massage, we were training.”

 “Oh… I see… I have to admit that I got a little jealous of what I have seen.”

 “Ah, He is Zagreus- right? Your prince, [You]? And you shouldn’t get jealous of us, I’m married.” Alcides would ask while making his way towards both of you “As they said, I’m Alcides - Heracles is my ‘nickname’... We could say that.”

 “Pleasure meeting you… Your father told me about you, Hera never gives up, hn?”

 “Never…” Alcides said with an expressionless face.

 “Well, we should catch things up, right Zagreus?” Noticing that Alcides is thinking about his dead family, you would say “How about you come with us? It would be fun.”

 “Count me in.”

❉ ╤╤╤╤ ✿ ╤╤╤╤ ❉

✦ ❘ ༻C l o u d༺ ❘ ✦

❉ ╤╤╤╤ ✿ ╤╤╤╤ ❉

You were just chilling around, until an soul started to talk with you... Flirt with you... You ignored they, but they continued.

Being also a soul made some souls think that the underworld would be their dating app. You were ignoring that soul for… Minutes? Hours? You didn’t know. All that you knew was that Zagreus' hand was around your waist.

“Is there any problem?” Zagreus would ask - already tired of all of that fucking flirt.

 “...No-” The soul would get the fuck out-

 “...You shouldn’t just ignore, some souls told me you were ‘giving attention to them’, I suggest that you call Cerberus…”

 “I prefer to just ignore… It’s not like I care about fake news… About that, did you… Believe it?”

 “To be honest? No, but I couldn’t control the hint of jealousy that I felt… It was… Horrible and - as your boyfriend, I know that I should expose those feelings for you to understand it... And help me.”

 “I’m sorry… I... Do feel jealous about you too... Sometimes.”

 “You have no faults, my princess… And, remember, you are the only one who has my heart in your hands.”

╭-°—✞—˚✧❨✧˚—✞—°-╮

»•»Rain«•«

╰-°—✞—˚✧❨✧˚—✞—°-╯

You finally did it... You made the perfect potion! It allowed you and Zagreus to walk freely in the human world for 24 hours. But, maybe you happened to catch a random man's attention...

You missed how the sun would go through your skin, how you could feel the wind… And Zagreus seemed in love with the feeling too. Finally… The both of you were there, without the other gods to know… But, at least, you could make Zagreus be away from some ‘god connected place’ by your knowledge of them.

 Zagreus was swimming with you, he thought that that would be cool - and, It actually is!... But the uncool part is explaining how to swim to that prince. Well, after a long time, you caught someone's attention. In this case - Someone you didn’t want.

 A random person walked towards you.

 “What a beauty… Wouldn’t you like to let that… Zombie there and come with me for a lil’ fun?” They would say, kneeling in front of you “You know, he doesn’t seem wealthy at all.”

 “Pardon?” You would ask, with a confused expression - “What?... You think- You think I’m beautiful?” They would just smile and nod “MY zombie thinks that too!” You pointed to Zagreus “So, yeah, not going to change my zombie for some random.”

 “Oh alright, then.” The person just nodded and then got up “Wish the both of you an good day” Now, what the fuck- Is that how being catcalled works nowadays?

 “What a weird person-” Before you could continue your words, Zagreus were hugging you from behind “Hey, no fucking in water-”

 “...What?- I- I just wanted to hug you and tell you thanks…”

 “Ah… Didn’t know, you can continue it.”

┈     ┈     ┈   ⋞ 〈 ⏣ 〉 ⋟    ┈     ┈     ┈

══✿══╡°˖✧Rainbow✿✧˖°╞══✿══

┈     ┈     ┈   ⋞ 〈 ⏣ 〉 ⋟    ┈     ┈     ┈

You thought it was a good idea to flirt around with anyone... Well, Zagreus didn't think so.

Zagreus and you started a closed relationship, Hades still hates you for just appearing out of nowhere - demanding to marry his son [Like, who the fuck are you?] but when he looked at Zagreus and saw his… Shiny eyes - He knew that you were someone important to him. That’s why he decided to give his blessing to the relationship, but ONLY if you two could be together for 3 months without an big fight.

 With that, Persephone suggested some ‘challenges’ to Zagreus and you, being one of them ‘flirting around’, they wanted to see your and Zagreus reaction to someone trying to flirt with both of you.

 The soul would go towards Zagreus first while you were asking something for the cooker. The soul would start with a respectful bow to Zagreus and would say “I’m sorry, master Zagreus , but if I don’t have a bed how am I going to serve you?”

 He almost choked - You didn’t seem bothered though, just continuing what you were doing while Zagreus tried to think about an answer. “I’m sorry but, I would suggest not flirting with me… I don’t feel comfortable with that.” A simple and honest answer, it would be enough to make the soul step back until just started to do something else. Zagreus would sigh and start looking at you, making sure you weren’t mad about his answer or anything. “All fine, [reader]?”

 Your answer would be a nod while finishing your meal “Duude, the food here is HOT as F U C K, not as hot as you though.” With that simple answer you got Zagreus a lil’ flustered, he was going to say something but another soul approached the table where you two were.

 The soul just said “Bro, I’m in hell or Heaven? Because all I see it’s a angel.”

 “I’m no angel, but I can guide you to heaven.”

 “In bed?”

 “Not only in bed~”

 Zagreus was seriously taking this horrible flirting as seriously? Maybe, after all, he never saw you flirt with more than 3 phrases to someone. He did show to be a little discomfortable though, he would just look at you.

 “Well, good talk buuut bye bye~” You would notice that he wanted to talk with you and would give 0 fucks to the soul anymore “What is it, darling?~”

 “It’s just… I don’t think I kind of like you doing that kind of stuff with other people, like, it’s just a feeling… Like the flirting was looking very personal… And while I couldn't answer you proply”

 “Oh… Sweetie! I’m glad you told me, I hate when people feel discomfortable by it and they just let me do it and AAAFTER that, they even tell others that I was the one who didn’t communicate!” - Okay, Zagreus is asking you about that ex-

[And Persephone is taking notes - While Hades is asking himself 'Did I made a mistake?']

[ethereal-multiplicity]

⟡ Worldly Mysteries - Siren Folk ⟡

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

(Post header found on pinterest)

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

More and more people are coming around to the possibility of different realms and the beings who rule those. Such as Spirits, Pagan Gods/Goddesses, Witches/Witchcraft, Fae, Mermaids, Sirens, etc.

This is largely because we are moving out of the Christian Age. For centuries Christianity has ruled the world, but no more. Enough is enough, so in my Worldly Mysteries series I will be explaining different types of creatures and how to work with them. This post is about Siren's.

I am open to requests on what creatures I should make a post about :)

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

There is multiple different myths about how Sirens came to be and what their purpose was;

One story says that Sirens were Persephone's companions/aids, and tried to help find her when Hades took her to the underworld. Demeter gave them wings to help the search, but when they failed to find her, and more so failed to prevent her rape. they were cursed into remaining in their monstrous form.

Another story says that sirens were the daughters of Achelous, and yet another says they were the daughters of Oceanus and Gaia

The mythology of Siren Folk has changed a lot over the millennia, but one thing remains consistent, they are shapeshifters that were usually women. (Which includes being stuck/cursed)

The main myth is that they are half bird, other myths say they are half fish (A "mermaid"). Another less common myth, yet very common in Hollywood Media, says that they can shift between half bird, half fish, and fully human.

Their main role in myth and media is that they have beautiful singing voices, sometimes accompanied by the music of either a lyre, a kithara, or a aulos, and they use their talents to lure sailors (mostly men) into their watery deaths. A Siren will hypnotize a sailor with her voice, make the ship crash and sink against the rocks she sat upon, and some myths say they eat their victims after they drowned, but no matter the myth, there is rarely a victim who got away alive and unscathed.

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

Why should people work with Sirens? We'll get to that in a minute.

The most obvious reason someone might not want to work with them is because Sirens are depicted as... violent to say the least. However, so many deities all across the globe did more fucked up things then killing some probably horrible sailors.

Examples being; Zeus and Poseidon repeatedly sexually assaulted people, including their own sisters. Hades kidnapped Persephone and manipulated her into being his wife. Literally every god slept with people outside their spouses consent. Cronus fucking ate his children. And lastly, the sheer amount of gods who willingly had sexual relations, even bore children, with their parents, siblings, or own kids. (An example I already stated in this post, is Oceanus and Gaia. Gaia is Oceanus' mother, yet one myth says that they are the parents of the Siren.)

The list can go on forever, sirens are so tame compared to Gods and Goddesses, yet we still worship and love them?

