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drawing-write · 2 months ago

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(Old writing from my Untitled google docs)

“Archive, are you good?”

Blinking out of their reverie, Archive –a name they were bestowed upon by their coworkers and were most often referred to as– tipped their head towards their partner, a question on their lips that was soon forgotten by the frown on the other’s face.

Sheepishly, Archive attempted to recall what Discord had said before, but came up with a quick blank, “Ah..” They trailed off, “What were you saying, dear?”

With a snort, Discord rolled their eyes, “Don’t ‘dear’ me, honey.” Archive cringed at how the pet name rolled out of Discord’s mouth. Cloying with an artificial sort of sugary sweetness. Discord looked almost disgusted as well, before swiftly recovering. “No, seriously though, Archive, you’ve been distracted. Is something wrong?” At the genuine concern, Archive found themself at a loss for words. A memory flashed through their head, an unpleasant memory. With a grimace, they waved the memory away. Their pause and hesitation only served to make Discord more concerned it seemed.

Archive had to rectify the situation soon, unless they wanted their partner to start impulsively trying to fight whoever was unfortunate enough to be in the general direction of where Archive had been scowling yesterday.

The frustration Archive had felt was the fault of their work and overtime hours, not the fault of whatever poor bastard was in the way of Archive’s active brooding. “Archive? Do I need to-” “No.” Archive shook their head, interrupting whatever Discord was going to say, much to the mounting bafflement of their partner. “No?” They repeated, visibly perplexed, “I hadn’t even finished what I wanted to say.” “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

With their eyebrows scrunched together at Archive’s taciturn response, Discord made a face before sighing and letting their expression smooth out. Discord slid into Archive’s space while slinging their arm over their partner’s shoulders.

After a short beat of thoughtful silence, a grin overtook Discord’s face, they began to lean their weight on Archive, seemingly intent on making Archive topple. When Archive stood stiffly in place, muscles flexing and completely unmoving, Discord huffed and lessened the pressure, opening their mouth to speak, “Hey… So, uh, there’s this new bar in town-” “No.” “Oh, come on, Archive. At least hear me out!” Discord whined unhappily, placing the side of their chin against the back of Archive’s head and frowning. “No.” “This is betrayal! Archive! You won’t even take time for my words!?”

With a snort, Archive pointedly ignored them as they dramatically clung onto Archive like a despairing limpet. The noise was doing nothing but drawing the attention of nearby groups of people that spared them a quick glance before looking away once meeting Archive’s cool gaze.

Discord’s antics weren’t hurting anyone so the irritated glares of random people were raising Archive’s hackles. Their partner had done nothing wrong by expressing themselves, they weren’t even being loud, simply too physically affectionate. Archive was thankful for their partner. Discord was a perceptive person, much more than people had given them credit for, but they really were. And they were so very considerate towards Archive as well, knowing how to switch the subject whenever Archive felt uncomfortable. It always sort of baffled Archive whenever others would remark on Discord being nothing more than an intoxicated party animal. When, in truth, Discord was more likely to be on a computer playing minecraft and listening to lo-fi than going out to party. Perhaps their reputation was due to how easily Discord integrated themselves into groups of people. They loved joining communities and experiencing things with other people. But Discord was never mindless in their pursuit of socialization as others tended to presume.

Discord thrived off of life, conversation, and relationships with others. Whether those relations be romantic, platonic or even sexual in nature. They loved the connection. Needed it. Strived for it. But they weren’t hedonistic, they cared about connection. Of course, that wasn’t saying Discord had never found themselves trapped within the wrong cliques. It had happened more than enough times.

There was a time Archive distinctly remembered, when Discord had dragged themselves to their door one night, looking worse for wear as they cried about wanting to leave a group but feeling too afraid to leave the few nice people in the group.

Simply put, Discord made attachments too quickly. Growing fond of people so swiftly that– if it were a race, they’d be the championing collector over every stray they came across once they reached the finish line. There was always a sense of helplessness and resentment Archive felt in these moments.

The resentment, obviously, was not aimed towards their partner but instead towards the groups for making their partner feel that way.

