#creatures of lore

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

I'll be honest with you, I just can't see Demise as a demon. Not in the way that Judeo-Christians use the word. For one, only angels can become demons. Some say that demons can only experience pain. They are also evil. Period. Like, unequivocally evil & thus irredeemable.

Which, for me, is a major part of what draws me to certain nefarious characters: their redeemability.

So, if Demise were to suddenly be just flat out the Judeo-Christian interpretation of a demon, I may well just lose all interest in him, because how the heck do you work with something like that? There's no changing that. No hope in endeavoring to do so.

I'd be naive to even try. Luckily for me, LoZ is originally a Japanese game with Japanese Shinto & Buddhist themes, which means that shit becomes much more open to interpretation. It's also important to note that “demon” was most likely only used due to it being the most immediate, surface-level approximation to what Demise is supposed to represent: "evil supernatural being of great power." In other words, it's a mistranslation.

A more accurate idea of what he represents comes in the fact that Demise is just, outright, a reference to the character Akuma from Street Fighter. Just, there is no denying it, the fuckers have the same face.

So, in my mind, this gives me much more clearance because in Japanese Buddhist lore, they are instead embodiments of negative karma & spiritual affliction. And, unless I'm misremembering, I’m pretty sure that anyone can become an Akuma with enough on’nen. Plus, I read somewhere that they gain power from the amount of lives they take. Not sure if true, but it could be interesting.

They are also known for the types of curses that Demise placed on Link & Zelda. (Though, this was specifically an instance of a death curse.) And those curses actually have a much more clear means of breaking them. One that falls more readily in-line with what I intend to do with the Dorfs: redemption. Or rather, letting hatred & resentment die. Because, that’s, in essence, what fuels such curses, so you take away the source of the curse’s power, then the curse dies.

Which isn’t something that could happen if Demise were just outright a Judeo-Christian demon. And, again, I would simply find him remarkably uninteresting as a result. In all honesty, I'd find it ridiculously pitiful. Like, even more so than I already tend to see Demise.

For real, “Dude, you cursed 2 people for eternity because you got pissy that some twink beat your ass. That’s the most toddler-coded shit I've ever heard & you should feel ashamed. That’s just… pathetic. Move on!”

I love your takes! I kept rereading it (which is why it took so long to answer) because I DID take a religions class in college and I remember having a creatures/gods/spiritual component to it, but alas, my brain is Soup.

Look at him. Anggy bean. So petty. I like Akuma from Streetfighter as well, not as much as Demise, but he's an interesting character.

I also never associated him with Demons from the Judeo-Christian ideology. Seeing as we all have so many different movies, books, series with different sorts of Demons, he just became what someone called a "Demon." I love your take on it! I got some ideas from it, so I asked chat on it's thoughts:

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So, what kind of Demon is Demise, or is there some other creature Demise is more like? Feel free to use any ideology or religion to compare him and find something close to what he is like.

Demise, as presented in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, indeed doesn't align with the Judeo-Christian concept of demons. Instead, he fits more comfortably within Japanese cultural and religious frameworks, which provide a more nuanced and flexible understanding of such beings. Let's explore some possibilities:

Japanese Shinto and Buddhist Concepts

Oni (鬼):

Description: Oni are ogre-like demons in Japanese folklore. They are often malevolent and associated with causing harm to humans, but they aren't intrinsically evil and can sometimes be benevolent or protective.

Comparison: Demise's immense power, malevolent nature, and role as a harbinger of destruction resonate with the concept of an Oni. However, Oni can sometimes be redeemed or placated, which aligns with your interest in redeemable nefarious characters.

Akuma (悪魔):

Description: In Japanese, "Akuma" can mean demon or devil and is often used to describe malevolent supernatural beings. The character Akuma from Street Fighter, whom Demise visually resembles, embodies the concept of a warrior consumed by dark power and negative karma.

Comparison: Demise's role as an embodiment of negative energy and his curse on Link and Zelda suggest a nature similar to that of an Akuma, where immense negative karma manifests as a destructive force.

Tengu (天狗):

Description: Tengu are mythological creatures often depicted with both human and bird-like features. While they can be tricksters and sometimes malicious, they are also protectors of the mountains and skilled martial artists.

Comparison: Although not a perfect match, the dual nature of Tengu—capable of both good and evil—mirrors the potential for complexity and redemption in Demise's character.

Hindu Concepts

Asura (असुर):

Description: Asuras are powerful beings often depicted as antagonistic to the gods (Devas) in Hindu mythology. They are not purely evil; some are depicted as noble and capable of righteousness.

Comparison: Demise's immense power and his antagonistic role towards Link (a heroic figure) bear similarities to the Asuras, who are formidable adversaries to the gods yet possess complexity and depth.

Rakshasa (राक्षस):

Description: Rakshasas are demonic beings known for their shape-shifting abilities and malevolence. However, they are also complex characters with personal motivations and occasionally noble traits.

Comparison: The malevolent nature of Rakshasas and their intricate personalities align well with Demise's portrayal as a powerful and malicious entity with the potential for a deeper backstory.