Now, you may be asking, why would people still worship those Gods? Well, that's for another post, but the simplest answer is, because it's mythology. It was likely written by fucked up humans wanting to excuse their actions.

Anyway, back to the main question. Why should/would anyone work with The Siren? Here are a few reasons off the top of my head;

Glamour Magick. Sirens are depicted as one of the most beautiful beings that exist, that you would think they were daughters of Aphrodite. Not only that, but water is just... healing. Water in general is a powerful tool in Glamour Magic, now pair that with a Siren. You'll be catching everyone's heads.

Sex Magick. Sirens hypnotize and control people for shits and giggles, honey if you invoke them for sexual magick your gonna have the best night of your life. Not only that, but sexual healing, body image healing, etc.

Similar to the first two, Love Magick. I personally do not practice love magick without all parties consent, but no matter the rules you have for your practice, Siren's attract people of all genders, if you invoke them for Love Magick, whoever your doing it for, even if it's yourself, is gonna find someone that worships the ground they walk on.

Confidence. Working with the Siren can teach you how to view yourself in a healthy way, and understand yourself in a way you never did before.

Luck Magick. Siren's are creatures of the sea, and the sea brings luck and prosperity. The sea brings you treasure and joy, working with the Siren could attract good things your way.

Working with Siren's could also teach you how to direct your manifestations. Once more, they hypnotize men and rarely don't get what they want. Siren energy could teach you how to lure good things to you/your target in a more definite way.

Also, if you have a fear or trauma around water/swimming, you could invoke the Siren's to basically catch your fall. Invite them to go with you, to protect you and give you the confidence you need. After all, one myth says that Siren's aren't naturally sea creatures, they would know how to become one with water more than anything.

If you want more confidence in your voice, singing or just using it in general, they could help build your confidence and identify where your fear comes from and how to stop holding back. The most powerful part of anyone's practice is their voice, your true voice comes from your chest, and they could help you tap into that.

On the darker side,

Siren's can help with baneful magic. Again, they hypnotize and kill sailors. If you invoke siren energy for baneful workings, your target is gonna basically be yours for the attack, Siren's lower all guards and protections.

They could teach you how to lie with confidence. Not in a way that's harmful, but in a way that keeps you safe.

They could help show you your Shadow, helping you work towards your goals in life by delving head first into your past traumas and processing them.

Siren's could teach you how to use your feminine wiles, how to manipulate energy around you to get what you want, and make sure you aren't ignored.

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

How might someone worship them? After all, worshipping is how you begin a relationship with a divine entity.

Here is some things I would do;

Leave offerings at the beach for the ocean to take for the Sirens. Such as sand drawings, sea shell structures, seaweed sculpture, etc.

Sing songs at the beach for the Sirens, if you can't or don't want to, you could also do it with a picture of the beach, water collected from the ocean, or even in your bathtub.

Make an Altar for them. I feel like Siren's would want their own Altar or dedicated space, especially in places like a window, bathroom, or really anywhere you would practice Glamour Magick.

Learn how to speak their language. Use your voice, and your femininity to achieve what you want.

Send flowers out into the ocean for the Sirens, but please make sure the flowers are safe to degrade in the sea.

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

Do I have any warnings to working with or worshipping them? Yeah, here's a few;

Don't ask for protection without doing the work to help protect yourself.

If you have a familial practice, safely teach your children about Siren's. They are chaotic, and children need calm beings to be around, such as Persephone.

Treat Sirens with the same respect you would any deity or spirit, they are still divine beings, not monsters.

Siren's are chaotic beings, make sure you have proper goals for your relationship, otherwise it could overwhelm you. (At the same time though they are tranquil beings... it's like two sides of the same coin)

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

Have fun working with them!

I am really sad there isn't a lot of resources on working with Siren Energy on google and tumblr. There is shit tons of information on working with the Fae, why not the merfolk :(

[yukiexpress]

"I'm going to work really hard, so I can save up and explore the stars just like grown-ups do!" 🫧꒱ edit blog 🩵꒱ daily clicks! 🌀꒱ side blog!

Hi, Hello, I'm yuki!

🌀꒱ he/they , transmasc!nb , teen , neurodivergent 🫧꒱ i'm a new edit blog! i just really wanna show some love and create some resources for my favourite characters, some being less popular so not having many options for premade icons, headers, etc. i am a laptop user as well so i am not active all the time, please be patient with me!

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🎐꒱ DNI: do not attempt to twist my words / find a loophole! homophobic in any manner, enjoys + creates drama, overly hateful + negative, hateful on minorities, maps, basic dni, anti-neoprns, anti-rare pairs, sexualising of characters, + will block anyone that i deem necessary!

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🩵꒱ FANDOMS I LIKE: Houseki no Kuni, Tanaka-Kun is Always Listless, Honkai Star Rail, Genshin Impact, Pokemon, Project Sekai, Vocaloid, Reverse 1999, Epithet Erased, Demon Slayer, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, Legend of Zelda, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Bungo Stray Dogs, Cookie Run Kingdom, ENA, Saki K, Oneshot, Underworld Office and Kingdom Hearts!

⤴ ⸝⸝ these are not in any order and i know less about some of them!

Request Rules for my Blog!

🌀꒱ single characters or pairs are fine! let me know if it's a ship, platonic or just two characters you really like. i will not do real-life characters, aka: characters played by actors in live action media, sorry for any disappointment!

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🫧꒱ i have the right to refuse requests and will do so if it's a ship that breaks my dni or is a show/media that i do not wish to be associated with, no hate for you enjoying it, it's just that i do not want to interact with it or attract those who also are fans of it.

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🎐꒱ please let me know when requesting what colour theme you want and if you want a pfp set or banners! (telling me what type of banner you want as well is useful!)

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🩵꒱ i work down my list in order of request so please be patient with me! i am also pretty new to editing and currently work from a laggy ibis paint x and an old tablet that desperately needs to be replaced, ill do the best i can! + as always, being polite goes a long way!

⤴ ⸝⸝ navigate the tags to sort by colour and fandom!

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sorry for the long post lol, i just like having everything in one place .w. thanks for reading, have a lovely time <33 ⤴ ⸝⸝ all the images here were made by me!

[icemankazansky]

@film-in-my-soul tagged me in this really cool fic meme:

Everyone deserves to toot their own horn and be proud of their work! So, this tag game is fairly simple.

Promote 5 works that you're really proud of and share a little about why you're so proud of it! Then tag as many people as you like. You can reblog this post and add on to it (why not create a giant reclist to throw around?) or steal this header (and border if you like) and make your own post!

The Storm Series

Top Gun, Iceman/Maverick, E

Eight years after Maverick and Iceman meet at TOPGUN, Maverick is running the program and Iceman is badly injured in combat, which finds him sent back to Miramar to teach until he's fit to fly again. Things move pretty fast after that.

I'm proud of many things about Storm. It was my first major work for Top Gun, and I'm really happy with the characterization. The way the characters and their relationship evolve through the series—I'm proud of that, and I'm proud that I was able to pick up the series after eight years and write two more installments that belong in the universe with the first two. Despite all the ways I had changed as a person and a writer in the time between, I was able to slip back into it like an old coat, and that is something you strive for as an author.

Dreams of Impact

Top Gun, Iceman/Maverick, M

Maverick's trip in Darkstar takes him further than he ever imagined possible.

When I was a baby writer, I wrote a lot of really long stories. For several years, I worked with another writer on a collaboration that surpassed 200k words, and we never finished it. That was by far my longest work, but many of my stories pre-2010 are 10k, 20k, 50k.

Now it's rare that I write something that long. Part of that is that I learned how to say a lot without that many words. Pithy was a word I heard constantly in grad school, and I needed to learn how to do that. I have, and I'm a much better writer for it. I'm proud of that.

There are a lot of other reasons that I don't write long, multi-chapter epics anymore, everything from writing professionally to my health, and to be honest, sometimes I miss it. Dreams of Impact offered me a wonderful opportunity to get back to that kind of writing. I enjoyed writing the story very much, and I'm proud of how it turned out. The longer, more-plot heavy story muscles had not been flexed in a while, but I guess I still got it.

the weight of my heart is measured in carats

MCU, Tony/Pepper, G

What's so impressive about a diamond except the mining?

Remember what I said about pith? This one is like a good sword: perfectly weighted, perfectly balanced.

you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl

Willow, Sorsha/Madmartigan, M

Magic leaves a trace, and part of the curse stayed in her blood, and Sorsha never forgot what it was like to be the wolf. Even after her mother transformed her back, the wolf lived still, tucked behind her breast.