Discord was joy to be around, and very secure with themselves, but they had their cracks. And awful people often found a way to slip in and poke at the bruises whenever they felt vulnerable.

No doubt was ever put into Discord’s strength and sheer stubbornness, it just wouldn’t be possible to doubt such a thing when Discord put their all into everything they worked towards. But in a way, they were too easily influenced.

A little too empathetic, a little too inviting. Especially for people looking for an escape and finding solace within the first kind smile they receive. Discord accepted everyone, from those few unlucky people down on their luck, to greasy degenerates looking for an extra buck or another person to hurt.

Oftentimes, it was Discord getting hurt in those situations. Or it was Discord being used in order to hurt others.

And no matter what, it always sparked a flame of anger within Archive– A sense of protectiveness.

Though admittedly, Discord could handle themselves and was the more likely out of the two of them to throw a punch– Archive still wanted to keep Discord safe and comforted. The two of them were in it together after all, through thick and thin.

Since the moment they had both connected. It was always going to be.

Archive and Discord were very different people from each other, but they weren’t complete opposites, not at all. Archive enjoyed joining communities as well, though not exactly for the same reasons as Discord. What Archive enjoyed were things or places where they could collect and see, like book conventions, art galleries, photography lessons, all the like— Discord liked being physically part of the community, Archive was content to just take it all in.

There were the down days between the two partners of course, where neither of them wanted to socialize. On those days they would both lounge lazily on the couch, blankets strewn over them and lights dimmed or turned off, popcorn, or whatever strange abomination of a snack Discord conjured, between them. Legs intertwined and eyes fixed on their TV Screen.

Discord would be making themselves as obnoxious as possible, chewing loudly, gasping and slapping Archive’s arms in excitement whenever things got thrilling on screen. Sometimes it was annoying, but it never did any harm. And Archive wasn’t any better with their constant mumbling predictions of what would happen next on the screen while lamenting on cliche plots and tropes much to the rolling of Discord’s eyes.

Once the movie was ended, Archive would drag their partner to bed not bothering to clean up the leftover mess and instead passionately telling a beguiling tale of an alternate ending to how the movie would go. Changing up the plot and themes, fixating on their favourite characters and even creating whole other universes for the sake of canon divergence. Discord found the ranting tales endearing, if not a bit insane.

They would spend hours together in their shared bed, Archive curled up in Discord’s arms, talking on and on as Discord would listen in fond indulgence, stroking their head and cuddling close.

#websites personified #fandom spaces #fandom spaces personified #ao3 personified #fanfic #ao3 #crack fic #discord personified

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drawing-write · 2 months ago

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Personified Fandom Spaces:

Ao3 - Efficient and organized. Gets job done quickly and productively. Writes as a hobby and has published books that are popular and very loved. Has a system for everything. Cares a lot about people, their thoughts and feelings. Tired and done. So they just go along with things defeatedly.

Discord - Friendly and inviting, a bit naive but mature most of the time. Likes joining groups and communities while messing around. Very much a gamer and has lots of skills and hobbies. Can talk for hours and has a bunch of useless knowledge. Very charismatic and likes joking around. Looks soft and innocent, but will absolutely invest and help with general chaos.

Wattpad - Ao3’s brother. Is very much in the closet. Wattpad tries his best but is careless in many ways, he cares very much for other people’s opinions. He likes money very much and sometimes mooches off Ao3. But he has his brother's habits in keeping notes and organization. Thinks he’s funny, he’s really not.

Quotev - Has a crush on Wattpad but will never admit it. Keeps angsty journals and obsessively answers all the questions in Teen Magazine Quizzes. Likes trivia. Writes things and is part of a cookie scout charity group. Goes up to people on the street to survey them or ask for answers to a poll. Has a unhealthy love for aesthetics and drama.

Wikipedia - Petty and self-entitled. The older sibling of Quotev. Likes to boast about being multilingual. Works in soup kitchens and takes volunteer hours. Despite being stubborn, Wikipedia is a collaborator. Likes to think they’re the smartest person in the room and keeps information close to their heart. Has a grudge against Ao3 for unknown reasons. Ao3 indulges in their one-sided rivalry at times, but is mostly too tired to care.

