Odysseus:*Rocking Back And Forth In A Somewhat Fetal Position*

"If we switched the story, Soleia would be the main character and Yerenica is the villain."

*deep breaths*

Okay Diana, restrain yourself. I know we've said it before, but we have to explain it again.

First and foremost, I just want to say that I don't hate Soleia. I even made a post defending her. I understand her, and she is one of the best villainesses for me in the Manhwa Community. But I want to settle something here.

For so long, I have seen many people compare Yerenica to (Lord, forgive me for what I am about to say) Rashta. [Scream of horror]

It pains me so much that one of my favourite characters is compared to that, that. No. Your mentality is wrong. The fact that you compared Navier to Soleia and Rashta to Yerenica is just, so wrong.

If we flip the roles, in my opinion, Soleia will be the protagonist who was hurting people, and we will get a backstory on how she is avenging her family.

People will say, "she's a gray character."

A gray character doesn't harm people who don't deserve it. Literally the first time they met, Yerenica did nothing and was just standing behind (not even close) to Euredian. Soleia saw her, a girl who knew nothing and was just kidnapped from her country, and attacked her.

Tell me then, why would a woman attack a girl out of nowhere? Because she felt threatened? What did Yerenica do other than stand there and watch them converse?

I'm not going to insert here what Yerenica is thinking, what her POV was because we're going to focus on Soleia and her POV, and why, even if we turn the switch and she's the main character, she would still be a bad person.

"She has justification! Soleia was engaged to Euredian!"

She wasn't.

She was clinging to Euredian, she was forcing him to choose her. It was mentioned countless times in both Manhwa and Nov how she exposed numerous scandals for the other noble girls who dared approach Euredian.

Soleia distanced the Tower from the Royal Family, making it nearly autonomous and Euredian, to ensure that the Tower remained in his grasp, was forced to marry her in the OG! Novel.

At the time, before the kidnapping and before Euredian accepted his feelings, Soleia was merely a choice that Euredian would begrudgingly accept as his fiancée, and the people thought the same. Everyone knew she was forcing him. The only relationship they had prior to the events we saw was a professional one, a Wizard reporting to the Emperor.

"She did it to protect her people, the wizards! The Royal Family and the Temple killed her family and friends!"

They practiced Dark Magic, something they knew was forbidden. Why did you think they hid? Why did you think they were doing it underground? Why did you think it was passed on secretly?

Because it was illegal.

Why? We're talking about experimenting on the bodies of the dead, stealing souls from returning to Yudetta and practicing mind control, the magic of taking one's freedom. Just look at Leria. Soleia killed her and possessed her body.

What gray character would do that?

What really made the situation worse was that the King at the time, Euredian's father, and the Temple, didn't give them a trial. What happened instead was the brutal massacre and purging of the Richards Family. This was something that Rosel, the man who told on the Richards, didn't expect to happen.

"The Royal Family were threatening the lives of Wizards!"

No, they were not.

Remember the Glückmahn Tripartite Agreement? It was the catalyst that started the original novel. This was the agreement where the three kingdoms of Azekien, Livovny, and Bellecourt would trade and have safe passage throuch the Glückmahn Road of Livovny. The most essential object that was being transported here was mana ore, which Bellecourt didn't have but Azekien did.

Another thing, the Magic Tower of Bellecourt was something the Kings of Bellecourt themselves had made. Euredian said it himself that generations of kings poured wealth over it to become the magical authority of Rhiger, defeating Azekien itself which was rich in mana.

Side note: My theory on why Bellecourt doesn't have mana ores is because Laurus comes down every ten years to cleanse the land. Not to mention, the land itself was made by him. While one can use mana all around Bellecourt, as explained by Rosel, the land Bellecourt was built upon was blessed by Laurus.

If the Royal Family were purging wizards left and right, why did they go to such lengths for talks over mana ore? Why did they make the Tower? Why didn't Euredian and his father, and the other kings purged them?

As mentioned in Manhwa and Novel, divinity and mana co-exist, they just don't feel each other but they can destroy the other. The Richards Family drew the line from using forbidden magic and, as Soleia mentioned, summoning Heidis.