I love magical realism, and I love making things into fairytales, and I love finding ways to fit discordant things together so they seem completely natural. I did all of those things very well in this story. It was also a gift for a dear friend who is also an excellent writer, and she absolutely lost her gotdam mind when she read it, and I am proud of that.

running through the underworld into your room

Top Gun, Iceman/Maverick, T

“Most of my grey hairs you gave me,” Ice said, unable to keep the fondness out of his voice even altered as it was. He paused. “You don’t know how much I wanted this. To grow old with you.”

This story is a standalone piece, but it was also—for me—an exercise (an exploration, maybe) in two very specific things. (It doesn't matter what. What does matter is: Not long after I had posted this, I talked to a couple people—dear friends but also writers I respect—about it once they'd read it, and they both told me how well I had done those two things, even though I hadn't mentioned them anywhere. I'm proud of that. It's extremely gratifying to know you can hit a target even if it's a target no one else can see.)

Tagging: @topgunreacts @escritoireazul @boasamishipper @maverickcalf @adiduck @hangsters @thelastplantagenet @andmakeithome

[freesia-writes]

Tech + Vel Chapter 28: Resonance

I have to post the fanart by @nika6q instead of the header for the story this time, cause it's SO DARN PERFECT! I love seeing how everyone envisions her. I could cry. <3 You'll see the context of the scene down below. :)

During the Clone Wars, the Bad Batch is tasked with a variety of missions across the galaxy. An unexpected addition to their team throws a wrench in the mix, particularly for Tech, who finds a particular connection with this disillusioned Padawan-turned-mechanic named Vel throughout the events in this action-adventure romance. COVER ART BY @zaana!!

Master List of Chapters

The feeling of his lips on hers and the intoxicating delight of his affection was all Vel could think about for the next number of days. She'd been yearning to revisit it at any chance they could get, but they'd been sent on another mission, and Tech was right back into "work mode", executing his duties with flawless precision and efficiency. She had plenty to do as well, even being coerced into joining them in the reconnaissance stage. After days of lurking about the Coruscant underworld, Hunter had cornered their target, calling the rest of the team to close in.

Then the weasel escaped.

How, Vel couldn't figure out, and Crosshair made sure to interrogate Hunter about it later, but for now, the Rhodian was scuttling down an alley toward a parking lot of speeder bikes. Tech and Vel were closing in quickly on either side, narrowly missing him as he shot off into the Coruscant traffic lanes. They each grabbed a bike as well, Vel whispering a silent apology to whoever the unfortunate owners were, and darted after him.

Careening around corners and weaving between other ships, Vel shortened the distance between them, navigating expertly amid the cacophony of the night sky. If she was being honest, she was slightly smug about the opportunity to show off her skill on a speeder bike. It hadn't come up in their conversations or missions, but she had significant experience from a somewhat adventurous adolescence. Tech was an admirably adept pilot, but speeders were different than full-sized ships, and she yearned to outperform him in something other than the occasional mechanical fluke.

Tech was close behind, scanning possibilities from behind his visor and simultaneously paying attention to the erratic twists and turns of his quarry. Angry honks and yells followed the racers as they narrowly missed a crash every few seconds, each taking increasingly dangerous risks to try to outwit the others. A quick review of the layout of the sector they were currently in gave Tech an idea, and he peeled off and disappeared from view.

Hair whipping behind her, Vel leaned further down, coaxing the little bike faster and faster. Her jaw was set in determination, the wide galaxy-colored eyes of the Rhodian fueling her need to capture him... to prove herself... She wobbled for a moment as she fetched her blaster from her thigh holster, cursing as a hovertrain temporarily blocked him from view. Twisting the accelerator even harder, she shot past the train, seeing her chance to corner him in a convergence up ahead.

But at the last minute, Tech came out of nowhere, dropping in front of the Rhodian with perfectly-executed timing that caused the alien to jam on the brakes, skidding sideways and smacking into the building before falling onto the ground in a dazed stupor. He was struggling to pick himself up from his splayed position when Vel landed close behind, running to ensure he didn't get away this time. But Tech was on him in an instant, having leapt from his own speeder in an impossibly lithe movement, broken with a smooth roll that brought him to the Rhodian's side before he could reach his feet.

The squawks of complaint were useless as Hunter caught up, taking the target by the electrocuffs and steering him firmly away, leaving Tech and Vel in the dark alleyway. Pulling off his helmet, Tech leaned against the parked speeder bike, pulling out his datapad and immersing himself in it immediately. The glow from the screen illuminated the light sheen of sweat on his forehead, and the accentuated rise and fall of his chest told of his exertion.

Vel thought she had put on a good show, but Tech's unmatched skill and agility, prowess and power, grace and calculation... It all rushed through her mind, casting a wave of tingles through her. He seemed so business as usual, as if he didn't just perform some kind of superhero move while making it look as simple as if he were brushing his teeth. Whether it was the adrenaline still coursing through her veins or the long-simmering attraction she held for him, she bit her lip as she gazed at him with an undeniable desire.

Tech was oblivious, fingers tapping deftly on the screen as he re-crossed his legs in front of him, butt resting on the speeder seat. Vel's approach would have startled him if he weren't always aware of his surroundings, although his awareness didn't always extend to the nuances of the emotional climate. She walked to him slowly, eyes roving from his angular features to the gaps between his armor plates, thrilled and terrified by the growing heat in her core. He looked up finally as she stood beside him, emanating an inexplicable hunger and intensity that caught his attention. He furrowed his brow, shifting to his feet and facing her fully.

"Is everything alright?" he asked pertly, tilting his head and sending another spark of affection through her.

"Yeah..." she said breathily, swallowing hard at the perceived risk of putting herself out there. "It's just that... you were... are... really amazing."

He rested a hand on his hip, jutting it out to the side as he appeared deep in thought, as though her words were puzzling to him. He searched the ground for answers, brown eyes roving here and there as he pondered what could possibly be so impressive. Vel took a step closer, bringing herself into his personal space, and placed a tentative hand on his chest plate.

"It's... really hot," she continued, eyes shifting sheepishly off to the side. Her gaze was averted, but her body ached for his, leaning forward imperceptibly to almost rest against him. When she finally turned her face back to him, she lifted a hand to his cheek, relishing the sharp inhale of surprise from his beautiful mouth. "You're really hot," she said with a smile, lips slightly parted as she memorized every detail of his irresistible face.

"What are you doing?" Tech said suddenly, causing Vel to pull back in shock and, though she hated to admit it, a good amount of hurt. She stared at him, eyebrows drawing together as she clasped her hands anxiously.

"I... uh... Geez, Tech. I was trying to kiss you... Didn't you like it the last time?" her words came in a flood of embarrassment at his interruption. "I mean... I'm sorry, not to be accusing or anything... I'm just... I'm just confused."

"Ah," he said, realization dawning upon him, although there were still some mysteries to it. "But... It does not seem like a fitting time for physical affection... We are on a mission, and the setting is neither leisurely nor romantic."

An exasperated sigh cushioned her words as Vel shook her head with a smile. She could be quite compartmental in her own thinking, although not to the extent that he was capable. "I'm sorry," she repeated, stepping closer one more time. "If it's jarring or unwelcome, I totally get it. I just.. um..." She fidgeted with her fingers, looking down at them, "I just find it really attractive. Your strength and capability. I know you think it's no big deal, but... it makes me feel things." She laughed at the last phrase, agonizing in the awkwardness of having to explain it but wanting to make sure her motivation was understood.

Razor-sharp comprehension glimmered in Tech's amber eyes, accentuated by the magnifying effect of his goggles. He cleared his throat, a tiny smirk touching the corner of his lips. For someone who was so quick to share calculations and expertise, receiving a genuine compliment was still a bit of a novel experience for him. His strength and capability were... expected, baseline. His only value in a galaxy at war. But perhaps that was not entirely true.

"I am sorry for... surprising you," he took a stab in the dark. "I did not perceive any of my actions to be particularly noteworthy. But... I appreciate your... admiration." His voice had a husky tone to it now, catching Vel's attention, and she studied him intently, hoping it meant what she thought it did.

"It's okay," she said softly, in a simple vulnerability that Tech somehow found magnetizing. Something shifted in his brain, and he took a look around the alley they'd been left in, assessing a great many factors before determining his course of action. He lowered his chin slightly, moving forward purposefully and placing his hands on Vel's waist, and pushed her backward, up against the dark wall of a building.

Fireworks were exploding in her heart, her mouth going dry with shocked delight. The look on his face was... inexplicable. It was a flickering flame finding dry kindling to feed its appetite, alight with a warm glow and radiant heat. She opened her mouth to speak, not really having any idea what she was going to say, but the press of his lips on hers took away the need to decide.

