#horrible-fated lots of men women and children

[after-witch]

your love for smiling man reminds me of my love for bill cipher from gravity falls. both have similar traits and also an ancient evil being although their origin might differ.

Definitely a different origin! I would say Bill is definitely more on the evil side, whereas the Smiling Man is more amoral but is willing to abide by a natural morality when called out. But only when called out, really. I will say that book #4 drops a lore bomb about the Smiling Man that gives him a lot more depth & interest & motivation info. I can't wait for everyone else whose been reading the series to get to read it.

#I mean don't get me wrong #smiling man has like #horrible-fated lots of men women and children #including innocent ones who didn't even bargain with him #also some of the stuff he says to the kids is just terribly mean for no reason #but he has standards!! okay. standards. #sometimes. #smiling man

[a-s-fischer]

One of the things I hear a lot from Gentile witches and neo-pagans who want to work with Lilith or claim to work with Lilith, is that she is actually a Mesopotamian goddess, usually either Ishtar/Inanna or Erishkigal, and that it was the Jews, with their horrible patriarchy juice, who slandered her and cast her down, and so the Jews do not deserve to say what happens to her and it isn't antisemitism to work with her, or to completely ignore what the Jews say about what she is in a Jewish context.

Lilith is not Ishtar or Erishkigal. However, there is a Mesopotamian figure that is pretty stinking analogous to Lilith, and is probably her folkloric ancestor, by which I mean the idea of Lilith probably comes from this Mesopotamian figure. In fact, Lilith almost certainly is either a Jewish version of this figure, or, they are both descended from the same Near Eastern and Mediterranean basin folkloric figure. That figure is Lamashtu.

Lamashtu is, much like Lilith, the supernatural embodiment of maternal and infant mortality, a figure of power and terror, who functions as a way to embody and cope with the profound dangers that are pregnancy, childbirth, and infancy without effective medical care. the Mesopotamians never worshiped Lamashtu, but they did seek to appease her, including making symbolic gifts to her, to keep her from visiting them, and killing them or their children.

An interesting side note is that there is also a Mesopotamian figure who specifically opposes Lamashtu and functions as the protector of pregnant women and infants, and that figure is Pazuzu, a wind spirit, who ruled over other wind spirits, including ones called the Iilu in the Akkadian language. Akkadian is a Semitic language, related to Hebrew, and this word is probably a cognate of Lilith, but the Iilu probably have no relationship to the figure of Lilith except her name. You might know Pazuzu as the demon featured in the movie, The Exorcist, and ironic fate for a mythological protector of women and children.

Anyway, if you'll remember, I implied above that the Lamashtu/Lilith figure, was present in various guises throughout the Mediterranean basin and the Near East, so there are of course figures analogous to both of them throughout the region, such as Lamia of Greece, and the Strix of Rome.

So if you really really want to work with a figure who functions as the supernatural embodiment of maternal and infant mortality, Lamashtu, Lamia, or the strix would all be excellent options that don't come from an extant closed religious practice. All the baby killing, none of the antisemitism and cultural appropriation.

While all three figures are almost certainly descended from the same folkloric root, they're all subtly different, because as stories and characters travel, they change. as such, they all have particular good points about them as figures of veneration.

Lanashtu is the OG bad bitch, who commanded fear, respect, and offerings, like a mythological mafiosa, collecting protection money.

Lamia has attached to her the story that she was one of Zeus's dubiously willing lovers, who was screwed over first by Zeus, the embodiment of patriarchical rule, then by a jealous Hera, the embodiment of patriarchal marriage, so if what attracted you to Lilith was the story from the Alphabet of Ben Sira, about a victim of the patriarchy getting her own back through violent vengeance, Lamia might be the girl for you. With her however, the emphasis is less on her murder of children, then on her seducing and eating men, though she does also get strongly associated with killing children, especially boys.

And the strix is particularly interesting, because the word comes down to us in the modern Italian word for witch, striga. Indeed, one of the theories as to where the witch figure came from in Early Medieval, and then Early Modern Christianity, was as the strix demon made human. This might explain the close association between Early Modern Witchcraft and infant mortality, including Italian stories of witches causing infants to die seemingly natural deaths, so that they could dig them up and eat them after their funerals, something that ties these human supposed witches very closely to demonic folkloric antecedents. If you are looking for a figure of unfairly maligned female power, the strix and her close association with later human witches, might be the one for you.

All three of these figures, much like Lilith herself, are reflections, both of the power women wielded even within patriarchal societies, over the process of pregnancy, birth, and childrearing, and also the powers of death and loss that everyone was subject to. There is something powerful, transgressive, and even healthy in acknowledging the fears and dangers presented by this death and loss,and for some people, that might take the form in venerating the underlying powers. If this is something that would be spiritually meaning for you, and you wish to work with such a figure, and you are not Jewish, please respect the fact that Lilith is part of a closed religious practice, and remember that Lilith has sisters, in other parts of the Mediterranean basin and the Near East, who are not from extant closed cultures, and who might serve your needs better anyway.

#a s fischer original #Lilith #jewish #jumblr #witchcraft

[0rinthered]

I am so passionate about Orin, like no it isn't fair she doesn't ever get the chance and Durge doesn't help her or care after the fact. Ironically what Orin did saved everyone and got Durge freedom if they chose it. The fact that all you can really do is insult her or call her stupid besides the "you've been abused and used option" which is a high roll to even convince her is so sad. I don't like mocking her knowing the whole context and why she's doing what she is. It's not a choice really. It feels wrong to me. She's a victim of so much abuse and grooming from all these awful men. I mean Saravok is a creepy ass misogynist who r worded Orin's sister/mom and people mock her about that in way that's really messed up.

The only person who even seems to show a bit of empathy or at least understanding of her is Minthara when she is a big victim of her. Orin punishes people because she's punished by Bhaal, I saw people post the dev notes the tragic context they should have made clear in the game. That she would have even tried to resist Bhaal before and when she did she got killed for it. In a fucked up way Minthara is the closest thing to showing her "love" or at least care, like I know it's not love but just someone like not being horrible to her or looking down on her for existing. She even says they had similar situations and upbringings so you save her that kind of fate. She said she saw herself reflected in Orin broken too. Sad about all the content they didn't give us because I know they said they wanted more Orin/Minthara stuff but I think ti deserved more than a few lines.

Orin's father is literally a child r*pist and apparently has a line where he says he likes her the same way he does her mom? LIKE WTF? and wants her to make babies with durge? I don't know if it is confirmed if he assaulted her or not but he obviously would if he wanted. He shows a lot of hate like he didn't effect what happened if he's mad about what Orin did to Durge. Felt so horrible killing her in the scene after you tell her the truth because she's totally a slave in body then too. It broke my heart. I don't like that they didn't make her background more of the forefront and just let people see her as this crazy one unless you think about her or find tidbits. She felt like a throwaway to me when she's so tragic and she's just mocked and hated by everyone. I hate abused children/women being painted as "crazy psychos" to make fun of. She's severely mentally ill. Ketheric is not a more sympathetic character, he chose to do all he did. Gortash is given more dignity and choice than her. I think Ketheric and his performance are overrated honestly, he just got more screentime and got to be more fleshed out so they say he's better. That's why people go "orin is just an unhinged boring murderhobo" SHE AND AZULA DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER

Yeah it's pretty frustrating - a lot is implied with her but man you really have to look for it, which a lot of people don't bother to do. Orin in my opinion is the most interesting of the three.

I know the general opinion seems to sway to Ketheric, and I really like him, but I think it's pretty ah... shallow? For lack of a better word. Maybe surface level? Like it's very straight forward in my opinion, which doesn't mean it's any less than Orin or Gortash but I think it's easier to absorb if that makes sense?

Whereas with both Orin and Gortash you really need to sniff around, Orin especially. Minthara is the companion she is attached to, as Gortash is Karlach (While it seems like the only connection Ketheric has to the camp is Shadowheart, but that's through Dame Aylin and Isobel strangely enough. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But he has an entire act to himself so...). But with Minthara, she is so so so easy to miss and thoughtlessly slaughter (ironically enough) so that's a whole bunch of Orin content absolutely nuked off of the bat.

So I suppose the bizarre pacing is to blame for Orin and Gortash kinda farting around, and Orin not being treated fairly compared to how the fandom treats durge. Again, quite "fitting" I guess. Orin doesn't get that privilege of pity and a chance at life whereas Durge gets two chances. The first being actually having a life outside of the temple, and the second being the tadpole. Why? Idk.

I don't even want a redemption for Orin. I think the choice should be there, and I think the choice should be made by her. Only her.

My ideal world would be Orin can escape, stay (what we currently have), or escape in her own little Orin way. To elaborate on that... I think Orin should be able to continue slaughtering people, but I think she should do it for herself. Not for Bhaal, not for the temple. But because SHE wants to. I do however think the ""novelty"" of that for her would vanish pretty quickly once there's no unholy purpose to it, but that's just part of the growth I guess. So she rejects Bhaal, and skitters away into the shadows. She isn't going to have a character arc in like a week and dye her hair white - despite Shadowheart and Orin's similarities - I unfortunately think it'll take a lot lot lot longer and might never happen.

Still, the main point is that she has a choice, something she has been devoid of her entire life. What she chooses to do with that is up to her and that's the beauty of it.

I could go on and on and on about it and how she should actually be given lots of choices but that would just be me rambling even more than I already am LMFAO

Anyway, Orin I love you pookie boobookeys, remember that there's more to life than pleasing someone who never seems to want to please you.

#rambling #I didn't think this through I just typed it as I went along #so dont get mad :)

[stromuprisahat]

Hi! I saw you read fire and blood, and i really like your commentary on books, so i wanted to ask what you think of the "theory" that the targaryen women are curse or that the have the some of the worse fates of the book? Cause i see that on tiktok a lot, i dont think it is very true.

Any way, hope your having a good end of year and a lovely new year! Ps. English is not my first language, sorry for any mistakes haha

Well, their fates are not exactly rosy, but tbh woman's fate in most of Westeros rarely is.

What makes it more prominent is that Targaryens are both ruling family- therefore theoretically closest to possible change- and foreigners with different customs at the beginning. Customs they abandoned to better fit in and because *cough* Jaehaerys is a dick, who got sick of listening to his personal babymaker *cough*.

It's a gradual loss of importance.

Rhaenys and Visenya ruled alongside Aegon. They made decisions in his absence, they sat the Iron Throne just like him.

Alyssa lived in the shadow of the Queen Dowager and her own weak husband. Later she got married off to an abusive prick, who fucked her into her early grave. That's certainly a horrible way to go.

And the long reign of Jaehaerys "Viva La Patriarchy!" came.

You can trace plenty of what went wrong to him.

The original Heir was his older brother Aegon. Perhaps "Uncrowned", but he had heirs of his own before he died- twins Aerea and Rhaella- girls, but heirs. What's more- their mother, Rhaena Targaryen, was three years older than her brother-husband. There's the question how does Valyrian succession really work, since Targaryens always liked to marry the oldest "couple" to keep the line "pure", but more than man/woman, they seems to care about whether you're a dragonrider or not. Even if we accept Westerosi law, where son comes before daughter, Rhaena should still be Regent to her children. Instead they're skipped in favour of a third son of their grandfather, their uncle. Apparently, Andal and First Men's laws can be ignored as long as it strengthens patriarchy.

At first, Jaehaerys claimed he'll rule with Alysanne, but then she started to get unpleasant ideas and it got more comfortable to sidetrack her to cradles and children's rooms. Once wifey was out of the way, it was unlikely daughters will fare better. Especially since there was so many of them. Their value shrunk to their maidenhead, Jaehaerys' interest in them to how to get rid of them before they lose their worth. Although one could argue (I totally would.) he didn't see daughters as "enough" even before there was so many of them.

Jaehaerys was a sexist pig, who shouldn't even sit the Iron Throne.

Next on the list of his dick-enforcing deeds, is the Great Council. His Heir died- again, uncrowned-, but with a granchild on its way. Instead of naming Rhaenys, or even waiting for her firstborn to arrive, so they can check for appropriate parts, Jaehaerys names his own secondborn- Balon- and after his death, poor Jaehaedick has no idea, who else should rule after him. It's not like the rule above says it's clearly Rhaenys- at that point with a son of her own for fuck's sake-, so he figures the fate of the kingdom should be decided by a bunch of MEN, and summons the Lords to choose their next liege. Surprise, surprise! They pick a weak man, instead of "a fiery maiden".

There's not much positive to be said about Viserys, but his insistance on succession would certainly be the no. 1. Rhaenyra could've been Targaryen's way out of stiff patriarchy. Feminine, adored by masses, supported by her spouse, leaning to her Valyrian heritage... that could've changed Westerosi society from up, but the Dance killed that hope. Even though her children ruled eventually, neither the Broken king, nor his wife-less brother were likely to do anything.

