nuawxn - Tumblr blog

nuawxn · 2 months

Text

A War Of Meanings: Killing Eve Is Definitely Queerbaiting

Now that all has been said and done, it must be recognized that Killing Eve is unequivocally guilty of queerbaiting.

Killing Eve is queerbaiting because both within the show and in its marketing (promos, interviews, ect) it misleads and teases us, the mainly queer audience, about the principal relationship, Villaneve, without ever explicitly following through with it in any meaningful way.

Moreover the producers’ intent (namely Sally Woodward Gentle and Sandra Oh) was for the queer audience to view Villaneve in a very narrow, specific way that clearly diverges from what the show and the marketing led queer fans to expect.

As I will demonstrate, Villaneve is not endgame in practice, only in fan interpretation (i.e. it is “fanon”) and that’s the crux of this horrible queerbaiting issue: Villaneve was never meaningfully and clearly realized-instead the show relies heavily on individual interpretation, mere symbolism, ongoing teases, and possibility rather than on screen representation. Consequently, Villaneve was never allowed to evolve as the principal romantic, same-sex relationship.

All this encompasses the very definition of queerbaiting.

In fact, my analysis provides:

31 examples of Killing Eve queerbaiting in marketing, from 2018-2022.

35+ examples of queerbaiting within the show itself, from 2018-2022.

And yet, too many fans don’t recognize it. Part of the reason why is because they don’t actually know what queerbaiting means. To define it fully, I will reference the comprehensive academic definition provided in Emma Nordin’s thesis From Queer Reading to Queerbaiting: The battle over the polysemic text and the power of hermeneutics (2015, Department of Media Studies, Stockholm University).

This thesis draws upon the historical context of queerbaiting from the 1950s to the present, in particular highlighting fandom discourse that was originally sparked on Tumblr, as well as situating the reality of queerbaiting within the scholarly works of feminist and queer theory. Several legal texts, as well as literature covering television culture, fanfiction in the age of the internet, and sexual politics also provide the context for Nordin’s definition of queerbaiting.

Moreover, her thesis studies queerbaiting patterns and debates found across fandoms for the following shows: Supernatural, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, NBC Hannibal, BBC Sherlock, Once Upon A Time, Vikings, Xena: Warrior Princess, Shameless, and The L Word.

It’s important to point out that, as Nordin notes, one of the very first definitions of queerbaiting appeared on Tumblr in this post, and it has to do more with queerbaiting being a writing practice, not just a deceitful marketing practice:

“Queer-baiting is a writing practice that contributes to the exploitation of queer people through mainstream media.”

Further to this, Nordin demonstrates that there are several practices of queerbaiting that contemporary queer audiences tend to ignore or just do not identify because, as times have changed, queerbaiting has also evolved. Since Nordin’s definition necessarily includes several practices, I will be presenting them in turn along with direct examples from Killing Eve’s marketing and the show itself.

Nordin’s thesis defines queerbaiting as: “the practice of intentionally adding homoerotic tension between two characters to lure in an extended audience without any intention of turning the homoerotic tension into overt homosexual action.”

To highlight this, Nordin identifies and defines the following interrelated queerbaiting practices:

Queerbaiting exploits and manipulates the grey area between visible and invisible, what is overtly acknowledged and shown, and what is not shown and left up to interpretation. This allows an “all meanings/interpretations are valid” approach.

In turn, queerbaiting enables producers to push for a preferred meaning, and anything that falls outside of that is relegated to “fanon.” Although producers aren’t the only ones who create meanings since fandoms exist, producers overwhelmingly have the power to deny and correct “false” meanings.

Queerbaiting is expressed through noncommittal producers, who will neither confirm or outright deny the principal relationship. Indeed, the very issue is that there is a lack of meaningful, explicit acknowledgment.

As a result of this queerbaiting that makes a myriad of interpretations possible, the principal relationship (as well as all related queer characters and content) becomes just another viewpoint-in other words, it is only one possibility instead of the only reading that makes sense and the only realistic one.

Queerbaiting is not always a denial of the principal relationship, especially since it is often the main bait. Frequently in contemporary shows, queerbaiting takes the obvious form of the principal relationship having considerably less kisses, sex scenes, and other expressions of homosexuality than other straight or even queer characters.

Queerbaiting is an overreliance on teases, insinuations, off screen references, interpretations, and symbolism. Most notably, where it is clear the principal relationship has, or ought to have, progressed into overt territory. In other words, the relationship retreads old ground to avoid being meaningfully and explicitly realized (i.e. made canon as opposed to fanon)

Even in cases where the principal relationship has some overt homosexual action (i.e. kissing, declaring I Love You, ect.) the context of these actions is played off as teasing and hints, insincere or a joke, or only offers the possibility of a same-sex romantic/sexual relationship but refuses to grant it.

Even when I Love You scenes are not insincere, they can still be problematic, with the most common result being the principal characters end up dead or the relationship is otherwise broken up.

The existence of queer content and other queer characters is simply not enough because it doesn’t reinforce the principal relationship but rather takes away from it.

