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the-sunclans · 7 months

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Cats of the Sun

The SunClans are four clans making up the whole that is SunClan, each clan fulfilling a different role in serving SunClan.

DawnClan

DawnClan are the healers. While every clan has its medicine cat, they are trained and evaluated in DawnClan, with the DawnClan medicine cats being the most respected and skilled of all medicine cats.

DawnClan does have its warriors still, though they know more basic healing than the warriors of all other clans. They live by the sea, which provides them with an abundance of food, and the cats of DawnClan are known as laid-back and trustworthy. Though, less favorable cats of other clans think of DawnClan as lazy and unwilling to do the "hard work" of clan life.

DayClan

DayClan are the peacekeepers. They are opposed to fighting, and instead do everything in their power to end conflict bloodlessly. DayClan trains and holds the best mediators, and are the most welcoming to outsiders.

DayClan, like all clans, has its warriors, some very skilled, but they prefer to keep their claws sheathed whenever they can. They live in the plains, enjoying its warmth and peace, which is fitting for how many cats would choose to describe DayClan. This does have the downside of many cats thinking of DayClan as weak, and sometimes even a danger to SunClan's way of life due to their willingness to take in outsiders.

DuskClan

DuskClan are the protectors. They defend the clans from outside threats, enforce the warrior code, and punish those who have committed crimes against the clans.

Their warriors are incredibly skilled and disciplined, believing themselves to be the strength of SunClan. Their forest home gives them a mastery of climbing and stealth, you can never truly know when a DuskClan cat is watching you. DuskClan cats are known for being fiercely loyal and always reliable, but some think they take advantage of their reputation, and their "protection" can border on the cruel.

NightClan

NightClan are the guardians of StarClan. They live amongst the spirits of their ancestors and pass on the history and stories of times long since passed.

Their warriors are wise and calm, some thinking of their roles less as warriors and more as walking stories. NightClan lives in the caves deep within the mountains, among towering crystals, said to be windows into StarClan. NightClan's camp sits just outside what SunClan calls the Path, a long path of sharp crystals leading to one perfect, tall, smooth crystal. When a new leader is made, they must "Walk the Path" walk on the shards, and lay before the crystal at the end of the path without getting cut, for if they bleed, it is a sign of StarClan's rejection. NightClan warriors are valued for their knowledge and spirituality, but many think of them as strange, and would not choose their company out of the other clans.

Allegiances

Cat's name will link to their portrait if finished!

DawnClan

Leadership

Leader: Tidestar

Deputy: Brinetail

Medicine Cats: Yellowreed, Graygull, Lionlight

Mediator: Suncloud

Warriors

Pelicanswoop

Wavecrest

Waspwhisker

Rocket

Shimmerscales

Silthail

Mudskip

Spottedseal

Warmsand

Littleminnow

Oakbranch

Rippleshine

Speckleshell

Scallopflight

Pearlbelly

Deepfall

Crescentmask

Stonepool

Needle

Perchtail

Risingsky

Streakedleaf

Apprentices and Mentors

None

Kits

Kits of Warmsand and Brinetail

Shellkit

Flamekit

Swiftkit

Kits of Pelicanswoop and Graygull

Rainkit

Palmkit

Driftkit

Umberkit

DayClan

Leadership

Leader: Poppystar

Deputy: Sunfeather

Medicine Cats: Cloudflower, Lavendermask, Grasswhisker

Mediators: Sly, Flutterfern, Greensage

Warriors

Brindlefeather

Mistlethorn

Briarbramble

Honeydrop

Morb

Peachfur

Cherrystem

Cardinaldawn

Goldengrass

Littlepond

Diesel

Morningjay

Cricketsong

Daisytail

Applefang

Beeflower

Hazelbrook

Junipershine

Pluto

Alley

Coin

Nicholas

Apprentices and Mentors

Flypaw - Daisytail

Lilypaw - Cricketsong

Robinpaw - Coin

Kits

Beeflower and Hazelbrook

Brightkit

Honeydrop and Greensage

Bisonkit

Ryekit

Burrowkit

Sly and Flutterfern

Blackkit

Quailkit

Paintedkit

Badgerkit

DuskClan

Leadership

Leader: Wrenstar

Deputy: Shadowriver

Medicine Cats: Pinefrost, Littlespider

Mediator: Aspenmist

Warriors

Oakface

Wolfheart

Willowdove

Staghorn

Bengalfur

Timberleaf

Hawkshadow

Sharptalon

Fangfrost

Lynxfeather

Pantherleap

Tigertail

Foxscratch

Crowpatch

Branchswoop

Darksky

Forestshade

Oriolewing

Fawnflower

Lionstride

Flickerfoot

Ashfall

Apprentices and Mentors

Leopardpaw - Bengalfur

Lilacpaw - Flickerfoot

Lightningpaw - Oriolewing

Yewpaw - Hawkshadow

Kits

Kits of Foxscratch and Crowpatch

Swiftkit

Flamekit

NightClan

Leadership

Leader: Soaringstar

Deputy: Tunnelwhisper

Medicine Cats: Brightcave, Mountainsky, Blackbloom

Warriors

Rumblerock

Shardtail

Silverfrost

Darkmask

Fallingstones

Jaggedclaw

Spiderfoot

Echowish

Dovesnow

Icewhisker

Blizzardtooth

Coldrain

Skypeak

Glintstone

Swoopingbat

Talonfang

Goldencherry

Lightcloud

Apprentices and Mentors

Wildpaw - Swoopingbat

Boughpaw - Tunnelwhisper

Billowpaw - Fallingstones

Kits

Kits of Soaringstar and Rumblerock

Sunkit

Slatekit

Snowykit

Kits of Silverfrost and Shardtail

Chasmkit

Frostkit

Flintkit

Kits of Skypeak and Talonfang

Emberkit

Nettlekit

#clangen #warriors oc #warrior cats #SunClan Lore #Gen 1

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zarya-zaryanitsa · 2 years

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Would you consider Perun to be a god of war? I know he is associated with justice, but was just wondering if war would also be an accurate association

Oh I’d even venture to say that as far as his popular image goes he is associated with war and combat much more commonly than with justice.

His name means ”The One Who Strikes” and reflects his role as the punisher of evil. In Polish a related word „prać” exists, denoting hitting or beating (as well as doing laundry, which is it’s main meaning in modern Polish, originating from the times when laundry involved beating the fabric with a wooden bat). Perun is a protector of the people but he fulfils this role through actively and mercilessly seeking out, pursuing and attacking what he considers unclean forces (click, click). People used to believe fulgurites and belemnites are Perun’s scattered arrows, that he uses to shoot evil spirits; his attributes are also axes and hammers.

„Thus the Emperors Leo and Alexander made peace with Oleg, and after agreeing upon the tribute and mutually binding themselves by oath, they kissed the cross, and invited Oleg and his men to swear an oath likewise. According to the religion of the Russes, the latter swore by their weapons and by their god Perun, as well as by Volos, the god of cattle, and thus confirmed the treaty.”

„The unbaptized Russes shall lay down their shields, their naked swords, their armlets, and their other weapons, and shall swear to all that is inscribed upon this parchment, to be faithfully observed forever by Igor', all his boyars, and all the people from the land of Rus'. If any of the princes or any Russian subject, whether Christian or non-Christian, violates the terms of this instrument, he shall merit death by his own weapons, and be accursed of God and of Perun because he violated his oath. So be it good that the Great Prince Igor' shall rightly maintain these friendly relations that they may never be interrupted, as long as the sun shines and the world endures henceforth and forevermore.”

„But if we fail in the observance of any of the aforesaid stipulations, either I or my companions, or my subjects, may we be accursed of the god in whom we believe, namely, of Perun and Volos, the god of flocks, and we become yellow as gold, and be slain with our own weapons.” - Russian Primary Chronicle, Laurentian Text

Those quotes are very significant because they reveal to us a lot about both gods’ spheres of activity - the punishments for breaking the oath reflect the gods’ patronage. Russes swear by their weapons and Perun - the punishment for breaking their word is being slain by their own weapons. They swear by Veles, the chthonic god of cattle - the punishment is becoming golden, most likely an euphemism for contracting a specific type of disease (for example scrofula was known as ”zołotucha”, ”the golden illness”).