Targaryen or not, a woman is a walking womb now.

Their "curse" is patriarchy and shitty men with power.

Their fates fit their "importance".

Rhaenys and Visenya died as conquering Queens- in a battle and lucky to die of old age.

Rhaena was sidelined by her weak father, by her younger brother, she lost too much and never learned to let go. It killed one of her daughters- ironically the skipped Heir.

Alysanne was killed by her brother-husband's sexism. He was at least partly to blame for the fates of all his daughters (and I count Aemma here too, because her marriage was his doing too). Only the most strong-headed one managed to escape.

Rhaenys died as the Queen she was- perhaps uncrowned just like her father-, but she went out in a battle, mutilating her foes, leaving grandchildren in the line on the Throne behind. If only they'd live long enough to get there. She might have died relatively young, but she played important part in her side of the Dance and she's one of few, whose death I'd call good.

Rhaenyra had particularly cruel life. Ironically, it was work of a woman working within the confinces of patriarchy that kept ruining her life, and said woman's sons, who eventually took everything from her, including her life.

No curse's necessary.

P.S.: Neither is it mine, so as long as we figure out what we mean... 😉

#reply #ASoIaF #valyrianscrolls #House Targaryen #Let's point a finger at the guilty party: #Jaehaerys I Targaryen

[esther-dot]

The thing is the Willas and Tyrion post made to show the situation for Sansa was almost similar. Both are old men, disabled, heir to their house, trying to steal Sansa birthright. I don't think that op once said that Willas is cruel like Tyrion. I never saw Jonsa hated Willas. I think op means that Tyrells will be better than Lannisters yet they are opportunist like Lannisters. Maybe some do not like the pairing but no one called Willas a bad guy.

(in reference to this post)

I didn’t see the post my anon was referring to, but often, one post inspires other posts on a similar topic and depending on who you follow, you’ll experience a totally different conversation. Not all of us put our posts in the main tag so sometimes we’re responding to things the next person hasn’t seen. If you check on one blog and see a post once, it’s easy to ignore. If you scroll through and see the same post 5 times with added commentary or tags, and additional posts talking about it too, it hits you in a totally different way. It sounded to me like my anon felt what was happening on their dash went beyond the Lannister and Tyrell comparisons. I’m not characterizing the original post in any which way, just saying as the conversation evolved my anon got a specific impression that they objected to, and as I had spoken fondly of Willas before, they reached out. I didn’t mind in the least. Although, for what it’s worth, I haven’t seen Jonsas hating on Willas either. The benefits of curating your tumblr experience!

I agree with you that there is a comparison to be made between the Lannisters and the Tyrells, and that it is worthwhile to find parallels since the author enjoys those so much. I just think the contrast between the two scenarios (marriage to Tyrion vs marriage to Willas) better highlight the issue at hand rather than saying the parallels mean they’re the same. Saying, oh, here’s a good guy and a much nicer family and Sansa could have something rather beautiful there and—oh shit, they’re still using her, little girls are still being handed off as the means to an end, Sansa is still not being seen as a person—that’s the interesting stuff to me. 

Just because one family chooses methods that are less directly violent doesn’t mean there aren’t victims to their machinations, and there’s a really interesting direct parallel with the Lannisters killing Robb, and Olenna killing Joffrey. Obviously, one is a whole hell of a lot more sympathetic, one is a lot more evil, but there are a lot of intersections in their stories. But I think there’s a difference between living within the context of their world and being particularly evil. I suppose that’s what my previous anon and I agree on. Houses cared about advantageous marriages, marrying off children to procure things/alliances was normal (as in, the Starks were gonna do this), but even though it’s normal to them, we shouldn’t be ok with it, and we should recognize the shades of grey to each scenario. But the underlying sentiment is that it is all bad. It leaves girls and women incredibly vulnerable and that plays out later in other people’s stories where people marry and then kill women to get what they want. I believe that fate awaited Sansa if she had given Tyrion a child. I’ve written before that Sansa saved herself and the North when she refused to have sex with Tyrion, and as weird as the castle-y sex metaphors are, I think that supports the idea that this is something the author is consciously writing about.

But back to this topic specifically, in spite of the similarities between the scenarios, the big difference is that the Lannisters were holding Sansa hostage and forced her into the marriage, the Tyrells were offering her an escape from a horrible situation. Darling Sansa immediately romanticizes it and dreams of love and family, but even though she didn’t understand that the offer was not about her happiness and they had a goal, if we compare the two offers, if Sansa had a choice, she would probably choose Willas because she was a prisoner to the family that murdered hers and being forced into marrying one of them is a special brand of horrific.

Another thought I have is that we need to be very careful when comparing Willas and Tyrion because my other anon may have felt that people were emphasizing Tyrion’s dwarfism as his defining trait or Willas’s bad leg his. To their world that matters, but to me as a reader (to everyone in our corner of the fandom, I believe), I care more about who they are. And from what we know, as individuals, they’re nothing alike. Just because Willas would be married to Sansa doesn’t mean he’d have the same goals because we don’t know that he is power hungry or wants Winterfell for himself. His family is a bit conniving, but I don’t think we know that about him. Tyrion will never inherit his father’s castle, but Willas is the heir to Highgarden. That’s really scary for Sansa fans and that element, Tyrion’s lust for that position, (potentially) isn’t there in her marriage to Willas. I think that’s an important variable. So, broadly speaking, sure, similarities, but other Jonsas have notes there Willas may be foreshadowing for Jon, share parallels with him, and I tend to think they’re onto something. Anyway, if we’re thinking of Sansa as a person, it makes a huge difference that one man is a bad person (rapist, murderer) and the other is by all accounts a sweetheart. That one man has nothing and desperately wants title/castle/his evil father’s approval, while the other is loved by his family, has his own estate, and while his father wants to become more powerful, his methods are much more in line with normal standards for their world. So, not only are Sansa’s feelings about it different, her circumstances entering into such a marriage and prospects after are as well. That matters to me. I like to imagine Cat’s reaction to the news of a Sansa x Willas marriage compared to her reaction to them forcing Sansa to marry Tyrion. I think it would be quite different.

As I read your message and responded, I just kept thinking that it’s possible we don’t even really disagree. I can see why someone would say “it’s the same” and I think you can understand those of us who say, “but let’s make sure we acknowledge where it isn’t.” So, I don’t really feel like I’m arguing with you, just saying I come at it from a different angle, as my previous anon did.

#ask dot

[ghcstvalleychief]

I’m sorry but kids shouldn’t be around as*holes that say horrible things about women. I sorta am happy that women are not included in this whole mess… the horrors that we would hear if they were to actually be included.. I would only be ok if that one individual gets kicked out from the company, then we can welcome all the beautiful women. I wouldn’t wish a bad experience on any woman let alone kids…, what are they trying to do ???

The industry is horrible to children and women as it is know to have kids act and coexist with individuals that have horrible mindsets it’s just 🤢 makes me sick to my stomach…

Exactly! There's a silver lining to the company only wanting men. I'm not saying the men deserve this fate but I am saying it's a good thing there aren't any women involved in any of this crap.

Minors/children aren't protected in this industry and I think it's a bad idea all around to include them in something like this. Unless there's going to be some protective measures put in place to shield these minors, then there shouldn't be any minors at all. With the way this industry refuses to cut ties with misogynists, homophobes, and predators, BOC is just like the rest of this industry. They're only looking to make a quick buck. They don't have a shred of integrity. It's all about their greed.

It's never getting better because the fans are okay with these types of things. By and large, the fandom responds to these types of individuals with a warm welcome. These actors are given a lot of support and adulation, which is troubling but not surprising. However, there's an advantage to greed. These companies won't willingly attach themselves to and form business relationships with actors who have that kind of dirt on them. Actors who have bad scandals attached to their names aren't going to be booked like crazy because the companies don't want to lose money. Bad press is bad press.

It's why there's a very specific subset of fandom complaining about the lack of schedule for a certain someone right now as we speak. I hate to defend BOC for any reason but they can't post a schedule of events for events that don't exist. There are no events for him outside of this tour. It's not a matter of him trying to choose the best brand deal for himself. It's a matter of him simply not being marketable at all. It's why his acting partner has been scheduled for all of these solo events and it's also why his acting partner is suddenly being attached to a completely different actor entirely by the fans, but this is all conjecture of course. 😏😏😏😏

So, what the fans want matters somewhat but your fave is ultimately responsible for the cultivation and subsequent outcome of these campaigns.

#anonymous #answered asks #it's amazing what you pick up on when you listen & observe #🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 #you can never win when you play dirty

[zalrb]

Do you think Anna Gunn is a good actress? I always loved her one liners in breaking bad. Also, do you think there are any similarities between Betty Draper, skyler white and Carmela soprano?

I think that she held her own in Breaking Bad but that there were far better performances.

In terms of similarities ... not particularly. I mean there are broad similarities in that I think they're all lonely, unhappy, and they're all married to morally corrupt (or at least ambiguous) men, they've all had affairs in one way or the other, and like, with Betty and Carmela, broad similarities in the way Don and Tony react to them wanting to get jobs but they're all very different characters.

Carmela is a hypocrite, she waxes poetic about being a good Catholic while reaping the benefits of Tony's criminal activity and when she sees a therapist, her qualms about Tony's lifestyle are only about his affairs while the therapist lays out for her that he's a criminal and she's complicit and she remains complicit and damns her children to the same fate by not leaving him and she simply rejects that truth.

Betty's whole thing is that she was raised to believe her beauty was her only skill/power/asset, which had worked for her in the past but in the changing era/times/decades of Mad Men where other women and the other female characters are evolving and growing, she's basically a remnant of the past/stuck in the past. Her growth is stunted, which is why she also acts incredibly childish and petty.

Skyler, at the beginning anyway, is a voice of reason:

in the early days she was the voice of morality on the show. She was the one telling him, “You can’t cook crystal meth.” She’s got a tough job being married to this asshole

I also don't think she's as fully-formed as especially Carmela but also Betty (who also isn't as fully-formed as Carmela imo but more fully-formed than Skyler), which I think is partly on purpose:

[Vince Gilligan] would really caution me, because, personally, I’m a big crier and I’m  emotional, so he really had to remind me a lot, “She’s not that, she’s  not as in touch with her emotions and she’s not able to necessarily  access that.” She’s got more steel inside of her, quite frankly. And  having Skyler be that way was really smart because if you had been  watching, like in Season 2, and thinking, “Oh my god this poor woman. I  can’t believe he’s doing this stuff to her and to this family,” then how  would the show be able to carry on? Because if you lose your sympathy  for Walt that early what are you going to do with the show? Much too  early you would have been thinking, “This guy’s horrible, look what he’s  doing to this poor woman.”

but she's the antithesis to Carmela, even when she starts helping Walt, she's eventually like, when is this enough, though, like when will you be satisfied, when is this over, when can you walk away, Carmela was all about what she felt was owed to her and with Betty, when she discovers that Don is Dick after dealing with his multiple infidelities and therefore finding out that he's just an all-around cheat, she tells no one about that but she divorces him whereas Skyler eventually ends up being an active participant in Walt's criminal activity, even betraying Marie and Hank until she realizes that she had a version of what was going on with Walt in her head that was simply untrue. So rather than similarities, I think I would say they're all different shades/approaches to morally complicated situations with spouses.

[entoman-created-by-the-tallgreys]

Time, Flow's, . . . Fate, Know's !

Children look at their door to think I'll never become that, until they do.

. . .

Little girls look at women on the streets laughing and thinking I can never become something like that until they're in their place.

. . .

Little boys look at men who are homeless on the street and they think I'll never be there until they are.

. . .

Children look at teenagers and think I'll never act that Goofy and stupid but could possibly make me act that bad until they act that bad and they don't understand why they're acting that bad and they can't even see it that bad but they look back at their childhood in real life how that was stupid.

. . .

Now I want you all to turn your eyes to the elderly how old people just kind of don't give a Shit !

. . .

Are the old folks just kind of sit back and just wait for death.

. . .

And adults think I'll never get old and broken down like that I'm healthy I'm strong I'm . . .

! ! ! Lean ! ! !

I'm fixing ox how can I possibly absolutely possibly break down like that until you're a little old man in till, big buff Chad is a little old man who can't even wipe his own ass without falling off the toilet.

. . .

And I want you all to turn your attentions to God.

. . .

Yes God has got to be one of the most horrible spirits ever exist probably one of the worst deities of them all, but just says the children think the adults are the worst creatures that ever spawn on the Earth so too all of us look at God who is infinitely older than even the oldest of the primordial deities and primordials come before the Titans by the way.

