My commission today is based on the Welsh goddess Blodeuwedd, also known as the "Flower Maiden" and the "Owl of Wisdom". Sarah J. Maas labeled a Pinterest photo of Blodeuwedd as Elain years ago so I think her story will be relevant to Elain's character arc!
Art by tasbaqaart on Instagram and commissioned by me.
Blodeuwedd was created from forest flowers with the sole purpose of being a man's wife. Much like Blodeuwedd, Elain has been told she belongs to a man she did not choose. Blodeuwedd went along as the "perfect wife" for a while - compliant, beautiful, and silent. We've seen a similar sentiment pushed on Elain as people insist that she must give her mate a chance despite her discomfort. She must suck up her feelings for his sake until she realizes that they're made for each other.
The cracks against this narrative have been slowly showing as Elain stands up for her right to choose for herself. Blodeuwedd ends up falling in love with a man that isn't the one she was created for and the strength of her story comes from the realization that she has the power to reclaim her agency. I think Elain's story will go down a similar path as she reaches her full potential.
Choosing who she loves, choosing to explore her powers, choosing the role she wants to fit into, defying expectations and the box many people have shoved her into. All of these actions will result in an empowering story perfect for a character like Elain who is often viewed as meek and complacent.
(The information about Blodeuwedd is from the book Pagan Portals - Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty by author Jhenah Telyndru.)
Huge thanks to the artist for creating this gorgeous piece for me! You captured what I wanted so beautifully and were so lovely to work with 💗
Please do not repost without permission. Likes and reblogs are appreciated!
lmao the antis are really out there saying theorizing about the potential cover art thing is "bringing harm to other people" as if they haven't been lobbing outright misogyny around this fandom since 2021
I’ve seen this 5,000 times and I still laugh every single time. This and his Dateline impressions are the funniest thing that has ever happened in the history of the world.
i scare people lots because i walk very softly and they don’t hear me enter rooms so when they turn around i’m just kind of there and their fear fuels me