"That doesn't change the fact that Yerenica is like Rashta. She is so dependent on people and uses her looks to get what she wants!"

To answer this, we're now adding Yerenica's POV. Seems fair since Rashta, in what I have seen in passing images, sometimes gets her own POV. If not, please correct me.

Is Rashta terminally-ill? The reason why Yerenica approached Euredian in that matter was because she needed his divinity. Remember that whenever she wasn't exposed to it, she would feel heavy as man would literally hold onto her. Why is she acting cute and why is she so clingy to Euredian?

Alright, this can be compared to Rashta, but please note that at the same time, there is also a difference.

Both Yerenica and Rashta felt unloved. Yerenica's mom died when she was young and her father was always away. I haven't read Remarried Empress yet (I'm stacking shh) but I do know from reading comments about it that Rashta went through something difficult as well.

What's the difference?

Yerenica cared for Soleia. She never had a thought of hurting her, or wanting her to die. She just wanted to block the engagement and marriage between Soleia and Euredian because it would end with the death of Euredian (which Soleia has planned. Please note, Euredian was a child back then. What did he do to contribute to the Richards Family death?).

Rashta, if I recall, smiled when Navier was finally divorced from... What's his name? Sovieshu? Dang what a name. Based on my understanding from some comments and passing spoilers, she just wanted to have the life Navier had (which of course, she can't.)

Please, please correct me if I am wrong because I have not read the spoilers, Manhwa, and Novel fully. I'm stacking.

"Then why isn't Yerenica strong? Why can't she just pick up a sword and do something?"

Because that's not who she is. That's not Seo Eun-seo and Yerenica's personality. She's a fun-loving person who came from our world, who is terminally-ill, and funny. Honestly, the reason why I love Yerenica so much as a character is because I can relate to her.

She's not physically strong, doesn't have a monstrous amount of strength, she didn't have to go through something traumatizing as traumatizing as other female leads do, she died before she knew it. She's not a genius, but she's smart. She's not talented, but she's kind. She's not bad-ass, but she cares and is willing to sacrifice herself for someone else.

I really don't understand why you can hate a person just because you say "She's not strong or bad-ass."

Does every female lead have to lie to get what they want? Deceive others? Do they have to fight in a battle or belittle the villain?

Yerenica, throughout the novel, never belittled Soleia. She respected her, and in the end, befriended her. Soleia smiled at Yerenica and even approved of her marriage with Euredian, thinking they were a good match. Yerenica never saw her as a villain, she had thought she was scary and crazy at times, but never mistreated or fought with her.

Even Soleia knew what she was doing was terrible and in the end, once she realized the consequences of her actions, helped Yerenica and Euredian.

Tell me, if your main character kills people, disturbs the body of the dead, hurts someone innocent, summons the absolute evil of the world and encouraged their son to kill his father, all in the name of justice for a family who were killed for sorcery and killing as well, would you support them still?

I have yet to reach DeliParty, but fr fr

She gets slandered too much in this fandom

If you don't like cure precious ill have to kill you

A reminder that Wilbur Soot has been trying to go by his legal name of Will Gold in some parts of the music industry. His full name is William Patrick Gold. If you see that name, that's him. Do not let this bitch ever get the chance to even try and rebuild his reputation.

@gaillol-13

Big Brothers

pt4 <<< pt5 >>> pt6

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

4/5 stars

I finally found it! A book with a portrayal of fae that I liked almost as much as Holly Black’s!

Of course, that’s because Heather Fawcett’s depiction of fae is strikingly redolent of Holly’s. I could even dub them to be in the same universe and they would fit somehow. It is clear by now I only like a specific kind of fae (this is my personal preference)—the fairytale-esque / folklore version. I hate Gild or ACoTAR’s portrayal of fae; I do not see fae EVER as... macho men. The mere thought makes me gag. I will take Cardan’s goat tail over big, manly ‘alpha’ men that are also so-called 'fae', tyvm.