Many scholars (Uspensky and Szyjewski to name some) view Perun as patron of the prince and his warriors (druzhina). It’s even speculated that he may have been the patron of the Rurikid dynasty as a whole, with Veles in opposition to him as patron of common people, peasants. In this context it has to be mentioned that at the time it was also the prince who served as the lawmaker and one of the main administrators of justice.

Two commonly mentioned Saints he is believed to have been amalgamated with are Prophet Elijah (Ilya) and Saint George (Yuriy). The former a stern and punitive man travelling across the sky in a burning chariot, armed in lightning, wheels rattling thunderously. The latter a roman soldier, a military Saint, in Russia favored by the upper classes (Ivanits); usually depicted on a horse, spear in hand, in the act of defeating a dragon. Some scholars also believe him to be related to Ilya Muromets, a popular hero from the bylinas of Kyivan Rus.

A story about Prophet Elijah and Saint Nicholas.

In Russian folklore Prophet Elijah is seen as strict and formal, quick to punish evil as well as inappropriate behaviors. With the power over storms of wind and hail as well as fires started by the strike of lightning he was a terrifying force, one that could ruin your fields or your house in just few minutes, sentencing you to poverty and starvation. On the other hand, the rain arriving with storm season was absolutely necessary to nourish the fields. It should come as no surprise that common folk had a lot of superstitions centered around him and were careful to treat him with respect. In the folk tale linked above we can see him taking deep offence at lack of respect shown to him and punishing it harshly, but also doing his best to ensure those who honor him faithfully never suffer by his hand and are blessed.

Both his anger and joy can be fearsome. A friend of mine once told me a Serbian legend about Prophet Elijah: that he loves celebrating his birthday (20th of July/ 2nd of August) so much he throws huge parties and cheerfully tries to impress the guests by striking things with lightning and causing great thundering in the sky. Unfortunately the show is rather scary for regular mortals and can cause significant damage, so Elijah’s siblings frequently try to make him forget about his birthday and stop the party from happening. Upon discovering their plots he becomes sad and mad and may throw around some more lightning - this is why either way you’ll have plenty of storms in July/August.

The image of Perun we can reconstruct from those stories is that of an aggressive and punitive warlike figure. Still, it can be seen clearly how that ties in with his role as upholder of order: lawmaker and law enforcer. A perfect guarantor for your oaths if you intend to uphold them.

My interpretations: For the reasons presented above I personally tend to associate Perun with disciplined army and strategic, organized warfare rather than merely the bloodshed of battle or unbridled rage of a berserker. As the patron of warriors/soldiers he can be merciless and harsh but also protective and courageous. As the god historically associated with nobility he pays attention to whether people approach him with respect and honor him respectfully, holds the authority over law and order, as well as to some degree embodies the ideals of honor and honesty. Tldr: you couldn’t find a better person to have in your corner if you’ve gotten yourself in trouble with any belligerent spirits or could use some structure and discipline in your life.

Sources (in random order cause tired): Russian Primary Chronicle, Laurentian Text, Mitologia Słowian by Aleksander Gieysztor, Religia Słowian by Andrzej Szyjewski, Kult Św. Mikołaja na Rusi by Boris Uspensky (pl. trans. Janus, Mayenowa, Kozłowska), Religia Pogańskich Słowian by Stanisław Urbańczyk, Russian Folk Belief by Linda Ivanits

#asks #Perun #slavic paganism #a devotional post

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ltwilliammowett · 3 years

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Sailor’s patron saints

Sailors and religion are a subject in themselves and many were not particularly religious, even if they had been brought up religiously. And yet there were masses and the Bible was also consulted at funerals, but the priest was to be avoided like the devil avoids holy water. After all, the priest was associated with morality and death, which no one wanted to be near. But if things got dicey and danger was very close, there were some patron saints who were called upon and asked for protection. But there were also some who simply wore the symbol of their patron saint as general protection. Here are a few of them.

Saint Brendan

One of the most popular patron saints is Saint Brendan (Irish Gaelic Brénaind), a Celtic saint and hero of legendary voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. He is best known for his legendary voyage to the Isle of the Blessed, later immortalised in the mythical Christian tale Navigatio Sancti Brendani Abbatis Voyage of St Brendan the Abbot. This Irish epic depicts an incredible Atlantic voyage with other monks that culminated in their arrival in the "Promised Land of the Saints". Because of his great navigational skills in finding this Promised Land, he is the patron saint of navigators.

Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas of Myra is probably the most famous saint in the world. Saint Nicholas was born in what is now Turkey. When he was young, he lost both his parents. He gave away the inheritance they left him to the poor and sick. Which is reflected today in his commemoration day of 6 December, which many celebrate. For the seafarers, however, he is more interesting because he is said to have managed to calm a storm by asking for help, which is why he is usually the one who is asked for help in a storm.

Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher is also one of the more popular saints, though his existence remains disputed. He is said to be the patron of travellers and to help cross waterways.

Saint Clement

Clement of Rome is said to be the third successor of Saint Peter and the first Apostolic Father of the Church. Not too much is known about the life of St Clement I, as few details have survived. Because of his evangelising efforts, he was drowned with an anchor around his neck. This anchor became his symbol, a symbol of hope. Although hope itself, by the way, is feminine and that is why she is usually depicted, especially in connection with seafarers. St. Clement, however, is a protector against storms and tempests, so he is also often asked for help in storms.

Saint Elmo

Erasmus of Formia, also known as Elmo, and was Bishop of Formia, Italy, at a time when Emperor Diocletian was persecuting Christians. The story of St Erasmus shows how he miraculously endured all kinds of torture. He suffered many excruciating punishments before finally meeting a supposedly cruel death. However, he himself became the patron saint of sailors, for he is said to have continued preaching even when lightning struck the ground next to him, which is incidentally where the weather phenomenon St. Elmo's fire gets its name. This prompted sailors who found themselves in danger from sudden storms and lightning to call on his prayers.

#naval history #sailors and religion #more about in a seperate post #patron saints #age of sail

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mecthology · 3 years

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Veles from Slavic mythology.

Veles is one of few Slavic gods for which evidence of offerings can be found in all Slavic nations. Volos is mentioned as god of cattle and peasants, who will punish oath-breakers with diseases, the opposite of Perun who is described as a ruling god of war who punishes by death in battle.

Perun is a god of thunder while Veles acts as a dragon who opposes him. The reason for the enmity between the two gods is Veles's theft of Perun's son, wife, or, usually, cattle. It is also an act of challenge: Veles, in the form of a huge serpent, slithers from the caves of the underworld and coils upwards the Slavic world tree towards Perun's heavenly domain. Perun retaliates and attacks Veles with his lightning bolts. Veles flees, hiding or transforming himself into trees, animals or people. In the end, he is killed by Perun and in this ritual death, whatever Veles stole is released from his battered body in the form of rain falling from the skies.

This "storm myth", or "divine battle", as it is generally called by scholars today, explained to ancient Slavs the changing of seasons through the year. The dry periods were interpreted as the chaotic results of Veles' thievery. Storms and lightning were seen as divine battles. The ensuing rain was the triumph of Perun over Veles and the re-establishment of world order.

The myth was cyclical, repeating itself each year. The death of Veles was never permanent; he would reform himself as a serpent who would shed its old skin and would be reborn in a new body. Although in this particular myth he plays a negative role as bringer of chaos, Veles was not seen as an evil god by ancient Slavs. In fact, in many of the Russian folk tales, Veles, appearing under the Christian guise of St. Nicholas, saves the poor farmer and his cattle from the furious and destructive St. Elias the Thunderer, who represents Perun.

