#Phaedra Grant

[dweeeeeb]

Adult Movie Posters Classic Collections Presents: Black Heat (1986) Susie Nero - Kitty Shayne - Johnnie Keyes - Ashley Welles - Tony Dee - Rufus Johnson - Tony Elay - Phaedra Grant

[littledigest]

💍 Asteroids for Marriage and Weddings

A glimpse of what marriage, weddings, and/or long-term partnerships might be like in your life

19029, 5129, 1487, 200002, 58, 40, 7092, 3, 103, 5731, 90, 1585, 37556

Briede 19029, Groom 5129

Popular marriage and wedding asteroids in astrology

Used in synastry and composite charts to show marriage potential

Could show traits of your future spouse, traits you want in a future partner, or how you act as a husband/wife

Boda 1487

Named after Karl Boda, a German astronomer

Boda means wedding in Spanish

Hehe 200002

Named after the Chinese symbol for a good marriage and familial love

This symbol of double happiness is found in many Chinese wedding ceremonies and on gifts given to the bride and groom

Shows happiness and harmony in marriage; peaceful union

Concordia 58, Harmonia 40

Named after Concordia, the Roman goddess of agreement in marriage and society

Named after Harmonia, the Greek goddess of harmony

Concordia can show harmonious marriage or partnership if linked to another marriage/wedding asteroid

Harmonia is known for her wedding to Cadmus 7092, where she receives a cursed necklace from Hephaestus, who vowed to curse the lineage of Aphrodite and Ares

The necklace granted eternal youth and beauty but also brought disaster to its owner

Harmonia linked with Cadmus could show both harmony and trials in marriage; perhaps difficulties dealing with marital and family inheritances

Juno 3, Hera 103

Named after Juno, queen of the gods and the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth

Named after Hera, queen of the gods and the Greek goddess of marriage, women, family, and childbirth

Can show what we need in a spouse, how we act as a spouse, or what marriage would be like

Often used with Jupiter and Zeus 5731 in synastry and composite charts to show marriage potential

When linked with Jupiter/Zeus, it may show a marriage of duty and obligation rather than a happy, peaceful marriage

Antiope 90

Named after Antiope, an Amazon who is known to be the only Amazon to marry

Theseus abducts Antiope, but they fall in love, marry, and have a son

To rescue Antiope and reclaim Hippolyta's girdle, the Amazons attack Athens, but Amazon Molpadia accidentally kills Antiope; Theseus then kills Molpadia

In a different version, Antiope decides to kill every guest at her wedding when she finds out that Theseus was going to leave her for Phaedra; Theseus kills her first

Can show a whirlwind decision to marry; a disastrous marriage or wedding; a willingness to leave the past behind for a different kind of life

Union 1585

Named after the Union Observatory, the observatory where this asteroid was discovered

Could be interpreted as a union of two people

If prominent in synastry and composite charts, it could show potential for long-term partnership

Svyaztie 37556

Svyaz means bond, tie, coupling, relation, connection, coupling, etc. in Russian

Could be interpreted as a bond between two people

[idrellegames]

My MC: Fuck all these uppity nobles. Except Phaedra. Phaedra can have rights <3 Forgive me is this too spoiler-y a question, but could the staff we're stealing bestow access to a magical sphere to a Wayfarer??? My noggin is bursting with theories after the Archmage asking us the hypotheticals about wanting access to magic. My girl wants to shoot fire or lightning. Lol

Though the Astrial is a powerful augmenter, there is nothing in current magical research that confirms that it can be used to attune a Wayfarer to its linked sphere. Magiani are outside the spheres of magic - there is something in their essence that cannot mix with it.

Even if it could, this one wouldn't be able to grant the ability to shoot fire or lightning as its powers are from the sphere of Illumination (illusion and perception magic). Elemental magic falls under creation and summoning, which is in the sphere of Conjuration. You would need the Axe of Athor - which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Arathian royal family and is sitting in the Imperial court in Erenvor.

[ovid-daily]

Ovid Daily's Summer Book Club 2023:

The Heroides

The first fifteen poems feature letters (written in elegiac couplets) from famous heroines of myth to their lovers, including: Penelope to Odysseus, Dido to Aeneas, Medea to Jason, among many others. The last six (aka the Double Heroides) are paired letters from heroes and responses from heroines, including Paris and Helen, among others.

The Heroides will run from Monday, July 10, 2023 to Monday, September 25, 2023. Each poem will be spread over 2 to 3 days, depending on its length. The Latin and translation will be those featured in Grant Showerman's 1914 edition.