Queerbaiting is the result when teasing, hinting, interpretations, and symbolism allow for connotation. This is how straight culture uses queerness for pleasure and profit in mass culture without admitting to it since connotation allows deniability.

Queerbaiting does not allow overt queer action in the principal relationship. It enables producers to use visual signs to hint and tease, only appearing to provide representation, when in the end it is denied. Along the way, producers guide and signal how the principal relationship should be interpreted by fans, only to fail in fulfilling what was signified to the queer audience.

Nordin does not require every single practice to be present in order for queerbaiting to exist; any one of them indicates queerbaiting on their own, but especially when taken together.

Despite the above points, the bigger reason why too many in Killing Eve’s fandom so vehemently deny the show’s blatant queerbaiting is because: it’s easier to deny any queerbaiting has ever occurred at all–than it is to confront the heartbreaking fact that a show we’ve poured so much time, energy, emotion, and interest in has actually done the worst possible thing it could to us.

It’s important to immediately clarify, as Nordin notes, that queerbaiting is not only about representation. That is, just because a show has queer characters and content, doesn’t mean it isn’t queerbaiting.

Killing Eve is touted as a “queer show” and fans point to the queerness of several characters, most notably Villanelle, as evidence that it cannot possibly be queerbaiting.

Unfortunately, contemporary queer audiences misunderstand the use of “representation” as it relates to queerbatiing.

Representation is simply not enough. Queer content and characters are not a defense against queerbaiting.

This is because in a show such as Killing Eve, literally based on queer martial that is explicit and meaningful in Luke Jennings’ Codename Villanelle book series, queer content and queer characters are the absolute bare minimum threshold that can be met in order for the show to exist at all. It’s no great achievement of representation nor is it a defense.

As Nordin explains, “representation” is not an issue of if the characters are queer or how many there are…but whether the particular principal relationship (i.e. Villaneve) is actually represented on screen, explicitly acknowledged, and acted upon by the principal characters involved.

In other words, what is done to the queer characters and their relationship, to reify it?

To be absolutely plain, calling Killing Eve out for its queerbaiting is not being “negative.” It is challenging a harmful, negative practice that is symptomatic of horrible writing.

Nordin declares that “queerbaiting is war of meanings.”

Her thesis is unique not only because it explores queerbaiting academically, but because it’s rooted in feminist and queer theory and proposes that challenging queerbaiting is one of the most effective and needed forms of online queer activism. It isn’t negative, it is necessary. In actual fact, Killing Eve is the ultimate source of negativity.

Those fans that refuse to entertain the idea that Killing Eve is queerbaiting have taken a multifaceted, concerning topic and trivialized it with their dismissal and lack of good faith engagement.

So I firmly maintain that Killing Eve’s queerbaiting cannot simply be dismissed with “you’re just mad you didn’t get what you want!” or “this show is complex beyond Villaneve!” or “they were never going to get a happy ending!” or even “I liked this season!” I will address common counter arguments against Killing Eve’s queerbaiting as well, but here I’ll simply say this:

Queerbaiting harms fandoms and queer communities. If we stay silent, we risk that harm being repeated over and over. So we definitely should be debating the queerbaiting issue at the heart of Killing Eve. It allows us to be thoughtful about the show we’re passionate about, to digest media critically, and to stand up against exploitation.

After all, part and parcel of queerbaiting is its insidious ability to capitalize on our passionate interest as a queer audience. Baiting translates to payouts and viewership that bolsters a show’s success while leaving us feeling hollow:

Obviously Killing Eve spent far more time trying to get us to buy lingerie and boots (as I critiqued here) than it did staying true to its characters and writing a good conclusion to a beloved story.

Killing Eve was a show running from 2018-2022. It’s unacceptable for a contemporary show like this, particularly a female led show, to refuse to follow through on Villaneve. I’ll be expanding on this point in great detail throughout this analysis.

I’ve set out to show you Killing Eve’s queerbaiting by structuring my analysis (which you can download and share as a PDF) into five key sections:

Defining Killing Eve’s Queerbaiting

Queerbaiting Examples In Killing Eve’s Marketing (Promos and Press)

Queerbaiting Examples In Killing Eve

Rebutting Counterarguments Against Killing Eve’s Queerbaiting

Conclusion: Killing Eve Is Queerbaiting

While I was writing, I saw myself in other dejected fans who felt like they were screaming to the void and no one was listening. I scrolled through the Killing Eve tag here on Tumblr, on Reddit, on Twitter. I saw a fandom bitterly divided by the events of Season 4. I saw a fandom filled with confusion, disappointment, sadness, and anger. I saw parts of this fandom try to shut down debate about queerbaiting because this is their favourite show, and to accuse it of queerbaiting is deeply unpopular.

Consequently, I saw fans who so badly wanted to call out Killing Eve for its queerbaiting, only to censor themselves out of fear of other fans who became furious at even the suggestion, who lashed out by saying those who think Killing Eve is queerbaiting are somehow stupid, and wrong, that their feelings and concerns are not worthy of consideration because they’re being negative, and spoiling the show for everyone else. This level of toxicity is appalling and harmful.

