mintea

Hmm, it’s interesting how many times monster meat is brought up.

Not only is it an illegal item to hold, it’s also something two members of the royal family use when they can. The Emperor for his birds and the Crown Prince for himself. I wonder why the Crown Prince worked as a mercenary. If the monster meat is technically addictive and can cause issues within animals and humans, has anybody in universe researched its addictive properties? Is there a way to curb monster meat addiction other than not consuming it? What exactly does it so to the mind other than making the subject crave it?

Of course, I could be misinterpreting the text, but it doesn’t seem to be a staple in the culinary world in the empire at least. I wonder if it’s a common dish in another part of this universe.

Just finished and I have a lot of thoughts about the symbolism attached to Gladys, Erna, and Björn.

I’ll start with Gladys. She’s often shown with wings, to mark her as an angel. Even in her art where she and Erna are mirrored, her halo is cold and feathery. Part of the artwork even reminds me of snakes. Her symbols can be stretched into how she’s interpreted by others and herself as a caged bird. Yet, we know that ultimately even angels can fall from their pride when tempted.

Erna is also associated with winged creatures, yet hers seem more bug like. Butterflies make me think of Psyche, the goddess of the soul who also suffered tests to prove to her husband her devotion. She too was basically sacrificed to a beast, lucky that he was sweet enough to provide her comforts. She is her husband’s soul, yet here the bug symbolism is almost uncomfortable. While she is his hope, she is also easy to crush or pin to the wall in appreciation of her beauty.

Both of them are likened to doe, mostly for their beauty. Erna in particular is like a fawn to Björn (fitting since she fawns after him), which is interesting since she almost always waiting for him. When young deer are left behind by their mothers, they stay laying the same spot they were left. Yet, Björn betrays this loyal instinct of Erna’s time and time again.

Wolves are considered loyal and show affection by licking the inside of each other’s mouth. While Björn is very loyal and affectionate in physical touch, his inability to express himself other than howling about his needs is very frustrating. I think he may worse than a wolf, seeing as he fails to see his partner as an equal until they have both been broken down. Though perhaps this is because she is a deer, not a wolf. He seems to hate chasing her funnily enough. I find it interesting that he is called a mad dog, seeing as the family’s symbol seems to be wolves. Perhaps it is the mistake of the populace, to think they have been fully domesticated.

Of course, I am no expert in animals. If I have made a mistake, please let me know. Of course, further additions to this conversation are also welcome.