Sorry, I digress. But not entirely, because well, this book I’m reviewing, if the title isn’t obvious enough, is about fae. The way fae is categorised goes like this (I’m writing this down so that when the next book arrives next year, I still fucking remember):

Human-sized / big fae are called The Tall Ones or Courtly Fae. Tiny ones are called the Common Fae, further sub-categorised into Brownies (they strike bargains with mortals often) or Trooping Fae (they travel in troops and keep to themselves). 

One of my standout (if not my favourite) characters is Poe, who is a Brownie. OMG, he is so adorable with his sharp needle-fingers and his love for cooking. Also, that little thing makes fucking delicious bread, which is my absolute favourite thing to eat in the world. My heart broke for him when his tree got burnt, but yay that Wendell Bambleby fixed it for him!!! 

How is Poe not adorable? I heard from the reviews (LUCKY ASSES WHO GOT ARCS) that the next book will feature him again (and his lady), and I am so excited to read it.

Moving on from Poe, I’ll address a character much more important to the story: Wendell. I have to say that because everyone was saying the romance subplot is very small, I took it to mean that I would not see Wendell much, but I was wrong. Wendell is in the story most of the time. And while I can’t say I’m in love with him (the romance was too sudden IMO), I do love him very much. He’s hilarious. An absolute riot. I mean, just look at this part in his POV (do be mindful of spoilers in this snippet):

This man is clinically insane, lmao.

Random side-note: him having blonde hair is delicious. I just love blonde male characters. He is, quite literally, a ray of sunshine compared to Emily’s grumpiness. I usually absolutely despise the grumpy/sunshine trope because the man is almost always the fucking grump. But when it’s reversed? Utterly delightful. How can I not love a male character who is actually emotionally intelligent? Who on earth wrote into the romance fiction codex that an attractive male lead must have the emotional intelligence of a toothpick (Coughs at Love Hypothesis, coughs at Love on the Brain, cough cough cough)? Who???

Anyways.

This book surprised me in many ways, not just with Wendell. It’s dubbed as ‘cosy fantasy’ and many people complain that nothing really happens, so I was kind of bracing myself for a snoozefest.

Um, I was wrong.

I'm confused that this is what we consider cosy fantasy (I truthfully know next to nothing of this genre)? But… There is so much adventure and action that happens here. If anything, the stakes in this story feel higher / more engaging than in An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson, which I strongly disliked (even though I enjoyed some of its portrayal of fae). While the beginning was a bit rough, I was utterly hooked about a third into Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia. 

I was also A FOOL, because I read this thinking the next book was already out. T_T But no, it only comes out NEXT YEAR. Why are all the books I’m desperate for coming out next year? Okay, just two books including this, but whatever. 

One more thing to add before I close this entry: why do some people dislike Emily??? She was reserved, yes, but her kind heart really shone through her actions, especially in comparison to Wendell's indifference. She’s one of the many characters I adored in this book. In fact, I loved almost everyone in the cast; I was prepared to dislike Auds, the village headswoman, but I loved her in the end. It was lovely how the villagers rallied to support Emily later on, and also—I can't forget dear old Shadow!! Bless that baby.

Suffice to say, I will be sitting here, waiting for the next book very, very patiently.

- 11 Aug 2023

Neuvillette x Evermore from Beauty and the Beast focallette au. That’s it. That’s all I can think about.

I went on tiktok to just watch some silly Odysseus videos but then I mostly saw people going like "Yeah, maybe Odysseus cried on Calypso' island every day but honestly he had that coming after what he did Achilles and Patroclous/Circe!!!" and "Everything that happens in Odyssey is deserved cuz he took Patrochilles to war!!!" and "I feel so bad for Circe and Calypso and Penelope, they deserved better!!!"

For fucks sake I beg you, read anything different from Millers bs and like educate yourself- And please stop goddamn saying that rape victim. deserved it.