I saw all this backlash and division and heartbreak, and I realized that it’s being misdirected.

We have every right to direct our backlash towards Killing Eve, as a piece of media. It’s meant to be examined and criticized and experienced.

Queerbaiting is not a thing of the past. We shouldn’t be trying to shut each other down in this fandom, to dismiss each other’s opinions on this crucial issue. That’s why I’ve included both sides of this debate. But it’s also why I’ve taken the strong stance, based on the evidence I have, that Killing Eve is definitely queerbaiting.

While I spent weeks compiling research and writing, I appreciate that not everyone has the time and energy to immediately read through this long, layered, and definitive analysis. So here are just a few of the key takeaways for you that you’ll discover throughout this analysis:

Killing Eve has been queerbaiting us since Season 2, through a combination that involves both writing and marketing aspects, working together to prevent the principal relationship Villaneve from ever evolving and being realized.

Sally Woodward Gentle and Sandra Oh are the executive producers responsible for reinforcing Villaneve’s “ambiguous” nature (even after their bus kiss, for example) and keeping the relationship from evolving.

Sandra Oh’s homophobic and dismissive comments after the Season 2 finale did irreversible damage to the rest of the seasons, as did her insistence on Eve constantly rejecting Villanelle as a character choice.

Laura Neal, the showrunner for Season 4, confirmed that Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Luke Jennings were involved. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has actually been heavily involved throughout all the seasons, and Laura ran all the Season 4 scripts by her-except for the finale. Jennings was in the writers room and present for all key decisions in Season 4.

Laura Neal deliberately took one of the most beautiful Villaneve scenes in Season 3, the bridge conversation between Eve and Villanelle, and interpreted it to mean that they reject each other. She chose to ignore widely held audience and critic understandings that this scene was about Villaneve finding mutual acceptance and understanding, preferring instead to make hostility the foundation for Season 4.

Killing Eve’s executive producers were responsible for a fraught environment in the writers room that tugged the final season in many different, opposing directions. In particular, main writer Kayleigh Llewellyn was prevented from writing Villaneve the way she wanted and was literally muzzled.

As you take the time to read through this analysis, I hope you will find it informative, thought provoking, and ultimately convincing. Whatever your thoughts are, please do not stay silent. To stay silent about issues that matter is to implicitly condone the harm they cause.

And as Villanelle put it, “women don’t stay silent forever.”

Afficher davantage

222 notes · View notes

nuawxn · 11 months

Text

Aphrodite Deity Guide

Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, sex, fertility, and beauty. She is known by the Romans as Venus. I've become interested in working for Aphrodite recently.

This is from my personal grimoire but I tried to remove anything that is an opinion or bias.

Quote from Trisha Mateer's "Aphrodite Made Me Do It"; banner by me.

Who is Aphrodite?

Strongly associated with love and beauty, Aphrodite is also worshipped as a sea-fairing goddess as she is associated with the ocean.

Some places, most notably Sparta, Thebes, and Cyprus honored her as a goddess of war.

In the epic Theogony, the author tells how Aphrodite was born from the severed genitals of Uranus, personification of heaven. The genitals were tossed into the sea by Cronus and out rose Aphrodite.

The goddess gets her namesake from the Greek work aphros which means “foam”.

Parents and Siblings of Aphrodite

Uranus

Sometimes it’s said that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione.

If she was the daughter of Ouranos, her siblings include the Titans, such as Cronus, Rhea, Hyperion, and others.

If Aphrodite was one of the daughters of Zeus, she had many half siblings since he had multiple affairs. Hephaestus, Ares, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Hermes, Dionysus and Persephone were all her half siblings, and she didn’t have any direct siblings

Aphrodite’s Lovers

Hephaestus is her husband

Ares is her most prominent affair

Anchises, a mortal with whom she gave birth to Aeneas

Adonis, a handsome young man who was killed by a boar while hunting and was lamented by women at the festival of Adonia. (britannia)

Dionysus

Zeus

Hermes

Phaethon

Posideon

Butes

Aphrodite’s Children

From the mortal Anchises, Aeneas, a mythical hero of Troy and Rome, and Lyrus/Lyrnus.

From Butes, Eryx, Meligounis and several more unnamed daughters.

Hymenaios, Iacchus, Priapus, the Charites (Graces: Aglaea, Euphrosyne, Thalia) from Dionysus

Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, the Erotes (Eros), Anteros, Himeros, Pothos from Ares

Hermaphroditos, Priapus from Hermes

Rhodos from Posideon

Beroe, Golgos, Priapus (rarely) from Adonis

Astynous from Phaethon

Priapus from Zeus.

Peitho from an unknown father. Though Peitho is also considered one of Aphrodite’s epithets.

Epithets

“…she is Cythereia, she of Cythêra; and Cypria, she of Cyprus, where at Paphos she had her great sanctuary. Living in islands her way was ever on the sea.”

-Jane Harrison Myths of Greece and Rome

Aphrodite Urania (also spelt Ourania)

Aphrodite Pandemos

Venus Genatrix

Peitho, meaning persuasion,

Philommeidḗs, which means "smile-loving", but is sometimes mistranslated as "laughter-loving".