Schedule:

July 10 & 11: Penelope to Odysseus

July 13 & 14: Phyllis to Demophoon

July 17 & 18: Briseis to Achilles

July 20 & 21: Phaedra to Hippolytus

July 24 & 25: Oenone to Paris

July 27 & 28: Hypsipyle to Jason

July 31 & August 1: Dido to Aeneas

August 3 & 4: Hermione to Orestes

August 7 & 8: Deianira to Hercules

August 10 & 11: Ariadne to Theseus

August 14 & 15: Canace to Macareus

August 17 & 18: Medea to Jason

August 21 & 22: Laodamia to Protesilaus

August 24 & 25: Hypermnestra to Lynceus

August 28 & 29: Sappho to Phaon

August 31, September 1 & 2: Paris to Helen

September 5, 6 & 7: Helen's response to Paris

September 11 & 12: Leander to Hero

September 14 & 15: Hero's response to Leander

September 18, 19 & 20: Acontius to Cydippe

September 23, 24 & 25: Cydippe's response to Acontius

[forgottensebastian]

This Isn't What it Looks Like | Rose & Sebastian

"If you wish to see Lady Aoife," Valentina said, rather distractedly, "She's taking a walk in the gardens."

It was clear that whatever plot Valentina hoped to put into motion, it was only his brothers that were to be a part of it and Sebastian was more than willing to escape it to spend a quiet walk with Aoife outdoors.

He supposed no one had found Rose in time to tell her that the Varmont princes had arrived, for there, outside the house, was Roisin Malconaire -- although not as Sebastian had ever seen her before. She was bent over a basket of freshly washed clothes, carefully pinning each piece to the line. He'd accidentally stumbled across her washing clothes.

He was about to turn to leave, before she could spot him, when she stood up and her eyes immediate met his own. For a moment, Sebastian found himself at a loss for words.

"I --- um," A beat. If it hadn't been for the book of Astairan fairytales that Aria had suggested he read, he never would have thought of anything to say at all.

"Aoife told me that you used sometimes would put on plays to amuse yourselves. I must say, I'm impressed. I never would have had the patience to take it so seriously. I suppose you have won the lead in Before Midnight?"

Before Midnight was the dramatization of an Astarian fairytale that centered around a young cinder girl who had been orphaned and was at the mercy of her step-family. She was once granted an evening away from her troubles by the goddess Phaedra to attend a royal ball, but with the warning that she must return home before the stroke of midnight.

He supposed it was a bit on the nose to suggest this particular play, but it had been the first thing he'd thought of. Never mind that he knew that the girls hadn't play acted since they were children; never mind that this was likely a bit more method than even the most dedicated of them had ever been.

And never mind that it was a bit ridiculous that this was the first thing his mind would have gone to to explain her behavior. Still, he'd rather make himself look a fool than to embarrass her. He'd already forced Aoife to expose her secret: he would not do that to the rest of them.

[alexanderpearce]

ooh i would absolutely love a media rec list from you (im a different anon but 👀)

omg u flatter me.. here are some pieces of media that i really love that i consider to be somewhat lesser known outside of my circles.. i do have lots of favourites not mentioned here that are far more mainstream (my favourite book ever is, embarrassingly, still The Secret History) but it's nice to shine a light on the more niche. i'll add content warnings but they're not comprehensive because i am just going by memory. im also not tagging gore because To be honest with me that's a given.

books and plays

Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (1499) by Anonymous/Francesco Colonna; very strange book where the author (who is actually revealed in an acrostic poem in Latin made by the first letter of each chapter) clearly has a sexual fetish for buildings and architecture. cw misogyny.

Seneca's Phaedra (1st century AD); i live here. Seneca's tragedy about doomed fatal diseased love. sorry i don't have a translation to recommend but you will be able to read mine one day i promise. cw pseudo-incest, misogyny.

The Pepsi-Cola Addict (1982) by June Alison Gibbons; vanity-published in the 1980s and only existing in five libraries around the world (until i suppose its republishing this or last year), this is a fascinating and very weird little book, and the story behind it too is very sad and interesting. i have a pdf if anyone wants it. cw predatory relationships, incest references, suicide.

The Doloriad (2022) by Missouri Williams; strange and swirling little debut set in a post-apocalyptic future, some really incredible prose. cw incest.

Geek Love (1989) by Katherine Dunne; What if the mother of sideshow freaks was purposefully consuming poisons and alcohols and cetera while pregnant to engineer her kids to be attractions Would that be fucked up for what. cw incest and the ableism inherent in the sideshow "freaks" scene.

Equus (1973) by Peter Shaffer; just read this fucking play man (or watch the 1977 movie!). cw animal death

movies

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) dir. Darren Lynn Bousman; sorry not sorry but this is my favourite movie ever. i've seen it 17 times. complete garbage trashy 2000s comedy-horror-gore-musical. insane cast. literal genius.

Caligula (1979) dir. Tinto Brass; Do you want to watch a two and a half hour long porno filled with torture and gorgeous costumes and conversations on power. well do i have the movie for you. cw rape, incest, i know i said i wouldnt tag gore but this one does have explicit penis mutilation so.