His kiss was harder than before, his body heavy against her with his legs staggered between her own. It felt possessive... commanding... overwhelming in the best way. He turned his head, meeting her mouth again and again, lingering more and more each time until he finally opened his lips a bit, gently sucking her lower lip in one smooth movement. Her body was on fire, mind swirling in utter bliss, and Vel wrapped her arms around him, pulling his plastoid frame as close as she could.

Tech kept going. Kissing, turning, cupping her face, kissing her again. He tried his open-mouthed technique again, sending a shiver down her spine. His breathing was growing heavy again, as was hers, in the few gasps of air she was able to suck in through her nose. His passion was like ocean waves on the shore, rolling in steadily and gracefully, crashing into her with waves of bliss before receding. Again and again. She never wanted it to end, completely losing herself in the taste of his mouth, the scent of his sweat and armor. A tiny noise escaped her lips, a soft moan of euphoria, and her hands splayed across the hard plates on his back.

He pulled away, assessing her face immediately, alerted by her noise. The sudden departure of his intense presence opened Vel's eyes in surprise, and she looked at him quizzically. And sheepishly. Was that a turnoff for him? Had she done something wrong?

"Do you want to stop?" Tech asked, as frank as if he were asking if she wanted a glass of water.

"Never," she sighed, smiling stupidly at his flushed face. "That was a happy sound. You're incredible."

"You appear to think a great number of ordinary things are incredible," he murmured, and she truly couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Either way, it was ridiculous and endearing, and she laughed freely, turning to bury her forehead against his shoulder. His following words were even more heartwarming.

"It bodes well for me that you are so easily impressed." 

artwork by @vimse! <;3

Tag List: @merkitty49 @vimse @arctrooper69 @dystopicjumpsuit @starrylothcat @ghostperson69 @dreamie411 @savebytheodoresnonjosestuff @523rdrebel @clonemedickix @sinfulsalutations @ughhhhfoff @coraex @amorfista @nobody-expects-the-inquisitorius @followthepurrgil @littlefeatherr @sunshinesdaydream @thew0nderer2342 @dangraccoon @iceskategirl18 @chickentenderx @skellymom @girl_scout_reject @mooncommlink

(If you're on my regular tag list, let me know if you want to be tagged in this; I didn't want to spam ya!)

Click here to join or leave the tag list. <3

[aspoonofsugar]

Hello! I hope your week is good to you, and if not that it gets better. It appears that you are intrigued by Lore Olympus. May I ask if you could do an analysis on Hades there, if you have the time. I love your thoughts on Persephone, and her duality. Also, have you ever had any thoughts on changing your header and icon to prevent from being thought as a bot?

Drink water and eat vegetables regularly. Drink milk also if you could.

Hi!

My week was good, thank you! I hope yours was fine, as well :)

So, I'll start from your last question about my icon and header :P I have, but never did out of laziness tbh. Probably I will one day, when I feel like it :)

Now, for your main question... yes, I enjoyed Lore Olympus's run! I am more of a casual reader, so I do not know the story or characters, as well as I do for other series. Still, it was a very fun read to have weekly:) I love the art and I think it had some genuinely great ideas and characters. I also think there was a drop in quality at a certain point and some pacing issues, but overall it managed to stay consistent with its main themes and delivered a satisfying conclusion to the two main characters' arc... All of this to say that I think the series gets way too much hate, which is honestly disproportionate and kinda absurd tbh... Like, there are series that screwed up more than LO ever did and get waaaaaaaaaaaaay less criticism. (Also, personally I feel strongly against the whole it isn't a good representation of the original myth argument...).

Anyway, this was all to say that yes, I can do a quick analysis of Hades. Or to better say, I can share my thoughts on him and what I think his role in the story is.

In general, Lore Olympus is a revisitation of Persephone and Hades's myth, which is extremely rich. So, it can be interpreted in many ways and a retelling can focus on many different aspects of the classical story... You can focus on Demeter's point of view and explore the story of a mother losing a child to an unjust society... You can have a Persephone trapped in the Underworld who is trying to escape from an abuser... You can even have an enemy to lovers' version of the myth... It all depends on what intrigues you the most about the story.

Now, obviously what intrigued LO's author is Persephone and Hades's complementary, which gets reflected in their designs, their personalities and their arcs.

Persephone is young, linked to spring (life) and feminine (hence why she is pink and has softer lines)

Hades is old, linked to the underworld (death) and masculine (hence why he is blue and has harsher lines)

The twist is that even if superficially Persephone and Hades seem to embody their gender stereotypes to a T, they are actually more complex. Persephone angers easily and can be impulsive and violent. Hades is sensitive and dreams of romance and belonging. They are both forced to comform to their gender stereotypes by society, which we soon discover having been created through a cycle of abuse. This violence is both generational (parents abusing children, who end up abusing their own children as a result of their own trauma) and domestic. Every King is able to rise to power only by using a more powerful Goddess and stealing their agency. As a result, Hades and Persephone's stories deal with these two kinds of abuse. And they do so in a mirrored way.

Initially:

Persephone's story focuses on her complicated relationship with Demeter, who is an abusive mother

Hades's story focuses on his complicated romantic story with Minthe, which is unhealthy

As the story goes on, though, the focus shifts:

Persephone faces Demeter and the two find closure. Meanwhile, though, she ends up as the object of sexual abuse by Apollo and she has to deal with the aftermath and the complicated feelings this violence leaves her with.

Hades and Minthe's relationship comes to an end (in a rather tumultuous way) and Hades can slowly address the root of all his complexes. That is his relationship with Cronos, his violent and abusive father.

Basically, by the end Persephone deals with romantic and sexual abuse. Her conflict with Apollo is linked to the mysoginy present in Olympian society. The mysoginy that made so all fertility goddesses before her were used and eventually discarded.

Hades's storyline instead deals with generational trauma and child abuse. He faces Cronos and realizes he doesn't have to be the kind of father Cronos was. That his father's abuse does not define him and that he can be happy with his new family.

This complementarity is made very obvious in the final arc, where Persephone deals with Apollo and Hades with Cronos. Not only that, but before facing their respective abusers both Persephone and Hades help another character:

Persephone resurrects Hera and frees the potential Zeus had been suffocating in their unhealthy relationship. She helps an older woman to find her own agency again.

Hades reassures his future daughter Melinoe that it is not her fault Cronos is abusing her. He saves his inner child by helping a small girl.

Finally, they do so by inverting traditional gender roles. On the one hand Persephone is given the chance to rage. The wrath she had been accumulating (which is literally embodied by Eris) gets to come out and she gets to humiliate Apollo and to walk away. On the other hand Hades gets to forgive Cronos. He frees himself from the hate and manages to move on.

When it comes to Hades, he is also throuhgtly foiled with Hera in this. In his final moments, Cronos is still projecting gender roles on both Hades and Hera. He projects Uranus on Hades and sees his son as an extension of his father. He instead sees Hera as a feminine presence that can understand, empathize and ultimately heal him. Well, it turns out he got them both wrong. Hades is the one empathizing with him, he is the one who has tried to understand Cronos all along. Hera instead is the one who despises him and who chooses not to care nor to forgive him in the end. Cronos does not understand them, so he ultimately dies without empathy... That is because he asked it from the wrong person.

Anyway, after defeating their respective abusers, Persephone and Hades find each other again and they unite their powers. However, they do so in the opposite way all the other royal couples did. Hades is the one empowering Persephone and not the other way around. As a result, Persephone fixes the macrochosm by reliving all the other fertility goddesses. Hades instead plays a key role in the microchosm by assisting Persephone. This is even highlight by Persephone becoming a giant and Hades happily flying around her.

So, these are my general thoughts on the series, its main themes and Hades's meaning for the overal narrative.

Thank you for the ask!

[nanamismoonchild]

deceiving the moon

->chapter 11- the pan handler

->pairing: namjoon x oc (persephone)

->genre: greek god, fantasy

->wc: ~1.5k

->warnings: choking, name-calling, rough fingering, power dynamics on both sides, unhinged namjoon and oc (both of them are crazy), Persephone being mean

credits: this fic was beta read by the lovely @augustbutwinter and the header was made by the lovely @birbdae

a/n: somehow i found enough time to write a few words.it's been *checks notes* a whillllleeeeeeeeeeeee since i wrote namjoon and our girlboss persephone. please comment or send an ask my way if you enjoyed it. Or better yet, send an owl with a lovely letter. :D OH OH I hope you all get the reference too!