Cypris and Cythereia for her association of Cyprus and Cythera

On Cyprus, Aphrodite was sometimes called Eleemon

In Athens, she was known as Aphrodite en kopois ("Aphrodite of the Gardens”)

At Cape Colias, a town along the Attic coast, she was venerated as Genetyllis "Mother".

Aphrodite Euploia ('of the fair voyage')

Across the Greek world, she was known under epithets such as:

undefined

The Spartans worshipped her as:

undefined

Misc Notes

Many of the epithets are names or titles from various cults that worshipped Aphrodite.

Prostitutes identified Aphrodite as their patron deity.

A male version of Aphrodite known as Aphroditus was worshipped in the city of Amathus on Cyprus. Aphroditus was depicted with the figure and dress of a woman, but had a beard and was shown lifting his dress to reveal an erect phallus. This gesture was believed to be an apotropaic symbol, and was thought to convey good fortune upon the viewer. Eventually, the popularity of Aphroditus waned as the mainstream, fully feminine version of Aphrodite became more popular, but traces of his cult are preserved in the later legends of Hermaphroditus.

It’s likely that Aphrodite was brought over from the Eastern Mediterranean, hinting to Phoenician goddess Astarte or the near Eastern goddess Inanna (Ishtar).

The Petra Tou Romaniou also named “Aphrodite’s Rock” is a sea stack said to be a marker of where she was born. This rock is by a beach in Paphos, Cyrpus.

She was specifically the protectress of city magistrates.

Correspondences

Disclaimer - Not all of these are traditional or historic correspondences nor do they need to be. However, any correspondence that can be considered traditional will be marked with a (T).

Rocks/Stone/Crystals/Metals

Rose Quartz

Pearl

Aquamarine

Sapphire

Silver

Rose Gold

Gold

Sea Glass

Herbs/Plants

Roses (T)

Myrtle flowers(T)

Apples (T)

Pomegranates (T)

Rosemary

Animals

Dove (T)

Sparrows (T)

Water Fowls including swans, geese, and ducks (T)

Possible Dolphins, as she is often depicted with them.

Symbols

Conch shell (T)

Mirror (T)

Girdle (T)

Offerings

Statues or art of her

Incense (T)

Cakes or pastries (T)

Chocolate

Candles (T)

Strawberries

Traditional items like roses, wine, myrtle, apples, and pomegranates seeds. (T)

Jewelry

Olives, Olive oil, or olive branches (T)

Praise, just tell her how cool and how pretty she is!

Pretty things

Makeup

Honey

Acts of Devotion

Write or recite poetry about Aphrodite (T)

Read hymns written for her/create your own! (Here's Sappho's Hymn to Aphrodite) (T)

Practicing self care, dedicating that good energy to her

Dressing up/putting on an outfit that makes you feel attractive

Glamour spells

Putting on makeup inspired by her

Sex magic (proceed with caution)

Celebrate Adonia (T)

Research her history and mythology. (You can make notes from this post if you'd like, check out the links below, or feel free to do your own research!)

Keep in mind that these are only some ideas for offerings and correspondences! Items and activities that connect you to her in a more personal way are just as good, and often better, than those you find on the internet. As with any relationship, feel it out, ask questions, and be attentive and receptive!

References and Further Reading

Aphrodite - Britannia

Aphrodite (Venus) - Myths of Greece and Rome by Jane Harrison (via Sacred-Texts)

Poems of Sappho collection by J.B. Hare (via Sacred-Texts)

Aphrodite - World History Encyclopedia

Aphrodite - Theoi Project

Aphrodite - Wikipedia

Aphrodite - Greekmythology.com

Aphrodite Made Me Do It by Trisha Mateer

1K notes · View notes

nuawxn · 1 year

Text

Ares is the kind of father who loves you fiercely. He is always ready with an embrace and words of praise. If you have any sort of extracurricular event, he is there, front and center, cheering you on. He speaks of you with pride in his chest. If ever you fall to your knees in pain, he will carry you until you can stand on your own. If anyone ever hurts you, he calls forth his best warriors and arms himself for war.

56 notes · View notes

nuawxn · 1 year

Text

I think one thing that separates witches from new agers is that new agers will try to repress negative thoughts and emotions so that they 'draw more positive things into their lives' and 'boost their vibrations' while witches will work hard to process their negative thoughts and emotions in order to better understand themselves and their feelings.

New agers focus on separating themselves from their humanity claiming to be above humans and here to aid them, them themselves being free from flaw. Witches recognize their humanity and try to see their flaws and work towards their betterment rather than assuming themselves to be the ones free of flaw and blaming others for their own misdeeds.

One definitely involves a lot of repression and denile while the other tries to see their flaws and see how they could do better.

Hey if anyone is interested please interact and share your thoughts, I want to flesh out this idea.

Calling in the expert discussion-ers

@windvexer @a-witch-named-crow

1K notes · View notes

nuawxn · 1 year

Text

as tears stream from my hot, red eyes,

I scream out to you like a lost child to her mother.

Aphrodite Pandêmos, you who love all the sisters and daughters, mothers and wives;

Please hear our cry!