Van Diemen's Land (2009) dir. Jonathan auf der Heide; a pretty good movie adaptation of alexander pearce's first descent into cannibalism!! my main real criticism is that they desaturated the gorgeous green and vibrant west coast to grey doomy fakeness. cw beautiful gay love

Żywot Mateusza (1968) dir. Witold Leszczyński; incredible little Polish movie set in a rural village, on youtube with english subtitles.

May (2002) dir. Lucky Mckee; literally the most relatable movie of all time to me. socially awkward (super autistic) girl has trouble with love, you won't Believe what happens next

The Lair of the White Worm (1988) dir. Ken Russell; peter capaldi and hugh grant's earth shattering gay love story... super campy phallic lesbic homoerotic vampiric wyrmesque weirdo horror. peter capaldi wears a kilt and plays the bagpipes. you MUST watch this movie.

Ravenous (1999) dir. Antonia Bird; can cannibalism represent manifest destiny AND homosexuality? find out now!

And Then There Were None (2015) dir. Craig Viveiros; Agatha Christie could only dream of writing Burn Gorman's gay homophobic character in this. transcends the book hundredfold and if you disagree you genuinely have shit taste.

albums

At Least For Now by Benjamin Clementine; just listen to this right now i mean it this shit is fucking phenomenal. incredible voice and lyrics and piano and strings.

Stygian Bough Volume I by Aerial Ruin and Bell Witch; gorgeous atmospheric doomy metal

Ludevo by Ifi Ude; Polish folk with a modern twist as well as influences from Ude's Nigerian background, songs about death and drunkenness and love and ancient pinewoods

Songs About Teeth and To The Dark Tower by Cake Bake Betty; the vibe you have created is so freaky and awesome

Juniverbrecher by The Indelicates; something something brexit punch and judy isn't englishness awful etc etc. seriously underrated.

Bath Time by Maija Sofia; super atmospheric devastating album with lots of songs focusing on specific female figures throughout history. her recent album is also great.

honourable mention to The Thick of It (2005-2012) which if you follow my sideblog you will know ive been spiralling into depravity over for months now. you may ask, if you compare my posts to what the show is actually like, What on earth is she talking about and to that i have nothing to say

[may-be-made-of-arsenic]

Day 15: Prometheus

!!WARNING FOR EYE STRAIN!!

ALRIGHT GANG STILL BEHIND BUT TRYING TO CATCH UP

HOPEFULLY I CAN DO CIRCE, ATALANTA, PHAEDRA, AND SISYPHUS TOMORROW! granted i am busy tomorrow so

ANYHOW TO THE DRAWING

IM REALLY PROUD OF THIS! IT LOOKS TERRIFYING AND THST WAS THE GOAL

i’m ngl i struggled with the expression, BUT IT TURNT OUT OK!

NOW FOR HIS DESIGN

didn’t feel like drawing clothes so he gets scarf. /j and cement block. i thought it’d be funny to give him red hair cause of the fire association

OH AND the orange splotches are inspired by the markings of fire salamanders! while those don’t have an association to Prometheus, salamanders are correlated with fire! this is due to Salamanders hiding in rotten tree logs, which would then be used for firewood, and the salamander would escape from the log- but, it kinda just appeared like the salamander spawned out of the fire!

he was kinda fun to draw! i’d like to draw him again some day!

[grayintogreen]

WIP WEDNESDAY

Currently 11k into Chapter Thirty-Three with two scenes left and so many of these scenes are spoilery so here's half a scene featuring WHAT'S ESSEK UP TO WHILE THE NEIN ARE CHILLING ON CULT ISLAND.

-

One of the many differences between a Shadowhand and a spy was in location and tactics- a Shadowhand was a courtier, a stiletto up a silk sleeve, a person who floated from bureaucratic event to bureaucratic event with a tight smile and open ears. Essek's entire world was whispers caught from the corners of ballrooms and sent back to the Bright Queen by way of folded notes in illusory script that only she had the countercharms to decode. For a solitary creature, he thrived in high society because he was only ever expected to listen and go ignored.

The real difference, you see, is that it wouldn't do you any good if anyone knew what a Shadowhand actually did. The role was founded on being a great many things depending on what was needed at the time. It was a prestige title and while there were some clever enough to figure out what it truly entailed, most who wanted the title- and that included most of the people who were and had been jealous of Essek being granted it- wanted it because it seemed particularly cushy. In an ideal world, everyone would only focus on him being the hand of the Queen and ignore that shadow was the important part of his title.