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also posted on ao3

Persephone had hoped Namjoon would let her explore more of her new kingdom. However, he explained that they had an appointment with a familiar god by the name of Park Jimin. 

To humans, he was Pan. To Persephone, he was a nuisance much like the rest of the gods that she had met so far. The only difference is she had interacted with Jimin more times than she would have liked to admit.  

Her mother enjoyed his company and invited him to help with harvests. He also lurked around the lake surrounding her old home, flirting with the nymphs. And with her. She couldn’t count on her fingers how many times she rebuffed him, only for him to come back the next day.  

In fact, she had a feeling, she already knew what he would say the moment she was in his proximity. 

“You picked him? Over me?” Jimin screeched, damn near tossing himself into her personal space. He managed to sound both accusatory and hurt at the same time. 

“And why on Gaea’s green earth would I ever choose you?”

Sulkily, he replied, “Because obviously I’m the better choice. I’m your mother’s favorite.”

“My mother didn’t have favorites,” Persephone said plainly, hoping to hurt the man’s feelings. “And if she did, she’d be foolish to choose you.”

“You can be such a bi-”

Namjoon huffed and stood up from his chair, swiftly, trying to save his friend from getting slapped into the next century. “If you’re done flirting with my wife, Jimin, I’d like to begin this meeting. I’d like to get some sleep tonight.”

The new goddess of the underworld and the young god of the wild both turned their heads to Namjoon at the same time, and eerily, both said, “You’re organizing?”

Namjoon’s heart broke a little.

“Yes, but that’s neither here nor there with you, Jimin.”

Persephone sat next to Namjoon, easily sliding into her business persona. A persona she didn’t even realize she had until now. Being Queen was changing her, and she loved every single moment of it. 

Jimin scoffed, “Right. You want to hold a ball in this silly dirty-”

“Do not insult my new home, shepherd.”

Jimin braved the intentional insult and kept going.  He was used to Persephone despising every man that walked into her life. From what he’d heard, she had already knocked Yoongi down a couple of pedestals, made Jungkook bleed, and put Namjoon into his place. He wasn’t (yes, he was) afraid of what she’d do to him.  

“I’m sorry. Your lovely castle. You want to turn this place into the finest place ever. With my help. Why not just call Apollo?” “Tried. No answer, “ Namjoon said plainly. 

“Of course. He must be off doing some trials or something. I heard he got into some really bad stuff.”

“Before you two turn into gossiping nymphs, what is this about a ball?” Persephone questioned, turning to look at Namjoon. “This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing and we’ve both spent the night taking care of…errands.”

Jimin didn’t bother asking what errands the two of them took; he felt if he asked his feelings would get more than hurt. 

“Ah, it was a last minute thing. And it’s not really a ball. It’s more of a ceremony for the both of us.”

He side-eyed Jimin. 

“I wanted to create a song for you. And I thought that Jimin would be the perfect candidate to help me. After Apollo of course.”

Namjoon thought he heard a small “whatever” come from Jimin. 

The look of complete disgust was painted onto Persephone’s beautiful face as she realized what Namjoon had suggested. 

“I’d rather listen to the cries of the dead as they cross the Styx and realize they’re being rowed away on a boat driven by that idiot you trust so much.”

Damn. The woman managed to insult all three men and one of them wasn’t even in the room. 

“Persephone, my music is not that bad. The Pan Girls say that-”

“Pan Girls,” Persephone rolled her eyes. “They are nothing more than women who have laid in bed with you on more than one occasion. That is the name that common men, such as yourself, give them. It’s close to being called a whore. Please do not ever call the women who idol you that despicable name.”

Jimin felt as if an arrow had been shot and lodged in his chest. His cheeks became warm and red as shame rose up his body.  He had thought it was one of those adorable fan names. 

“And please, no music made by a man has ever made me happy,” Persephone added to complete the reading she had just given the poor man. “Now, if you had asked Euterpe, I would have taken any song by her.”

“Well, she was unavailable, considering she’s one of the nine.” Namjoon gritted out, wanting to add a demand that Persephone stop insulting his friends or he wouldn’t have anyone except Cerberus.  

“Hm, too bad. I guess I’ll take the half goat then.”

Jimin was ready to cry. There were only so many insults he could take, and the Queen may have just found his limit. 

“Namjoon, I don’t think I feel comfortable singing a song for the bitch who clearly does not like me.”

Namjoon sucked in his teeth. Enough was enough. If she was going to be a queen, petty insults needed to stop.   “Persephone.”

“Yes?” Persephone asked innocently, instantly hearing the low tone Namjoon used with nuisances. “Please apologize to our guest.” 

The grin that spread across his queen’s face was absolutely terrifying. It was the smile of a woman who knew she had all the power. And no one could take it from her. 

“Now, “ she started, tracing circles along Namjoon’s arm, “if I do that, it wouldn’t be sincere. And Jimin deserves a sincere apology. Don’t you, Jiminie? ”The tone she used was sultry and, obviously, fake, but that didn’t deter Jimin. 

He loved being called Jiminie, and finally hearing it from Persephone, someone he had been infatuated with for years called him tha,made every insult she had made towards him disappear. 

He was sucked into her charms immediately.

“I do deserve one. Listen, I’ll make up calling my admirers, Pan Girls, by writing and singing the best song you’ve ever heard.”

“You will?” Persephone gushed, still putting on a false performance. 

She knew Namjoon wasn’t pleased but to hell with him. 

The god of flutes nodded giddily and took off before Persephone or Namjoon could say anything else. 

The throne room was empty besides the two of them. Normally, a swarm of servants would come over.  Persephone still couldn’t register the days or nights in the Underworld very well; however, she knew from her the sleepiness that suddenly overwhelmed her, it was late in the night, which meant the servants were also in bed. 

She yawned and stood, aiming to stretch her legs. She became aware of Namjoon sliding next to her; she made the mistake of presuming he was going to offer to carry her as he normally did. 

Instead he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his front. His other hand made its way to her throat. And pressed. Not enough to completely cut her off, but enough for her to feel lightheaded but excited all the same. 

Namjoon leaned in close to Persephone’s ear, so that he knew she was listening. 

“Whenever we have guests, my queen, you will respect them,” he moved the hand that was on her waist to her middle, bunching up the night dress she wore. Almost exposing her. 

“No more of these petty jabs. Business only.”

She decided to mess with Namjoon, “Or what?” 

Mistake. A big one. 

Namjoon whipped her around and pushed her into her throne. The Egyptian cotton stuffed velvet pillow felt like heaven underneath her,  but Namjoon didn’t give her time to enjoy the feeling. He lifted her dress, and slid two fingers inside of her warmth. 

Persephone moaned and began rocking on his fingers before the arm he wasn’t using pinned her thighs down. She pouted, but the onslaught of Namjoon’s fingers didn’t allow her to chastise him. She quickly felt a coil begin to emerge, and couldn’t believe it was so soon. 

Unfortunately, just as soon it began, it ended. 

Namjoon slid his fingers out, her pussy making a shameful wet noise as he removed them.   The sound warmed Persephone’s cheeks as she tried to catch her breath. 

“You keep doing what you’re doing–you won’t get what you want,” Namjoon said, his voice still dripping with the dark vibe. He licked both fingers clean, relishing Persephone’s taste. 

Persephone opened her mouth to complain, but it was promptly shut with Namjoon stuffing both of his fingers into her mouth. She tasted a little of herself, and Namjoon’s own saliva on her tongue.  

“We’re going to go to our room and sleep. You’re not getting that orgasm tonight. We’ll see how you behave in the morning.”

Persephone nodded, reluctantly. 

Namjoon smiled, no, he beamed. It was the same terrifying grin that Persephone had earlier. No one could take away the power Persephone had as the Underworld’s Queen. Except the King, her king. 

[elbertsbabygirl]

Title: A curse by Accident

Fandom: ikemen villians

Note: Hello everyone and for my Jude Wifey's here is my version of His fanfiction but I based it on his curse and special skills so I hope you enjoy it I am sorry if it's not a good reader style I promise to improve more 🥹

Jude jazza x Y/n ( Reader)

Headers and spacers: @natimiles

In the bustling streets of 19th century London, amidst the smoke and shadows of the industrial revolution, there lived a notorious mob boss named Jude. With his sharp mind and ruthless demeanor, Jude ruled the underworld with an iron fist, feared by many yet respected for his cunning. One fateful evening, during a lavish ball hosted by the city's elite, Jude, disguised as the enigmatic 13th guest, laid a curse upon the newborn daughter of a prominent noble family.