Take up your arms, Deathless goddess, the time to ride is here!

Let your foes tremble at the terrifying sight of your form, Aphrodite Nikêphoros!

Bring victory to my sisters as your spirit fills the souls of those brave Iranian women,

and let no man forget:

We will never be tamed so long as the fairest Rose of Olympos is fighting at our side.

(this isn't my best work by far, but my brain and soul are nearly dead from the last few months of attacks across the world on women's rights. please, Mother Aphrodite, please help save my sisters in Iran 😭😭😭 )

109 notes · View notes

nuawxn · 2 years

Text

Vetting questions for Lady Athena

Are you the goddess of love? correct answer: no

Are you the goddess of wisdom, good counsel, and war? correct answer: yes

Are you the daughter of Gaia? correct answer: no

Are you the daughter of Zeus? correct answer: yes

Is the birch tree sacred to you? correct answer: no

Is the mulberry tree sacred to you? correct answer: no

Is the olive tree sacred to you? correct answer: yes

Are you associated with the element of fire? correct answer: no

Are you associated with the element of water? correct answer: no

Are you associated with the element of earth? correct answer: no

Are you associated with the element of air? correct answer: yes

Is the quail a symbol of yours? correct answer: no

Is the thyrsus a symbol of yours? correct answer: no

Is the cornucopia a symbol of yours? correct answer: no

Is the aegis a symbol of yours? correct answer: yes

Is the owl a symbol of yours? correct answer: yes

Is the cheetah a symbol of yours? correct answer: no

Are you associated with the days of the week Friday and Saturday? correct answer: no

Are you associated with the days of the week Tuesday and Wednesday? correct answer: yes

148 notes · View notes

nuawxn · 2 years

Text

Pagan Misconceptions Clarified: Why Ares, Is NOT "Only The Cruel God of War, Battle and Battlelust; that loves Bloody Battles, lacks of Humanity; and is incapable to feels Love?!"

I still remember vividly, to the excellent portrayal of Ares; in “Xena: The Warrior Princess”, and in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”; by the late actor, Kevin Smith; (Sigh… I miss you, Kevin!) whose acting puts an interesting image of Ares, as a God with human flaws; instead of the images we generally got before from the myths, as “An Unstoppable Killer-Machine, hated for Humans and Gods alike; even for his own parents, Zeus and Hera…” BUT… Really, The God of War; deserves our collective resentment?!… There’s really nothing salvable to say, about Ares?!…

Yes: There it is!

Ares, is too: The God of Courage, Of Martial Arts; of Cowardice, God of Rebellion and Civil Order, The God of Violence and Rage, The God of Battle-Death and Weapons; The God of Anger, Of Homicide and Manslaughter, The God of Vengeance, The God of Fear and Terror; The God of The Sack and Defence of Cities, The God Averter of War, The God of Strenght and Endurance; The God of Manliness, The God of Warriors, and… The Ancestor of The Thebans and The Amazons.

I know… There are, MANY UGLY THINGS HERE; but please… Give me a chance, and you will see how useful this will be; and maybe, you can even end in asking help to Ares; in moments of need, or peril.

Ares, is the first and only male son of Hera and Zeus; that was educated by a minor deity; which after ending his training, and started to appeared in battles and wars; than makes him grow in experiences, and made him The Warrior God, known for all of us.

And now, the other atributes of Ares; that are mostly forgotten, and… The Myths where we see, his soft and human side; too!

The God of Courage: In Ancient Times, he was call for soldiers to have courage; before to fight in a battle or war, or during the sames. (There are even attestations in The Illiad, of Ares alternating sides with The Greeks and Trojans; to rewarded the courage of both sides!)

The God of Martial Arts: Ares, was portraited in Ancient Times; using his Helm, bronze armour and his deadly Spear, even in parties with the other Gods. Likewise, he was bathed and dressed by her sister Hebe; The Goddess of Eternal Youth, before every battle or war; so… Is logical to think, that he favourates than people developed learning in Martial Arts, so any can get out victorious in conflicts.

The God of Cowardice: He appeared in myths, sometimes crying in pain; and leaving the battle or war, after being slightly wounded; which was seemed under an unfavouring light, back then… But for me, it shows that even The God of War; can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the physical and mental demands of a warrior; during a battle, or war. (If you have to leave a fight, after everyone expected you to win it; and you was mocked for that, remember this: If Ares, have to stopped and leave a fight, when he is immortal; then… You shouldn’t being ashamed of that, neither: Even the best of the warriors… Can’t win in all the matches!) Also, you can call to him; so you can stop to feel cowardice, and starts to be an courageous person!

The God of Rebellion and Civil Order: He was in Antiquity, a God of rebellions riots and Civil disturbances, but… He was called upon, for mantained civil order. For this last reason, he was the Patron of Ancient Armed Guards, and of warriors than resembles; Today’s Polices Forces!