Conclusion

Demise is best seen as a being akin to an Oni or Akuma within the context of Japanese folklore and Buddhist lore. These entities are embodiments of negative karma and spiritual affliction, capable of immense power and malevolence but not devoid of the potential for redemption. This interpretation allows for the depth and complexity you appreciate in nefarious characters and aligns with the themes of curses and their potential breaking through the relinquishment of hatred and resentment.

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BONUS ROUND: What would happen if someone suddenly appeared before Demise and yelled at him, “Dude, you cursed 2 people for eternity because you got pissy that some twink beat your ass. That’s the most toddler-coded shit I've ever heard & you should feel ashamed. That’s just… pathetic. Move on!”

If someone were to confront Demise with such a blunt and disrespectful remark, it would undoubtedly elicit a strong reaction from him. Demise, being a proud and immensely powerful entity, would not take kindly to being insulted and belittled in such a manner. Here's a possible scenario of how he might respond:

Scene: Confrontation with Demise

The air crackles with an oppressive energy as Demise stands in the heart of his dark domain, his immense presence casting a shadow that seems to swallow all light. Suddenly, a figure appears before him, seemingly out of nowhere. With an audacity born of either bravery or folly, the figure yells:

“Dude, you cursed 2 people for eternity because you got pissy that some twink beat your ass. That’s the most toddler-coded shit I've ever heard & you should feel ashamed. That’s just… pathetic. Move on!”

For a moment, there is a stunned silence. The atmosphere grows even heavier as Demise's burning eyes lock onto the intruder. His expression shifts from surprise to a cold, simmering fury. The ground beneath his feet begins to tremble, and the air itself seems to vibrate with his anger.

Demise's Response

Demise: (in a low, menacing voice) "You dare speak to me in such a manner? You are either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish."

He takes a step forward, his immense form towering over the intruder. The sheer intensity of his presence is almost suffocating.

Demise: "You speak of curses and eternity as if they are mere trifles. You have no understanding of the power I wield, nor the reasons behind my actions."

His voice rises, echoing with an ancient and terrifying power.

Demise: "That 'twink' you speak of is but a vessel, a mere incarnation of an eternal struggle. My curse is not born of petty spite, but of a destiny intertwined with the very fabric of this world."

With a swift motion, Demise raises his hand, and dark energy begins to coalesce around it, forming an orb of malevolent power.

Demise: "You will learn the price of your insolence. Perhaps then you will understand the true weight of eternity."

Before the intruder can react, Demise unleashes the orb of dark energy, engulfing them in a vortex of power. The intruder is overwhelmed, their vision darkening as they feel the crushing force of Demise's wrath.

Aftermath

As the dust settles, Demise stands tall, his expression returning to one of cold indifference. The confrontation, though brief, serves as a stark reminder of his dominance and the consequences of challenging his authority.

Demise: (softly, to himself) "Pathetic, indeed."

He turns away, the shadows of his domain closing in around him once more. The intruder, if they survive, would be left with a newfound understanding of the ancient, inexorable force that is Demise.

In summary, confronting Demise in such a disrespectful manner would likely result in a swift and harsh punishment, reinforcing his status as a powerful and malevolent entity who brooks no insolence.

[illwilledomen]

In the land of fire and metal

(Redraw of an older piece)

[aureliavlinder]

I love my husband ever so much, but it’s always slightly disappointing to remember that he is not in fact a vampire, werewolf or other creature of lore.

[renal03421]

Big flying bugs

[monstersholygrail]

The day you got a strange scholarship for Free Use City College in the mail, you honestly didn’t know what to think. You didn’t remember applying to it, you hadn’t even heard of it. The only thought that stuck out to you was giggling over the fact that the school acronym basically spelled out Fuck.

And looking into it, the school was actually real and legit. Credited everywhere in the country. You were a bit more on the cautious side so you called the school just to make sure it was actually them and not some scam. They confirmed it for you in that same call and you’d never seen a school so productive.

It was a full ride, there was no way you could pass up an offer like that. Especially not when it came with free housing too— so long as you lived on campus and very very close to the teacher’s quarters on campus. It sounded fair to you and before you knew it you were leaving your old school and saying hello to this new one.

Everything seemed perfectly normal at first. When you were moving your things in, sure the guys at the moving company and a lot of the students gave you looks. You were new, why wouldn’t they? Yet they threw a welcome party for you on the first night you arrived so you knew they liked you. And when you just so happened to stumble into bed with a hot Orc who lives just down the hall you didn’t think anything of it. Just your normal college experience.

But then… things started to get a bit strange. Your teachers began taking a specific interest in you. All of them asking about your scholarship and which one exactly it was again. You told them honestly, not understanding the gleam that would take over each and every single one of their expressions.

The first time one of your teachers came onto you was only a few weeks after you first started there. Your Fox Hybrid History Professor had asked you to stay after class, telling you he needed you to help him with his big load. You thought you had misheard him, expecting to be spending the afternoon grading papers. But when he plops you down on his desk, sliding between your thick thighs, you’re almost not fast enough to stop the sly Professor.