Circe probably didn't give a flying fuck, Calypso is a rapist and abuser and Penelope deserved everything she wanted and SHE WANTED ODYSSEUS

I think I've had enough internet for today, imma go wash my eyes with bleach. Anyways sorry for ranting here, i hope you don't mind it lmao

It's alright. I absolutely understand the vents about the whole thing. :'D No one deserves to be a victim of such a thing no matter WHAT they've done. I hope your eyes are okay after the bleach

Like Odysseus does so many fucked up things but Calypso and Circe? He is the victim. Period. It's very clear that Odysseus is in extreme distress on Ogygia. And Circe wasn't some sort of FwB situation. There's fear and numbness in the language he uses when talking about it. There's so much victim blaming and it SUCKS.

While back then it probably wouldn't be considered SA but now? It clearly is.

Even then, Odysseus' journey was kind of about "temptation" or just straight up "Die or get out of my sea." From Poseidon. "I don't want you in my waters so I'm gonna try and give you things that will keep you on land or just kill you."

Immortal goddesses wanting you would be many people's dream come true but not for Odysseus. And I think that's the point. His determination, how he clawed his way back into the arms he never wanted to leave in the first place, is incredible. Many people would've given up and just started a new life but he never would because no life he could ever create would compare to the life he had before. Even if it's different, it's what he's always wanted.

He literally tells Calypso "I'm not stopping until I'm home. I don't care if I suffer more until I do. I'm going home."

“Mighty goddess, do not be angry with me over this. I myself know very well Penelope, although intelligent, is not your match                                          to look at, not in stature or in beauty. But she’s a human being and you’re a god. You’ll never die or age. But still I wish, every moment to get back to my home,                                                       to see the day of my return. And so, even if out there on the wine-dark sea some god breaks me apart, I will go on— the heart here in my chest is quite prepared to bear affliction. I’ve already had so many troubles, and I’ve worked so hard                                  through waves and warfare. Let what’s yet to come be added in with those.”

(Book 5, Johnston)

Circe's a goddess and what happened is nothing like Dionysus and Ariadne and Apollo and Hyacinthus for example. Circe never gave Odysseus a crown of stars and he would never go out of his way to kill 120 people for bothering her. They did not love each other and he can't refuse as she's a goddess.

If you interpret them sleeping together the entire year,(It's only explicitly said that they had sex once so that's what I go with personally.) that doesn't mean he was happy with it! Even then, the whole situation is not what a healthy FwB should look like! I'm asexual and even I know that no one in a FwB situation should have to BEG in any way that basically says "Please let me go or kill me" with supplication!!! The fact that he leaves so quickly he forgets one of his men? The fact that during Elpenor's funeral, he doesn't greet Circe himself? He was avoiding her. Wouldn't he want to get "one last night together" during Book 12 if they were fwb? 🙄

It's bonkers to me that people hate him for being a "cheater" when A.) having multiple lovers wasn't uncommon in Ancient Greece, and B.) the two people he is explicitly said to have "cheated" with, weren't his choice. He wasn't actively searching for pretty women either!!!

As mentioned, while it was common for men to have many lovers, Odysseus never had any listed unlike some of the other men. (not bashing any of them. I'm just making a point in comparison.) He also has no other children besides Telemachus in Homer's works. There's no evidence of him having other lovers other than speculation. (funny enough, I once read somewhere that the reason why Odysseus is so mean is because he doesn't "bond" enough with the other soldiers. 😂)

Does that mean he didn't have other lovers? Technically, Nope! It's just never explicitly stated either way. He has slaves but none were ever said to be concubines or that he sleeps with them. He has deep bonds with his fellow soldiers but that doesn't mean he sleeps with them. That doesn't mean people can't write or talk about him doing so even though it's not mentioned! Just like it also means that someone can write him not doing so as there's nothing that says it either way in Homer's Works! :D

It's fucked up when people say "He didn't try to leave Calypso enough" or something of the like. It just tells you how A.) they didn't read the Odyssey or have piss on the poor reading comprehension or B.) ...you should probably stay away from that person...

With Circe though??? I can understand the confusion but digging deeper and looking at the text, he wasn't having a good time. Or at the very least was walking on Eggshells the whole time. I hate bringing up that essay over and over again but like...I literally wrote everything there.