. . . . .

We may think of God it's the worst thing existence we may think of God as worse than the devil.

. . .

We have to also understand that God is so old Cronus is still a baby in comparison to him if even that ?

. . .

Some of the oldest deities in existence are still extremely young in the eyes of God I mean like they're toddlers compared to him.

. . .

So you have to give God a lot of slack you Really do.

. . .

I know a lot of atheist you're either going to dismiss this post and they're not going to give God any slack but either way I don't care my point making this pose to let you know that you have to understand the frame of reference.

. . .

One of the oldest things I have in my life is perception is a Bitch.

. . .

You never really quite sure what is until you is.

. . .

Not the baby but the child looks at the adult as an Asshole, and the adult look at the elderly old woman who wants to screaming of Sandy's and everyone as an Asshole.

. . .

And then the teenagers are seen by the adults as bad people the ones they were team consumed by other dolls is bad people.

. . .

Perception of the humongous pain in the ass is a mix of your emotions your knowledge your wisdom and what's going on at the time.

. . .

But don't forget God's mean although he's not evil see that's the problem God is mean and not evil it's a big difference between mean and Evil.

. . .

Evil wants to hurt you, mean kind of just doesn't care.

. . .

Evil likes hurting you but not in the same way as a prank.

. . .

Whining someone on fire and watching them burn to God it's kind of like a prank to him at this point it's just a prank an extremely mean prank !

😡

But it's a prank.

. . .

Oh ! - and on top of it all I've come up with a name to Define what God is I found a word to find God White Fire is a good idea but what he really looks like as a giant Platinum star Platinum white star which is hotter than anything in existence !

. . .

#God #Allah #Ptah #Divine #Creator #All Father #Holy One #Sacred #One #Pyromaniac #. . . #But #I'm an Aromaniac #😈

[000life-is-meaningless000]

The age of decadence that The Age were in right now is one of the most horrible ages of all the ages in existence

It gives you the added benefit of easy resource and low sacrifice but it takes away everything else

He even takes away a purpose to live and meaning it takes away spirituality it takes away the will to live it takes everything away and gives you overpowering overzealous lawful evil extremely powerful lawful evil government

Literally tyrannical and Almighty and Almighty lawful evil one world government

When Society was more broken up and shittier and things were more fucked up you couldn't have a system like that resources weren't plentiful but now that we are in the age of decadence we are now in a fate worse than hell.

Because just like hell is eternal all reincarnation back to the Earth will be simply like being in Hell For Eternity it's only going to get worse and it's never going to get better.

Are only Mercy are only Freedom would be a nuclear Holocaust or the world going into defcon 1 we need a worldwide apocalypse we need something to literally backhand all this the scientific breakthroughs all the progress and literally wipe away all progress or as much as possible in chaotic destruction to give our meaningless existence is a little more purpose a little more reason to go forward

( D.E.C.O.N 1 )

Because it's hard for people to even Define what sexy anymore because women can't judge men for being sexy because men can't do manly things and if you don't use it you'll lose it mother nature don't give a fuck about you

Women can't judgment for being sexy cuz Male's ( And Female's ) Can't be Strong & Aggressive, violent frightful or heroes and warriors or even after the villains women don't got many more the age of decadence turned men into a bunch of fucking pussies

And the age of decadence made women stupid, it made their lives too easy it made it made it so where they didn't have to think anymore it made out it gave them all the attention they wanted because of the internet it gave them a life super duper easy until they get older and nobody wants to fuck them anymore then their heartbroken and confused

( The age of decadence has made everyone retarded, the women have become Princess Bimbo's, and the men have become completely and utterly lost and extremely stupefied, ( males are now pussy idiots they're pussified complete idiots, the men are such not men anymore that they act more like women and look like them they look like children and they look like women and real women are utterly disgusted by this ) The end result is that besides all the extremely toxic chemicals which is also playing a part in this and the toxic water and the toxic rain and that super toxic medication human beings are now starting to zombified to death, life is so fucking easy there's literally nothing you got to do but do your fucking job to survive and your job doesn't even build you up your job is tortures you for fucking fake ass resources and then you fucking, Die )

In the old world there was no such thing as a cat collector he didn't have old ladies collecting a billion cats

That literally a modern day problem in the old world old women would be wise and old and they know a few tricks and they know a lot of things

WOMEN WERE KNOWN FOR BEING EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT AND WISE WISDOM WAS A VERY DEEP FEMININE TRAIT

It's also a masculine trait but women had a different brain than men so they had they understood things differently and could see things differently and could teach men things extremely useful but nowadays all they want to do is show their asshole in a camera somewhere and get 1 billion likes

😡 - ( the age of decadence has turned women into a bunch of bimbos, over emotional hypersensitive they have the emotional stability of a little girl that just scraped her knee )

In the old world women weren't based entirely around their sexual theme men still wanted to fuck like crazy that never went away that's normal and women still wanted to have a lot of sex

What, I'm trying to fucking tell you is that in the old world people had to be strong or they were dead they were at the mercy of their own intelligence they were at the mercy of luck they were at the mercy of paranormal forces that they eventually realize were Spiritual beings and eventually they experience higher up being called deities the Divine family the Divine alien race that covenants all life and all other aliens existence and they have a super member or a super deity one deity that went beyond them all and we simply know that dat by the name God !

It's called it is a it is the ultimate God but it simply goes by the name God

There are many deities very close to this being very much like this being who are very very high up right next to God some have options like him some are almost as omnipotent as him these are these are ultimate deities but there's only one true ultimate deity . . . . . so far

My point me writing this is for Me to let you know at the age of decadence is actually some kind of super Poison

If there's any hope for the world hope for chaos hope for the apocalypse don't hope for peace we're running away in peace peace is killing us peace is the poison peace is the enemy

With suffering because of peace or rotting away because of Peace the pigeons became dodos because of fucking peace

Do not wish for peace it's killing all of us wish for chaos wish for evil wish for Darkness wish for destruction wish for the Apocalypse

I don't give a fuck if you wish for an alien invasion or an asteroid to hit the earth wish for nuclear apocalypse wish for something that will destroy this world just Enough so it can Grow back

Because on this conjecture women are going to get Dumber men are going to get Dumber men are going to become more pussies women are going to just keep on having sex they're going to keep pumping out dumber and dumber babies those babies are going to live in the same stupid system they're going to keep getting fucking Dumber the human intelligence is going to plummet and then that may be the end of the human race

There's no need to survive there's no challenge there's nothing to make you Stronger, There's Nothing, there's literally nothing

Need to pray for chaos you need to pray for death and destruction

You need to pray for the end of the world you need to pray because without that there's nothing else we're all hopeless we're always going to run away and we all died in peace without war was going to kill us all but really we slowly wide away and genetically Rotted away because of fucking Peace

All life in universe is basically like the dodo it's life became too easy it started to break down our environment told our DNA that we had no challenges anymore we didn't have to even worry about biological challenges and so use it or lose it motherfucker and that's what happens in nature use it or lose it

☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️💀☠️

#Science #Red Pill

[skyflyinginaction]

MDSZ Name Meaning Explanations

Wow MDSZ has intricate naming: there are a lot of interesting meanings that fit very well with the characters!

One thing I realized when I researched names is that Chinese names, like Japanese names, are filled with a lot of nuances that have to do with the characters themselves and their role in the story. The character’s names subtly explain their roles and personality in the story.

These are the characters I noticed are the ones that don’t have a lot of posts about their names. I decided I am going to do a post on the characters whose name meanings are not much talked about in the fandom.

This post is heavily inspired by thisworldgodonlyknows who made a post explaining the meaning of the names from one of MXTX  works and what it has to do with corresponding with the characters.

MXTX’s names for her characters in her works seem to be chosen intuitively. This makes sense because the names she chooses have a lot to do with both the characters and their arc in the story.

I won’t be doing any explanations on Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Yanli

because they already had more than enough metas on them. I’m not a Chinese speaker, so although I will explain my research to the best of my ability in this post, take it with a grain of salt.

Mo Xuanyu (莫玄羽)

Mo Xuanyu’s entire name is a subtle reference to his background in the story.

His surname Mò/莫 means "do not, is not, can not" or "there is none who -“

The character in his surname is used to refer to saying something that is puzzling, baffling or impossible to explain in the Chinese language.

This would make sense when talking about Mo Xuanyu since all we know about him is that he's one of Jin Guangshan’s many illegitimate children. Once a disciple of the Jin Clan until his expulsion due to his homosexuality and harassment of the Jin sect leader Jin Guangyao, his expulsion resulted in more abuse at the hands of his family. The abuse he suffered caused his mind to mentally deteriorate, producing a vengeful side of his personality which led him to take up demonic cultivation leading him to perform the body offering ritual to bring Wei Wuxian back to get revenge on his family for the abuse he suffered from.

We don’t know an awful lot about him or his personality other than his background so this makes him come off as very mysterious.

The character in his given name is Xuán/玄 means "black/mysterious”

The character Xuán/玄 is another character to refer to the color black in a specific context in Chinese but when this character is used it also has negative connotations. The symbolism that black is associated within Chinese culture is destruction, evil, disasters, sadness, and suffering; it is considered an unfortunate color. The symbolism for the color black goes very well with Xuanyu as a Character in his role. The bad fortune aspect could reference how he was expelled from the Jin sect, his suffering under the abuse of the Mo family, and wishing for revenge on them for the abuse he suffered under wishing destruction on them. Black the color of evil this can refer to his interest in demonic cultivation and his connection to Wei Wuxian who practiced demonic cultivation donned black clothes and was called evil by the cultivation world.

Black is another way to refer to yin because yin has the color black. Wei Wuxian’s birth name Wei Ying comes from yin as in yin and yang the character Ying (嬰) from Wei Wuxian birth name comes from Ying ling or infant spirit in Chinese used to refer to the spirits of dead fetuses Which is a possible nod to his demonic cultivation. Ying means infant it can also come from yin as in ghost, death, and evil a subtle reference to he brings Wei Wuxian back through the body offering ritual.

The second character in his given name yǔ/羽 means “feather" (羽) is the character is used for “immortal" or "ascending" this can be considered to be an irony to him similar to how someone who didn’t ascend in cultivation is equivalent to someone who cannot fly. Mo Xuanyu is someone who didn’t ascend in cultivation hence his weak cultivation. (羽) when the language is used in a negative connection meaning “ascend" or "passed away” in Chinese this is given insight into how he died mysteriously with the body offering ritual. His entire given name can refer to how he vanished without a trace, mysteriously and without a sound, like a feather.

Qin Su (秦愫)

Her surname doesn’t mean anything in Chinese; it is just a surname  Her given name Sù/愫 means “guileless and sincere” in Chinese this can refer to what was described in the novel as appearance and personality-wise someone innocent and naive.

If you look closely her entire name is a homophone to Qingsu (情愫 qíng sù sentiment feeling) a phrase that is used to describe feelings in Chinese.

Qin Su is an emotional character, guided by her own emotions. This makes her different from other characters who are corrupt and squash their sentimentality for ambition or revenge since the emotional aspect makes her name sound like a sentiment feeling.

Qin Su is guided by her emotions which give her strength An example of this is noted in her backstory. Is when JGY saved her during the sunshot campaign gave her the will to pursue him. The most prominent scene of an emotional outburst where she openly lambasts her husband/brother for his deception and murder of her son her feelings of rage and betrayal gave her the strength to actively resist JGY as he attempts to coax her into giving out the name of who gave her the letter.

An innocent emotional character compared to the corrupt cultivators who died horribly who was too innocent to survive in the corrupt world of cultivators and could not handle knowing the dark truths.

Yu Ziyuan (虞紫鸢)

The character in her surname Yú/虞 means "be anxious or worry." If you dive deeper into her character it speaks to one of her major concerns to how her husband perceives herself and their son in comparison to Wei Ying. Her surname references her major insecurities.

Zǐ/紫 means “purple" her signature color and yuān/鸢 means "kite (bird)” the kite is a type of bird of prey this speaks to her aggressive and fierce personality and strong cultivation.

Zǐyuān (紫鸢) is also another way to refer to the Chinese wall iris; purple is the color of the iris, so this again references to her signature color. Iris has noble connotations that speak to her noble status and a fact that she is a graceful and elegant woman even with her bad temper. Purple flowers are tied to royalty represent dignity and pride both speak to her tremendous pride and noble status.

Luo Qingyang (罗青羊)

Next is Mian Mian

Luō/罗 means “silk” in Chinese; this can invoke the trope "silk hiding under steel.” Underneath her delicate appearance is a tough backbone; she is not afraid to stand up to her own beliefs and the people she cares for.