Veles' portrayal as having a penchant for mischief is evident both from his role in the storm myth and in carnival customs of Koledari shamans. Veles was also believed to be protector of travelling musicians.

Follow @mecthology for more mythology and lores. DM for pic credit or removal. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXgm_XHIYtB/?utm_medium=tumblr

#Veles #slavic #slavic mythology #supernatural #magic #trickster #pagan

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katastroficwriter · 6 years

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Headcanon about Santa Claus. Kiibo want to give away the children with presents until Ouma pops his dream saying he's a robot but he will help him anyway

Hiii! I’m sorry for taking so long to fill this prompt! I finally found my inspiration to work on my drafts again, so I immediately rushed to work on this. Once again, I’m sorry for being late!

“I have always wondered about the significance of this elderly man,” Kiibo speaks up out of the blue as he lightly tugged at the small Santa doll’s hat. “I see him everywhere around December, but I never really wondered about his origin until now.”

“You mean to say you don’t know anything about Santa Claus?” Ouma’s head perked up in interest.

“Yes,” replied the robot as he placed the doll back to its perch on the coffee table. “Can…you perhaps educate me on the subject, Ouma-kun?”

“Well, since Christmas is right around the corner, I guess I should be nice,” Ouma scooched closer to the robot and leaned close. “I don’t want Santa Claus to punish me for being naughty, after all.”

“P-punish?” Kiibo parroted, his ahoge shriveled with worry.

“Yeah!” The supreme leader moved back. “You don’t know this, but he is actually an international criminal known for breaking and entering!”

“A criminal?!” Kiibo’s ahoge jolted into an exclamation point. “That can’t be right. Then why is he everywhere during December?”

“That’s because it serves as a warning to children everywhere, since that’s his target demographic. Like, “if you see this man, he’ll break in your house.” And if you’re naughty, he leaves children a punishment to remember. It’s even worse if he catches you awake after he breaks in your home. He’s a disgusting criminal,” Ouma shook his head. “Why do you think children cry whenever their parents placed them on a pretend Santa’s lap in malls? They’re scared. They can sense his evil even though the mall employee is just playing pretend.”

Kiibo’s brows furrowed, as he thought back to the shopping trip he and Kirumi went on a few days prior. He did in fact see something like that in the mall, so it seems the supreme leader wasn’t lying after all. “I…see. I suppose that makes sense…”

“That was a lie of course~!” Ouma chimed in a sing-song manner, which got him a faceful of Kiibo’s orca plush. But not even the monochrome plush could stifle the raven-haired teen’s cackling.

Fortunately, the supreme leader did explain the proper origin of Santa to him. Kiibo appreciated the historical detail that he would have otherwise not known, up to the modern depiction of Santa which was widespread throughout the world. There was one thing that stuck out to the android during his friend’s entire explanation though.

“The protector of children and sailors, huh,” Kiibo trailed off with awe.

“Yeah, but that’s St. Nicholas of Myra. The fatty in red you see everywhere is a faker and a criminal!” Ouma punctuated his sentence with a huff, wagging his finger to emphasize his disdain for one of the most exploited icons of capitalism. “You guys keep going around saying how terrible I am for lying all the time, but here you are supporting the very icon that lets businessmen run off with money by selling his lie to middle-class families every Christmas season, too. Don’t you know how many children have trust issues now after realizing that Santa wasn’t real after all?”

“I-if you put it that way, that does sound bad…but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with granting children momentary happiness by having them believe in Santa’s existence,” Kiibo fidgeted. “I-it is as you said before…not all lies are bad…you know?”

Ouma tugged his scarf over his nose as he looked away. “Hmph. Of course you’d think that way. Cherishing fleeting moments created by make-believe…you were always so into cheesy things like that.”

“I wouldn’t call it make-believe,” Kiibo mumbled, trapping his chin between his index finger and a thumb in a thinking pose. “If you believed in something, that makes it real for you, doesn’t it? That’s why I…”

The supreme leader shifted his attention back to the android, tilting his head to the side–curious. “You what?”

Kiibo’s inner collar gated a little over his lips in mild embarrassment, his fidgeting becoming more prominent. “I…wanted to experience being Santa. J-just this once is okay!”

“And why is that?” Ouma tilted his to the opposite direction.

“I wanted to…uhm…” he clasped his hands together in an attempt to keep himself grounded. “I wanted to spread joy the way Santa does. To make children happy and seeing them smile. I thought that maybe I could learn something from the experience as well.”

“Ohhhh, I see!” Ouma tapped his finger against his chin. “But…you can’t be Santa.”

Kiibo stilled. “And why is that?”

The supreme leader moved to fold his arms behind his head. “Becauuuuse, Santa isn’t a robot! Ergo, robots can’t be Santa!”

“Ghghk! I’m–I’m not trying to be Santa anyway!” the android frowned. “I simply wanted to…understand the ‘happiness’ of giving rather than receiving.”

Ouma stared at the android for a couple of minutes before letting out an impressed whistle. “I didn’t think I’d live to see the day where little ol’ Kiiboy would want to emulate humanity’s greatest criminal. Sounds fun! Count me in.”

“D-do not mock me! And I’m not little!” Kiibo fumed like he always would whenever Ouma’s teasing finally started getting to him. His eyes widened in surprise upon registering the supreme leader’s last statement. “W-wait. ‘Count me in’? What are you scheming, Ouma-kun?” He narrowed his eyes at the grinning demon in white.

“Oh. You’ll see~”

————————————————–

“I-isn’t this breaking and entering?”

“That’s what Santa does all the time, I say we’re on the right track,” was Ouma’s response as he fiddled with the door’s lock using his trusty lock-picks. “Besides, if we tried the chimney way, the roof might cave in cause of your metal butt. That, and we don’t have magical flying reindeers.” Click. “…Or jetpacks.”

“While that’s true, I don’t think that this is the right way to go about this…” murmured Kiibo as he entered the orphanage right after the leader.

“What, you want to knock on the door and tell them, ‘do not mind me, I just want to drop off some presents’? You’d only come off as suspicious,” Ouma hissed his response. “Now shush. Keep yapping and we’ll get caught…!”

Kiibo frowned at his remark, but obeyed. What the leader said was true. It wasn’t meant to get a rise out of him like the usual robophobic remarks Ouma keeps regarding him with during their breaks. If other Ultimates were unused to the sight of such an advanced robot as he, what more if he was seen by unknowing adults? He’d scare them. Especially the children he sought to make happy in the first place.

Ouma gestured for the android to follow him to a hall without looking back. Kiibo wasn’t sure if he should be frightened with the fact that his companion seemed so used to the art of stealth which hopefully , wasn’t used for a crime which they were technically already committi–Kiibo shook his head. He shouldn’t let himself get sidetracked. They only have one objective, and that was to leave presents for the orphans residing in the orphanage located not too far from their school campus.

They didn’t have the funds to buy brand new gifts, but it helped them a lot when their classmates allowed them to hoard the stuff they were about to throw out in preparation for the new year. Other than clothing and reading materials, however, Ouma even threw in some of his old toy collection that were still as good as new despite the chaotic state of his room. That gesture coming from the supreme leader moved him. Despite Ouma’s off-putting remarks about Santa Claus, he actually took the holiday’s tradition quite seriously. That begs the question though…

Why does it seem like Ouma knows exactly where everything is?

As if on cue, the supreme leader beckoned him with a finger, “Over here. You place the gifts right under the tree.” He whispered.

“Ah, right.” Kiibo settled the sack by the tree and began stacking the gifts carefully. It was impossible for two people to deliver gifts to all the children in the world, but if they could bring smiles to the children living in this orphanage, that would be already enough. His eyes widened in surprise once he realized that the presents had names on it. How did…?

“You sure you have time to be gawking at every single thing you see, Kiiboy?” Ouma hissed. “We don’t have all night!”

“Wha–? You know things would be a lot faster if you help me with unloading the presents,” the android hissed back.

“Hey, you’re the one who wanted to play Santa, and that–” Ouma jabbed a thumb at the Christmas tree. “Is part of your job. Right now I’m just Santa’s lil helper.” He punctuates his sentence by biting on a gingerbread man.