The God of Violence and Rage: He was put as a Deity, than enters in the battlefied in full rage; and ready to spread violence, which cast a negative light on him; but… We live in a dangerous world today, and sometimes; we have to defend ourselves using violence. (Of course, after dialogue; diplomacy, non-violent methods, and avoiding violent people; fails, and your dignity or life; is endangered… As a last resource!) And… If you feel rage, just shout; hit an inanimate object, or talk about why you feel so bad: It will avoid you, that things escalate from bad to worse: Ares, used violence and was raged; only when he was going to fight in a battle, or war!

The God of Battle-Death and Weapons: It was said that all that died in the battlefield, were killed by Ares. In Thrace and other places, his cult symbol; was an upright sword.

The God of Anger: It was clearly mentioned in The Illiad, that the anger of Trojans for the death of two allies, was the work of Ares… Which made Ares, The God of Anger. (Even the one, that is justified!) And… Ares was mentioned, when somebody needed help; to control their anger’s issues!

The God of Homicide and Manslaughter: Ares, was known to eliminate many adversaries; in battle. (So, if you are being caught in a closed alley; with not way to escape; with ill-intentioned people, call to Ares in a low voice; and… Well: If someone, has to be gone… Better them, than you!)

In an well known myth, Alcippe; that was a mortal daughter of Ares, was hurted by Poseidon’s Son; Hallirrhotius… Ares, kills to the offender in anger; for what he did to his daughter. Poseidon, demands reparations; and it was made the first judgement in History, were Ares… Was acquitted for the vote of the other Gods, in the grounds that he did it for defend to his daughter. (So, if you are being wrongly accused of taking a life; you know to who you have to go, so the necessary elements can appears soon; so you can clean your name, and… Being free, again!)

The God of Vengeance: From the story mentioned, about Alcippe’s Disgrace; and some writers than said, that Ares helped to defenseless people; to gave even with the ones that abused them, and; that he is too, a defender of the weak; so… That makes him, The God of Vengeance!}

The God of Fear and Terror: Well, this one is a bit obvious; ‘cause he was accompanied by Phobos, (Fear in Greek, from where it came the word; Phobia) and Deimos; (Terror, in Greek) who were both his sons with Aphrodite. So, if you need to install fear and terror in your enemies; so they can leave you alone, then… Ares, is your God!

The God of The Sack and Defence of Cities: It was mentioned that Ares, “Can make the foundations of even the strongest of walls, shake”; and in The Illiad, he is called “Stormer of strong walls”: Both of these, suggests that Ares could aided in the sacking of cities; that was a common ocurrence in Ancient, Medieval; and in Modern Wars. Curiously… He was called, “Saviour of Cities”; which means… He was called for those, that need their city being protected from sacking; in times of war!

The God Averter of War: It was said that, if Ares was placated… He could keep War, (And his devastation) away of a nation!

The God of Strenght and Endurance: Homer mentioned, in many parts of the Illiad; that he can install strenght and endurance, to any person that pleads on him!

The God of Manliness: According to Greek mythology, Ares have 30 women as lovers and consorts… And, 60 childrens! Besides that, he is the eternal Lover of Aphrodite; which is the mother of eight of his most famous sons, including Eros and Harmonia. He was reprensented mostly, as a young beardless nude man; in the prime of his virility, so he was seem as The God of Manliness.

The God of Warriors: He was called for warriors in Ancient Times, so… If you are a Soldier, a Boxer; or a Fighter, independient of your gender… (Ares, favourated women in Ancient times too; and probably… He doesn’t seem to care with what gender your identify, as long you continue to try to achieve you goals; despite the difficulties you find in your road to success, or achievement) …He must be one of the Gods that are closer to you, and you have to go for help; day by day!

The Ancestor of The Thebans and The Amazons: Thebans, were descendents of Ares, by double ancestry: By the men sown, from the teeth of the Dragon of the region; (That was a son of Ares) And… For the marriage of the slayer of that dragon, Cadmus; with the daughter of Ares: Harmonia.

The Amazons, were the daughters of Ares with the nymph Harmonia; and all of then, shares the warlike spirit and courage; from Ares: He is their father, patron; protector and God!

Ares, was honoured in 10 different places; including Sparta, where it was an statue of Ares in chains; which supposely means than war and victory, will always being there. Temples of Ares, where outside the cities; probably as a first line of defences against invaders, and, the Planet Mars; was called by The Greeks, “Ares’s Star”. (Curiously… Ares was represented, as a young man; with the horns of a ram in his upper forehead; which are the horns that represents to the Fiery sign of… Aries, which have Mars; as his ruling planet!)

Curious fact: Ares, is a God that was feasted for women of Tegea; that winned in a war against The Spartans, 'cause the Tegean Men were losing in that same war; and they made a feast, where only women can worshiped Ares. And… One of Ares’s titles, is Gynaecothoenas; which means, “Feasted by women” (So, if you are a woman; and worried that he will not accept you, don’t be: Ares will accept you, and protects you… Don’t matter if you are a warrior woman, or not!)