Pinterest - Very happy. Is a spoiled kid who likes everything. Keeps a pin board in their office. The most likely to set a pot of water on fire. Always active on Social Media and loves sharing everything and anything to anyone who will listen. A day dreamer and imaginative. Very much biased and is rude to people they don’t like, even before talking to them. Sources a lot of things from their coworkers, especially Ao3.

Twitter "X" - That one nosy kid who is also the Therapist Friend. Likes listening to people's thoughts and sharing things with each other. Purposely causes drama just for fun. Is a bastard who watches everything happen smugly with a bag of popcorn. But genuinely builds relationships with other people and talks with them happily. Sincerely likes being around other people. Doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry at Ao3’s Cult.

TikTok - Found out about the Cult and joined in enthusiastically. Also loves Ao3. Became friends with Discord but they have a hate/loathe relationship. TikTok is very outspoken and loud. Likes singing and dancing and expressing themselves. Joins Discord in trying out new things. TikTok is very accepting to the wrong types of people and hangs out with bad influences that get them in trouble more often then not. Still refuses to leave their “friends” tho.

Fanfiction.Net - The Company Boss. FN is more experienced than Ao3. FN is meticulous and understanding. Very well-liked by their subordinates. Likes literature very much. One of the most influential people in the world.

Tumblr -Has a daily blog. They’re a very free-spirited person who does whatever they want. They’re opinionated and don’t care much for how other people view them. Easily interacts with people, is a very good teacher. Has a way of simplifying things in an understandable, clear way. Likes Ao3 as a friend and hangs out with them due to sharing the same likes. Bothers Discord sometimes to ask to come to various communities and groups.

Google - Is older than Fanfiction.net and went by a different name before meeting FN and going by Google. Likes bothering FN a lot and is very much lax with their words. Google spills information and gossip around like candy and is the boss to a rival company. Google likes collecting information by the dozens and gives info out for money. Fanfiction.net’s company is Google’s favourite to poke at, earning FN’s ire.

#websites personified #fandom spaces #fandom spaces personified #ao3 personified #fanfic #ao3 #crack fic #discord personified

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drawing-write · 2 months ago

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Fandom Spaces ect. Personified

Okay, so this was a pretty old idea I came up with my friends on Discord.

The premise is basically based around how panicked readers get when Ao3 goes down, and how eager people are to donate to Ao3 to keep the website running.

(Yes, this is a part of my series of untitled google docs.)

Ao3 was filing papers, probably part of a company that takes in letters from people.

The Cult, a group of people who had no one who really like them and only had each other sent letters to the company everyday, and they discovered Ao3, who would lovingly file their letters and keep them safe.

The group feels a sort of appreciation for Ao3 and follows them for a while, wanting to learn more or become friends.

Discord finds them following Ao3 and assumes the best and jokes around that they’re like cult following their loved one.

The group listens to Discord’s words and centers their lives around those words. Creating an actual cult.

Discord realizes it’s serious way too late.

It started off as appreciation for Ao3 taking care of their letters. Then it just evolved the more they learned about Ao3.

They grew obsessed with Ao3 while watching them and following them, and their blind devotion led to more love. And more love led to more blind devotion.

The Cult isn’t used to anyone treating their things nicely. As shapeshifters, they only had each other to rely on, knowing each other’s struggles.

But Ao3 came by and read their letters and understood them. Ao3 made them feel like they mattered and that their things and words were cared for.

The Main Cult decided to join the company. In order to be able to follow and observe Ao3 better.

Lovingly watching Ao3’s workplace and regular life.

(The Cult absolutely takes a lot of what Discord says as instructions- Even if Discord is just joking most of the time-)

Discord saw this group following around their friend and was like, “Uh, hey, what're you doing?”

The Cult knows Discord due to following Ao3 and is like, “We’re following Ao3, please don’t bother us.”

Discord takes it as a joke and assumes they’re friends or fans of Ao3, maybe Ao3 wrote a book or something? Discord thinks.

