Blindly Chasing (I Won't Let You Fall Down That Path)

The Ultimate Dark Academia Book Recommendation Guide Ever

The title of this post is clickbait. I, unfortunately, have not read every book ever. Not all of these books are particularly “dark” either. However, these are my recommendations for your dark academia fix. The quality of each of these books varies. I have limited this list to books that are directly linked to the world of academia and/or which have a vaguely academic setting.

Dark Academia staples:

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Dead Poets Society by Nancy H. Kleinbaum

Vita Nostra by Maryna Dyachenko

Dark academia litfic or contemporary:

Bunny by Mona Awad

The Idiot by Elif Batuman

These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever

White Ivy by Susie Yang

The Cloisters by Katy Hays

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

Attribution by Linda Moore

Dark academia thrillers or horror:

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Ghosts of Harvard by Francesca Serritella

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

They Never Learn by Layne Fargo

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian

Dark academia fantasy/sci-fi:

Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

The Betrayals by Bridget Collins

Dark academia romance:

Gothikana by RuNyx

Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

Dark academia YA or MG:

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Crave by Tracy Wolff

Wilder Girls by Rory Power

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Dark academia miscellaneous:

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou

Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip

i think everyone who's ever had migraines should be financially compensated forever btw

When Ed said "your jealous of humans beacause we can change who we are" and when when greed said "you don't need me anymore kid" and Ling replied "but I do" and when Ed said "your hands where made for giving life, not taking it" and when Wrath said "my wife is the only thing I ever got to choose" and when Pride said "I liked playing house with her [mrs. Bradley], it was pleasant." And when Ed said "If I didn't consider you human, how could I consider my brother human?" and when Greed said "you where right, this IS what I wanted." And when Ed said "who needs alchemy when I have them?" and when

I was having a lotr discussion with my friend about how much we'd last carrying the one ring, until I suddenly came up with a question. Does the ring's power increase with each bearer because it hold the darkness and corruption of each of them?

This not only would change the perspective of the story but actually give sense to a LOT of things. First of all:

The ring is sentient, it has a will of its own, and clearly willingly links itself to people and exerts its power, literally molding and manipulating their very minds, to the point were even once destroyed Frodo and Bilbo are still linked to it in some ways, with an old delirious Bilbo still asking about the ring. If the rings power lasts withing it's bearers after it's gone, why shouldn't the ring also keep the darkness and corruption those people suffered when carrying the ring, storing and fueling its power, making it stronger.

This would entail that Frodo isn't only carrying his burden, but that of Sauron, Isildur, Smeagle and Bilbo, making it and even more indescribable burden and ultimately impossible task. It also explains why he must be the sole ring-bearer something which Elrond and Galadriel stress, eventhough sharing the burden of the ring would've been a logical choice for most people (at least between the hobbit and elves who have a greater resistance). Since this would mean that the ring would be contaminated by each ones darkness making it even stronger and harder to carry.

It would also better explain how even Sam, after only carrying it for a few hours while he thought Frodo was dead, had trouble giving it back to Frodo. As a character Sam would at least resist as much as Frodo, and yet, in only a few hours he was already heavily influenced, because the ring would already be carrying Frodo's burden and darkness. When given back to Frodo it then became an even heavier burden for him, to the point were he couldn't stand. While this would be the expected after carrying the ring for a year, it could have also been influenced by Frodo now also carrying Sam's burden and darkness from thinking Frodo was dead and taking responsibility of the ring. Of course this just makes the "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you" moment even MORE impactful, they literally carry each other.

Anyway this convo ended up lasting from 10pm to 1am and led to thesis worth material that I need 7 business days to digest, but will soon put into actual comprehensible writing.

Hi! So, this is a rather old thing (my google docs said the last time I edited it was in august of 2020!!). I made some adjustments because it was a mess. Anyway, I hope you like it and I can always expand on this if you'd like me to (example: adding the warriors 'cause I didn't finish this).

This was written as a catalog of mythological beings where I share the basics of their origins and range of domain. Hope you enjoy it.

AOT characters as gods, a god au!

Erwin Smith

Category: Major god.