The character in her given name Qīng/青 means “green" but when used in classical Chinese Qīng is another way to refer to “black”.

yáng/羊 means “sheep.” Sheep are considered innocent in Chinese; the sheep symbolism could emphasize her initial appearance as a frail damsel in distress who needs to be saved. A woman who is considered weak and dumb as a sheep by the sexist men of society.

Also, in ancient Chinese symbolism, sheep represent justice, which goes hand in hand with her tough backbone who is not afraid to stand up to her own beliefs for what’s right and wrong.

So, her given name together means “black sheep.” She would be considered the black sheep in the world of cultivator being born a servant and a woman and easily dismissed.

The black sheep part can refer to how someone who chooses to outcast herself from mainstream cultivation society in favor of pouring her own life as a rough cultivator on its outskirts with her family.

Her nickname MianMian comes from Chinese sheep wool which is called mian yang (绵羊).

Jin Rusong (金如松)

The character of his first name Rú/如 has the same character and meaning as Jin Ling birth name Rúlán/如兰

This refers to how he is the same generation as Jin Ling.

The second character sōng/松 means "pine tree.”

If you put the characters of his given name together means "to be like a pine tree” this Sounds like the phrase "to make like a tree and leave” This can note his one-time appearance in the story. Pine trees symbolize longevity and long life; this is ironic for him because his fate of dying young.

Jinzhu and Yinzhu (金珠 &. 银珠)

Another two minorish characters are Jīnzhū/金珠 and Yínzhū/银珠 their names mean “silver pearl and gold pearl” this doesn't mean much on the surface since the meaning of their names is obvious.

In Chinese pearls, gold and silver are connected to wealth, money, and status. They are meant to say something about Madam Yu’s status as a noble and to emphasize their relationship between master and servant.Gold and silver are valuable and prized this empathizes them being Madam Yu’s prized servants, but this can also indicate something about them as people: they are both known for being extremely skilled cultivators. Their fancy names highlight how prized they are personally to Madam Yu as her right/left-hand women.

Jin Zixuan (金子轩)

Zi/子 means (child), Zi/子 is a generational character that is used in the Jin clan by Guangshan to name his children this can Zixuan is the only legitimate child of the sect leader of his father.

The second character xuān/轩 means "a tall pavilion.” The character  xuān/轩 is used to mean “dignified as a king.” His entire name can refer to his position as the inheritor of the Jin clan with all their wealth and estate prestige as well as his lofty attitude.

Jin Ling (金凌)

There was already a meta on Jin Ling birth name Jin Rulan,

His courtesy name Líng/凌 means "rise above.” The e name it goes with the statement "I’ll rise above others;” he wants people to think differently about him due to their prejudice for having no parents and rise above the people’s perceptions of him.

This can mean  his character development  that he’ll rise above the adults of society and escape the prejudice they eat up through his growing acceptance of Wei Wuxian and maturity at the end when he takes over as a sect leader.

Wen Ning (温 宁)

Wen Ning’s given name Níng/宁 means “peace"

His name notes his kind nature in contrast to his cruel, power-hungry relatives and his peaceful nature even when turned into fierce corpses.

His courtesy name Qiónglín/琼林 means “beautiful forest;” this notes his timid personality who hides behind others who is seen hiding behind his sister when first introduced and his low confidence in himself. Forests are used to hide outlaws. This can refer to how he had to hide from society since it deemed him dangerous since he was restructured by Wei Wuxian.

Wen Qing (温情)

Wen Qing’s entire name (Wēn Qíng,温情) when put together means “tenderness” it shares the same character(情) as Qin Su’s name.

She does have a kind-sounding name. At first glance she seems harsh and aggressive but she’s shown to be very kind as shown by her willingness to continuously save WWX and her care for her relatives especially Wen Yuan, and her tenderness and love feelings for her younger brother.

She is also the one who tells WWX “thank you” and “I’m sorry” important arc words that exemplify humility and empathy which WWX then passes onto Jin Ling.

Lan Qiren (蓝启仁)

I found Lan Qiren’s name ironic because the character in his name rén /仁 means “benevolence,” the same one used for kindness and humanity.

I find this ironic in the way he treats his nephews prizing them on the surface as gentlemen but not as individual people.

I find the Qǐ/启  “open" part ironic as well because he doesn’t hold an open mind with Wei Wuxian’s antics considering him a “corrupting influence” on his nephew and disapproved of his use of demonic cultivation. Reluctance to accept him and Lan Wangji’s marriage, scolding Lan Xichen for showing grief over his best friend’s death despite his feelings and life in danger. On the surface, it doesn’t seem like he actually holds any kindness but when examined the character rén /仁 it fits his personality well.

The character rén /仁 came from Confucianism. Ren is the fundamental virtue in Confucian that represents the moral qualities that govern man and his relationship with others. It’s considered the perfect virtue or can be categorized as the ren of virtue and ren of affection. Ren of affection is considered compassion and empathy for others as well as altruism for another human being. Ren of virtue symbolizes the perfect virtue of moral perfection and human excellence, to become a morally perfect individual to nurture morally upright individuals that are grounded in moral values.

When I looked deeper into rén /仁 it says a lot about him as a character which is that he cares about the rules of the Lan sect and gets angry at any perceived misconduct. Though he lacks the kindness and humility of ren he has the rules of ren Qiren have more of the ren or virtue is seen how he treats his nephews characterized them as perfect moral gentlemen first than people the second build on his high standards to his nephews, to be honest, righteous and immaculate raise them to be model students.

This can reference his status as a teacher in how he teaches both his nephew and students to be upright and moral citizens of society. the meaning in his given name "Open benevolence” can be on how he preaches the rules to others in short openly preaches the ren in Confucianism the character rén /仁 suits someone who cares about the rules not the compassion of ren.

Lan Jingyi (蓝景仪)

Jǐng/景 means “scenery"

Jingyi’s second character yí/仪 contains the meaning "courtesy, etiquette, manners" and comes from Yi which is something that is used in etiquette and ceremonial.

His name can be a reference to him being in the Lan sect and his and Qiren’s names are made to represent the Lan sect principles.

When you look at Lan Jingyi he doesn’t seem to fit the traditional standards of a Lan sect disciple with being both brash and outspoken, but he is the Laniest of the Lan sect disciples there is. He does care about the Lan sect rules and gets angry at anyone who breaks them this is shown with the way he gets annoyed at Wei Wuxian in Cloud Recess for breaking the rules and how he embodies the Lan sect motto is when he speaks up for Wei Wuxian against the cultivators during the second segue of the burial mounds. He shows to be different in the way he follows the rules and discipline, not in a quiet, stiff way but a very loud outspoken way.

Jin Guangyao (金光瑶)

His name is a cruel irony to his character and symbolic of his relationship with him and his father.

His birth name is Meng Yao. Meng/孟 means " eldest amongst brothers” this can mean being the only son of his mother.  Yáo/瑶 means "jade, precious stone” this can infer how he is beloved by his mother.

But his name Yáo can likely be a reference to the pearl button Jin Guangshan gave Meng Shi. The pearl button is symbolic of his relationship to Meng Shi and Guangyao.

Another is seen in his courtesy name Guangyao is that he lacked the generational name Zi like the rest of his father’s children. There’s a reason for that.Him not sharing the generational character means that Jin Guangyao is acknowledged as part of the family but not as a son. This showed that Guangshan accepted him due to his accomplishment only to further his ambitions for the Jin clan and insulted him by saying he was not in the same status as his sons denying him from an equal standing among them. He was never acknowledged as having equal standing with them because of his status as the prostitute’s son.

His courtesy name Guang/光 carries the same characters in Guangshan’s name this can apply his desperation to get his fathers love and approval to how he does anything to gain it.

Only to realize that he never thought much of him and was like the prostitutes in the brothel he uses then discards when he’s done with them just like how his father did with his mother. he doesn’t actually think much of Guangyao and Meng Shi only being valued Meng Shi for giving him personal amusement and pleasure but not value as a person and GuangYao for his accomplishments for his political goals, not the person himself he’s someone of little value to his father as the pearl button had.

Nie Mingjue (聂明玦)

Second, of the Venerated Triad Nie Mingjue. If you split the name character apart Míng/明 means “clear, bright” and jué玦 means "a penannular jade.” His name is read as "bright penannular jade"

Jué玦 comes from Yujue/ 玉玦 which is a jade pendant that is often used as a symbol of separation or resolution for homophony reasons reference as someone who has their mind made up and won’t change it; this notes his relationship with Guangyao and NMJ’s personality.  The separation and resolution note his tragic broken bond with Jin Guang Yao whose rigid view of morality and sense of justice and Guangyao’s desperation for approval worsened their relationship over time.

His name goes well with his rigid views of justice and black and white mortality he displays. He is someone who never listens to the views and opinions of others and never empathizes with them; he is someone who is deadset and rigid in their views who won’t listen to someone’s opinions regarding his own rigid black and white morality and harsh pursuit of justice.

Lan Xichen(蓝曦臣)

Lan Xichen name xīchén/曦臣 means “Chancellor of the morning sun”, the chen/臣 part of his given name notes his warm, friendly temperament in contrast to his younger brothers frosty cold exterior the morning sun next to his brother’s stoic face. Chancellor refers to his high position in the cultivation society of the venerate triad members of the Lan clan.

His birth name huàn/ 涣 means to “dissolve” which could mean the dissolution of his innocence as he grows more aware of the corruption that lies around him even those he trusts the most at the end of the story he’s left in turmoil he has to deal with the fact that he factored into the deaths of his two friends. His doubts towards Nie Hanshang could imply that he would go back to the optimistic naive man he once was.

Nie Huaisang  (聂怀桑)

Last but not least the character whose meaning I am going to talk about is Nie Huaishang  His entire name Huáisāng/怀桑  means “to hold mulberry leaves”.

In China, mulberry trees are planted because they are a staple food of silkworms to make silk

growing mulberries suggest wealth and security.  This meaning suits Huaisang perfectly. He's someone who enjoys simple luxuries like keeping fans and hates to work hard love to live a comfortable life.

But there another aspect of his personality that of being a chess master who watches his plans go into fruition all the while watching comfortably at the side he manipulates and plans the events that take place in the story his process is like he’s spinning silk from behind the scenes. someone who sits comfortably in the background but spins the silk to manipulate the events in place.

This is only my interpretation of what the name means for the characters if you feel that this isn’t the case feel free to add or change. I am not an expert Chinese speaker so I apologize if I translated something wrong. I want to give a huge shout out to thisworldgodonlyknows who helped me create this post a huge thank you for helping me elaborate on the character’s names.

#mdzs #mo doa zu shi #mo xuanyu #nie huaisang #nie mingjue #jin guangyao #yu ziyuan #yinzhu #jinzhu #lan qiren #lan jingyi #wen qing #wen ning #jin ling #jin zixuan #luo qingyang #qin su #names #name #Name meanings #name meaning

[dee6000]

LoSlavery Is Not OUR "Original Sin" The thick lines show majority of African slaves went to Spain’s (they started trans-Atlantic slave trade) Latin American & Caribbean slave colonies, Muslim and African Countries. Few went to colony that became the US

How many times have you heard that slavery was “America’s original sin”? I’m not quite sure what that means, but I think the idea is that slavery was a uniquely horrible thing that defines the United States and will stain whites forever. It’s one of the few things Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Barack Obama agree on. There are books about it. Here’s a college course at UC Davis called “Slavery: America’s Original Sin: Part 1."

The fact is, there has been slavery in every period of history, and just about everywhere. The Greeks and Romans had it, the ancient Egyptians had it, it’s all over the Bible, the Chinese and the pre-Columbian Indians had it, the Maoris in New Zealand had it, and the Muslims had it in spades. But I have never, ever heard of slavery being anyone else’s “original sin.”

About the only societies that never had slaves were primitivehunter-gatherers. As soon as people have some kind of formal social organization, they start taking slaves.

You’ve heard about slavery and mass human sacrifices of Central and South American Indians, but North American Indians were enslaving each other long before the white man showed up.

Tlingit and Haida Indians, who lived in the Pacific Northwest, went raiding for slaves as far South as California. About one quarter of the population were slaves, and the children of slaves were slaves. During potlatches, or huge ceremonial feasts, the Tlingit would sometimes burn property and kill slaves, just to show how rich they were. What’s a couple of slaves to a guy who lives in a house like this?

When we bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867, Indians were furious when we told them they had to give up their slaves. The Tlingit carved this image of Abraham Lincoln, the emancipator, to try to shame the government into compensating them for slaves.

What were called the Five Civilized Tribes of the American Southeast happily bought black slaves. In 1860, there were 21,000 Cherokee, and they owned 4,000 slaves. And that was just the Cherokee. Many took their slaves with them when they were forced to move West.