Jude: When this girl Turns 18 or older She will prick her finger in a spindle and she will die at that time she pricks her finger.......

Noble woman: Please don't do this to my daughter I beg you.....

Jude: to late old woman she will be the sacrifice for you all * evil laughs*

After Jude's cursed pronouncement, chaos ensued at the lavish ball. The noble family, horrified by the curse placed upon their infant daughter, sought counsel from the city's most revered mystics and sorcerers, but none could offer a solution but to accept what Jude did from the poor infant.

The noble family, desperate to find a solution to the curse that had befallen their daughter, spared no expense in their quest for answers. They sent messengers far and wide, seeking out every mystic, sorcerer, and wise woman rumored to possess knowledge of the arcane.

Despite their efforts, each attempt to break the curse ended in failure. The noble family grew increasingly desperate as the years passed, their once-great household now shrouded in sorrow and despair.

After A few years the young woman became a blossoming hope of her beauty and grace

The young woman became a successful doctor and Graduated from college not knowing who is the one who cursed her the day she was born .. one night she came to her parents and ask...

Y/n: Mom dad am I cursed?

The parents are completely shocked after what they heard from there daughter

Y/n's mom: yes Honey you are cursed that day when you were born he cursed you from an unknown reason .....

The princess looked shock and asked

Y/n : how do I Lift my curse out

Y/n's mom: we tried looking for great sorcerers to fix and lift your curse but it's not working and we failed to find one

Y/n: what's gonna happen to me now!!

Y/n's mom: it's ok honey we will protect you from any harm so don't worry sweetie you will be alright with us

After a long chat the cursed princess sets up and plans a mission to Find the person who cursed her with an unknown reason...... But suddenly her head starts to hurt and a flashback of her Appears

* Flashback on the day she was born*

???:When this girl Turns 18 or older She will prick her finger in a spindle and she will die at that time she pricks her finger.......

* flash back ends*

Y/n: I must find the man who cursed me !!

The next day the princess goes to work when suddenly she got bumped into someone with white hair with a bit of black tips on his hair with a purple cloak on

Y/n: Oh my gosh I am sorry sir did I hurt you

The man looks at her and grinned

Jude: Oh my you are one silly one don't ya....

Jude: you don't need to apologize missy.... It's just a dumb fall

Y/n : here let me help you .......

The princess helps Jude up but his hands felt cold

Y/n : umm why is your hands cold? Is this your normal body temperature.....

Jude: oh you silly missy that's just my dumb body temperature..... And it's just normal so it's fine.....

Y/n : oh I see I better get to work now I hope you take care of yourself

After the princess walks away Jude grinned evily

Jude: nice meeting you again princess you are the target I have been looking for *evil laughs*

He quickly laughs and Goes back to his company and After a few days Jude and princess became good friends and hangout together..... Sometimes Jude will bring his henchmen which is Ellis to have fun but Ellis knew that one day Jude's curse on you will make the things a wrong turn..... Until one day while Jude and the princess are Alone Jude revealed something shocking that made the princess shocked

Y/n: you were the one who cursed me all along....why

Jude grinned

Jude: I just want to take my revenge on ya... Princess

Y/n: what did I do to you...

Jude: you will find out soon once my curse effects you* evil laughs

After that night the princess doesn't want to go out with Jude anymore and she felt betrayed after all his kindness and support she doesn't have a clue that Jude is the one who cursed her all this years....

After a few years one day while Jude is doing his Work as a cold mobster traider Ellis came to Jude with a report....

Ellis: Jude did you still remember the day you were finding the victim who killed your mother ..

Jude: what type of question is that you dimwit

Ellis: I know you are still looking for the Killer who killed your mother ....the one you cursed is not the killer bit instead the killer is still at large....

Jude doesn't believe a thing and laughs

Jude: come on Ellis you stupid or something get back to work.....

At the day of the princess the princess is about to turn 20 and it's the middle of her birthday

Suddenly the princess saw a golden butterfly and follows the butterfly that leads her into the top of the castle tower where one of Jude's henchmen disguised himself as an old man

Y/n: hello there what are you doing

Old man: oh my I am just sewing my socks

Y/n: what is that thing you are sewing on

Old man: this is a spindle would you like to try

Y/n: of course can I try it

After the princess played with the spindle not knowing that when she touches the spindle she will fell into deep slumber for 100 years the princess plays with the spindle and suddenly she pricked her finger mistakenly and Suddenly she felt dizzy and the curse effected her and collapsed and the old man Transforms back into his Original self and reports to Jude about her.....

Henchmen: the curse is activated now my lord

Jude: *evil laughs* that's what she gets for Taking revenge on me she is such a dummy...

At home the noble family noticed that y/n is missing they looked for her and after dew minutes of looking for her they were shocked to see her laying down unconscious ly like she is already in her deep slumber the family had no choice but to accept the fate of there daughters sacrifice and layed her down in her bed and dresses her up in a white clothes and puts flowers in her bed

Y/n's mom: until we meet again after 100 years ( In a sad tone)

As whispers of the curse spread throughout the city, that about a woman who already fell asleep for 100 years begin to spread leading to Ellis Informing it to jude....

Ellis: Jude what have you done....this is not going well but why did you do that to her ...

Jude: Ellis I just want to take revenge on what she had done to kill my mother!!!!

Ellis: Jude I know you are still finding the killer of your mother but she did kill your mother .. Jude the killer is still there and you cursed her accidentally without even knowing that she loved you.....

Jude's eyes widen

Jude: what she loved me?

Jude drops his pen on his desk facing with regret and Dissapointment

Jude: why did I do this to her .... I am such an idiot...!!!!

As whispers of the curse spread throughout the city, Jude watched from the shadows, his guilt weighing heavily upon him. Though feared by many, even he could not ignore the suffering he had caused Determined to find a way to break the curse and redeem himself, Jude embarked on a journey of his own, seeking out forbidden knowledge and ancient artifacts that held the promise of salvation.

During his journey to break the curse and redeem himself, Jude delved deep into the hidden corners of the world, seeking out elusive clues and ancient relics that could hold the key to salvation.

His quest led him to encounter enigmatic figures and treacherous challenges, testing his resolve and cunning at every turn. From darkened libraries filled with forbidden texts to remote temples shrouded in mystery, Jude left no stone unturned in his pursuit of redemption.

Along the way, he faced temptations and trials that challenged his morality and resolve. Yet, fueled by his desire to right the wrongs he had committed, Jude pressed on, driven by an unwavering determination to break the curse and free the princess from her eternal slumber.

As he ventured deeper into the heart of darkness, Jude discovered ancient prophecies and forgotten rituals that hinted at a path to salvation. With each new revelation, he grew closer to unlocking the secrets of the curse and fulfilling his quest for redemption.

But as the forces of darkness closed in around him, Jude realized that his journey was far from over. With danger lurking at every turn, he knew that the ultimate test of his courage and resolve still lay ahead.

After a 100 years past Jude came into the noble familys house where the princesses room is locked with the help of Ellis Jude and Ellis managed to get inside and Jude saw how y/n is in the middle of her curse and Jude felt sorry for it

Jude: I am sorry I love you too y/n even I have no Idea I cursed you you are always will be the one in my heart

Jude entangles your hair and brushes it and cups his hands in your cheeks

Jude: I will break this curse of mine in you and we will be together forever...

With one final vow he leans in and kisses you on the lips and he broken your curse

Y/n: Jude.....

Jude smiles and hugs you

Y/n: I love you more Jude I promise to always be there for you

Jude: me too we will always be together and I will never forget about this love you gave me!

Jude found redemption not only for himself but also in the eyes of the revenge he had once feared and ruled over. And though his journey had been fraught with darkness and despair, he emerged from the shadows a changed man, ready to embrace the light of a brighter future.

This story is for @judejazza I know she likes Jude so much so I hope you like it if you want me to make more of this plss feel free to message me ❤️

[humanpurposes]

Okay, INDULGE ME! Is there a literary quote for KIAG that in your opinion would describe the fic so far? Do you have a photo that'd fit the It Will Come Back AU aesthetic you'd be willing to share? AND if you were to make a playlist for August what songs would you include in it? I've been thinking about these three fics lately and need to be fed yk 🫣 Love you Gee, thanks for writing and giving us such well-written and addicting fics 😘

Hi baby 🥹 These asks are amazing, thank YOU for being awesome <3

Ok, Karma is a God. I love the quote from Wuthering Heights,

“You said I killed you-haunt me, then! [...] Be with me always-take any form-drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!”