Origins: Born from a long line of powerfull gods, but a bloody story. Suffered through many family betrayals and power struggles until he established the pantheon's harmony with the help of other gods.

Domain: He is known as the god of harmony, strategy, distrust and inspiration. He is worshipped by many leaders, either mortal or imortal, creature or deity. Evey leader prays and make offers to Erwin when a major decision is necessary. Even non-leaders pray to him when they need encouragment.

Levi Ackerman

Category: Earth creature.

Origins: Nobody knows, not even him. All Levi knows is that he was born from the earth and left alone to fend for himself. Like most earth creatures, he suffered from a lot of hate and despise from the gods. His life was full of pain and persecution, until he found purpose and protection in Erwin Smith.

Influence: Creatures like him do not have a stablished domain because they aren't gods. But, he is seen as a symbol of loyalty and persistence.

Hange Zoe

Category: Previously a minor deity, now major.

Origins: They were born in a powerfull line of old deities, but Hange was the only one to actually become a god and be worshipped. Not much is known about Hange's life until they found Levi and Erwin and started to lead the pantheon alongside them.

Domain: Hange's influence is mainly directed at curiosity, questioning and guidance. They are the reason the mortals create and solve issues. Most people worshipp them when in need of a solution or path of action. Hange is also currently known as the deity of desolation and anguish and some people pray to them in times of deep internal struggle.

Eren Jaeger

Category: Major god, previously a demigod.

Origins: He was born a demigod, his mother was mortal and his father a minor deity. He never knew about his own godhood until his adolescence, when his abilities were too much to ignore. He fought in many mortal wars, never was satisfied with his growing abilities and decided ask the gods for a challenge. He spent a decade trying to complete all the gods requests until he finally was rewarded with full godhood.

Domain: When he was turned a full god, nobody thought he would actually be worshipped and eventually slowly loose his divinity. Instead He rapidly became a symbol of perseverance, strength and determination. Although he is also known as the messenger and bringer of misfortune.

Mikasa Ackerman

Category: Major goddess.

Origins: Born from a strong line of Gods and Goddesses. She is one of the strongest beings in the pantheon, but not an active ruler like Erwin and Hange. She was more present in times of disharmony, always a major part of wars and hardships. She suffered a lot of losses along her family and friends, specially when Armin isolated and Eren lost his mortality.

Domain: She is worshipped by warriors, specially women, but everyone prays to her in need of balance and advice on conflict or deep emotional despair. She is known as goddess of victory, battles and strength, but also goddess of balance. She is a symbol of hope in wars and hardships, a perfect balance in times of peace. She is the most known god in the pantheon, therefore has many temples around the realm.

Armin Arlert

Category: Ancient deity, previously a major god, now a minor one.

Origins: He is extremely old. He wasn't suddenly born, instead he was slowly formed from the first spark of knowledge. The more deities, mortals and creatures developed, more of a conscious being he became. He is not a part of the main pantheon anymore, which is why he is now considered a minor god. He gave up the major role when the guilt and sorrow of his knowledge used for evil became too much. He is now isolated and only can be reached by praying.

Domain: He is the good of wisdom and knowledge. He doesn't hold all the knowledge of the world, but he has the means and ways of finding out information. Scholars, informants and ordinary people pray to him regularly, rulers also occasionally pray when they need to. Lately he's been associated a lot with bodies of water because many of his altars and temples are built there.

Jean Kirschtien

Category: Half-blooded, major god.

Origins: Born from very mixed ancestry, mostly deities but there are some creatures and monsters in his bloodline. He, alongside Armin and Mikasa, helped the pantheon keep its harmony. He rapidly became a leader just like Erwin and is now an essential god. He is one of the only gods to fight for creatures and monsters rights when the gods try to erradicate them.

Domain: He is the god of beauty, justice and peace. He might seem a soft god, and he can be, but justice is ugly. Many pray for Jean's justice and peace but only a few like what they get.

Sasha Braus

Category: Ancient deity, minor goddess.