To wit, a Lens Operative or one of Den Quavein's foreign legion, could not stand in the middle of a party and expect treason to find their ears because no one would be that stupid as to even try to find a dark corner to conduct their dealings if any one of them were present. Lens Operatives hunted down what was already known or suspected and Den Quavein went out and donned silly little disguises and infiltrated foreign lands to seek intelligence and as far as Essek was concerned, he was above both of those things, because he didn't need to do anything to do his job, properly. His chief skill was being so lofty and arrogant that everyone believed him to be a spoiled brat with a bought title he didn't have to do much with; his only disguise was being a rat in the pantry pretending to be a cat chasing out the rest of the vermin.

So, of course, after years of believing himself above their tactics and sneering at them behind their backs, he found himself actually having to walk in their shoes. If Agee could ever forgive him when she balanced herself as much with Phaedra as she was going to, he half-hoped she would have a good laugh about him lurking on foreign soil in a disguise the same way she or one of her Den so often did. In reality, she would probably arrest him on the spot before she ever found it funny.

That also, of course, depended on him ever finding it funny, himself. It wasn't. He was uncomfortable, sitting here in the Academy's library and taking copious notes while keeping his ears trained on a conversation two tables over where three more of of the Weltschmerz were having a whispered conversation of little consequence, but he'd been doing this for a week now and every single time he'd come out of it with at least one nugget of information buried in the dirt of teenagers complaining about the weather or the work load or some other inane social problem that seemed to them like the end of the world.

He'd learned that there were twenty-seven members of the Weltschmerz total and that their ages ranged from sixteen to twenty-two. He knew that they did receive Residuum treatments due to how many of them clawed at their arms when they were at rest for too long, but he had still not discovered where Trent was giving them the treatments. From time spent keeping watch on Beck and Grieve because of Caleb's love for them, he knew that Beck was idolized by the pack of girls he had met and she had nothing to do with them in return- it was Grieve who was responsible for their training and it was Grieve who spent the most time with them outside of these walls. If Essek were inclined to put any sort of emotion towards observation, he'd say that the man was fond of the little army that had risen up from the ashes of the Volstrucker.

He never physically saw Trent on the grounds and rarely saw him when he attended Assembly functions with Ludinus. His annex, the Marchen woman, acted as his representative, but most things got delegated down to Beck and Grieve when they weren’t seen as important or politically advantageous enough. From that and the whispers he picked up, he could map out the entire dynamic of the whole lot of them.

Marchen was thriving because she had the power behind the throne of the Civil Influence seat and was practically acting in Ikithon’s stead; Beck was resentful that her role was that of mere spymaster without any spies of her own beyond the handful of Volstrucker left who were so green they were practically useless, suggesting she'd been given a meaningless promotion to keep her from vying for a better seat; Grieve was content in his kennel among the other dogs and therefore useless as a possible stepping stone for anyone, least of all Essek who had yet to find a weak link in the chain who wouldn’t choke him with it before he ever managed to break it.

He also found that, in considering other ways to undermine Trent without courting Ludinus's anger, the rest of the Assembly accepted the chaos in the Civil Influence sphere (irony!) and had nothing to say about it. Only yesterday after a particularly tense discussion where Marchen attempted to pull rank she didn't have and was only mildly reprimanded, Essek dared to ask Ludinus why they were allowed to carry on so.

The answer was unsurprising: the Volstrucker were the worst-kept secret in the Empire. Everyone saw the novel little wizard assassins that Trent was cooking up in his basement and wanted one for their very own. To stand against Trent was to have him reveal just what they were using his resources for on the sly.

Essek's follow-up question was, And they don't care what he does to these children?

Ludinus had just responded with the incredibly patriotic: Everyone likes to have sausage, but no one wants to know how it's made.

Of course Ludinus didn't care, but that the rest of the Assembly was willing to look the other way proved that Caleb had been right when he said that Essek hadn't thought his plan to use them for his own gain through. These were people who had never known a time without blood on their hands.

They are not simply corrupt politicians and they are not simply powerful wizards- they are the worst of both and they have an entire Empire that is not permitted to believe they are anything but just.

And for all his skills as a Shadowhand, there was not a shadow big enough to hide from them if they ever had reason to suspect he was anything other than Ludinus's pretty accessory he carried around with him while Vence ran ragged. He was out of his depth, but he was also succeeding and the problem of gambling is it's so much harder to leave the table when you're winning.

He could find a way to uproot the Assembly if he tried. He'd call it love, but it was just as much to prove he could. No one ever said that wanting to help your friends had to come at the expense of your own selfish whims.

Trent was the cornerstone and it was Trent he was here to unravel with Ludinus as a secondary, personal bonus. Remove him from play and Light above, what could he accomplish here?

Imagine telling his mother that. Why yes, Mother, I did topple a massive part of our enemy's government. Why did I do it? Well, because I committed treason and a group of idiots forgave me for it and I decided I liked them more than I liked committing further treason. Also Ludinus manipulated me and I took that personally.