Then Discord says, “Oh, well, I can help! I have a big house. That could be your base of operations!”

Cult:

Discord: “…I suddenly feel like I made a huge mistake.”

#websites personified #fandom spaces #fandom spaces personified #ao3 personified #fanfic #ao3 #crack fic #discord personified

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drawing-write · 2 months ago

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Yay :)

#my art stuff #my art #doodle #birthday

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drawing-write · 3 months ago

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Everyone look at this and PRAISE!! (I’m still MIA, but SEND LOVE TO ATSUUUU)

<33

@panicatthecourtx MUM LOOOK AT ITTTT!!

Gorgeous art, wonderful artist, amazing friend. I WOULD DIE FOR ATSU AND THIS AU

south park x dc comics au

that me and @drawing-write made 🫶🫶

it started from the idea of the main 4 as the robins, then it just escalated from there

also i personally only know the surface level stuff about dc,, ren is the one who knows all the lore and read the comics

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drawing-write · 3 months ago

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I just think you make it so clear that you have so much genuine love for the topics that interest you, and I just think that's really cool!

You're so nice to me *sobs*, my ramblings are so disjointed-

I have always really liked Odysseus, but I feel a lot of his nuance was lost to me until now. I really like learning more about subjects like this, especially with people as sincere as you about keeping informed and being so forthcoming with not only sharing your thoughts and opinions but also linking it with the actual texts.

Ohhh- Gosh, I wish Jorge did that with Leucothea. That would so cool and would make so much sense. It definitely would have added more to the story. I feel like I would've like that a lot more, because the Vengeance Saga is my least favourite Saga and I have not listened to Get In The Water or Six Hundred Strike at all. I always skip them when I'm listening to the musical. I just- didn't like them.

Aaaa! Prince Of Egypt mention! I'm a christian protestant and I ADORE that movie. Watched it so many times, also at school actually! I go to a catholic school, many of my classmates have watched it too. My religion teacher even put on during class, and though he explained the inaccuracies and the creative liberties taken, he also told our class that he watches that movie with his family all the time. It would have been so, well, epic, if a retelling of the Odyssey did that as well. To serve the story some justice in a beautiful and respectful way.

For Circe and Odysseus- Yess, I wish Jorge added the power imbalance there. The transactional relationship between them, I mean what more could Odysseus do in the face of a Goddess? Especially since he wanted his men to live. I also- sorta wanted more of Love In Paradise? Odysseus' mental state and how Calypso treated him. Like what you said before about Odysseus, a warrior, being powerless. I wanted more of his thoughts, more of the long-term consequences on how he perceives people and especially women? I hope I'm not reading to much into it, but him being an SA survivor and how that would affect his relationships really interests me, I don't want him to suffer, I just wish there was more. If that even makes sense?

Coming into the Epic: The Musical Fandom was sorta a shock to me, like, when I discovered the "Manwhore" AU on tumblr, I just felt uncomfortable. I know it's supposed to be comedic and funny, but I don't see how Odysseus giving his body to Zeus or Poseidon to save his men is supposed to be funny at all?? I've seen people in the fandom talk about him being an SA survivor, in regards to Circe and Calypso, so I really don't understand why they would play something like this up for laughs? Since SA is a serious topic. And when I was on Ao3, the fanfics I've seen floating around about it mostly made him enjoy selling his body and it's just- gross, I think. Like why write about that? Why make him suffer more? Why write him enjoying it?? The writers could have just written about what happened in the actual Odyssey if they wanted to write something angsty with Odysseus being SAed and explore his struggles, instead of making something up about Zeus and/or Poseidon.

Misinformation is very rampant in the community, not just about the source but also the Canon of the musical itself? People in numerous comment sections make up stuff about things Jorge has supposedly said and no one provides sources. I've seen so many instances of this, and fans get very upset when another person says, "No, that never happened, this is misinformation" because it's apparently rude, but I really don't think it is? Like, refuting someone because they don't have facts straight isn't something to get angry at them for. Facts are facts. And personal headcanon should never be presented as actual fact when there's nothing to back it up. Especially in places where many people are going to see it and think it's actual fact. You're right on it being damaging. Misinformation is very harmful and completely shifts how a person who is less knowledgeable on things will perceive said things. Y'know?