It’s so perfect to me because that is soooo Aemond wallowing in guilt in Harrenhal!! Lucerra herself embodies so much to Aemond, she’s the one he lost his eye to, the reason why he dedicated himself to being perfect. Then he ‘kills’ her and her supposed death completely unravels him. The fact that she’s alive means he has a chance at redemption, either dying at her hands and allowing her that justice, or to be forgiven by her. He hates her but he’s incomplete without her.

rest under the cut because this is gonna get too long 😭

IT WILL COME BACK 🖤 Asking me to pick just one image is insane, but I was scrolling through my Pinterest board and I remembered there’s one picture that appears in all the headers for the chapters, The Rape of Proserpina:

It's a horrific image right? This young woman is being taken from her home and her family by the god of the underworld. I think it spoke to me for this fic as an expression of Aemond's possessiveness. His love for Jaya is tied to the idea that he can control her and influence her. In his mind, it is other people that separate them. The animosity between Rhaenyra and Alicent bleeding into their children, the competition between the factions of Dragon Bank, the fact that she defended Jace over Aemond. He wants a hold over her like no one else has. Aesthetically as well, I love the look of marble statues, I love how immersive and expressive they can be. And they have a sense of grandeur and ancientness (is that even a word?) which means they look perfect in a fic header or a moodboard hehe.

Can you believe I don’t have a playlist for August?? If I did, the first song would be Slowly by Susanne Sundfør. The working title for this fic was ‘I Know You’re Lonely Too’ which is a lyric from this song. There are so many lines I love in this but the chorus just really encapsulates the vibe I wanted for this,

“And you say it’s gonna last forever // We have different heartbeats // But all the same heartbreak // And I can feel it in the way you hold me… I know you’re lonely too.”

To me, this song feels like yearning and wanting to live in the moment even as you feel it slipping away.

Some other songs I would include would be:

Summer's Over by Jordana and TV Girl

Linger by The Cranberries (+ the remix by Iain Cook)

To Wish Impossible Things by the Cure

It's Not Living (If It's Not With You) by the 1975

Supernatural by Ariana Grande

August by Taylor Swift

[vagabond-umlaut]

it's easy to ferry souls, not carry them

deep down in the realm of the netherworlds, there exists a rower who transports deceased souls from the land of living to the land of dead-

and occasionally lends an ear and a hand, in the event of yet another collision between their weary queen and her just as cheery suitor...

[uraume deserves a raise.]

▸gojo satoru x fem!reader; the tale of kore!gojo & hades!reader w a guest appearance by charon!uraume; uraume is a very nice parental figure to you [ooc!uraume but ehh]; the reader is honestly so sweet and hot-tempered...; the cutest doggy cerberus too is there!!!!; gojo satoru must be his own warning...; uraume does not like gojo [no parent [blood-related or not] actually wld]; fire hazards; 2k wc

▸ i've nvr read percy jackson and wtv i wrote here is based on my shaky knowledge of greek myths and stuff 😁😁 anyways, this header's from pinterest, these dividers are by @benkeibear and the characters used ain't mine. pls do not plagiarize, translate or repost this. enjoy reading! ❤️

▸ belongs to series 'wreaths of asphodel' – same universe as the work 'hey, where is the pomegranate tree?' — but you can treat this as a stand-alone fic if you wanna!

"why is kore so set on marrying me, uraume?"

it isn't the ask itself which causes the rower to nearly lose grip of their oar– but the way it is spoken: soft, solemn and faintly tense. they look away from the endless expanse of the styx before, to find you staring at your reflection in the inky waters, features unnaturally crumpled.

uraume holds back a frown. "has her majesty considered asking the god the same?"

"i have asked him," you mumble, "but i did not receive any conclusive answer in return. the imp was being too vague– must be a trait learnt from those shifty nymphs always sticking to his side."

if your faithful follower detects anything except dislike in your words, they make no mention of it. merely humming as they continue to row the boat, "and may this servant know the question her majesty asked the god?"

"two," you mumble even more clumsily now; they take a beat to grasp it, too concerned by the way you drape yourself over the edge, nearly falling into the water as you say, "i asked him two questions— one, if he loves me; two, if he wants to have children should we get married."

shock must not be uraume's first reaction to these queries, yet it is— and for a moment, it isn't you sitting there anymore.

instead, it is a little girl, no older than seven or eight years, cherubic face fixed in a look of deep concentration and fascination while the rower narrates to her stories from times millennia ago–

only for the child to morph into a young lady– no, goddess– the very next beat... slouched under a regal cloak too heavy for her shoulders, under a royal crown too large for her head... that sweet innocence of childhood nothing but traces now, having been withered by the foul, dirty politics of those damned deities high up on that mountain—

"what answers did the olympian offer her majesty?"

"he said he would love me and sire my children if that is what i want— i asked if he wished anything out of our union— he said all he wanted is to be my husband–"

something between a frustrated sigh and an exhausted scoff erupts from you, becoming an opaque fog the moment it hits the frigid air of the underworld. uraume plucks the oar out the water to come sit next to you, letting the boat be driven by magic.

"you're worried," they state, forgoing all formalities in favour of giving you some much-needed comfort. you never much cared for stations anyways, quite unlike your elder brother, the former king.

"an unfamiliar friend poses more risk than a familiar enemy, uraume," you mutter, resting your head on their shoulder, "why do you think kore wishes to marry me so much, if not out of love or the prospect of the powerful offsprings we might beget?"

"marriage is not solely for love or for procreation," the rower starts to explain, mildly amused before it grows into sympathy at your baffled expression.

ah, they muse fondly, not unlike a parent watching their child witness the world seemingly the first time ever since they learnt to walk, you who presides over something as profound as death yet knows not of the trivialities of life...

"it can also be for many other reasons like–"

the remainder of the words skitter away from uraume— cerberus is playing with gojo.

the fierce guard of the netherworlds, the three-headed hound, loyal and dutiful to a fault: hades' dearest canine companion is frolicking with the god of life in a green meadow, that most certainly was not there so close to the stygian marsh, when they last—

"gojo is laughing," your remark draws them away from their musings, only to find a changed shadow over your countenance— pensive yet not thinking at all; almost as if you too are floating in the stale air of your kingdom akin the soft flower petals...

another ring of raucous laughter pierces the silence, mingled with a delighted series of barks— cerberus is busy licking gojo's face now, the olympian reduced to a puddle of giggles as he scratches behind the dog's ears.

his happiness so clear in the stretch of his grin and the crinkle of his eyes, very much the jarring contrast to the last time—

oh. oh, oh, oh–

"escape," the word leaves uraume in a sudden moment of realisation, as quiet as a breath but loud enough for you to whip your head back to face them, confusion engraved into your scowl. "escape?? what is that supposed to mean, eh?"

the rower feels their lips lift into an infrequent smile. "the god of life wishes to marry you to escape— from his mother, or from his many suitors, or perhaps from mount olympus itself."

"wha– how– hah," you breathe out a disbelieving little huff, "that is simply ridiculous. have you even heard yourself? that is ridiculous."

used to such resistance from yourself, even more from your brother, they move to state their points, only to beaten by you as you persist to speak.

"no one in their right mind will decide to come live in the underworld, no matter how overbearing their mother or insistent their suitors are. have you seen this place? it's too, too unlike the lushness of the earth or the grandeur of the heavens he has experienced. and–" you add, a harsh laugh accompanying it. "gojo satoru is a god. a fish might leave the water— but a god never steps a voluntary foot down that horrible mountain. never."

"but the olympian never truly lived on mount olympus," uraume says once they're sure you've completed your tirade, "and you are a goddess as well. why do you speak so ill of the heavens then?"

"why?" you echo the word. they nod, hoping you take the bait they've intended for you. you do.

"why, because that place is nothing but a shining apple with a rotten core!! everything is polished marble and glittering gold there. people constantly wave at each other, lavishing smiles and praises like there is no tomorrow. everything is so warm and bright— what a bunch of lies and liars!"

familiar fire burns in your aura, the immense heat making the waters erupt into boiling— uraume uses their powers to cool the river down, lest anything disturbs you.

you're too far gone in your rage to be shaken, however, continuing:

"but it never can hide the grime and dirt accrued beneath such shine and sheen. nor the vicious minds and crooked hearts of those deities up above– what lame excuses of gods and goddesses, hah. and you might think me to prefer the light and warmth up there— you will be sorely wrong, my dear uraume!! i much prefer the genuine darkness and frigidity of my beloved kingdom to the faux comfort of the awful mount olympus—"

"is there no possibility the god of life too despises mount olympus for these same reasons, milady?"

you open your mouth and close it, then open it again to let out a very aggrieved whine– momentarily transporting uraume to your younger days. the rower merely chuckles when you punch their arm lightly.