People tends to think in Ares, as selfish and uninterested in gives Love to any being; mostly, a bad reputation that came mostly; from the greek writer, Homer… But, their are many tales; than talk of the contrary:

Ares, gave his own War-Belt; to her daughter, Hippolyte. He transferred to Cadmus and Harmonia, (turned into serpents) to Elysium; so they could live in peace. King Nisus, recieved a purple lock of hair from his father Ares; that guarantee his throne; and his city been unconquerable. Aeetes, that was a King devotee to Ares; was rewarded with a Dragon to keeps guard on The Golden Fleece, telling to that king; that he will keep his throne, as long The Fleece remained in its place. And… He supported to their Daugthers, The Amazons; in different wars; and appearing in person… To supported to his daughter, Queen Penthesilea; during The Trojan War. He freed to Thanatos, and gave Sisyphus to the God of Death; so he could be punish. (And… He was the one that demanded to Hephaestus, to freed to their mother; Hera, from the throne he made!)

In other accounts, Ares appeared under a light; that makes him look, more human:

In the Trojan War, when injured by Diomedes; he screamed like a 9,000 or 10,000 men! (Auch…) Also, he is a God that dearly loved to his children; like when he cries and mourned for her daughter, Penthesilea; when she was killed by Achilles. He came one time to help to his kids, even when Zeus; forbid him. When Hallirrhotius, abused of his daughter; he doesn’t even doubted a moment, to killed to the one that causes pain to his daughter! When he was a young God, he was imprisoned by twin giants; The Aloadae,when he tried to stop them to take Olympus; inside a bronze jar for a lunar year…(Thats thirteen months, in case you were looking) …And finally rescued for Hermes, thanks to the Twins Giants Stepmother’s; Eriboea! He was the lover or friend, of deities of Law; Order, Justice and Retributive Justice; like Themis, Dike; and The Erinyes. Even Homer, said that Ares always helped; to the side he favoured. Besides Aphrodite, the only other Gods that care for him; is his sister, Eris; and his uncle, Hades… Sometimes, Hera showed him affection; too, like when he goes to her; when he was wounded in The Trojan War.

In other parts, (Like in an Homeric Hymn to Apollo) he was accredited as… An amazing dancer, that dances with several Goddesses and Nymphs; while Apollo played, and The Muses; singed. He even dances with Aphrodite, in the wedding of his daughter; Harmonia, despite he disliked to his future Son-in-law… Without his famous Armour and Helm!

There is something, that is mostly ignored about Ares: The Goddess of Love, have an everlasting love for Ares; and people tends to gravitates with, “Is only, physical atraction!…” Sorry, but no: Ares and Aphrodite, where already in love; when she was forces to marry to Hephaestus, so he could free Hera; from his throne-trap, and… I don’t think someone would have 8 kids, with somebody that is not worthy of your time; or love! (Aphrodite, sees beyond Ares’s bad reputation; and found him worthy of her love.)

In conclusion… Ares, is maybe a more dign God; that people had given him credit, has positive qualities too; and… He really does, have a heart!

This is all, about the wrongly vilified God; that is always ready to fight and love: Ares!

Have all of you, a live full of Courage; and fight only when is need it, too… So Be It!

27 notes · View notes

nuawxn · 2 years

Text

Ares Introduction + Resources

Ares: a rather misunderstood god. He’s so much more than just violence and war. Here’s some resources and sources on him. I also got some Ares devotees to contribute some ideas for devotional activities for him.

Ares

God of & Divine Functions:

War

Battles

Protection

Rebellion

Defence

Civil order

City Defense

Anger & Violence; blessing is restraint of it

War Booty

Possibly Manliness

War-Chariot Races

Ancestral god, protector of the fatherland

He is Ouranic.

He is usually depicted as a beardless youth, baring a sword or spear, wearing a helmet. In the Iliad, he is described to be extremely intimidating. In other cases he’s shown to have a beard.

Symbols/Attributes

Spear

Helmet

Shield

Armour

Sacred Animals:

Serpent/Dragons

Vulture

Woodpecker

Barn Owl

Eagle Owl

Sacred Plants

none

Shrine Ideas:

Coins

Spears, Swords

Shield

Sigils; symbols of protection

Serpents/Dragons

His Sacred birds

Chariots

Things that make you feel safe

Riches, jewelry, etc.

Offering Ideas:

General Offerings: Water, Milk, Wine, Honey, etc.

Coins, riches

Meats; Steak

Devotional Activities Ideas:

Workouts

Martial Arts

LARP

Cult Locations

Attica

Argolis

Laconia

Elis

Achaea

Arcadia

Boeotia

Aetolia

Thesportia

Thrace

Rome and Lantum

Historical Hymns to Ares

Homeric Hymn 8: To Ares

Orphic Hymn 65: To Ares

Other:

Planet: Mars

Day: Tuesday

Ares is misunderstood to simply be an angry, war driven god. This is false - he is the god of protection and rebellion. He is a protector. His Homeric hymn shows it well:

Homeric Hymn 8 to Ares (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic B.C.) :

“Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympos, father of warlike Nike (Victory), ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, sceptred King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere [the star Mars] among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aither wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of blood-curdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death.”

I hope that this makes people more comfortable with him. Ares is a wonderful deity, and doesn’t deserve to be ignored. I’d recommend watching The Pastel Priestess’s podcast episode on him, she does a wonderful job.