As for yapping- There is nothing to forgive, as I've told you before, please keep going! Keep sharing your thoughts, I love it so much.

Please I'm so terrible at talking, I just word vomit- dghdhjgdkjdh

Hello! I just stumbled upon your blog when I joined The Odyssey community! If it isn't too much a bother to ask, what things, reccuring themes and characterizations do you feel are most important and iconic within The Odyssey?

I am asking this mostly because I really do like your rants and opinions, I find myself agreeing to a lot of what you say, which sorta surprises me because of your clear dislike of Epic, whereas I personally adore Epic: The Musical. (I stayed away from it for a while -I was wary of retellings, adaptions and what-not- until I finally got into it like, a month ago and since, I have been listening non-stop)

So, when I came onto your posts, I was immediately drawn towards your Epic based rants and your translations. Point for point, you hit all the parts I disliked about the musical, albeit, my dislike is obviously much milder, since I still love it. I also completely understoond your stance on source material over so-called retellings since I have felt and still do feel the same about other (unrelated to The Odyssey) medias and fandoms.

If you'd like to talk, I love to hear more of your thoughts! Tell me all of what you loved about The Odyssey. Refresh my knowledge and give me your insight! I'm getting back into reading it, since I read it only once before a long time ago. I have always been more of a casual enjoyer, but now I'm really trying to dip my toes in.

(You don't have to say anything about the musical either, I just really liked your rants on it and the corrections you made on the misinformation rampant in the fandom due to preconceived notions... Sorry, I talk a lot-)

Why hello and I am quite honored you discovered me hahahahaha oh my, my once again being known for my runts huh? Hahaha XD I can see why though! I am really honored you decided to ask me such intriguing question! Hahaha how dare you! You know I am a yapper about this book! Hehehe!

I would say one reoccurring theme in the Odyssey that I rarely ever see in adaptations is the theme of seeking of knowledge. I find it so disappointing how it is literally one of the main themes of the Odyssey and yet I rarely ever see it happening. It is literally at the first lyrics of the poem:

πολλῶν δ᾽ ἀνθρώπων ἴδεν ἄστεα καὶ νόον ἔγνω

He saw many cities of men and gained knowledge from them

(Translation by me)

Odysseus was not just experiencing his homecoming. It was a cognitive trip; a trip where he learnt things and he achieved things on his way.

He didn't stop at the cave of Cyclops because he had nothing else to do or no food to go by. It is clearly stated in the Odyssey that the island of the Cyclops was extremely fertile and had many wild goats and other animals they could hunt and feed on. Odysseus entered the cave because he wanted to meet the people that lived there. He ignored the signs that showed the residents were non-human because he wanted to give a chance to whoever lived in that cave to show that they were more than what met the eye.

He met the land of Aeolia next. His stay in that land for one month was share knowledge with Aeolus. He told them his story, they also told him their own experiences, thus Odysseus knows about how Aeolus arranged the marriage of his children and all

He sent scouts to the land of the Laestrigonians and their city, he was though more prudent this time and assured a safe passage even if his comrades didn't follow his prudent stance this is what costed them their lives but one ship.

He shared knowledge with Circe, not only on the part of his trip that he needed to move on but also gained knowledge from her. One example is the mention of a cunning knot he learnt from her which he used later in his adventures. Small details like that.

He gained knowledge from Tiresias not only on how to break his curse but also on what happened the years he was away from his home.

He had no reason to hear the sirens! The sirens is exactly the manifestation of his trip being of cognitive nature. He wanted to hear them. He NEEDED the knowledge they provided! Removing that concept from his trip in any shape or form shows to me someone who does not understand the Odyssey (I know it is harsh to say but I feel like there is one part of the Odyssey that is so iconic like the 12 axes challenge and that is the sirens passage)

Odysseus learns in every part of his trip and uses that knowledge to future adventures. But what I also fail to see is how CONSCIOUS this knowledge-gain is. Of course he learns things accidentally too but most part of it is knowledge he chooses to acquire for himself.