[runeberry]

This is the longest I've been awake today, so time to elaborate on my 2am dnd post

So Phaedra and Co died after being sent back from the hells in last session, and were brought back because they weren't destined to die yet. Their strings of fate were also severed so they're no longer tied to their destinies

We came to in Syngorn, where the council had all been killed in a siege, leaving them leaderless. Vel is from the former royal family, and we convinced him to take up the name one more time and take command of the city, by extension crowning him king. And Vel took them moment to extend his hand to both Vale and Phaedra, and grant them the same powers...

So Syngorn has a newly crowned king, his queen, and his queen (gender neutral)(until we figure out their title).

I wasn't anticipating Phaedra getting married last night, nor becoming royalty, but uhhhhh here we are

[pyrphoros-library]

Vocab Post: Afterlife

The dictionary definition for Afterlife is: “Life after death”, it is a very broad and vague term that differs majorly between every religion and even each person. An afterlife is a place where the essential part of conscious of a person continues to live after the physical bodies death. There are two models of an afterlife: Reincarnation, and a Physical realm or realms.

In Ancient Greece, the underworld was called Hades (Ἅιδης) after its king, is ruled by Persephone, Goddess of spring and Hades, God of riches. Much from what we know about the underworld is from the Homer’s “Odyssey” or Vergilius’ “Aeneid” The Underworld is described to be cold and sunless, it was the place where the ancient Greeks believed that all souls regardless of what you did in your earthly life, will end up in the same place after death. The Underworld wasn’t a pleasant place, it was often described as joyless and a place where the dead fade into nothingness. The underworld is split into 5 sections: Elysium, Asphodel Fields, Fields of Mourning, Tartarus and the Isle of the Blessed.

Elysium

Usually those who had proximity to the gods were considered to reside in Elysium. most accepted to Elysium were Demigods or Heroes such as Achilles or Peleus but normal people who lived righteous and virtuous lives could also gain entrance such as Socrates. Cronus was said to rule over Elysium with Rhadamanthus.

The Isle of the Blessed

The Isle of Blessed was a subsection of Elysium, this was reserved for the most heroic and virtuous could get into here. To get here you must reincarnate 3 times, have lived an exceptionally virtuous life and achieve a place in Elysium each time. On your third reincarnation in which your life was exceptionally each time you gain access to the Isle of the Blessed. In Ancient Greek Religion through Elysium was the only place where you would be able to reincarnate back to earth again.

Asophodel Meadows/Fields

This is the place for ordinary mortals. Those who did not encounter many heroic feats to achieve Elysium, and those who did not amount masses of Miasma over their lifetime. It was where souls who belonged no where else where sent. Most people end up here.

Fields of Mourning

In the “Aeneid” the fields of the mourning are reserved for the souls of those “Whom ruthless love did waste away” They “Wander in paths unseen or in the gloom of dark myrtle grove: not even death have forgot their griefs of long ago” most of the mentioned inhabitants were women: Phaedra, Procris, Pasiphae, Evadne Laodamia and Dido.

Tartarus

Tartarus is “As far beneath Hades as heaven is above the earth” and “Is the deepest gulf beneath the earth, the gates whereof are of iron and the threshold of bronze”. Originally Tartarus was the holding cell for the Cyclopes’ and the Hecatoncheires. Eventually Tartarus began to torture humans such as Tantalus, Sisyphus and Tityos. To get here you must rebel against the divine order and amount masses of Miasma, so it is very unlikely you will end up in Tartarus. You will not end up her because you missed a day of offerings.

The Journey of the Soul

Upon death, you will be greeted by Hermes, as the only deity who can enter and leave the Underworld as he pleases. He will guide you to the edge of the Underworld, where Charon will be waiting with a ferry.  The ferry was rowed by Charon. His task is to bring souls to the underworld but only those who are able to pay for the ride were granted passage, the coins were places on their eyes or under the tongue when buried, if not being able to pay the soul would be stuck between the two worlds. After the boat ride, the souls entered the gates of the underworld which was guarded by the three headed dog Cerberus who allowed people to enter but not to leave. The souls later face three judges, Rhadamanthus, Minos and Aeacus who passed the sentence based on their previous life though most souls ended up in Asphodel meadows but some were singled out for special treatment.