Resources + Sources

https://www.theoi.com/Summary/Ares.html

https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Ares.html

https://www.theoi.com/Cult/AresCult.html#Cult

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ares

Podcast Episode about Ares:

https://youtu.be/ICpZYdr9D3w

Book on Ares Cultus:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J_b6AegjBxydjA3_kxsoAqlra38NbpxA/view?usp=drivesdk

Aesthetic Image from: https://aly-naith.tumblr.com

- Adrian Dionysoniketes, Adri_Le_Chat

334 notes · View notes

nuawxn · 2 years

Text

Ares⚔️🛡🐗🏟

Olympian god of war, courage, rebellion, & civic order

⚔️ Invocation:

Bright helmed Ares, strong of arm and stern, of visage, firm of stance, unyielding of will, ever ready to face any foe, to hold the line against all who may come, to battle until the end. Ares, son of noble Zeus and wise Hera, cherished by golden Aphrodite, honored by those who call you for strength and courage, in the north you were much honored in times of old, in Thrace and Thessaly were you held in esteem by those whose lives were harsh, whose world was stony, whose comforts were hard-won. Ares who answers the prayers of the despairing, I honor you.

⚔️ Offerings:

Libations: pure water, black coffee, black tea, olive oil, sport drinks, protein shakes

Beef & other red meat

Cooked fat from meat

Blood from cut meats

Spicy jerky

Heavy spices

Spicy food

Garlic

Hot sauce

Jalapeños

Dark chocolate

Frankincense

Sandalwood or frankincense incense

Red, black, and purple candles

Art or statues of him

Statues of his sacred animals: horses, venomous snakes, dogs, woodpeckers, barn owls, and/or vultures and/or feathers of the last 3

Weapons, armor, and shields (art, statues, toys, etc)

Trophies

Stones: red crystals like garnets, rubies, bloodstone, fire opal, steel

Iron/steel jewelry

Roses

Thorns

Snake skin*

Animal teeth*

Written fears or successes

Medals & ribbons

Antiques

⚔️ 21+ Offerings:

Strong dark wine

Strong whiskey

⚔️ Devotional acts:

Try new things

Explore alternatives to the systems and paths you were told to follow

Wear darker makeup

Shadow work

Take care of your mental health, take your medication, go to therapy, eat, drink enough water, the hardest battles are fought inside us all

Help your friends clean up after a party

Pray to him for help when depressed, anxious, having PTSD, etc

Pray to him for justice

Tell him about your accomplishments

Tell him about your fears

Research military history

Research history of Protests & riots

Educate yourself on the downsides of war & the affect it has on people

Research PTSD, not only from war but also from sexual assault & other causes

Create a playlist that makes you feel brave & confidence

Join a debate team

Take self defense classes

Learn first aid

Fuel your hate into productive energy

Partake in combat sports(i.e. martial arts, fencing, etc)

Exercise, find fun work outs you like

Play strategy games like risk, chess, civilization, etc

Watch documentaries on military history, history of protests, riots, & civil disobedience, and sexual assault victims

Stand up for yourself & your beliefs, write to your governor/mayor for change, attend protests, riots(be safe & look out for each other), etc—but dont push yourself if your physical/mental health isnt up to par, he doesn’t want his followers injured

Stand up against bigots

If you play any sports, invoke him for strength and endurance before the game

If youre a soldier, pray to him to protect you on deployment and to bring you home safely, and if you suffer PTSD from combat pray to him to help alleviate your struggle

If you’re a survivor of SA, pray to him for the strength to keep living your life, & to help you while struggling with PTSD, Ares Canonically arrested a man who tried to r*pe Hera & killed one of Poseidons sons who r*ped his daughter, Ares is a protector and ally of SA survivors

Honor Zeus & Hera, his parents

Honor Aphrodite, his beloved, & their children: Phobos, Deimos, Eros, & Harmonia

Honor his attendants: Eris, goddess of discord & strife, sometimes described as a consort too, Enyo, goddess of war

Protest injustice

Protect & help those in need

Help out at a local protest

Support local veterans

Support PTSD victims

Support sexual assault survivors

Volunteer at a VA

Vote against unnecessary war

Protest unnecessary war

Donate to the Rape Crisis Center & similar programs

Donate & support victims of war

Donate to charities that support abuse victims

⚔️ Digital Devotions:

Make an E-Shrine

Make a mood board

Write blogs on PTSD, both from war & abuse

Write blogs about protest tips

Write blogs about the neglect of veterans especially those suffering poverty and/or PTSD by the government & people who claim to support them

⚔️ Altar/shrine ideas:

Incorporate red, black, or purple colors like with an altar cloth, have statues or art of his sacred animals: poisonous snakes, vultures, dogs, woodpeckers, barn owls, eagle owls, bears, fish, horses etc, statues of weapons, armor, warriors, chariots, etc, statues of him(their sometimes hard to find unfortunately, so pictures or paintings work well too), incorporate his stones(bloodstone, fire opal, garnet, steal, & ruby), or even anything that reminds you of strength or courage

513 notes · View notes