Kiibo didn’t bother pressing the matter any further and sighed. Even he could tell that the supreme leader didn’t want him to ask about the names. At least, not now. Besides, he was right. They didn’t have much time. He could just ask Ouma about it later. Without further ado, he resumed his task of laying out the gifts while Ouma handled eating the treats left by the children since Kiibo was unable to do so himself. Once they finished, they left the orphanage as silently as they had entered.

Seeing his companion’s genuine smile stopped the android from asking his question. Ouma won’t be able to make fun of him for not being able to read the mood now. Without really thinking, he grabbed the supreme leader’s hand and smiled. “Let’s go back.”

Ouma’s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden gesture, but didn’t pull his hand away. His cheeks were flushed red from the cold. The cold. Definitely not because he was embarrassed or anything. “Carry me.”

“I believe we already established that I do not have the strength for that.”

“Tch. Laaaaaame-o!”

They were already too used to their bickering that they found themselves laughing afterwards.

———————————————————-

They visited the orphanage together the day after. It was then did Kiibo discover that Ouma regularly dropped by this orphanage to play with the children. Everyone there was delighted to have them visit the children, although they didn’t expect to meet an actual robot of all things. The children happily regarded the two Ultimates, showing off the new gifts Santa gave them. Ouma and Kiibo shared a look with each other and smiled to themselves.

#ndrv3 #kiibouma #kiibo #ouma kokichi #katastrofic reply #katastrofic writing #anon #winter kiibouma

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itsya1upboy-blog · 6 years

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I made a banner of my full EOX guild because that seems to be the popular thing to do right now. I didn’t crop from the poster, though; I used sprites ripped from various places and cropped those. The icons are various sizes, so my banner is more of a patchwork quilt than anything... Looks pretty messy and, dare I say it, jank.

I’m going to hack a couple of the units in, and another one is a spoiler for EOX, so I’m going to put this under a Read More just in case.

First row, left to right: Junpei (Hero), Vash (Landsknecht), Hisoka (Ronin), Snow (Protector), Bertrand (Hero+Vampire accessory), Lis (Ninja) Miku (Medic), Havardr (Landsknecht)

Second row LTR: Logre (Imperial), Katsuo (Nightseeker), Akane (Shogun), Renshaw (Landsknecht), Xiang (Pugilist), Alice (Farmer), Felicity (Farmer), Ash (Farmer), Sam (Farmer), Tom (Farmer), Evander (Highlander)

Third row LTR: Lestari (War Magus), Yuda (Arcanist), Annette (Sovereign), Harlan (Imperial), Flemming (Zodiac), Lars (Survivalist), Nicholas (Gunner), Maribelle (Harbinger)

Fourth row LTR: Flora (Nightseeker), Piper (Protector), Florentin (Sovereign)

I don’t feel like including subclasses right now, maybe later... I’d have to look back over my builds to check everyone’s because I can’t remember them off the top of my head.

Most of these folks are new for Nexus! Havardr, Logre, Lis, and Miku are from EOIV; Junpei, Vash, Hisoka, Snow, and Bertrand are from EO2U, Akane, Katsuo, Renshaw, Xiang, and the five Farmers are from EO3. I’ve mentioned Flemming in one of my EOIV fics, but he was never a member of Muninn.

All the others are totally new! Lars, Nicholas, Maribelle, Flora, and Piper are all from a guild centered in an Yggdrasil town I came up with on my own. Flemming is from the Empire and came to Tharsis, as did Annette and Harlan (though not affiliated with Flemming in any way). Lestari and Yuda are siblings from a small island village near Armoroad, but moved to Batavia a few years ago, and then came to Maginia from there. Florentin is a vampire noble stripped of his powers as punishment for something; I’m using the ring to simulate Bertrand’s Fafnir powers instead. Evander is actually...Elysia’s long-lost brother, long thought dead, who has stayed out of Grimaldi for personal reasons since his disappearance. He’s named after his grandfather. :P

The guild is under the name Phoenix, and Junpei is still considered its leader. The other members join under his guild roster. In fact, Marianne specifically told Lis and Miku to look for Junpei when they got to Maginia, as he was an old friend of hers. (Havardr and Logre board later as civilians, with Havardr’s family, but they join Phoenix to support Havardr’s family, as most of their money from their short-lived retirement went to helping his family get a small place in Maginia.)

#etrian odyssey #eo #etrian odyssey nexus #eox #eon #etrian odyssey nexus spoilers #eox spoilers #eon spoilers

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benito-cereno · 7 years

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The Alphabet of Christmas, by Benito Cereno and Chuck Knigge, day 6: F is Fouettard and the whip that he carries

Père Fouettard is the companion of either Saint Nicholas or Père Noël in some regions of France, especially in the northern and eastern, as well as some parts of Belgium that border France. His name means “Father Whipper,” and as you can imagine, he, like the Krampus, is another dark counterpart to Saint Nicholas, meant to punish the naughty by bringing them a bundle of switches rather than a gift, and possibly using those switches as well.

According to legend, Père Fouettard was the butcher who killed three young traveling scholars in order to steal their money before Saint Nicholas raised them from the dead, thereby assuring his role as the protector of the young, and impressed the butcher into his service to earn penance. You can read a version of that story by me here.

You can listen to a beautifully sleazy song (in French) about the son of Père Fouettard trying to get into the pants of the daughter of Père Noël here.

F is also for:

Flossie and Fearless, reindeer

Previous letters here.

#christmas #alphabet of christmas #pere fouettard #france #benito cereno #chuck knigge

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xenobehaviorist11244-blog · 7 years

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“December 25″: 1st Orbital Cycle

After spending the holiday “Christmas” with this human family, I have learned that most of my previous assumptions were incorrect. “Christmas” is a holiday with religious ties to “Christianity”. Humans use this time to celebrate the birthday of a religious figure.

I had asked the family what Saint Nicholas had to do with the religion. I was immediately informed by Lauren that Saint Nicholas was like the protector of “Christmas.” He rewarded the good people by letting them survive, and punished those who refused to spare even a cookie for such a hardworking man.

When the family awoke this morning, the first thing Lauren did was check the plate she left out the previous night. She called me over to show off the almost empty plate. The cookies were mostly gone save for a few crumbs and sticker with a cat on it that read “purr-fect.” (A cat is a creature that human’s often keep as companions. They are known to purr when they are content, but they don’t talk. Well, none have answered me as of yet.)

Dad sat the family around the living room and began handing out wrapped boxes. These were the gifts. Lauren was happy to receive a primitive piece of technology, an Eye Pad she called it. (There were no eyes on it.) Mom received a beautiful piece of jewelry. A “necklace” with a polished diamond embedded in silver. (Diamonds are a much more precious jewel here than on our planet.) It seems the stone is a symbolization of Mom and Dad’s love for one another. Very beautiful.

I was very surprised to receive my own gift. It was a small box wrapped in a white paper with very offensively hand drawn green men all over it. Inside was a rock. Lauren said, “I found it on the ground. It made me think of you. Merry Christmas, man.” Receiving this was like the equivalent of a Blottrot ramming you. I was part of the family. I was loved. A gift that symbolized the ultimate form of trust and admiration.

After the gifts were opened, Lauren rushed to the stockings with a smile. She quickly plucked them from the wall, and tossed one in my direction. I wasn’t even aware I had a stocking. When I reached inside, my current dilemma become awfully clear. The black chunk of charcoal in my stocking was something that left me rather concerned. I had originally thought Saint Nicholas would spare me from his wrath because I am not a follower of his faith, but it would appear he is not so kind.

Lauren is currently helping me barricade my small sleeping area. She swears none of this will help protect me from Saint Nicholas, but I’d like to see his “Magic” go up against my Photon blaster.

In the case my photon blaster does lose and my next report never comes, I am sending my final wishes and the name of my successor with this report. I do not blame the humans in the case of my demise. I was foolish.