Origins: Sasha is a very old goddess, born from earth, but isn't an earth creature. Earth, as a goddess, gave birth to her in order to have someone to care for wildlife and land. Sasha developed many mortals, creatures and monsters population. She is a frequent visitor in the pantheon, specially since she built a friendship with Jean. She likes being seen and talk to her worshippers.

Domain: She is related to the wildlife, crops, summer and life. People don't really pray to her because she doesn't have a temple nor requires any kind of offering. Her worshippers are mainly farmers who want a good crop, hunters that wish to bring a good meal home, kids who want a sunny and warm day to play. She blesses them all without them needing to ask. Altough she cannot control times of famish or droughts, she tries her best.

Connie Springer

Category: Minor god, half blooded.

Origins: He is a half blood, mix of deity and water creature. He has more creature blood, but still has a powerfull domain as a god. Nobody knows much about him, since water creatures are very secretive, but Sasha claims seeing him growing up from childhood until adulthood. He was severly hunted and despised by other divinities, some even tried to kill him, but Jean took him under his protection.

Domain: He might be a water creature, but his domain as a god has nothing to do with water. He is a trickster, illusionist and ambiguous, some people even see him as the god of lying. Very young beings are usually his worshippers, trying to be blessed with a sucessfull prank or lie. He isn't seen as evil, but most adults usually don't like his influence on younger ones.

Historia Reiss

Category: Ancient deity.

Origins: Nobody knows for sure, Historia had many names and domains and is extremely old. What is known is that she's one of the primordial beings that actually originated Gods and Godesses, monsters and creatures.

Domain: She had many domains, too much to count. All of them are related to ruling and harmony. When the gods are silent and the prayers and blessings don't come, the worshippers go for Historia as a last resort. She gives them the blessing they need and tries to reach the silent god. Lately she's been associated with Armin's domains since his isolation resulted in a few periods of silence. Sometimes, she also takes Hange's domain when they are in deep despair and anguish.

Ymir

Category: Underworld creature.

Origins: She was a mortal that crossed the reality of life and death without actually dying. The ones that enter the underworld alive are cursed to become a creature. She is now an eternal being that will surpass the gods themselves and resist until the end of times.

Influence: She is a wanderer, guide of lost souls and an observer in the final judgment. She also is a bringer of death if seen by living people and associated with misfortune and unluckyness.

Marco Bodt

Category: Air creature, minor god.

Origins: He isn't a half blood. He became a god as a gift for his contributions during the deities' war. He was an avid informant, messenger and diplomat during those times. He saved Jean's life, which made the god of beauty share some of his domain with him.

Domain: He is also known as the god of peace, but as an advisor and right hand to anyone in need. His domain is very attached to Jean, which results in many shared worshippers, temples and offerings. Marco doesn't mind sharing domain as long as he can bless as much people as he can.

People tagged: @reiners-milkbiddies hope you like it! I'm not sure if this what you'd like to read but I hope it's enjoyable

I FINALLY FINISHED IT!

Stop taking people with dementia to the cemetery

“Oh yeah, every time that dad forgets mom is dead, we head to the cemetery so he can see her gravestone.”

WHAT. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard some version of this awful story. Stop taking people with dementia to the cemetery. Seriously. I cringe every single time someone tells me about their “plan” to remind a loved one that their loved one is dead.

I also hear this a lot: “I keep reminding mom that her sister is dead, and sometimes she recalls it once I’ve said it.” That’s still not a good thing. Why are we trying to force people to remember that their loved ones have passed away?

If your loved one with dementia has lost track of their timeline, and forgotten that a loved one is dead, don’t remind them. What’s the point of reintroducing that kind of pain? Here’s the thing: they will forget again, and they will ask again. You’re never, ever, ever, going to “convince” them of something permanently. 

Instead, do this:

“Dad, where do you think mom is?”

When he tells you the answer, repeat that answer to him and assert that it sounds correct. For example, if he says, “I think mom is at work,” say, “Yes, that sounds right, I think she must be at work.” If he says, “I think she passed away,” say, “Yes, she passed away.” 

People like the answer that they gave you. Also, it takes you off the hook to “come up with something” that satisfies them. Then, twenty minutes later, when they ask where mom is, repeat what they originally told you.

We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names ~ Nikita Gill