Free blacks in the South owned slaves. The fact of having been slaves didn’t stop them from wanting to be slave masters themselves. In 1840, in South Carolina alone, there were 454 free blacks who owned a total of 2,357 slaves. Only about 20 percent of Southern households had even one slave, but 75 percent of the free-black households in South Carolina owned slaves.

Don’t believe me? It’s all in this book by the expert on the subject, Larry Koger of the University of South Carolina. And he demolishes the idea that most blacks bought slaves only to get family members out of slavery. Like whites, some were kind masters and some were mean, but, for the most part, they owned slaves for exactly the same reasons whites did.

There’s a whole book about this black guy, Andrew Durnford.

He had a plantation of 672 acres along the Mississippi in Louisiana, and close to 100 slaves. Another black slave owner in Louisiana, P.C. Richards, owned 152 slaves. Black slaveowners avidly supported the Confederacy. There are no accurate estimates of the number of slaves held by free blacks at the time of the Civil War, but they would have been tens of thousands.

If slavery is somebody’s Original Sin, it’s sure not ours. Take a look at this map of the slave trade, beginning in 1500.

[Source: SlaveVoyages.com, click to enlarge]

The thicknesses of the lines represent numbers of slaves. What became the United States imported just around 400,000 slaves—about 3 percent of all the slaves who crossed the Atlantic. Look at all the slaves who went to Brazil and to the Caribbean Islands.They needed millions because, unlike American slaveowners who raised slave families, they bought grown men and worked them to death. And let us not forget, virtually every slave on this map was caught by blacks or Arabs.

And look at all the slaves who ended up in North Africa and the Middle East.

That’s millions of them going to Muslim countries at exactly the same time slaves were crossing the Atlantic. And Arabs had been taking black slaves out of Africa, across the Sahara, for 900 years before America was even discovered—and a forced march across the desert was a lot worse than crossing the Atlantic. In this article about Africa’s first slavers—the Arabs—historian Paul Lovejoy estimates that over the centuries, Muslims took about 14 million blacks out of Africa [Recalling Africa’s harrowing tale of its first slavers – The Arabs – as UK Slave Trade Abolition is commemorated, March 27, 2018]. That is more than the 12 million who went to the New World.

And you might ask, where are the descendants of all those Middle Eastern slaves? America has millions of slave descendants. Why don’t you see lots of blacks in Saudi Arabia or Syria or Iraq? Arabs castrated black slaves so they wouldn’t have descendants.

Muslims were even more enthusiastic about enslaving white people. Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters, by Prof. Robert C. Davis is the best book on the subject. Remember the Barbary Pirates of North Africa? Between 1530 and 1780 they caught and enslaved more than a million white, European Christians. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Arabs took more white slaves south across the Mediterranean than there were blacks shipped across the Atlantic.

Mostly, Muslim pirates captured European ships and stole their crews. In just three years, from 1606 to 1609, the British navy admitted it had lost 466 British merchant ships to North African pirates [Counting European Slaves on the Barbary Coast Past & Present, August 2001]. Four hundred sixty-six ships in just three years. Arabs took American slaves. Between 1785 and 1793 Algerians captured 13 American ships in the Mediterranean and enslaved the crews. This is a 1804 battle between Arab pirates and the USS Enterprise.

It was only in 1815, after two wars, that the United States was finally free of the Barbary pirates.

Muslim pirates also organized huge, amphibious slave-catching assaults that practically depopulated the Italian coast. In 1544, Algerian raiders took 7,000 slaves in the Bay of Naples in a single raid. This drove the price of slaves so low it was said you could “swap a Christian for an onion.”

After a 1566 raid on Granada in Spain netted 4,000 men women, and children, it was said to be “raining Christians in Algiers.” Women were easier to catch than men, and were prized as sex slaves, so some coastal areas lost their entire child-bearing populations. One raid as far away as Iceland brought back 400 white slaves.

Prof. Davis notes that the trade in black Africans was strictly business, but Muslims had a jihad-like enthusiasm for stealing Christians. It was revenge for the Crusades and for the reconquest of Spain from the Arabs in 1492. When Muslim corsairs raided Europe, they made a point of desecrating churches and stealing church bells. The metal was valuable but stealing church bells silenced the voice of Christianity.

It was a tradition to parade newly captured Europeans through the streets so people could jeer at them, while children threw garbage at them. At the slave market, both men and women were stripped naked to evaluate their sexual value. In the North African capitals—Tunis, Algiers, Tripoli—there was a big demand for homosexual sex-slaves. Other Europeans were worked to death on farms or building projects.

Prof. Davis writes that unlike in North America, there were no limits on cruelty: “There was no countervailing force to protect the slave from his master’s violence: no local anti-cruelty laws, no benign public opinion, and rarely any effective pressure from foreign states.” Slaves were not just property, they were infidels, and deserved whatever suffering a master meted out.

For a man, there was a fate even worse than being a sex slave. Hundreds of thousands became galley slaves, often on slave-catching pirate ships. They were chained to their oars 24 hours a day, and could move only to the hole where the oar went through the hull—so they could relieve themselves. If the men were rowing, they fouled themselves. Galley slaves lived in a horrible stench, ate rotten food, were whipped by slave drivers and tormented by rats and lice. They could not lie down and had to sleep at their oars. Many never left their ships, even in port. Their job was to row until they died, and to be tossed overboard at the first sign of weakness.

Muslims have taken slaves for as long as there have been Muslims, which is about 1,400 years.

Mohammed himself was an enthusiastic slave trader. Muslims still take black slaves. As this article points out, Libya still has slave markets, Mauritanian Arabs take black slaves, and there is still slavery in Niger, Mali, Chad and Sudan[Libya’s slave markets are a reminder that the exploitation of Africans never went away, by Martin Plaut, New Statesman, February 21, 2018].

And, of course, it was white people who abolished slavery, both in their own countries and, except for a few stubborn holdouts, the whole world. Africans, just like the Tlingit Indians, screamed about all the wealth we made them give up.

But slavery’s still our “original sin.” As Time magazine wrote just this month about slavery “Europeans and their colonial “descendants” in the United States engineered the most complete and enduring dehumanization of a people in history."[Facing America's History of Racism Requires Facing the Origins of 'Race' as a Concept, by Andrew Curran, July 10, 2020]

What a small minority of Americans did for 246 years—and in a relatively mild form—is worse than anything that was ever done anywhere by anyone.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the power of white privilege. I hope you are enjoying it. Watch this video:

#Youtube

[forever-rogue]

In Name Only - Part 1

A/N: Ughhh, hi! I’m a whore for Oberyn Martell and cannot be stopped. This is gonna be a little series, only a few parts (at least for now), and I hope you enjoy. This was one of my many shower ideas that I couldn’t let go!  As always, feedback and comments are welcome, and if you’d like to be tagged, let me know! xx

Pairing: Oberyn Martell x Reader

Word Count: 6.5k

Warnings: slight language

IN NAME ONLY SERIES MASTERLIST

MASTERLIST

»»————-　♡　————-««

“I will not marry a man that does not love me,” you cursed the gods for making you a woman. You cursed your mother for being the way she was though it was not her fault that you were her only daughter among six sons. You cursed the laws of men that determined your position in life, “I will not be tied down to man who does not care about me, to a castle that will never be a home, and bear children I do not want.”

“You are an insolent, silly girl,” she hissed at you, and for a moment you feared that she might reached and strike you across the face. She had been prone to doing so when you were younger, but in her older years she had calmed down, softening with the birth of each child after you, each son, each brother you loathed for how easy their lives were, “you should have been married many moons ago.”

“I will not marry a man almost twice my age that openly keeps a lover and already has plenty of children,” a fiery rage set through your bones, one that would probably be perfectly suited in the warm, desert homeland of the husband she insisted you take. In the Reach, your attitude was abhorred, and you were considered the lone deviant of your family, “I will not give up my freedoms because you deem it fit for me to do so.”

“You will marry him and bear him an heir,” she grabbed your hair and roughly yanked it and leaned in so only you could hear, “you are lucky any man will have you. You’re much too old to be unwed and your demeanor makes you almost unbearable.”

“I will not do it,” you gritted your teeth and tried to pull out of grasp, “I will not subject myself to a life of servitude-”

“When I was your age I’d already been long married to your father and had you and two of your brothers,” she reminded, pushing you away with a heavy sigh, “do you think I wanted to get married? I was no more than a child, and you at least are a woman grown. I could have married you off years ago, as I should have. You would have been out of my sight and perhaps tamed.”

“I refuse. I will not bend and break to your whim,” turning away you started to storm off, hoping that some fresh air would calm you down. Perhaps you could ride your horse through the open pastures and fields surrounding the castle.

“And just what do you plan on doing then? Will you wander through the kingdoms on your own, travelling without anything or anyone like a heathen?”

“Perhaps I will,” you shrugged, “it would be better than doing what you ask of me. If you loved me-”

“If you do not marry him, you will be cut off from this family,” her words were enough to cause you turn around and listen to her, “you will lose your name, your worldly possessions, and you will be penniless. Is that really what you desire?”

“All of this because I do not want to take a husband?”

“It is your duty. As it has been the duty of every woman before you.”

“Fuck duty!” your voiced reverberated around the castle’s stone walls as she stared you down, “I will not marry someone I do not love. Father would never make me do so.”

“And your father is dead,” she reminded you with venom lacing her tone, “and what do you even know about love? It is a fiction created to keep little girls happy.”

“I loved him,” your heart felt like it was being ripped out of your chest as you thought of him. Your mother scoffed and dramatically rolled her eyes at you, “I loved him and you sent him away to certain death because you are a monster.”

“That horrid boy? He was a bastard,” she reminded you of the cruel little thing that kept you apart. How you rued the term of bastard; it did not mean anything, it did not determine a person’s character or heart, “he was never good enough for you. And you defiled yourself for him.”

“Because I loved him!” you insisted, “and he loved me! We would have been happy together, we could have built a life together...”

“He was a peasant, he tended stables-”

“That does not matter to me,” you reminded her, “he was kind and gentle and warm. I would have loved to have a life of tending stables if meant I was with him. Because I loved him!”

“You were lost in your girlhood fantasies of what you think love is,” she was cruel, each of her words twisting like a knife in your gut, “he was the first boy to show you attention and you fell for his little trap, and it has left you ruined for other men. You are lucky that Oberyn Martell does not know and he will not care, the one benefit of having a Dornish heathen for a husband.”

“I did love him, mother,” you tried hard to fight off the flood of tears that were pricked the back of your eyes, “and just because you can’t handle that you sent him to the Wall where he will live out his days and die. I never even got to say goodbye.”

“He was a bastard, it did not matter.”

“He was a good man,” your voice broke slightly as you tried to square your shoulders and stare her down, “his only fault in life was loving me. It’s gotten him the most cruel of fates.”

“I have had enough of you,” she steeled herself and strode past you, regal and noble in appearance as ever, “in two weeks time you will travel to Dorne and you will marry Oberyn Martell. You will either oblige and do it, as is your duty or you be expelled from this castle and can live out your days among the bastards that you love so much. It is your choice, whether you bring shame to this family or you disappear into the background as a woman should and become a dutiful wife.”

“Those are both horrible, vile options.”

“That is duty of being born a woman.”

“I wish I was born a man then,” you turned on your heel to walk away, wishing you were stronger, wishing you weren’t on the verge of tears, “maybe then I would not subjected to such a cruel fate, and I wouldn’t let any woman in my care suffer the same.”

“Aren’t you just the martyr,” she mocked you with such a ferocity that you wanted to give her a good whack across her own smug face, “you think you know so much, you know nothing.”

“I know what it means to be a good person, or at least to try,” it was days like that you longed for your father. He had been a kindhearted, generous man, one who did not believe in the stereotypes that divided men and women. He was the reason you had remained unwed for many years, far past the age of anyone of noble blood. He encouraged your wildness, your open heart and free spirit. Your mother had always been the exact opposite. You always wondered how they seemingly got along so well, but you’d come to understand that it was no more than an illusion. The only love they shared was that of their children, and sometimes you wondered how deep that truly ran.

“Enough,” her tone held the cruel finality, the singular word was as sharp as a dagger as she stood in the doorway, the soft light filtering in behind her. She was a handsome woman, and if you hadn’t known better, she appeared almost angelic. But you knew better, much better; she was no more a saint than you were a sinner. You remained steadfast in your spot, trying to channel the ferocity that your father always embodied, “in two weeks time you will travel to Sunspear and you will marry the prince.”

“I would rather die.”

“If you choose your own grave so be it,” she slammed the door to her quarters shut, letting the sound ring through the hall. You had flinched at the noise, but now it only served to anger you. Your whole life, the little joys it still afforded you would be taken away soon, all because of a name. All because you were a woman. 