Another theme that I do not see much is theme of fate and destiny. Odysseus is not some idiot who doxxed himself as most people use the overused joke. In fact his trip is so thick of plot that one way or another something would have happened to cause this wandering.

Troy was destined to stand 10 years (from the Iliad),

Odysseus was destined to go home in 20 (hence he needed extra persuasion to go to the war).

Polyphemus was prophesized before that he would have been blinded by a man named Odysseus (he just didn't know who that Odysseus would be)

but we also know that Odysseus was destined to meet Circe (Circe mentions how Hermes had warned her for the prophesized man coming to her isle. She probably was unaware on the identity of the man or how that man would arrive at her doors)

Odysseus was also cursed by Polyphemus that he would either never return or return alone without his companions and find misery at his home

The true line between fate and destiny and human will is very thin in greek mythology. However we also see that Odysseus tries repeatedly to change fate even if it is inevitable (see my analysis here). It is this human part of his that is so relatable! Also the fact that oftentimes in the joke people forget that Odysseus experienced the absolute horror in the cave of Polyphemus for days. Exhaustion and anger took the best of him as well as of course his ego being inflated that he had managed to take down such a powerful opponent. And of course the reoccurring misunderstanding that Odysseus never cared for anyone else but as I have also analyzed there that is simply not true. It is even stated in the Odyssey:

πολλὰ δ᾽ ὅ γ᾽ ἐν πόντῳ πάθεν ἄλγεα ὃν κατὰ θυμόν, ἀρνύμενος ἥν τε ψυχὴν καὶ νόστον ἑταίρων.

He suffered many torments in his heart out at the sea, seeking to win his own life/soul and the return of his companions

(Translation by me)

The whole trip was always about Odysseus wishing to return them all safely home. Which is also part of his tragedy and shows why he went in so many lengths to save them etc.

I am honored that someone that likes this piece of media can still understand and even liking some of these opinions. I understand that for someone that genuinely like it might be a bit annoying or tiring but yeah I guess I love the original way too much! Hahaha! And okay I understand the songs are really catchy so it can be getting into someone's head easily but I am really delighted to hear you say that! And of course to be fair there are many things one can like about the musical for example the talent of the people related to it and their passion

However ironically that was the source of my dislike as well hehe I know it is paradoxical but when I see someone with obvious knowledge of the sources and passion for something, twist the original material to THAT degree...dunno I feel it even harder. I mean of course one does not expect it to be accurate but when I hear that and yet someone claim to adapt material I would expect of course these small details changing here and there for example adding dialogs with Poseidon (that is like a must in every adaptation minus the 1968 version I noticed...like Poseidon never interacted with Odysseus but that is something every adaptation adds!) or extra scenes with Hermes or whatever or even some of the details added. The problem is that the whole plot was twisted beyond repair, basic parts of the plot that made the plot unique and beloved were thrown out the window And BECAUSE I recognize the talent of the people involved AND seeing they had the chance as they did to make not only the Odyssey available to public but also influence more people to see it and they could do it by staying respectful to the material and yet they chose not to which increased as I said my disappointment. I was also very warm when I watched the first two sagas even if they were also inaccurate because they had exactly what I describe. So yes of course I absolutely understand why people would like it. Dang I absolutely do at least on the artistic department but the way as you brilliantly stated not only the plot but also the fandom of it has been at times it really got to me more than many things

So it is really a good change to see more people see this point of view too and I respect the fact that some people like it and yet do try to see the other view too. You are very kind for saying that!

Hahahaha dude you are asking a dangerous question! Hahahaha! I can talk about it forever! Hahaha Honestly what is there to me not to love about the Odyssey? For starters the fact that it is an ancient Greek poem, something linked to my country and my history and being loved in such a great degree and continue to inspire even almost 3000 years later, fills me with so much pride! Makes me inspired to do something similar! Like not caring if I will be a celebrity but someone see my work and admire it even if they do not know who I am...someone that can see this and continue to speak on it for generations to come... Of course many writers do the same as well like classical literature and all but for the specific one I feel so much pride!