#Christmas #Xenobehaviorist 11244 #data log #Santa

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divanquotes · 5 years

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Niles’ Weekly Register, 1828

Page 269: Russia and Turkey. From the documents inserted below, it will be seen that the emperor of Russia has, at last, declared war against his Ottoman neighbor. The declaration was promptly followed up by the invasion of the Turkish territory, the Pruth having been passed by the army under general Wittgenstein, on the 26th April, and by the last accounts was in full march upon Constantinople. The large naval armament of Sebastopol cooperates on the side of Varna, and the corps of general Pascovich was to advance through the southern frontier of Turkey. It is also said that the Russians would pass the Danube into Bulgaria, and push forward as rapidly as possible, supporting their main army by a landing near the Gulf of Varna. The Turks are resolute and asking the most active measures for defense. Such troops as could b spared have been sent in the direction of Sizaboli, the point at which it was expected the Russians would first enter their dominions. An embargo is laid on the vessels of all nations and flags, and all navigation in the Black Sea suspended. The sultan and the divan are resolute in their adherence to the sentiments contained in the famous Hatti-Scheriff, and have refused to modify its tone, presenting that it contains nothing but the truth.

Page 270: His situation offered him immense advantages, he renounced them to commence, in 1816, negotiations with the Turkish government, founded on the principle and the wish to obtain, by amicable arrangement, securities for peace, and a faithful adherence to existing treaties as well as for the maintenance of reciprocal pacific relations; securities which the emperor’s hand might have extorted from the porte, which was not able to resist him. Such great moderation was not, however, duly appreciated. For five years goethe the divan was unmoved by the conciliatory overtures of the emperor Alexander, and endeavored to tire out his patience, to dispute his rights, to call in question his good intentions, to defy the superiority of Russia, which saw itself bound solely by the wish of preserving the general pace, and to try its patience to the utmost.

And yet war with Turkey would not in any way have embarrassed the relations of Russia with its other allies. No convention, containing a guarantee, no positive obligation, connected the fate of the Ottoman empire with the conciliatory stipulations of 1814 and 1815, under the protection of which civilized and Christian Europe reposed after its long dissendions, and the governments found themselves united by the recollections of common glory and a happy coincidence in principles and views. After five years of well meant endeavors, supported by the representations of Russia, and equally long evasions and delays on the part of the porte — after several points of the negotiation relative to the execution of the treaty of Bucharest seemed to be already settled, a general insurrection in the Morea, and the hostile invasion of a chief of a party unfaithful to his duty, excited in the Turkish government and nation, all the emotions of blind hatred against the Christians to it, without distinction between the guilty and the innocent. Russia did not hesitate a moment to testify its disapprobation of the enterprise of prince YPsilanti. As protector of the two principalities, it approved of the legal measures of defense and suppression adopted by the divan while at the same time insisting on the necessity of not confounding the innocent part of the population with the seditious, who were to be disarmed and punished. These councils were rejected, the representative of his imperial majesty was insulted in his own residence, the chief Greek clergy, with the patriarch at their had, were subjected to an infamous capital punishment amidst the solemnities of our holy religion. Many Christians, without distinction, were seized, plundered and massacred without trial; the remainder fled.

Page 271: The situation of the divan, notwithstanding the exemplary fidelity of the Serbians, became, from day to day, more hostile towards them, and the occupation of Moldavia and Wallachia was protracted, notwithstanding the solemn promises made to the representative of Great Britain, and even notwithstanding the manifest willingness of Russia, as soon as those promises were given, to restore its former relations with the porte. So many hostile measures could not fail, in the end, to exhaust the patience of the emperor Alexander. In the month of October, 1825, he caused an energetic protest to be presented to the Ottoman ministry, and when a premature death snatched him away, from the love of his people, he had just made a declaration that he would regulate the relations with Turkey according to the lights and interests of his empire. A new reign began, and a further proof was furnished of that love of peace, which the former government had left as a fair inheritance. Scarcely had the emperor Nicholas ascended the throne, when he commenced negotiations with the porte to settle various differences which concerned only Russia, and on the 23d March, and 4th April, 1827, laid down, in common with his majesty the king of Great Britain, the basis of a mediation, which the general good peremptorily called for. The evident wish to avoid extreme measures guarded his conduct.

As his imperial majesty promised himself, from the union of the great courts, a more easy and speedy termination of the war which desolates the east, he renounced, on the one hand, the employment of every partial influence, and banished every idea of exclusive measures in this important cause; on the other hand he endeavored by direct negotiations with the divan, to remove a farther impediment to the reconciliation of the Turks and the Greeks. Under such auspices the conferences at Ackerman were opened. The result of them was the conclusion of an additional convention to the treaty of Bucharest, the terms of which bear the stamp of that deliberate moderation, which, subjecting every demand to the immutable principle of strict justice, calculate either the advantages of situation, nor the superiority of strength, nor the facility of success. The sending of a permanent mission to Constantinople soon followed this convention, on which the porte could not sufficiently congratulate itself, and the treaty of July 6, 1827, soon confirmed in the face of the world, the disinterested principles proclaimed by the protocol of April 4. …….. The porte did not take the least notice of these hints. A commander of the Ottoman troops had scarcely concluded a provisional armistice, when he broke the word he had given, and led at length to the employment of spree. The battle of Navarin ensued. This necessary result of evident breach of faith and open attacks, this battle itself gave Russia end its allies another opportunity to express to the divan its wishes for the maintenance of the general pace, and to urge it to consolidate this peace, to extend to it the whole of the Levant, and to establish it on conditions which the Ottoman empire should add to the reciprocal guarantee attending them, and which, by reasonable concessions, would secure it the benefit of perfect security. ……. While Russia has recourse to arms it thinks that far from having indulged in hatred to the Ottoman power, or of having contemplated its overthrow, according to the accusation of the divan, it has given a convincing proof that if it had designed to combat it to the utmost, or to overturn it, it would have seized all the opportunities for war which its relations with the porte have incessantly printed.

Page 302: The divan. This stat counsel meets twice a week in the emperor’s palace, on Sundays and Thursdays. The grand vizier is the presiding officer; the six viziers of the bunch, the testerdar, or high treasurer, the reis effendi, the commissioners of the exchequer, and the military leaders, (the agas), compose the divan. Th sultan does not enter the room, but from an adjoining chamber he hears all that passes.

On great occasions a general council is convened; all the leading persons of the empire are summoned — the clergy, the military and other officers, and even the old and most experienced soldiers, attend. Such a divan is called “ajak divani.”

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catholiccruisesandtours · 6 years

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St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) Our Family Traditions | Wellness Mama