They often called occasions such as these little deaths, but you had a feeling that it would be a lot more than a little pain to make yourself subservient to a husband you did not want.

»»————-　♡　————-««

The journey from the lush green lands of Honeyholt and surrounding lands into the dry, red deserts of Dorne had been...miserable. While you would have relished traveling and seeing the new lands under any other circumstance, you experienced no moments of tranquility or peace. The landscapes meshed into one and the only thing signaling that you were entered the land of the Dornish was the stifling heat. The Reach was temperate, never an extreme in either direction, but Sunspear provided its first test through the scorching heat of the golden sun. 

It would take some getting used to but you could understand why the symbol of the house you would soon be joining was a blazing sun. It never seemed to fade, casting its golden light across every inch of the land. The people that you spied in villages and smaller cities as you approached Sunspear looked as if they didn’t mind; perhaps only a lifetime of heat would allow you to get used to it. 

Their curious glances were always trained on you, and your small retinue that would depart as soon as you arrived safely. You were an outsider from a strange land that the Dornish were reluctant to trust; it wasn’t common fro one of Northern breeding to step this far south. Not that you had much of a choice in the matter; you hadn’t thrown a fit, or cried, or screamed, not wanting to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing you so upset. Instead you had remained silent, speaking only a few words here and there as necessary, your true self hidden behind a thick veneer of steel. Maybe your true self would be hidden forever, dying a little bit day by day as you waited patiently for your death. 

There would be no ceremony, no pomp, and most definitely no circumstance when you arrived to your new home and to meet the man who would shortly become your husband. You would be all but abandoned in the palace where you knew no one, trying to fend for yourself. It had been at your mother’s request and you knew exactly why she would treat you in such a manner; each of your brothers, all but the two youngest had been married off already, in a show of great festivities and celebration. You were all but kicked under the carpet, a smudge on the family name that she wished to forget. 

Your mother harbored no love for the Dornish, whom she considered savages and uncultured; she must have been desperate to finally see you off if she agreed to a marriage proposal from the Martells. You wondered why they had even asked for you; there were plenty of other families in Dorne that could have produced a worthy daughter, or other Northern families that might have agreed. Perhaps they too realized that it would difficult to marry off a prince nearing middle age that housed a paramour and bragged about his bastard daughters. It did not phase you, or bother you in the slightest; you were pleased rather that they seemed to enjoy life to such a degree. But perhaps even the Martells were smart enough to know that they would need heirs, legitimate ones, to recognized by the Northern countries and carry on their name. 

When you arrived at the palace in Sunspear, your jaw dropped slightly in surprise - it was a stunning beauty, a feat of architecture that you were loathe to find anywhere else in the seven kingdoms. It presented a sharp contrast to the home you had known your entire life; there was no bleak grays or beiges that met your eyes, instead colorful, brilliant shades of warm crimsons, oranges, tans, and bronzes met your eyes. it was warm and welcoming, despite the reason for your arrival. If this was to be your home for the remainder of your days, at least it was beautiful. 

Your carriage came to a harsh stop and you almost slid off your seat at the sudden force. You groaned lightly as you straightened yourself, looking down at the green dress you were sporting and already wishing you had something cooler to wear. If you had been granted your way, you’d be dressed the same as the men that could spy all around the palace, sporting a pair of trousers and a loose tunic. Your father had never cared what you wore, but the day your mother found out that you had been running around like a boy, she had made you wear only the finest dresses. You’d still sneak off in trousers whenever presented with the opportunity, a small thrill running through your veins, knowing that you were directly defying your mother.

The small door was opened and you stepped out, letting your feet hit the warm the sand. You wiggled your feet about, trying to get a feel for it, bending over and picking up a handful of the small grains. It was a dark bronze color, different than the seasides of the Reach, and softer. You liked it, you immediately decided, it was much more comforting than stone and hard soil. 

“Knock it off and put it back,” internally rolling your eyes at the septa you swore you were much too old to still have you, you let the sand trickle out of your hand and back onto the ground, “you’re acting like a child. You must behave and act like a proper woman.”

Sighing lightly, you remained wordless, not wanting to start an argument in the middle of your new home before you’d even made a proper entrance. The few items you’d brought from Honeyholt with you were quickly unloaded and brought into the palace. You hadn’t desired to bring much; you wanted a fresh start, a new one that you could call all your own, even if you weren’t here by choice. It felt like you could hang on to a little bit of autonomy that way. 

Your most prized possession hung around your neck: a delicate golden chain that contained a small rose colored gem. It had been given to you by your father on your fourteenth nameday; he’d presented it to you with such joy and excitement, having it made just for you. He had claimed that the rose gem symbolized love and that you would always know how much he loved and adored you whenever you wore it. You hadn’t taken it off since his untimely demise; a small consolation for not having him around anymore. 

You’d been so lost in your own thoughts, of your father, of your new life, that you hadn’t seen realized you’d stepped foot inside, until a pair of arms wrapped around you. Your body tensed in defense as you came back to reality and saw a young, dark haired girl grinning at you. She was beautiful, clearly of Dorne with her sunkissed skin and dark features, and animated smile. She was dressed in silks of gold and orange, much like the house she served. Appearing to be only a few years younger than yourself, she had a warm aura about her; it was the most kindness you’d experienced in some time. 

“I’m Asha,” she had taken a step back when noticed your hesitation and held her hand out instead. You gave her the best smile you could as you gingerly shook her hand, still wanting to tread lightly as you gave her your name, “I’m your handmaiden. I’ll be helping you with whatever you need.”

“Handmaiden?” surely this must be a joke. Back in Honeyholt you’d had maids and servants, surely, but never one that served you in such a personal manner. Perhaps this was one of the perks of marrying a prince, even if he was one by name only, “I’m quite sure that I can handle myself...I’m sorry, forgive me, I do not mean to be rude. I’ve just never had someone...”

“It’s quite alright,” she insisted, taking your hand and pulling you further into the palace. You tried to get a good look at everything, but there was so much going on all at once that it was hard to keep track of everything, “I’ll be here for whatever you need and should you decide you do not need me at all, then I will remain as your friend, if it pleases you.”

“Friend?” that was the last thing you expected. It something you both had and hadn’t thought much about in the past few weeks. You’d had friends in Honeyholt, less and less the older you became, when they turned into mere acquaintances, tending to the families they were growing, but you’d resigned yourself to a life of solitude in Dorne. You weren’t sure what to expect here; you didn’t think the people would be so welcoming for the stranger that came to marry their favorite prince. 

“Yes,” she gave you a dazzling grin, “like I said, if it pleases you. The prince wants to make sure you feel at home and that you’re comfortable.”

“He does?” you’d been there for such a short time, but already you’d experienced more twists and turns than you had expected.

“Of course,” she pulled you up a flight of marbled stairs and down a long hallway, stopping before a grand set of doors. They were beautiful, made of aged wood and intricately carved. You couldn’t stop yourself as you reached up and touched the carvings, letting your fingers glide over them, “ he’s traveled all over the seven kingdoms, the Summer Isles, Essos...so many different places. He understands better than anyone what it is like to be in a new, and often unwelcoming land. He wants you to know that this is your home too. The prince is very happy to have you here and finally meet you.”

“Huh,” you turned to her, searching her eyes for any signs of deception, but you found none. Her dark eyes were wide with excitement as she opened the door and revealed the beautiful interior of your personal quarters. It was a beautiful sight to behold, colorful furniture was strewn about, a large, soft bed with golden cloth over it, and open doors leading to a balcony that housed many plants. A soft breeze ruffled the curtains and rustled the leaves. This space, in the few moments you’d stared at it, felt more like a home than anything you had experienced.

“His quarters are on the opposite end of the hallway,” she explained and nudged her in the direction. Separate quarters, you thought to yourself, how strange, “he wanted to make sure you liked everything. If you’re unhappy with it or require anything else, just say the word and you will have it.”

“It’s beautiful,” you admitted, stepping into the space and taking a closer at everything, “Dorne is beautiful...I had not expected this much beauty in the desert lands. The way the Northern lords make it sound...it should be horrid and ugly. But it’s lovely.”

“There is so much in Dorne that they will never tell you about because they will not allow themselves to see the beauty in front of them. We know they see us as savages and heathens, we know what they say, but we are not as they claim. We are different, surely, but does not make us bad people simply because we do not share the same views and beliefs?” she asked as she started to drag in some of the small trunks containing your items. You shook your head with a small smile; no, surely it did not make them any less human. They were already a warmer people than any of the northerners you’d encountered.

Standing up and helping her, she looked at with you with a curious glance. You just carried on, not wanting to let her do all of the work; why should you?

“I can handle it, my lady,” she insisted, but you refused to back down. You repeated your name and insisted that she call you that, “even if you are to be the princess?”

“I take no joy or pride in hollow titles or unnecessary formalities,” you promised her, “you and I are not different are we? We’re both women, subject to the harsh reality of what that entails and the laws of the gods and men. I insist, please, that you call me by my given name. And I am more than capable of helping to unpack my own items. You musn’t do it all alone.

Asha gave you a big grin as she nodded, surprised by your genial approach. Those she had met from the lands north of Dorne would never dare to renounce a title so freely, or speak so candidly with her. But you did; Oberyn would like you, she thought to herself, “as you wish...I think you will like Dorne, it will suit you well. We do not believe that men hold any superior power over women, nor do we believe that women should be reduced to standing behind a man. Everyone is equal here, just as the gods willed it.”

“And yet here I am, to be married to a man I do not know and that does know me and give him an heir,” there was a slight tone of bitterness to your voice that you hadn’t quite intended. You sighed and shook your head in apology, knowing she had nothing to do with your fortune, “I’m sorry...I should not have lashed out at you.”

“It’s quite alright,” she insisted, “I know how it seems is harsh, but I assure you that not everything is as it seems. It must be shocking to come to a new home and be surrounded by only strangers, but I think you will be just fine; if nothing else you will provide a good wit to match Prince Doran.”

“Prince Doran?” you asked as she nodded, “and he is...”

“I dare they must have kept you quite in the dark about all of this,” you nodded as you allowed yourself to sit on the soft bed, testing it out and finding it just as soft as you liked, “Prince Doran is the ruler of Dorne, his oldest daughter Princess Arianne is his heir and Oberyn is his brother.” 

“Oh,” you felt silly, and a bit dumb not being privy to any of this information before. It didn’t surprise you though; your mother did not care for the Martells and it was unlikely that she knew much of this information herself, “I apologize for not being as well versed in your land and people as I should be.”

“There is no need,” she laid out some of your dresses, placing them in the closet that stood against the wall, “one thing you will need to learn is that in Dorne we do not apologize. There is no reason to ever apologize for one’s true self, right? You were not to know this information, so how should you have known? You will learn in time. It is your home now and we are your people.”

“How is that I already feel so much warmer and lighter here than I have in years in my own home, the place I was birthed?” you let out a small laugh in spite of yourself and stood back up, spying some fine silks draped over the chair that was placed in front of the small writing desk, “what are these?”

“Silks,” Asha watched your face turn into a small smile as you touched the delicate fabrics and studied the colors, “they’re a gift from -”

“The prince,” you finished for her and she just nodded with a smile.

“He had a feeling that you wouldn’t be well prepared for the heat and wanted to provide you with something more suitable,” you lifted a few pieces up, holding them against your body. They were lovely, designed and crafted with care and expert stitching, “he asked about your coloring to make sure they’d suit you. And of course, some of the Martell gold and orange had to be included.”

“They are wonderful...absolutely beautiful,” a small sense of satisfaction worked its way into your bones as you realized that your mother would absolutely abhor the clothing, declaring crude and too revealing. But you loved the pieces, knowing they’d be perfect for the hot afternoons and warm evenings you’d come to expect, “this prince...he’s very kind.”

“He can...rough around the edges, but underneath the exterior he presents, he is a most kind and gentle man. His people love him and he loves them as well,” she answered, and you could easily sense the admiration she had for him. Maybe...just maybe, if this prince proved to be as fair and just as Asha made him out to be, things wouldn’t be a complete nightmare, “he wanted to be here to greet you, but unfortunately his duties have kept him away a bit longer than he intended. He will be back in time for your wedding.”

Wedding. Of course. You had somehow forgotten that little detail; this was just some sort of vacation or leisure trip. This was a whole new life you were walking into.

“Oh,” you tried to hide the nervous lilt of voice, but Asha picked up on it anyway. For someone so young, she was very attuned to your emotions. She stood next to you and slowly, as if testing the waters, put an arm around your shoulders. This time, you let her. You let her pull you into  a hug and hold onto you tightly as you let your body relax into the comfort of her own. You were almost like clay, melting into her arms; it had been so long since you had experienced the touch of another. She smelled of fresh citrus and spices, a scent you already found comforting, “thank you, Asha. You have been more kind than I could have ever anticipated. It is not lost on me...I should be proud to consider you a friend.”