The Odyssey arguably has everything! Romance, friendship and companionship, horror and peace, war and bloodshed and also tenderness of a family, drama and comedy, adventure and domestic life even daresay sci-fi details with the Phaeakes island that have literal robotic dogs created by Hephaestus for them. Odysseus is one of the most complicated personas in all literature history and earned that position in the hall of fame. Arguably even ancient Greeks and Romans could not handle the guy with so many different opinions that paint him from hero till villain. The same guy that held back from the battle till the proper moment and then abandoned his last escape to save Diomedes in the Iliad is now sailing to the seas. The same man that took Ismarus and slay the men and took women of it as his property and mentioning it as casually as he could was also crying his eyes out in guilt upon hearing a song about Troy and the way the city fell. The same guy that tenderly held his son and cried like a baby holding him and kissing him was also the same person that slaughtered 108 men in his palace and executed their allies in less than a day. The same guy who reigned the kingdom like a father; who embraced and kissed his slaves like equals, was also undoubtedly a strong leader and king who defended his authority with iron hand and he was ready to even slay his own brother-in-law when he defied him. The same man that held back from volunteering to face Hector in the Iliad and made sure he would be the last to be chosen, in the Odyssey he armed himself ready to face an immortal 6-headed monster all by himself. The man known for his mind and cunning and indirect ways is also known for being one of the greatest warriors known. Arguably even his age being one of the oldest kings in the Iliad and yet as Antilochus said he was also one of the fastest and more agile and one of the best in spear. The most pious and religious people to the gods, favored by one of the greatest goddesses of all, Athena, and loved by Zeus was also one of those who suffered a great deal from his hubris.

This man is the absolute perfection of contradictions in one body and the way he is portrayed by Homer especially in the Odyssey where he is the protagonist is a masterpiece of emotions. Arguably Odysseus is also one of the earliest male rape victims in literature for he was not just attempted to be raped and seduced but he had to literally sell his body once to Circe and then he was being forced by Calypso. A warrior that was absolutely powerless before the gods

The Odyssey is also a great allegory of the spread of Greeks to the Mediterranean sea before the official set of colonies and the way it provides us information on how they moved around. It is also an allegory on the dangers humans faced out in the sea, how they struggled and how the families left behind also struggled with the consequences. How the power of nature can bend someone but also how human with seer will can do incredible things Odysseus survived the impossible not because he had gods as parents or hardly any help from the gods itself with the exception of Leucothea in the last adventure and of course finally Athena to the final stage. Odysseus survived because of his seer will and his need to return home. Odysseus can be any one of us; a person who struggles every day; everything can hold us down and we might have no help or very little help from others but we must keep pushing through. The Odyssey also shows us the importance of companionship and family bonds, loyalty and trust. Odysseus didn't slay the suitors because he was a mary-sue all-powerful person. He had help from three loyal slaves (Euryclea, Eumaeus and Philoetius) and his son Telemachus. He didn't do it alone. He used the help of those who believed in him and quite frankly he faced a much less bad situation at his palace because of his wife's seer will and loyalty to not abandon the throne of Ithaca to anyone till he arrived.

The Odyssey is also about how there are many forms of strength. Penelope was not less strong than Odysseus because she didn't kill anyone with a sword. She was strong for keeping more than 100 men and several parts of the household that were betraying them with her seer will and mind. Telemachus was both a fighter and someone who tried to see the best in people and that saved his life (when he spared Theoklymenos at his return from his trip. Theoklymenos was a man who had committed murder. Telemachus chose to give him a chance and in return he received the prophecy of Theoklymenos that the suitors were planning an ambush) Odysseus also learnt forgiveness in one way when he was ready to start another bloodshed by the end of the Odyssey when the families of the suitors saught revenge but Athena stopped it, making sure both sides stopped the never-ending circle of violence. Nausicaa is an example of loving someone and yet you must respect their wishes and let them go. Telemachus is an example of self-discovery... The very realistic scenario of someone not recognizing the place they left for so long and people not recognizing you back. That you have to work yourself through the very same place you left behind! Even Telemachus as a character not even knowing what to believe anymore about the father he never met, not knowing whom to listen and whom not to etc. like a realistic scenario of absent veteran fathers who disappeared a long time ago...