Written by: @sapphicsarrisae

Vocab list

Afterlife 

Agos 

Amplakia 

Anagnos

Asebeia 

Ate 

Attic 

Chthonic 

Cosmogony 

Cosmology 

Cult 

Daemons 

Dreams 

Dyssebeia 

Einalic, Oceanic 

Enages 

Epithets 

Eudaimonia 

Euphemia 

Eusebeia 

Festivals 

Funerals and Mourning 

Gates 

Gnosis 

Hagneia 

Hagnos 

hamartia 

Hearth 

Hero 

Hesiodic 

Hierai Bibloi 

Hieroi Logoi 

Hieros 

Homeric 

Hosios 

Hosiotes 

Hubris 

Hyperborea 

Katharmos 

Katharos 

Kharis 

Libation 

Life Cycle Rituals 

Lyma 

Lyssa 

Magic 

Mantikē, Manteis 

Miaino Miaros 

Miasma 

Moria 

Mysaros 

Mysos 

Mystery Cults 

Mythology 

Nesoi 

Nympholepsy, Nympholepts 

Nymphs 

Oaths 

Olympus 

Oracles 

Orphic 

Ouranic 

Ourea 

Palace 

Panhellenism 

Phasma 

Phren,Phrenes 

Potamoi 

Prayer 

Priests 

Protection 

Protogenoi

Reconstructionsim 

Regionality 

Restless 

Dead 

Revivalism 

Ritual 

Rustic 

Sacred Sacrifice and offerings sanctuaries, 

Sophrosyne

SPG 

Supplicants 

Temples 

Theoi 

Titans 

Underworld 

UPG 

Vows 

VPG 

Working 

Worship 

Xenia

[onaperduamedee]

The more I progress, the more I suspect Rand's status as Dragon Reborn is less crucial than the fact he is a ta'veren. From their importance in the pattern to their powers, down to the consequences on their mental health and how little we know of their characteristics, ta'veren cover more ground than Dragon Reborn. I'd argue it is the lesser interesting aspect of Rand, except I have crunchy thoughts about narratives and the title itself, but more on that later. In short, channeling provokes Rand’s sickness, not being the prophecized one, the same way the dagger affects Mat or being a Wolfbrother affects Perrin, so at that point in the story being the Chosen One is almost parenthetical.

I feel there is a reason Loial, the character who is explicitly a storyteller, repeats ta'veren the way one would point out devices in a narrative. The Dragon Reborn in itself is a title granted by stories, and more interestingly in WoT, by loss of History. He is someone people believe in, a myth, and there is no direct evidence beyond the Dark One or Forsaken naming him as such and they are hardly reliable. In truth, there is no way of having direct evidence, really : the Dragon Reborn as a title is an archaelogical artefact backed by textual and oral sources.

I've seen people argue that being the Dragon Reborn is A Bad Thing which is why this aspect of Jordan's writing is unique. I haven't finished the entire series yet, but I suspect by the end I will disagree with that notion: the Chosen One being unenviable is baked into the definition of tragic heroes (Oedipus, Phaedra, and all of Racine’s heroes basically), with the added prophesied element, to the extent one could argue the Chosen One is merely the tragic fantasy hero. However, being the incarnation of a device in a story is a heck a lot fascinating to me, which is what ta'veren are. 

And it’s also on that narrative level that the concept of the Dragon Reborn is most interesting to me.

More than his power, it's the people around Rand who make him the Dragon - the Wheel doesn't want anything, it's people who want - and the belief that he is their savior. The books don't leave any wiggle room as Rand gets proof he is the Dragon Reborn before meeting Moiraine, but wouldn't it have been fascinating if he hadn't been? Just a strong channeler whose sense of duty toward the world (as well as a diminutive indomitable Cairhienin Aes Sedai) pushed him to begrudgingly accept he was the savior of the world.

On an emotional, purely entertaining level, it’s so compelling: the Wheel may be uncaring, but people aren't. More than the Dragon Reborn, this book could have been called People of the Dragon due to the number of people who went out of their way to help the heroes - travelers, soldiers, thieves, even Aes Sedai. And yeah, Siuan, Moiraine and Verin risk everything to guide the EF, even imperfectly and with all the emotional stuntedness the White Tower drilled into them. People believe in Rand, though barely aware of what he is, what his power is. They are worried about him, are dreaming, hoping. He draws people to him and moves them, literally attracting every single main character to the Stone of Tear. 

And this intensity of emotions surrounding Rand is in stark contrast to Rand’s relative absence, the way he keeps being glimpsed by other characters, always an outsider, even pushing others from his dreams - he’s fleeing, rushing to the end in order to get rid of his role as the Dragon Reborn. This denial extends to another level, as he’s very much a no-show in the book, refusing to take his place in the narrative of the book named after him. For as long as he does not become the main character of this story, he cannot be the eponymous character and claim the title, right?

On a narrative level, it’s the story about the Dragon and the people telling that story that create the Dragon, even before he claims the title and truly becomes the Dragon in acts. Again, I find this extremely telling that the character who has the most clearly archetypal coming-of-age arc in TEotW, Loial, is also writing a story about his adventures and so far his comings and goings have followed Rand’s closely. Stories-within-stories fashioning the hero. As if the prophecy in itself as a trope is incidental compared to the text, the fabric of stories surrounding the Dragon.