“And I you,” she insisted, you were quickly interrupted by a loud throat clear from the entrance to your new space. Your oldest brother, now the Lord of Honeyholt in your father’s absence, was standing there, an impatient look on his face. Asha pulled back and bowed her head in reverence, “my lord.”

“Come and make sure your goodbyes, sister,” he completely ignored Asha and turned his cold gaze to yours. Never having been close with any of your brothers, besides the youngest, you harbored no strong feelings for him. He was a fine man, a decent lord, but nothing compared to your father. The halls of Honeyholt were never the same since he sat at the head of the table, “we must leave soon to make it back before our visitors from the Crownlands come.”

“You just mean to leave me here,” it was not a question, but a cold statement of fact, “you do not intend to stay and watch me marry? It is only a short time away.”

“We do not have time,” he insisted already starting to walk away, “besides, what is there to celebrate? You’re married off far too late to...a Martell. Hardly calls for celebration.”

“Goodbye brother,” you called after him, not even bothering to follow and bid anyone else a farewell and a safe journey back, “if that is the way you feel, to leave your only sister thus, then so be it. I wish you, nor our brothers, nor mother any ill will, but I cannot say I will be amiss of any of you.”

“Watch your tongue,” he growled at you from the foot of the stairs, “you are lucky to be my sister or I would have you thrown out long ago. You taint our name and have no respect for decency. You’re just like father; weak and a fool. Always thinking without your brain.”

“So with my heart?” you spat at him, “how dare you take father’s name in vain! He’s more of a man, father, and lord than you will be ever be.”

“And look where that got him,” he reminded you of the harsh reality that your favorite person, the one that you had idolized growing up, was gone, “an early grave.”

“He was ill-”

“It does matter. I am lord now and you will obey me,” he shook his head, “you know, mother was smart to finally marry you off. At least you will be able to take the name of Martell and will stop bringing shame to ours. You are no sister of mine, you can join these...barbarians, become one of them,”

“If I see you again, it will be on your deathbed,” you insisted, feeling a tears of sheer anger roll down your cheeks, as your body trembled with frustration, “I guarantee it. You are no brother of mine.”

He glowered at you before turning around and storming off, his robes trailing behind him. You’d never shared a great appreciation or love for him, but this was a harsh blow nonetheless. Your family, the only one you’d ever know was so content to just cart you off. You wondered how long he had waited for this day - but it didn’t matter. Just like that you had no more home in Honeyholt. Sunspear, and Dorne, was your home now. Even if it was a life you did not desire, at least it would be your own. 

“I’m sorry,” Asha appeared at your side, a concerned expression on her face at the heated exchanged. You choked back the few sobs that threatened to bubble up in your throat. You’d essentially just lost the little bit of family you had, “I did not expect such a response. Family means much to Dornishmen, sweet dove. You will never have to feel alone or unloved here.”

“Thank you,” you gave her a small smile, “I hope my family does not dishonor Prince Doran. I have not even meet the man who is to be my brother and already I bring chaos.”

“Prince Doran would never hold the actions of them against you,” she promised, “he shall be glad to meet you and welcome you into his family. As will we all. I can show you around the palace, if you so desire, and the water gardens. They’re most beautiful, especially during the peak of heat, such as this.”

“Will I meet Prince Doran today?” you were curious about meeting your new family, albeit the tiniest bit hopeful. It could be no worse than what you had just experienced. 

“I’m afraid both princes will not return until tomorrow,” she explained, “however, they are preparing a feast in your honor for this evening. The Princess is here, and I am sure she will be delighted to meet you. She’s a brilliant combination of her father and uncle, and will surely revel in your company, she grows bored of monotony.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

Dinner had been an...interesting affair. You’d gotten to meet the princess, her mother, and many other members of the household and those who worked for and were dear to the Martells - to your family. It was a shocking contrast to the normally reserved and quiet meals that were had in the dreary dining hall of your former home. 

The large tables in the garden were laden with delicious foods from all of Dorne, including the famed Dornish wine and everyone sat together, it did not matter their rank, station, or title. They were happy, kind, and jovial, welcoming you with open arms to Sunspear and their family. It was a warmth you had not known before, but not unwelcome. It was a sight to see everyone so happy, joking and laughing, teasing each other until late into the night; they had no reservations, no fears, no inhibitions. And you loved that about them immediately. 

Your heart had almost stopped when the princess had presented you with a beautiful golden bracelet, containing the Martell sun entwined with the little dove of your own house. She had gently clasped it around your wrist, before kissing your cheeks gently. You would think of her, her generosity and warmth whenever you wore it. 

But even the excitement and relief that the evening had provided was not enough to stave off the tears that found you late in the evening as you sat on the balcony connected to your quarters. You’d been studying the starry night sky, admiring how it glittered over the red dunes of the desert, when you were hit with a wave of sadness that you couldn’t ward of. A few hot, warm, salty tears dripped down your cheeks as you slowly repeated the names of the constellations you could see, stopping only when a small knock came at your door. 

You dabbed at your eyes and turned around to see who the visitor was, but Arianne slowly let herself in. You gave her a small smile and she joined you on the balcony, without a word, but a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“I am sorry that you must see me in such a state,” you apologized but she shook her head. She was about to open her mouth, but you stopped her with a small smile, already knowing what she was going to say, “do not apologize for being your true self.”

“Yes,” she agreed with a small laugh, rich and musical, “see you’re learning already - you’ll fit in perfectly.”

You remained silent for a moment and let out a long sigh.

“What plagues you so?” she asked gently, “besides the loss of your family?”

“Today has proven it is no real loss,” you admitted, “I am...I do not know if I can do this.”

“Marry my uncle?”

“Yes,” you said quietly, “I vowed to myself that I would never marry someone I did not love, and I know this sounds silly, but my father, before his death, always promised me that he would never send me off to do so unless I desired it. And now...”

“It is not easy.”

“No,” you sighed, a fresh wave of tears rolled down your cheeks, “I cannot bring myself to love someone just because I am required to, nor have a desire to be treated as a sow to be used for heirs. I do not know if I can do this, to myself or your uncle.”

“I realize this is very little consolation, but I do think I might know how you to help, if only a small bit,” she had your attention and you gave her a curious glance, “think of it as a marriage only in name.”

“Only in name?”

“Precisely,” she explained, “you will marry Oberyn, and that will the end of it. You do not owe him an heir and he would never expect one from you. He has eight daughters already, some nearing your age, and he loves them dearly. They keep him busy and if you do not desire children he would never force one on you. You do not have to love him, he knows you likely never will, but just respect him; for outside purposes you will be husband and wife, but behind closed doors, and to those here in Dorne, who not care about such things, it will not matter.”

“Oh?”

“Give it some time and you will find a lover, a man or a woman, or many lovers,” she explained, “love should not be contained so willfully, unless two people desire it. you are free to explore and take as lovers as you want. You give and take love.”

“Oberyn...has a lover,” why you suddenly felt shy, you did not know. Certainly it could not be jealousy? You did not know him nor care for him, and clearly did not love him, but something inside you panged slightly. How strange it would be to be married to a man with a different lover.

“He had a lover, a paramour by the name of Ellaria Sand,” she explained and you found yourself intrigued, “she’s a most kind, generous and lovely woman, and mother to four of his daughters. She is beautiful as she is kind and still comes around often, but she has left his bed sometime ago and has returned to her childhood home in Helholt.”

“Oh?” you wondered if it had anything to do with you, but you had your doubts. What power would you, a mere child compared to his longtime lover hold? 

“It was amicable, I believe. They remain friends, and both love their daughters deeply. I think a strong bond and love remains between them, but nothing romantic,” she expanded, but it did not ease your nerves, “I’m sure you will meet her at some point, she comes around not infrequently, but you have nothing to worry about. She will love you, as we already do as well. She will understand what your position as Oberyn’s wife means.”

“Does he take other lovers still?” 

“As far as I know,” she shrugged, not deeply concerned with her uncle’s affairs, “anything further than that you will have to discuss among yourselves.”

“I see,” you let out a long sigh and let your shoulders slump, finding little solace in her words. She was trying her best, but it did not chase away all your fears, “still I...”

“Remember,” she said softly, “name only. You will not have be with him, in his presence, any more than you desire. He will grant you many liberties and freedoms. The ways things work between a husband and wife are very different here in Dorne than in the North. You will not be confined to the palace or your husband, you will have your own voice here.”

“Such a strange concept,” you mused as she shrugged, “all my life I’ve been told that my only goal in life is to behave, marry a nobleman, and bear him children. Nothing more and nothing less.”

“Welcome to Dorne, sweet dove,” Arianne pressed a light kiss to the side of your head, before moving to leave your chambers, leaving you alone with your thoughts, “and welcome to House Martell.”

You watched her go without another word, envying her easy going personality and liveliness. She’s known this her whole life, and yet she was so happy; maybe there was something to this Dornish way of life. Maybe you could find some purchase here and make a happy little life for yourself. With or without your husband at your side. 

You straightened up and stretched, raising your arms above your head as you looked at the moon, shining among the stars. Maybe...this did not have to be as bad as you had originally thought; maybe Dorne could be your own sanctuary. Your head was swimming with so many thoughts, and you were overwhelmed with a tiredness you had not known in ages. You walked back into your bedchamber, leaving the doors open to let in the warm evening breeze. It was quiet now, a quiet that you’d never really experience. Peaceful.

Oberyn watched you moved back inside from his spot in the courtyard of the palace. He and Doran had returned early, at his behest, but not early enough for a proper introduction. He been curious to meet his bride, the wild girl from the North that refused to be tamed. He had overheard you and Arianne, listening intently to your every word, clinging on to them to try and figure out how to best serve you. He wanted you to be happy, he hoped you would be, and if you wanted nothing to do with him, then he would respect that as well. 

Whatever you desired, Oberyn Martell was going to make sure you had it. 

»»————-　♡　————-««

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#oberyn martell x reader #oberyn martell #prince oberyn x reader #got #oberyn x reader #reader insert #pedro pascal #pedro pascal x reader #i miss my prince #in name only series

[lady-literature]

Love the idea of accidental mafia boss Mari, it's so on point it could be Canon lol, any other interesting headcanons for this au?

oh boy, do I!

i have literally so many, but my biggest one I think is this scene where Ivy and Harley become acquainted with Mari and her hoard of children and become the unintentional ‘super cool/vodka aunts and kinda-but-not-really horrible influences’ to the kids.

It basically goes like: Mari has recently acquired a lot of children.

she now needs to feed all these children. this is kind of a problem because the bakery is doing well but not that well and, of course, Mari has enough money from commissions to keep them going for a while, and Chloe is still loaded, but it’s better not to tempt fate yeah?

so they need a plan. And Mari is good at plans, right?

(Chloe begs to differ most days and calls her suicidal but they don’t really have any other options so...)

Mari (somehow) gets in contact with with two of the three sirens and she (somehow) arranges a meeting. she brings only Chloe, herself, and two flower pots: one filled with soil, and one with an endangered species of plant native to Gotham.

the flower pots catch Ivy’s interest immediately, but what makes Harley curious, is how polite and kind and courteous Mari is. She tells them how thankful she is that they came and calls them both Dr Isley and Dr Quinzel and asks after their days like she truly cares about the answer.

and Harley, because she’s half-insane and still too clever for her own good, grabs both sides of Mari’s face as squishes. ‘Oh, I like you. Red! Ain’t this one just a peach?’

Mari just smiles, Harley’s hands still on either side of her face. ‘thank you. you seem very nice as well Dr Quinzel.’

oh yeah. Harley’s keeping this one. Selina will love her too she sure. 

eventually, they get to the part about why exactly, Mari is even here and the two sirens watch as she straightens and gets a sort of determined look on her face.

Mari knows, of course, that Ivy does not like men. but she’s also been known to protect women and children. and Mari certainly has a lot of children to protect. children that, considering the magic and meta, are very much like Ivy herself.

“I’m here to ask for help. i know you are protective of plants and endangered species particularly. I’m not quite sure what you stance on edible crops are--and I’m sorry if I offend you in some way--but I need help feeding the children in my care. I want your help creating a greenhouse. I’ll make it worth your while, but if you’d rather not, I’ll drop it and never ask again.”

the ‘worth you while’ part, is were things get really interesting.

she sets the full flower pot on the table and the empty one next to it. she has Ivy check that it’s truly empty, and that there isn’t a seed or flower or anything hidden inside.