Honestly...what ISN'T the Odyssey?! It is in my opinion one of the most complete pieces of literature that opens the way in many things! I am really happy you shall decide to look at it more attentively and I hope you shall enjoy it because honestly it's worth it.

(My friend I do not mind at all speaking about it. I am just not a fan so I am just asking the understanding of anyone that I am not gonna be very positive about what I mention and say. However I shall try not to be hater with no reason or logic, that I can promise to try)

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drawing-write · 3 months ago

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Okay! SO, I just read through everything you posted here (which, by the way, beautifully arranged and comprehensive, I love the way you WORD-)

The themes you drew from the texts and how you link it to Odysseus and the narrative, the complexities of it all, is so freaking cool. I'm sorry I cannot express words as well as you to fully say how much I adore and appreciate how in-depth you went.

As I've said before, I have read the Odyssey, but that was long ago and while I enjoyed it, I admit I didn't understand it- at least not fully. My experience being more surface level as a casual enjoyer. You've really opened my eyes and made me so so eager to reread and catch all of which I've missed. Yap and rant all day long, friend, this is everything I wanted. I am in starry-eyed awe.

GOSH, I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH HOW MUCH I LOVE CONTENT LIKE THIS. Your genuine love and pride for this has me so giddy. The way you go about it makes it clear how much effort you put in, it's so well-thought out and loved.

(I am probs gonna be scrolling through your blog so much, I'm so sorry if you get random notifications from me hearting/liking stuff. skhkdghdh)

For the musical, I get you completely. When someone who should be knowledgeable on something you love, and clearly has passion and talent for it, yet still not grasp what makes the original what it is, freaking sucks (for lack of better words.)

I have gone through similar things seeing people who should be making something great out of a wonderful story only to take out the parts you loved the most or fail to capture the essence of the characters, story, and themes- It just sucks.

Some of my favourite things to read is historical fiction, which sorta clashes with my love for history. Because fiction often gets things wrong. (I also have pretty strong opinions on adaptations and retellings as well, I get so very angry over some things in other medias- UGH the rants I could go on about book to movie adaptions- but that is neither here or there.)

I am also a musical nerd, so I guess that's what gives me my soft-spot for Epic. I feel like I would have been more against the musical if I had delved into the Odyssey beyond surface level beforehand. Perhaps because I already grew attached to Epic I can't muster feelings of upset even though the things I dislike about it are similar to what you dislike about it. That being inaccuracies mostly.

Learning more now only brings me more appreciation for the original. (I really can't get enough of the connections you put, describing Odysseus and just how real he is, how contradictory he is. It's aaaa)

This has just been me rambling, I'm so sorry I literally have no insight to contribute to this *sobs*

πολλῶν δ᾽ ἀνθρώπων ἴδεν ἄστεα καὶ νόον ἔγνω

He saw many cities of men and gained knowledge from them

(Translation by me)

Odysseus was not just experiencing his homecoming. It was a cognitive trip; a trip where he learnt things and he achieved things on his way.

He gained knowledge from Tiresias not only on how to break his curse but also on what happened the years he was away from his home.

Troy was destined to stand 10 years (from the Iliad),

Odysseus was destined to go home in 20 (hence he needed extra persuasion to go to the war).

Polyphemus was prophesized before that he would have been blinded by a man named Odysseus (he just didn't know who that Odysseus would be)

Odysseus was also cursed by Polyphemus that he would either never return or return alone without his companions and find misery at his home

πολλὰ δ᾽ ὅ γ᾽ ἐν πόντῳ πάθεν ἄλγεα ὃν κατὰ θυμόν, ἀρνύμενος ἥν τε ψυχὴν καὶ νόστον ἑταίρων.

He suffered many torments in his heart out at the sea, seeking to win his own life/soul and the return of his companions

(Translation by me)

The whole trip was always about Odysseus wishing to return them all safely home. Which is also part of his tragedy and shows why he went in so many lengths to save them etc.

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