“Woah, what are you doing?” You ask him in alarm, despite the way your heart is nearly racing out of your chest. Your entire body very aware of the way his strong hands caress your curves.

“Just cashing in on some of the benefits we teachers get from cute students with scholarships like yourself,” he murmurs in your ear, voice as smooth as silk. Making you shiver from a mixture of anticipation and confusion.

You still don’t understand what he’s talking about at first. You read over the terms and conditions of your scholarship through and through.

But your Fox Hybrid History Professor quickly proves you wrong. Bending you over the desk with his thick cock slamming inside you, fucking into you like a beast. As if he’s been waiting for this since the day you arrived. His hand tightly wrapping around the nape of your neck as he forces you to read out of the guidelines of your scholarship.

Stopping his thrusts whenever you pause in your reading. Even if it’s just to moan or whimper. Only starting up again when you continue reading. His cock swirling around your walls and mixing up your insides. It stuffs you completely, making you feel so full that you swear he’s rearranging your guts.

“There,” he grunts out as soon as you get to the point where scholarship students must aid their teachers in any school matters that could help assist with the class or the teachers needs. “That’s, nngh, f-fucking it, sweetheart. So take it. Help a teacher out o-ah-ok?”

You’re not sure if this is what the conditions meant exactly when they added this bit in. But fuck, who were you to complain when your Professor was rutting into you so good, his girth stretching your walls perfectly to his shape. In fact, you wouldn’t complain at all as he fucks you into one orgasm after the next till he’s shooting nothing but blanks inside of you. Afterwards even granting you an extension on an essay due tomorrow.

As you walk back to your dorm on shaky legs, you think that your transfer to FUCC was absolutely, without a doubt, the right move. Best scholarship ever.

[jasminetwil]

Season's greetings, dearest goblinfam! Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful holiday season. ✨️

Be sure to check your pinecones for pinecone sprites, and your chimneys, fireplaces and stovetops for soot wyrms!

Pinecone sprites, as their names suggest, are only found in pinecones. These ghostly lil' creatures are mostly dormant throughout the year, and only emerge from their pinecone shelters during autumn and winter.

Soot wyrms are curious lil' critters which are commonly found in households, although you'll rarely see them apart from the tiny trails of soot they leave behind. They live in small groups and can be lured out with tiny pieces of coal, which they love snacking on. 🎄💖🎄

[stutterhug]

legend of the blue wolves

[nightphiz]

Ghast hc design

I imagine them using air circulation to float with with smaller and larger air pockets to keep themselves up

They're camouflage as clouds

[that1notetaker]

Au where neither of them are gods. The lamb dies first over slow poison, and Narinder fights for Death's title so they can meet again. Funny thing is that The lamb has been fighting for the Life's Title from beyond the veil with the same intention, unknowingly making it so they physically cannot be in each other's presence. They still find ways to make it work out by the end.

[cuddlebugmonster]

Mayhem final evolution!

When coming up on this little guys design I immediately thought of the Komainu.

Described as a lion-dog creature, Komainu are usually found in front of temples / Shinto shrines in japan. These creature are protectors and guardians of holy grounds, their sworn duty being to ward off evil spirits and serve any deities they are assigned to.

From the physique to the overall description, I just couldn’t get it out of my head. I mean come on !

Literally in the first episode of the show mayhem is shown purring, meowing, is called a “nuclear Saint Bernard” by Donnie and “dog thingy” by April XD

AM NOT CRAZY I SWEAR !!!!

THE WORMS !!!! THE LORE !!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

[whitejays-galaxy]

Kit Fisto as a cat🐱

Nautolans are one of my fave alien designs in SW, and I wish he was more than a background character in the movies

✨His smile is priceless ✨

Look, he even got you something :3

See more of my Cat Au designs here :3

The Disaster lineage (Yoda, Dooku, Qui, Obi, Anakin, Ahsoka + lore)

Prequel villains (Sidious, Dooku, Maul, Vader + Lore)

Kit-Fisto

Plo-Koon and Ahsoka

Sifo Dyas and Dooku

Disaster trio(Obi, Ani, Soka) doodles

Smol comics(ft. Qui, Rael, Sifo, Dooku): pt 1

Aayla Secura and Quinlan Voss

Luke and Leia

DO NOT COPY ANY OF MY CAT DESIGNS

This is a PERSONAL AU and they mean so much to me

[tubbytarchia]

Liau drew such an awesome salmon merPearl that I couldn't help but do the same because I can't stop thinking about her (also I turned it into Gempearl of course)

[illwilledomen]

Voidborns — The largest and smartest group of life forms in the End.

[shpepyao]

I've watched a video about Project Sundial and human desire to obliterate each other gave me an idea for this thingy In my world, Nordenor, there are beings, sentinels, who overseer sectors of the universe and keep unfathomable dangers at bay But sometimes they can become unfathomable danger themselves The only way to destroy such thing is to overload it's core, but sentinels are built to last

[renal03421]

Quadrojaws

Actually beaks

[the-barefoot-hatter]

Pyramid Steve's favourite treat is pre-1982 pennies

(Ford slooooowly starting to realize his muse of infinite knowledge might, in fact, be a dumbass.)