After having Ivy check she’s not tricking them, Mari focuses and soon, there’s a flower sprouting from the soil, growing growing growing until it stands as tall as the one she’d just brought.

Ivy blinks but the flower doesn’t disappears. she reaches out towards the flower, and the flower reaches back which means it’s real. Ivy can bring a plant from seedling to jungle in no time at all, but she cannot create a flower from nothing.

she stares at this girl who is perhaps half their age but still a women in her own right, and asks, “Why ask for my help at all? Surely you can replicate food just as easily for your children?”

Mari sighs, rubbing at her eyes. “Not on the scale I need. And I’ve been reliably informed that the residual magic left over from such a recent creation would have… strange effects on the children. Perhaps an emergence of mutations or magic powers that would have otherwise laid dormant. I already have plenty of Gifted children to worry about and protect, I have no need to create more. Certainly not in this city.”

Ivy stands for a long moment, thinking it over before Harley whispers something in her ear, making Ivy smile with a fond sort of disapproval. “Yes. I think this partnership will work quite well.”

#maribat #lady addresses the court #my typewriter #crime boss mari #prompt me

[saintheartwing]

The Promised Neverland’s second season has turned me into saying the eight deadly words.

"I don't care what happens to these people."

According to TVTRopes, this phrase got coined by Dorothy Jones Heydt in a science-fiction based Usenet group in 1991. It described how people felt about works of fiction where the characters either were so astoundingly band or unengaging or unlikable that it made you loses interest in their fate and, by extension, the work as a whole.

The Promised Neverland season 2 has done that. I don’t care what happens to the kids. At all.

There are certain ways to do this. Sometimes a character that you wants loved can do something so disgusting and so horrible that you finally decide enough is enough and you just don’t give a shit. you don’t care what happens to them and you’re not invested in them anymore enough to see if maybe they redeem themselves or if the story gets good. I’ve had a lot of stories turn out that way.

But another way is if the story has taken such a radical turn from how it originally started off. GOT for example. The latter seasons basically betrayed everything the first good seasons were about. The promised Neverland season two started out like Game of Thrones. Adhered to the source material very well, adapted it very well. hen they dropped the ball. They rushed to the end. Instead of spacing things out so the story flowed in a way that better fit the original source material, they crammed in too much too fast.

I want to make it clear I’m not against animes changing some things around in the name of adaptation. I actually like the shaman king anime. Morty, aka Manta, got to do a lot more. Zeke, aka Hao, the big bad, got actual comeuppance for CENTURIES OF MASS MURDER OF HUMANS. The original manga didn’t do any of that. In fact, it made Hao the new Shaman King just because the story tried to make us feel bad for him because humans got scared of his shamanic powered mother and burned her as a witch... ignoring the fact he’s responsible for the deaths of countless men women and children over the years and years and years. He repeatedly tried to do genocide and the story gives him just a slap in the face from his mother’s spirit. That’s it. Oh, and a last chapter redemption. It was despicable.

Fullmetal Alchemist’s series were enjoyable, even the flawed first one, because it still seemed to keep the main characters true to their spirit, had an engaging story to make up for the changes in the direction it went, and great action and adventure. Brotherhood was FAR better but the first still did a lot right, so I’m easier on it than The Promised Neverland season 2.

Because Season 2 didn’t do something new and fun and engaging. It did a rushed, bad job of the ending from the manga. So...I just don’t care. I don’t care about these kids. I don’t know how they got this so wrong. I don’t understand why nobody took any of the creative team aside and went to “are you sure this is what people actually like?”. 

So...just skip season two. Read the manga.

#the promised neverland #promised neverland #emma #norman #ray #demons #anime #manga #spoilers #got #game of thrones #shaman king #fma:b #fma: brotherhood #fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchemist: brotherhood

[entoman-created-by-the-tallgreys]

It's amazing in all the most cruel ways that life on this planet is not of any value childhood give you blind envision that greatness always awaits teenager and gives you great despair that that was foolish and being a dog gives you great logic of how meaningless you're existence is and the world and all the stupid.

. . .

Why are any of us even alive, . . . Everybody on the planet takes their life so seriously they believe so deeply because of their ignorance that they will not go on after their life they believe they are flesh, conscious flesh because of a brain and this is the ultimate stupid !

. . .

Ultimately what is anything, what is the point of Our lives what is the point of working everyday survival what is the point survival, Misery !

. . .

He survive so you can suffer and be confused to go on and suffer and be confused to live another day and suffer and even if you're not working you're suffering if you're with a woman she's making you really suffer if you are a woman you suffer if you're alone you depressed and you suffer men are depressed all the time as well but women go insane as well.

. . .

If you're a kid you're very ignorant

. . .

Children are full extreme blind ambition they think the world is great as a teenager they understand that letting themselves be incarnated sealed their fate, and when they're an adult they kind of live with it and they kind of struggle with the idea of suicide in their head wondering if a good idea.

. . .

And it gets me to think a lot about that wondering like why are human beings so opposed to suicide why does suicide upset human so much it's just a body.

. . .

It's just flesh it's not to be taken to seriously it's not to be finagle about your body do not fanatical about your flesh you can get unlimited of them do not care for God in his creation you are a spirit in the universe is meaningless the universe is worthless.

. . .

Being alive is one of the stupidest most horrible things anybody who loves life is a demon

. . .

Because all the most evil acts in existence all the most justifiable evils were always done in the name to make life possible, all evil comes from life.

. . .

People say life is good but life is not the body is disgusting life is always trying to kill life it's unlimited bacteria unlimited diseases unlimited viruses unlimited ways to get hurt unlimited accidents unlimited physical pain mental pain spiritual pain, unlimited versions of insanity, unlimited ways you can suffer a horrible fate unlimited torture unlimited Agony unlimited grief unlimited Woe, unlimited Anguish, everyone has to obsessed over a fake resource called money.

. . .

And then you die it's like I tell people you work and then you die you work your whole life and then you die and then you're born again if you want to you have to go to the whole period of being a stupid kid doesn't know anything then it's super depressed depression and induced teenager if you even survive that, and then you make your way to being an adult that can understand things and then you see how s***** everything is and then you work for a living to to survive in a life that's not worth it that's not having it has no meaning and it's just full of pain and suffrage and then slavery.

. . .

And then you do it again and then you do it again and then you do it again and then you do it again and then you do it again and then you do it again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again . . .

. . .

. . .

This planet is worthless !!!

. . .

And of course the fear obsessed masses who can't think of anything isn't related in fear are not going to like my message very much they're going to see my intelligence as insanity and just crazy that's all the guy would do cuz the w you are as a person the more crazy you see.

. . .

Wisdom has a hard time seeing mental illness

. . .

That's the whole post it's just life on this planet is worthless absolutely worthless survival is worthless anyone that holds on to you emotionally and doesn't want you to die for them is a complete and absolute disgusting selfish piece of Fucking Shit !

[unearthly-space]

RDR2 - Monsters AU - Van der Linde Monstrous Statuses; Pt.2/2

Pt.2/2 of the Van der Linde gang’s Monstrous statuses.

Abigail Roberts: A swan maiden. Yeah, not really “monstrous”, but not every cryptid is grotesquely horrifying. Swan maidens shapeshift from their human to swan forms (well, most cryptids do, but here me out). The key to her transformation is some sort of garment made of her own swan feathers. If one were to take away her garment, she would be trapped as she is, unable to transform or fly away/swim away without it. Many men hunt the swan maidens to force one to become his wife in such a way.

Jack Marston: A hellhound pup. Cutesy little Jack takes after his father in this regard. Typical hellhound features include mangled black fur, glowing red eyes, super strength and speed, and ghostly or phantom characteristics. Some say that if you stare into a hellhound’s eyes three times or more, you will surely die. Still, though, Jack is but a pup and most of these abilities and characteristics have yet to rear their head. Though he does have the terrifying red eyes and is quite a fast little one.

Susan Grimshaw: A Futakuchi-onna. There’s nothing I really tied this one to miss Grimshaw with, I just thought it would be an interesting and different creature. A Futakuchi-onna is a mostly humanoid monster with two mouths, their normal one located on their face, and their second one hidden away on the back of their head beneath their hair. The Futakuchi-onna’s skull splits apart and forms lips, teeth, a tongue, ect. It creates a completely functional second mouth one can eat with.

Simon Pearson: A shen. This one was more as a joke, but still funny and the idea is growing on me. A shen is a sort of clam monster from from chinese mythology. They’re a shapeshifting “dragon or sea monster” believed to create mirages. 

Leopold Strauss: A Nachtkrapp. A south German and Austrian bugbear creature. They’re supposed to be a tale meant to scare children off and up to their bedrooms to sleep. Several variations exist, but we will be (mainly) focusing on this - “In most legends, the Nachtkrapp is described as a giant, nocturnal raven-like bird. In Norse mythology, the, Nachtkrapp (Swedish "Nattramnen", Norwegian "Nattravnen") is depicted with no eyes which if looked into cause death. It is also depicted with holes in its wings which cause illness and disease if looked at.” - quoted straight from Wikipedia until I can get a more valid source.

Josiah Trelawny: A Djinn (Genie). A thing to note about the Djinn cryptids is that they are neither innately evil nor innately good. They’re usually held responsible for misfortune, possession and diseases, ect. However, the djinn are sometimes supportive and benevolent. They are frequently mentioned to be summoned and bound to a sorcerer with some form of brass object. (i.e. a lamp.)

Orville Swanson: Ghillie Dhu. A solitary male fairy. Kindly and reticent, yet sometimes wild in character but had a gentle devotion to children. They typically have dark hair and are clothed in leaves and moss. A rather unusual nature spirit (most commonly of the mountains), that lived in a birch wood he lived in a birch wood within the Gairloch and Loch a Druing area of the north-west highlands of Scotland. 

Kieran Duffy: A dullahan. I will accept all hate for this horrible, horrible thing I did. For those who don’t know, a dullahan is depicted as a headless horse rider, usually on a black steed, who carries their own head in their arms. The ancient Irish believed that wherever a dullahan stopped riding, a person was to die. They all but have to call out that person’s name which draws there mortal soul from their body, making them drop dead. It is also said that golden objects can force a dullahan to dissapear. I’ve always loved dullahans (thanks to lots of research after watching DRRR), and I couldn’t help but make Kieran one for this AU. Very befitting, due to his in-game fate. 

Molly O’Shea: A banshee. “Woman of the fairy mound”, “fairy woman”. Banshees were female spirits of Irish folklore who heralds the death of a family member, usually by wailing, shrieking, or keening. I liked the idea of Molly being a banshee, especially because of her downward spiral further into the game.

Davey Callander: Cerberus. I really wanted to include these next few deceased members just  for a storyline’s sake and as respect for the characters we never new. Cerberus, as most would probably know, is the three-headed hound of Hades that guards the gates to the Underworld. A common description includes - three heads, a serpent for a tail, and snakes protruding from multiple parts of his body.

Mac Callander: Orthrus. I contemplated Davey and Mac both being separate heads of Cerberus, but decided to use Orthrus as inspiration, the lesser known brother of Cerberus. Orthrus, though, is only two-headed and guarded Geryon’s cattle in myths, until he was killed by Heracles, that is.

Jenny Kirk: A harpy. I would have loved to see Jenny and Lenny in the game, but sadly we were robbed of it. Harpies were half-human, half-bird personifications of storm winds. Generally speaking, they were depicted as birds with the heads of maidens, faces pale with hunger and long claws on their hands. Pottery art depicting the harpies featured beautiful women with wings. Ovid described them as human-vultures. 

Annabelle: A siren. Oh how I love sirens. They were dangerous sea dwellers that enjoyed luring sailors to a watery grave with their enchanting voices and songs. I liked that being the idea of how her and Dutch met, her intentionally trying to drown him in a lake or some sort, before falling in love with him.

Bessie Matthews: A kitsune. I thought it would be cute with Hosea as a majestic centaur with a beautiful nine-tailed fox as his bride. Kitsunes are usually seen as intelligent legendary beings that have up to as many as nine tails. According to some folktales, Kitsune are usually seen employing their shapeshifting ability to trick humans, but others (that I favor for Bessie) portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

----------

That’s it for the Van der Lindes. As for other characters, I’ve only figured out Mary Linton’s status if I decide to make her a Cryptid.

I also want to make Albert Mason (I’m weak for this cinnamon bun) a Cryptid, but I’m at a loss of what he should be. Any ideas?

#red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption #red dead fandom #abigail roberts #jack marston #susan grimshaw #simon pearson #leopold strauss #josiah trelawny #orville swanson #kieran duffy #molly o'shea #davey callander #mac callander #jenny kirk #annabelle #bessie matthews #monsters au #alternate universe #cryptids