I know that as the story progresses, the psychological element will almost certainly get the upper hand, if only because Rand will be accepted as Dragon Reborn and will occupy a precise role in the narrative due to his status, but I thought that was a fascinating aspect at that point.

[marine-indie-gal]

Wanted to do a little spin around one of the Gods' Mortal Lovers that being Dionysus' Wife, Ariadne. Ariadne was one of King Minos' Daughters as well as being the Youngest Daughter out of the Seven Children of Minos. She is Smart, Clever, Joyful, Loyal, but is very Passionate and Emotional at the same time. When she found out that her Mother, Pasiphae, was turned into a Cow thanks to Poseidon, she went up to Athena's Temple and asked Athena to turn her Mother back into a Human. The Goddess of Wisdom granted her wish as Pasiphae was turned back into a Human. But there was a little problem going on with Pasiphae...When Poseidon instantly turned one of his Mortal Nephew's Wives into a Cow, The Cretan Bull (the creature he sent towards Minos to sacrifice), instantly fell in love with Pasiphae's Cow form, but the Bull was deeply unaware that it was Minos' Wife since the Bull didn't recognize her. Pasiphae had no deep feelings for the Bull because she deeply loved her Husband but the Bull instantly chased her through the Meadow and got her pregnant. Needless to say, it was then during that time when Pasiphae got turned back into a Human, she was pregnant for the Cretan Bull's baby and thus, the Birth of the Half-Sibling was Born. The Minotaur. Minos was deeply shocked and yet horrified to find his Wife was pregnant with the Cretan Bull's Baby that was the birth of a Legendary Monster, even Ariadne's Siblings couldn't believe it as they were horrified by the scary appearance of the Monster. Minos decided to build up a Labyrinth for the Minotaur so that his Monstrous Stepson wouldn't dare to try to hunt and kill people. At nighttime, Ariadne would secretly drop some fruit for the Minotaur just so that her Half-Sibling would need some food to eat in order to survive. When a Hero (who is the Son of Another King), Theseus, steps in, he takes an opportunity to slay down the Minotaur. Minos agrees for this request that Theseus made a vow of to save his Entire People. Ariadne gives Theseus a Golden Clew just so that Theseus could at least find his way back out of the Labyrinth. After the execution of the Minotaur, Minos and Aegeus (Theseus' Father) decided to have their Children be arranged as Ariadne would be with Theseus as his Wife. Theseus wasn't really interest in having the Idea of Ariadne as his Wife but when he was dazzled by one of Ariadne's Sisters (Phaedra) he decided to come up a plan for Phaedra that he would ditched Ariadne just so that he could marry one of her Sisters. Eventually, after the Wedding, Theseus takes Ariadne off of a Boat Ride straight towards Athens. That night, while Ariadne sleeps in at the beach with Theseus, Theseus made his own getaway as he ditches Ariadne and leaves her off the Island of Naxos with the Others on his Boat. The Next Morning, when Ariadne sees that she has been betrayed and ditched by her Husband, she cries in heartbroken as she couldn't believe that her fiancée ditched her. However, when Dionysus hears her cry, he steps in and comforts her as Ariadne explains to what truly happened of why she was sad. Dionysus felt bad for the Poor Princess as he took her in for shelter in his own temple. Once Ariadne stays with Dionysus for awhile as well as meeting up some Other Gods like Apollo and Hermes, Dionysus somehow becomes fascinated by her affection. He wanted to make Ariadne as his Bride but unfortunately, he wasn't sure on what Most of the Gods would think if they would allow Mortals to accept them as the Lovers of Deities (besides than their Main King, Zeus, who was always affected by Women including his Wife, Hera). When Ariadne finds out that Theseus was actually cheating on her with Phaedra, she felt cheated on as she was angered by Theseus' cheat on her but Theseus never really loved her all this time since she really wanted to ditched her for one of her Sisters that he was deeply more impressed of as Ariadne cries in extreme heartbroken with tears. She headed back to Dionysus as she told her the Sad News of her Ex-Husband's true plan all along. Dionysus felt so bad for Poor Ariadne so he had no choice but to punish Phaedra by making her ugly as Theseus (who was also cursed) was forced to be with his Now Ugly New Wife forever instead of instantly rejecting her but they at least ended up having Two Sons in the End. After the Cursed Revenge, Dionysus cheered Ariadne up with a little surprise for her as Ariadne, who was now in love with the God of Wine, accepted his proposal as she become Dionysus' Bride. The Gods already accepted the idea of Mortals being Lovers of Deities as Zeus gifted Ariadne to turn her into a Full-Fledged Goddess as Ariadne ended up becoming the Goddess of Labyrinths with Dionysus by her Side.  I've decided to take out the whole Lust part where Ariadne's Mother falls in love with the Bull and that's how the Minotaur was born thing because...Yeah, nobody ever really wants to have that. Like I said, I'll just take out the entire dark parts of the Myths and make it more "Kid-Friendly" like instead like how Kid-Friendly Greek Mythology medias do that. Ariadne (c) Greco-Roman Mythology SpongeBob Depiction of Ariadne (c) Me

[reverxnce]

I just finished watching Oregon Trail and loved it! But I want to know how did you and your wife separate? Did you have to leave the Church because of it?