The Tradition of St. Nicholas Day Around the World (December 6th) Katie Wells 18 Comments Updated: December 1, 2018 This post contains affiliate links Thanks to a European influence on both sides of the family, my husband and I both grew up celebrating the tradition of St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. Many people just know St. Nicholas by the name Santa Claus. While the modern figure of Santa derives from St. Nick, you’d hardly find this patron saint of children making toys in the North Pole. Who Was St. Nicholas? The real man behind the fictitious modern day Santa Claus was St. Nicholas of Myra. Born in 280 A.D. in Asia Minor, he lost his parents at an early age, though they left him great wealth when they died. He was known for giving anonymous gifts to help those in need and was eventually made a bishop. The good bishop died on December 6th; thus this day is now St. Nicholas Day. (For a fascinating explanation of how a man with a beard, reindeer, and the North Pole came to be associated with St. Nick, see this podcast episode about Santa Claus and the roots of the story in Finnish culture.) Why the Gift Giving? The history of leaving shoes or stockings out for St. Nicholas likely stems from the story of him leaving small bags of gold for a man and his three daughters. During those times women had to bring a dowry to a marriage in order to find a good husband. St. Nick heard of a man who had three daughters but could not afford the dowry. Without it, the daughters would most likely enter a life of prostitution instead of being able to marry. According to legend, St. Nick threw three bags of gold through their window at night, saving them from a life at a brothel and cementing his place as the patron of gift giving. St. Nicholas Day Around the World The feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated around the world in various cultures. Our own family tradition is a hybrid of several cultural traditions related to St. Nick. This is how some cultures around the world remember this day: Shen’Kollë in Greece In Greece (as well as Albania, Serbia, and Bulgaria), St. Nicholas is celebrated on the eve of his feast day, December 5th. This day is known as Shen’Kolli i Dimnit (Saint Nicholas of Winter). In these cultures, this day is one of fasting, not gift giving. In fact, on this day, most people abstain from meat or fast completely or prepare a feast to eat just after midnight. Sinterklaas in Belgium & Netherlands In these countries, children leave their boots in front of the fireplace for St. Nicholas. Often, they include a carrot or a treat for his horses, as legend has it that he arrived with his horses via sleigh or steamboat in these areas. St. Nicholas and Père Fouettard in France In France, St. Nicholas arrives on December 6th and gives children small gifts and chocolates. In the weeks leading up to this day, parents and grandparents tell stories of the legend of St. Nick, including a disturbing but popular one. The story goes that three children wandered away and got lost. A butcher lured them into his shop where he killed them and salted them away in a large tub. According to legend, St. Nicholas revived the boys and brought them home to their families. (At least there’s a happy ending!) This story earned St. Nicholas his reputation as protector of children in France. The butcher (known as “Père Fouettard,” meaning “Father Whipper”) is imagined to follow St. Nicholas in penance and leave lumps of coal or even whip misbehaving children. In France, statues and paintings often portray this event, showing the saint with children in a barrel. Sankt Nikolaus and Krampusnacht in Germany and Austria The way our family honors St. Nicholas mainly centers on this tradition. In Germany and Austria (and some other countries in this region), children leave out a boot for St. Nicholas and receive small toys, coins, or candy. In these areas, St. Nicholas still dresses like a bishop and often is portrayed on a horse. Like the French story, a sinister companion accompanies St. Nick, in this case the even more terrifying demon-like Krampus. In these areas, they don’t mess around with an Elf on the Shelf to encourage kids to be good: they invoke the legend of the Krampus! This beast is thought to punish children who misbehave and to capture particularly naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his lair. The Krampus has roots in Germanic folklore and its influence has spread to Austria, southern Bavaria, South Tyrol, northern Friuli, Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, and Croatia. December 5th is known as Krampus Night, or Krampusnacht, in which the hairy devil appears on the streets. Traditionally young men dress up as the Krampus on the night of December 5th and roam the streets frightening children with rusty chains and bells. How We Celebrate St. Nicholas Day Spooky stories are fun in their own way, but never fear … there is a more cheerful way to celebrate St. Nicholas Day! He was a good bishop known for helping others, after all. We honor St. Nick’s feast day in our family by celebrating in a few ways, adapting a mix of celebrations from around the world. Leaving Shoes or Boots Out on December 5th We leave out a shoe or boot in the hallway on the evening of December 5th for St. Nick’s arrival on December 6th. This is similar to the idea of doing stockings, though we do that as well on Christmas Day. In the boots, our kids usually find: Coins: Each child receives some quarters in their shoe to signify the money St. Nicholas gave. Healthy Treats: We also give some healthy treats like dark chocolate, small bags of nuts, or homemade marshmallows. Oranges: These signify the gold St. Nick gave away and our kids love oranges this time of year (which we don’t usually get because they aren’t in season). Random Acts of Kindness The most important lesson from the legend of St. Nicholas is his generosity. To help us all remember this, we make a point to do random acts of kindness this time of year. We brainstorm creative ways to help those in need in our local area, and set about our “secret” mission to bring some joy to others. In the past, we’ve done things like: Drop off grocery store gift cards to families in need. Give a big box of wrapped gifts and clothes to families who need them. Anonymously pay the utility bills of someone in need. Wrap gifts or donate items to local foster programs. The list of possibilities is endless, and it’s always a good lesson in gratitude for all our blessings. The Traveling Christmas St. Nicholas (or Angel) This is perhaps the most fun tradition and one I hope you’ll consider starting in your own area. In the spirit of St. Nicholas Day, we start a traveling Christmas St. Nicholas (or Angel) tradition to spark generosity all over our area. Here’s how it works: Get some kind of small St. Nicholas statue or angel statue. Think of another family in your area you want to pass on the statue to and something kind to do for them. This could be a small gift, a family activity, or just an act of kindness. Anonymously leave the statue on their front door mat one evening with a letter indicating that they’ve been touched by the spirit of Christmas generosity and that it is now their turn to pass on a kind act to another family in the area. We also print out a paper that “We’ve been visited by St. Nicholas” that they can post in their front window so others know they’ve already been visited. Whether you celebrate St. Nicholas Day or not, a random act of kindness is a great way to honor the Christmas season and we certainly need more of it in the world. Happy Feast of St. Nicholas, from my family to yours! Does your family celebrate St. Nicholas Day? What are your traditions? Filed Under: Natural Home This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy. Twitter Facebook Google+ Pinterest Linkedin Reddit You May Also Enjoy These Posts... Healthy Irish Recipes for St. Patrick's Day 39: Is ADHD Under Diagnosed? 101: Critical Thinking in a Social Media World (What You Didn’t Learn in History Class) About Katie Wells Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox. Primary Sidebar Enter your name & best email address below to join the Wellness Mama community and get the latest articles, podcasts, & healthy discounts delivered to your inbox!

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A look at the Traditions of #SaintNicolasDay around the World. #CatholicCruisesAndTours

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mymoneycomparison-com · 6 years

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St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) Our Family Traditions | Wellness Mama

Webmasters's insight:

Does your family celebrate St. Nicholas Day? What are your traditions?#MyMoneyComparison

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pamphletstoinspire · 8 years

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Psalm 30 - Interpreted

Daily Plenary Indulgence

Per Vatican II, one of the ways to gain a daily plenary indulgence is to read Scripture for ½ hour per day. For Pamphlets to Inspire (PTI), the Scripture readings that inspire us the most are the Psalms. Reading the Psalms and understanding their meaning can sometimes be challenging. In an attempt to draw more individuals to not only read the Psalms, but to understand their meaning, PTI has found an analysis of their meaning by St. Cardinal Robert Bellarmine. The method that will be employed is to list the chapter and verse, and then provide an explanation of that verse. Your interest in this subject will determine how often we will chat about this topic. The Bible that will be used is the official Bible of the Catholic Church and used by the Vatican, that is, the Douay-Rheims or Latin Vulgate version.

A prayer of a just man under affliction.

1. In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in thy justice.

1. “In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in thy justice.” King David, in his flight from Absalom, destitute of all earthly assistance, appeals to God, and says, “In thee have I hoped,” and I am therefore confident, as you are all powerful, and most true to me, that you will not disappoint me in my hope. Agreeable to such hope, therefore, “Deliver me in thy justice;” that justice that prompts you to punish the wicked and free the just.

2. Bow down thy ear to me: make haste to deliver me. Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge, to save me.

2. “Bow down thy ear to me: make haste to deliver me. Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge to save me.” The persecution was pressing on him; his friends had sent him word to rest in no one place, to continue his flight, unless he chose to be destroyed; and therefore he prays to be heard at once, and to be delivered from the impending danger. “Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge, to save me.” Be like a well protected strong house to me; for there is no fortified place in this champaign country to which I can fly.

3. For thou art my strength and my refuge; and for thy name’s sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.

3. “For thou art my strength and my refuge; and for thy name’s sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.” You are my stronghold to which I will fly for refuge. “And for thy name’s sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me,” corresponds exactly with David’s history. His flight was so sudden, that he knew not whither to betake himself, nor whence to obtain the necessaries of life, until providence directed Siba to him, with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs, and a vessel of wine; and he therefore says, “For thy name’s sake,” for the glory of your name, you will lead me to a safe place, and there supply me with provisions.