I also don't like how people take Circe's morally gray-ness away from her. Let her do something fucked up to be fucked up!!! Let her traumatize Odysseus!

Idk, I kind of hate that I'm "known" for this but I relate to this idiot asshole a lot and it means a lot to me that his story, despite what happens to him, has a happy ending :'D

(They’re both talking in wingdings.. although I guess Sans’s future narration is in English?) Here is part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, and part 5. :}

Hhhhuhhnngnnnng..I’m never doing a huge project like ever AGAIN!! UHG that took forever. I’m so friggin tired and hungry man, I haven’t moved since I woke up because I was determined to get this out today. Anyway it feels like a weight is being lifted off my chest having this thing done. I’m glad I can return to drawing whatever I want without this project looming over my head.

Also, in case anyone is wondering why it seems like Papyrus is drooling all over the place, see this post, face row 6 for your explanation. :]

Also these poor babies. Why do I do this you might ask? I wish I had an answer man, reeeeeally wish I did. I don’t have much else to say, I cant really think of anything. I guess I could point out that Papyrus is still scratched up because he used up all his energy on healing Sans and Gaster really doesn’t have the magic to spare..

Anyway I’ll stop rambling, I hope you all enjoyed this roller coaster ride of emotions! Please exit the carriage to the left, watch your head and have a nice day!  

My deepest darkest secret is being a StanBill shipper :( I am willing to die on this hill though

Also Human Bill!

Who is it?

KNOCK KNOCK Yoojin: [opens the door] Dokja? Shouldn't you be at the suicide club? Dokja: Meeting's cancelled. One of our members is getting married. Yoojin: I thought Gongja got married last month. Dokja: It's a different one this time. You wouldn't know them. Anyway, did you guys hear the news? Some psycho's running around destroying the city. Cale: [closing his eyes and reclining on his rocking chair] Not my problem. Yoojin: [tapping on his phone] Oh, good! Someone's live streaming it. [The fourth wall is shaking faintly] Yoojin: Ack. Sorry. Dokja: It's fine. Yoojin: Ahem... H-here, let me bring the volume up. Nameless Instagrammer: [sounds of explosion] Holy ■■■■! Did you see that?! A whole building just collapsed! [phone shakes violently as they begin to run] ■■■■■. This swordsman's ■■■■■■■■ crazy... Trio: [instantly becomes hyperalert] Nameless Instagrammer: Bet he has a ton of fans though. Lots of shallow ■■■■■■■ in the world. It's me. I'm ■■■■■■■. [pauses to evade a flying debris] My friend managed to take a picture of him while he was demolishing her school, but- what? [reading the comments] No? I can't show you right now 'cause I'm trying not to die. Anyway, he's insanely good-looking. Like. Waaay handsome. Cale: [sags in relief] Dokja and Yoojin: [anxiety intensifies] Cale: By any chance... did either of you forget to inform your group of your whereabouts, too? Dokja: [hurriedly typing out a group text to his nebula] Not me. I'm not that stupid. Yoojin: Yoohyunie was in a dungeon, but I stuck a message on the fridge before I left... [shakes his head sharply] No. No way. That can't be Yoohyunie. Dokja: How can you be so sure? He many not be as han- Cale: [casts a shield around himself] Dokja: ... as much of a handful as Joonghyuk, but he's a [lowers his voice to a mutter] handsome swordsman, too. Yoojin: [pretends he didn't notice to keep his body count from rising and just shrugs] Because Yoohyunie promised. I told him after the mess in Hong Kong that if he wiped out another city again, I wouldn't hug him for a week. Cale: Okay. Let's pretend there's nothing wrong with what you said for a second. What about that monster pet you told us about that likes to eat everything? Dokja: Yeah. What if it ate the note? Yoojin: Chir- Nameless Instagrammer:Holy ■■■■■■■ ■■■■, he's here. The Swordsman: CALE-NIIIM Cale: [rushes out of the room] SONOFA-