Ask my muse personal questions!

Ezekiel shuffled awkwardly. What happened between him and Phaedra was as deeply painful as it was difficult. Sure, everything turned out okay in the end but some of the memories were still...hard.

"No, I did not have to leave the Church," he finally answered after a considerably lengthy pause. "Members of my Church are permitted to divorce in the event of an unresolvable issue caused by the husband or wife. Indeed, if I had been divorced for adultery, I would have been ruined - that's grounds for being immediately struck off, no ifs, no buts."

"But instead, she allowed the divorce to be settled on the grounds of non-consummation - embarrassing, sure, but certainly not punishable by expulsion. I would much prefer to undergo the minor humiliation of having the Parish gossip about my virility -or apparent lack thereof- than be permanently expelled from what I feel in my heart is my life calling. Phaedra could have taken everything from me, and who knows? Maybe that's exactly what I deserved? But still, she didn't. She granted me mercy..." he swallowed hard. It made his stomach twist to say it. Some of the things she had done during their brief and turbulent marriage, things he had never told anyone, things that people had witnessed and said nothing about, things that...didn't feel right...

Yet what he said was true. It was difficult and complicated - but it was what it was. He knew damn well that he was far from innocent in the situation, and Phaedra had the perfect means to launch a retaliation that would have destroyed him entirely. But she didn't. She chose not to.

"Phaedra...spared me, and I'll be forever grateful to her for that. I wish her nothing other than a long, fulfilling and happy life."

[colemckenzies]

Books I read in November ranked best* to worst:

How To Be Human by Paula Cocozza

How To Be A Girl by Marlo Mack

Jane the Determined by Helen B. Davison

Man With Bombe Alaska by Kate Behrens (poetry)

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Come Again by Robert Webb

A Pocketful of Happiness by Richard E. Grant

A Zero Waste Family by Anita Vandyke

The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick

The Good, The Bad, and The Little Bit Stupid by Marina Lewycka

Time and How To Spend It by James Wallman

[lastchancevillagegreen]

Ariadne (2021) Jennifer Saint (320 pages)

Book Club book #15. I indicated here that the last book club book was my most dreaded title. It too was about mythology but it wasn't too dreadful (a brisk read which I got through in two days). The fact that the next book was this, another mythology book, was my complete undoing. I normally read between 50 and 100 pages a day and I should have gotten through this book in three days. But here I was today, Day Seven, still reading this book and I so did not care.

Granted, I have been in Chicago since Thursday and trying to read Ariadne in between brew pub visits, record store visits, lengthy engagements at Ric's and little to no sleep, I did not give a fig if Ariadne lived or died or if Phaedra hung herself from a tree. I did not care if Phaedra ever learned of her big sister's fate. All I cared about was how many versions of Carmelita I could play or how many times in a row I'm A Penney's Man/ Session Man could be played.

It wasn't this being a feminist retelling of ancient mythologies that bothered me, I always applaud women getting their stories told, it was that this was the second book in a row about mythology. Never again shall I read something I do not want to read. That means come November I am not reading Book Club book #18 The Song of Achilles, another mythology book! All the members who chose these titles have long split for greener pastures leaving the rest of us to suffer their choices. No more. For that matter, I may have opened the flood gates and maybe I'll not read any more of the four remaining books and just go to Brew Works and hang out and drink with the other book club members. But this boy ain't ever reading another mythology book for the rest of his everloving life.

[purfectprincessgirl]

They have just leaked 2 of the Pacific Coast rainbow High dolls

Ahh yeah, I saw them over on my Instagram feed today... aaand I'm not quite sure how to feel about them rn tbh ^^;

Like, for Harper Dune I'm... pretty confused why she basically looks identical to Marisa Golding (but with less-shiny hair?), and while I do get where they're going for with Phaedra's sunset-y palette... idk, something about her design just doesn't really vibe with me enough to wanna buy her atm 🤷‍♀️

I mean, granted I am still hype to see what Bella's full Malibu look is gonna be like 'cause its about time she got some merch spotlight again... but at the same time I kiiinda feel like we already have "enough" characters to work with to fill up some of these doll line spots (esp since the "main 6" girls already had their own special lines with Cheer & Winter Break)? Like, just imagine a mix of the Series 1-3 characters blending into this Malibu line could've been cool if Bella was gonna be there (or even have her current roommates like Daria, Sheryl and Stella be included since they're technically their own "clique" now). But thats just me :p