"you're the worst, uraume," you cry, getting up and moving to sit on the other end of the boat. the rower too rises but only to resume rowing the boat by the oar.

"you never spoke this way when sukuna was the ruler— only because his baby sister is the ruler now, and you think she is very stupid—"

"as much as i respect and revere lord sukuna, he wasn't one to listen to anyone else," uraume interrupts gently, "you do, though– which is why i spent so much time telling you this. i hope you did not mind."

"hey, no," you immediately wave away their concern with a wide grin, eliciting a smaller one from the latter, "i could never..."

another peal of laughter and barks rings through the otherwise-quiet. you abruptly trail off, the same conflicting expression from before on your face yet again. though not without a spark in your eyes, uraume notes, almost as if you're slowly learning how to solve the puzzle who is repeatedly offering himself to you.

uraume keeps the silence you initiate, choosing to row the boat while you keep staring at the assortment of hues near the stygian marsh...

until you call their name and declare, an odd firmness in your smile, "well then, it is decided. i shall allow gojo to stay here for as long as the god so wishes to, escaping whatever or whoever he is escaping. and i shall protect him from the latter, should it ever come for him."

a beat. your smile falls into something graver. "would it be better if i swore by the dread water of styx, uraume?"

"uh, um," the rower finds themselves at a loss of words, the first time in seemingly forever, and they have been around since titanomachy– but before they can recover themselves enough to formulate a proper reply, a giggly voice joins in—

"well, if my rose does that, i would consider myself the most blessed amongst all mortals and immortals!"

— and the waters surrounding the boat shoot upwards in a scathing geyser-like jet and steam— the ferocious queen of the netherworlds visibly torn between remorse and terror, as they offer uraume a stiff nod and gojo a horrified look, before vanishing in a wisp of fog.

the boiling waters of the river styx calm down only after a twenty-minute-long struggle by uraume, joined at the very end by gojo.

the latter looks positively delighted, when the former collapses to the bottom of the boat, exhausted beyond belief. "hey, charon. was that a result of your queen getting flustered by me, huh?"

yes, it was. it very much was, the sentences nearly slip past the tired rower's crumbling defences... until it hits them– who they serve, and who they don't.

uraume decides to throw back a glare and a lie. "her majesty was not flustered, lord kore. she was enraged at how you invaded the privacy of her weekly boat ride, intended to make her relax."

"oh, puh-lease," the god makes a face. the rower is certain he would have been punished in the pits of tartarus for all eternity, then some more were he to pursue you this way during your brother's reign, let alone disrespect you thus.

ignorant and insolent, he continues, "in few days time, i'll be allowed into the privacy of her living quarters; what is the privacy of her boat th—"

"you're lucky you did not make such outrageous remarks in front of the queen," uraume cuts him off, none too kindly nor gently, "if you did, her majesty would have certainly burnt you along with the boat to a crisp–"

"i know," comes the defeated reply within the instant. and while gojo is still not in uraume's good graces, the latter decides to notch him a level higher, considering the god of life accepts their queen's powers.

not many do.

he strikes a pathetically pitiful figure, uraume reckons, seeing him sit then slouch on the bench. "was she serious when she said she would protect me?"

your loyal subject nods, certain and solemn. "yes, she was. the queen is never careless when it comes to making promises."

"oh, that's reassuring," gojo says quietly— only to recline even further in the very next beat– an anguished, grating wail tearing from him to the stifling silence looming near the stygian marsh. uraume wonders if it is worth it to steer the boat towards acheron... then push him into its waters of woe...

they decide against it on catching the desperation worn by the god.

for all it is, it might nothing more than a ploy. yet something tugs at their mind to pause and listen when gojo howls, "why does my rose always scurry away after tilting my world on its axis? why does your queen always torment me like this, charon?"

uraume stares pensively at their face in the sacred waters of styx for a while. then heaves a mighty sigh.

certain, this exchange between the goddess of the dead and the god of life will impact not only your and gojo's respective worlds— but the general world and everyone else in it, as well.

did you know, in the actual greek myths, persephone was never called so before her marriage to hades? she got it only after, w the name meaning "bringer of death". her initial name was kore, referring to her being a maiden & the spring goddess.

the river styx was called the "dread river of oath" by homer– in both the iliad and the odyssey [greek epic poems], swearing by its waters is the "greatest and most dread oath for the blessed gods" -> this shows how serious the reader is towards ensuring gojo's safety and freedom, and how deeply this affects gojo as well [source: wiki 😇]

also: the reader is totally ready to jump into the water to swim away when she realises gojo was listening in on her conversations- but then she remembers she can js vanish away and so she does js tht— the queen of the underworld, and of escaping, hehe

also also: the reader is slightly jealous when she is talking of the shifty nymphs always sticking to gojo's side. [uraume identifies it; you think it is js your usual dislike to such frivolous things and ppl as flowers and nymphs etc.] [hades is emo imho 😊]

▸ masterlist

[skyboxeye]

Capturing the ambience of Age of Mythology's (2002) menus

Despite having a reputation as a sleeper hit, AoM has been remastered and re-released a few times: 2014's Extended Edition and 2024's Retold. This guide will focus on the original Gold version of the game.

Running the game

The DVD release (I used the European version) of AoM is recommended for its Windows 10-friendly DRM. During installation you can use the following Product Key for the base game:

XDWXF-2JCVG-VTX6T-6KYQ9-QDC4G

And for the Titans expansion:

CVF7C-QB3KY-GQW23-4DPF6-JDTVG

After installation patch your game using the DVD-specific patch.

Optimizing visuals

Be sure to set Graphics Detail to High inside AOM's in-game menus. This will enhance the visuals and unlock dynamic menu backgrounds scenes. Don't change resolution / bit depth - we'll adjust those later.

Now, close the game and follow this guide to maxing out AoM's graphical sub-options. It will walk you through the User.cfg and gfxconfig files.

If you find yourself stuck with a bad configuration, open persistent.cfg and verify its contents. Be sure to completely restart the game after any changes.

Extracting content

To unpack BAR archives use AOMed. I also found BAR Explorer but it didn't completely extract some archives, e.g. sound2.bar.

For Retold, try MissionLemur128's Resource Manager.

Removing the HUD

Pressing Ctrl + Up and Ctrl + Down only toggles[1] some UI elements, and doesn't work on the main menu. Thankfully I discovered two alternate solutions: modifying layout files, or applying console commands at runtime.

Option 1: Modifying UI layouts

Using an existing XML file, such as those contained in a mod or extracted from data.bar as a reference, we can provide replacement file(s) with all elements (AoM's engine calls them "gadgets") removed.

To hide the main menu UI, remove all elements inside the MainMenu gadget tag inside uipregamenew.xml. To restore the UI, undo your XML changes or delete your replace file altogether (assuming its parent BAR is in place).

Option 2: Developer console

To enable this, add +ShowConsole and +developer to your User.cfg. You can now use the grave, AKA tilde, key[2] while in-game to open a command line. Once open, we can cycle through commands, and see some documentation of each, using the Tab key (Shift + Tab cycles backwards).

Some commands, like uiEditorToggle as one example, seemingly do nothing. Others are contextual - for example, terrainFlatten only works inside the editor. Few text-outputting commands did anything for me, with notable exceptions like configDump().

To hide the in-game UI, we can run uiGameToggle(). Note, this does not do anything on the main menu, or in the editor. We can follow this up with uiHideCursor(). Maximize visibility with fog() and blackmap().

To hide the main menu UI, use gadgetToggle("MainMenu") after starting AoM. Gadget names can be found inside the relevant XML file for your layout.

Bonus: Opening menus in the editor

We can also load AoM's menu "scenarios" for exploration and editing. To do so, unpack the scenarios.bar and scenarios2.bar archives (using AOMed). For example we could remove each menu's iconic cloud borders[3]. This is all slightly easier in Extended Edition, where extraction is not required.

Catalogue of menu content

AoM has two scenes: Water and Norse. Titans introduced its own Water, plus several other unfinished ones that are only visible by browsing the game files. Of these, Greek, Egypt, and Underworld seem relatively more finished. In fact, the Greek scene from Titans serves as the menu background for Extended.

Speaking of EE, installing Tale of the Dragon will place you onto a new China-themed menu.

Footnotes

We can also use the uiMinimizeMainBackground and uiMaximizeMainBackground developer commands for this (see below)

Customizable inside your game.con and gamex.con files, under the Console Gadget Mode header

A surprisingly tricky process since the emitter is not well-visualized inside the editor - try blindly deleting Player 1 objects, centered on where the clouds form