4. Thou wilt bring me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me: for thou art my protector.

4. “Thou wilt bring me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me: for thou art my protector.” You will not only bring me to a safe place, and there provide for me, but you will also deliver me from the conspiracy, which, like a hidden snare, they have laid for me; alluding, to the conspiracy got up in Hebron against him by Absalom, when he neither dreaded nor even thought of the like.

5. Into thy hands I commend my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth.

5. “Into thy hands I commend my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth.” Though full of hope, when he said, “Thou wilt bring me out of this snare,” being not yet quite secure of his life, he adds, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit,” to your care I entrust my life. And, as you have at other times frequently “redeemed me,” saved me from death, you who are a most true and most faithful God. These expressions lead many to think that the whole Psalm has reference to Christ, by reason of his having, while hanging on the cross, exclaimed, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” But though the Psalm, to the letter, may not be applicable to Christ, the Lord might have taken these words from the Psalm, when he wished to commend his spirit to his Father, just as Saint Nicholas, in his last moments, repeated this with the preceding verses; and we, not infrequently, ourselves use them. The words, “Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth,” appear to be against the application of the verse to Christ, for, instead of being redeemed, he is the Redeemer. Saint Augustine, attributes the first part of the verse to Christ, the latter to his people; for he is of the opinion that the Prophet is fond of speaking in the person of different characters — sometimes of Christ, sometimes in that of the people. All right and pious enough, when one is looking for a mystic sense or explanation; but when we look for the literal sense, it does not appear why different persons should be introduced, when there is nothing in the context or the punctuation to call for such change.

6. Thou hast hated them that regard vanities, to no purpose. But I have hoped in the Lord:

6. “Thou hast hated them that regard vanities, to no purpose. But I have hoped in the Lord:” He assigns another reason for having “commended” his life to the hands of God, because God is wont to hate them who, instead of trusting in him, trust in “vanities,” that can afford them no possible help. “Thou hast hated them that regard vanities to no purpose;” those who regard dreams or omens, or the responses of demons, as Saul did, when he consulted the pythoness. Under the word “vanities,” may also be included those who, relying on human industry, craft, cunning, human aid or help to the exclusion of the divine help and counsel; all of which are vain and useless; and he, therefore, adds the words “to no purpose,” for all such exertions are, in reality, “to no purpose.” “But I have hoped in the Lord:” not so with me, I hoped in none, in nothing but God.

7. I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy. For thou hast regarded my humility, thou hast saved my soul out of distresses.

7. “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy. For thou hast regarded my humility, thou hast saved my soul out of distresses. No explanation given.

8. And thou hast not shut me up in the hands of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a spacious place.

8. “And thou hast not shut me up in the hands of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a spacious place.” As “I hoped in the Lord,” I will “be glad and rejoice in thy mercy,” for the divine mercy never deserts those who hope in him. “For thou hast regarded.” He brings up past favors, in the hope that by his acknowledgment of them he may obtain fresh ones. “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy,” for I have a pledge of it in my deliverance from Saul; for then you “regarded my humility,” my abjection, and affliction; and then you “saved my soul” from the troubles that surrounded me, and from which I could not extricate myself. “And thou hast not shut me up in the hands of the enemy;” you did not allow Saul, who sought my death, to accomplish, his purpose; but “thou hast set my feet in a spacious place;” you freed me from the troubles that encompassed me, and placed me, free and dis-embarrassed, as it were, on an open plain; at liberty to go about at pleasure.

9. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am afflicted: my eye is troubled with wrath, my soul, and, my belly:

9. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am afflicted: my eye is troubled with wrath, my soul, and my belly.” Bearing past favors in mind, he prays for future ones, and relates his misfortunes. “Have mercy on me, O Lord.” As you have had mercy on me in former tribulations, have mercy now, too; for tribulation has again set in on me; and here they are, “My eye is troubled with wrath.” “Whose wrath? God’s or his own? I rather think, with Saint Augustine, God’s; for, it is clear, from the First and Second Book of Kings, that David, in all his persecutions, never burst into wrath, but was always most mild and most patient; and I, therefore, take the meaning to be “in thy wrath,” in which you punish me for my sins, “my eye is troubled;” my corporeal eye has grown dim with my tears; or, the eye of my soul has grown dark: “my soul,” too, is confused, for it has been fearfully frightened; so also has been “my belly,” the very interior of my soul; that is, my memory; the receptacle of my thoughts. Thus the Prophet makes brief allusion to the functions of the soul - the eye representing the intellect; the soul, the will; and the belly, the memory.

10. For my life is wasted with grief: and my years in sighs. My strength is weakened through poverty: and my bones are disturbed.

10. “For my life is wasted with grief: and my years in sighs. My strength is weakened through poverty: and my bones are disturbed.” David, being now an old man, could justly say, “For my life is wasted with grief:” was spent in constant trouble and “sighs.” In the first thirty years of his life his troubles were innumerable. On being made king, for seven years he had to wage war against the descendants of Saul; he then had various wars with neighboring kingdoms; then with his own son. Then, the very care of a kingdom, to one who wishes to govern it conscientiously, is enough to “waste” one, and make them “sigh.” “My strength is weakened through poverty.” In addition to all his other afflictions, he has lost his strength. The first and last members of this sentence are synonymous; they mean the same thing: “my strength is weakened,” is the same as “my bones are disturbed;” for bones stand for health, power, strength. That was literally the case with David. He had to fly, without any provision whatever, to the most deserted places; not only on foot, but even barefooted; and there to remain until relieved by his friends.

11. I am become a reproach among all my enemies, and very much to my neighbors; and a fear to my acquaintance. They that saw me without fled from me.

11. “I am become a reproach among all my enemies, and very much to my neighbors; and a fear to my acquaintance. They that saw me without fled from me.” Another misfortune, consequent on his notorious persecution, the neighboring people, “enemies” of his, having heard of his base flight, began to despise him. His “acquaintances,” too began to fear that Absalom, should he succeed, may wreck his vengeance on them for having proved friendly to David. “They that saw me without;” an explanation of a fear to my acquaintance. Many of my acquaintance, when they saw me an outcast and afflicted, “Fled from me,” ran, fearing for their lives, should they be found to have come near me; and thus,

12. I am forgotten as one dead from the heart. I am become as a vessel that is destroyed.

12. “I am forgotten as one dead from the heart. I am become as a vessel that is destroyed.” Their heart neither remembers me nor thinks of me, no more than if I were dead and buried, for they consider I am just as if such had been the case with me. “I am become as a vessel that is destroyed.” My friends and acquaintances have not only abandoned and forgotten me; but even the people around me despise and look down upon me, as they would upon a broken vessel, of no use or value, which is evident from the abuse they heap upon me. He evidently alludes here to Semei’s abuse, who, not content with abusing him, sought to stone him; looking upon him as an outcast and an exile, and as a broken vessel that should be thrown into the sewer. And though the Scripture makes mention of Semei alone abusing him, it is probable that others did the same, and that they are here alluded to, when he says, “I have heard the blame of many.”

13. For I have heard the blame of many that dwell round about. While they assembled together against me, they consulted to take away my life.

13. “For I have heard the blame of many that dwell round about. While they assembled together against me, they consulted to take away my life.” After the abuse of Semei, a conspiracy was entered into, in the presence of Absalom, to take David’s life, which is here alluded to. I am abused to my face; behind my back a conspiracy is entered into at Jerusalem to have my life.

14. But I have put my trust in thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my God.

14. “But I have put my trust in thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my God.” The holy soul, in all his troubles, shows he did not despond, because he did not put his trust in the fallacious help of man, but in the all powerful God, whom no one can resist. “But I have put my trust in thee, O Lord.” Why? Because “I said” in my heart, “Thou art my God.” I have a great protector, without whose consent no one can take my life, because,

15. My lots are in thy hands. Deliver me out of the hands of my enemies: and from them that persecute me.

15. “My lots are in thy hands. Deliver me out of the hands of my enemies: and from them that persecute me.” My life does not depend on lot or chance, but depends on your will and power. “Deliver me out of the hands of my enemies.” The meaning is quite plain, and needs no explanation.

16. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; save me in thy mercy.

16. “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; save me in thy mercy. No explanation given.

17. Let me not be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon thee. Let the wicked be ashamed, and be brought down to hell.

17. “Let me not be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon thee. Let the wicked be ashamed, and be brought down to hell.” The same petition renewed, but with additional arguments, calculated to move God to mercy. “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant;” that means show me your face; or look on me, which is the same. For as God, when he is angry with us by reason of our sins, is said to turn away his face, or to put a cloud between him and us, and not to look on us; so, on the contrary, when he is reconciled, he is said to turn his face to us to regard us, and make “it shine upon us, so as to make us, too, a mass of light. He, therefore, first asks to be reconciled to God, in case he should have been angry with him; and assigns as a reason, his being a servant most ready at all times to do God’s behest and commands. He then adds, “Save me,” which is only the consequence of reconciliation; and to move him thereto, he adds, “In thy mercy,” not through my merits, but through your own pure mercy; and he adds a third argument, “Let me not be confounded, for I have called upon thee.” For it is the duty of a good and faithful master, who has promised to help those that confide in him, not to suffer one who so unceasingly and so confidently invoked him to be confounded. “Let the wicked be ashamed, and be brought down to hell.” A prophetic imprecation, and one fulfilled immediately after; for Achitophel, the principal minister of Absalom, who had advised the most impious proceedings against David, was so confused, on his plans being defeated by divine providence, and being unable to bear up against the confusion consequent thereon, hanged himself; and thus, “The wicked became ashamed, and was brought down to hell.”

18. Let deceitful lips be made dumb. Which speak iniquity against the just, with pride and abuse.

18. “Let deceitful lips be made dumb. Which speaks iniquity against the just, with pride and abuse.” Achitophel’s lips are called deceitful, because for a long time he pretended to be the fast friend of David; but the moment he got the opportunity, he betrayed his perfidy. “Which speaks against the just;” against David, who had offered no injury to either Achitophel or to Absalom; and they spoke “Iniquity;” gave advice full of injustice. “With pride and abuse;” that is, with the greatest contempt and arrogance.

19. O how great is the multitude of thy sweetness, O Lord, which thou hast hidden for them that fear thee! Which thou hast wrought for them that hope in thee, in the sight of the sons of men.

19. “O how great is the multitude of thy sweetness. O Lord, which thou hast hidden for them that fear thee! Which thou hast wrought for them that hope in thee, in the sight of the sons of men.” The holy Prophet, feeling that he had been heard, and having felt a gleam of heavenly consolation, exclaims in admiration, as above. The verse may thus be explained. In the time of tribulation, God conceals the “Multitude of his sweetness;” that is, the unbounded rewards he has in store for the just, in order to prove them; but in a little time after he displays those very prizes and rewards, “In the sight of the sons of men,” that his servants may learn from thence to have greater hope in him. Thus, for a time he concealed his sweetness from David, while he was flying from his son’s persecution; but soon after he displayed the extent of his goodness to him, when he restored his kingdom to him in the greatest triumph. The very same thing happens to all the just, whose reward is now hid, but will appear to all on the day of judgment. It may be interpreted differently thus: Truly manifold are the consolations, O Lord, that you pour into the inmost recesses of the hearts of those that fear you-that fear you with a filial, fond, and loving, not a servile, fear. For this is “The hidden manna which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it.” Such as was felt by David, when, in Psalm 93, he said, “According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, thy comforts have given joy to my soul.” And, as Saint Paul, 2 Cor. 7, says, “I am filled with comfort, I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulations.” And if, in time of tribulation, such be the “Multitude of the sweetness” in the heart of the exile, who can conceive the amount of the joy in his heart when his triumph shall have been accomplished! “Which thou hast wrought for them that hope in thee, in the sight of the sons of men.” The sweetness “Thou hast wrought” for those who refuse all consolation but yours is perfect, most copious, most abundant; and all this “In the sight of the sons of men;” that is, in spite of them all, before their face; because the more pain they inflict externally, the more consolations you multiply internally. This sweetness is infused into the hearts of the just, “In the sight of the sons of men,” in another way, when the sons of men, who persecute the children of God, see what and how they suffer; for, carnal as they are, with the palate of their soul infected by sin, they cannot feel, nor even have an idea of the sweetness, though they see its effects in the meekness, patience, nay, even hilarity and peace of the just; and thus, their sweetness is, to a certain extent, hidden in the sight of the sons of men, though its effects are apparent.

20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy face, from the disturbance of men. Thou shalt protect them in thy tabernacle from the contradiction of tongues.

20. “Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy face, from the disturbance of men. Thou shalt protect them in thy tabernacle from the contradiction of tongues.” He gives a description of the manner in which the just feel the sweetness of God in the day of tribulation; for, by love and contemplation, they are carried up to God; and in him find a house of refuge, as he says in this very Psalm, “Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge;” for those who know how to take refuge in God, think as little of all manner of tribulation as if it did not at all belong to them. “Thou shalt hide them,” those that fear thee, “In the secret of thy face;” in that hidden place, that is, in thy face; for the soul wrapped up in contemplation, feeling that God is attentively looking on it, observant of God’s slightest expression, burning with love at the idea of God’s beauty that is lodged, indwelling proof against “The disturbance of men;” that is, from all manner of evil that usually disturbs man. “Thou shalt protect them in thy tabernacle;” the same just will be protected in the very house in which yourself is lodged, for God has no house capable of containing him, he is his own house; and those who, in love and contemplation, dwell in God, “Make the Most High their refuge. No evil shall come to them, nor shall the scourge come near their dwelling,” as it is beautifully expressed in Psalm 90. In this tabernacle they are protected, not only from evil doers, as was explained in the preceding verse, but also from evil speakers, for such is the meaning of “The contradiction of tongues,” for they who can call upon God as a witness care little for what man can say. And if the face of the Lord be such a retreat and a refuge to the elect, in the time when he is seen only “Through a glass in an obscure manner,” how will matters be when we shall see him as he really is? Then truly will our dwelling be in Jerusalem, the vision of peace, of which is written in Psalm 147, “Who hath placed peace in thy borders.”

21. Blessed be the Lord, for he hath shown his wonderful mercy to me in a fortified city.

21. “Blessed be the Lord, for he hath shown his wonderful mercy to me in a fortified city.” He now applies to himself, as being one of the just, what he had said in general, touching the consolation they feel in their troubles, and thanks God for it. “Blessed be the Lord, for his wonderful mercy to me in a fortified city,” because he “So hid me in the secret of his face,” which is like “a fortified city,” that my enemies could do me no harm.

22. But I said in the excess of my mind: I am cast away from before thy eyes. Therefore thou hast heard the voice of my prayer, when I cried to thee.

22. “But I said in the excess of my mind: I am cast away from before thy eyes. Therefore thou hast heard the voice of my prayer, when I cried to thee.” He accuses himself of the despondence he was in when his persecution commenced. When I was almost idiotic through fear, I said to myself, “I am cast away before thy eyes,” that is, you wish me no longer to govern; or no longer to live, as appears from your withholding that look of benignity and kindness, and that help with which you were wont to countenance me. As we read, in 2 Kings 15, of David, “If I shall find grace in the sight of the Lord, he will bring me again. If he shall say to me, Thou pleases me not, I am ready, let him do that which is good before him.”

23. O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord will require truth, and will repay them abundantly that act proudly.

23. “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord will require truth, and will repay them abundantly that act proudly.” No explanation given.

24. Do ye manfully, and let your heart be strengthened, all ye that hope in the Lord.

24. “Do ye manfully, and let your heart be strengthened, all ye that hope in the Lord.” He now encourages all pious people, similarly suffering, not to cease loving God, and putting that trust in him; for, though the wicked may seem to persecute them with impunity for awhile, they will ultimately suffer the bitterest punishment for it.

End of Psalm 30

#psalm 30

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