Miicki

27 | negra | writer | she/her 🍅🌸🔞

[ofbreathandflame-archive]

🐸 There's so many layers to the mor-cassian-azriel conflict that makes it fucked up (the classissm, the lack of logic as a whole, uninformed concent, etc) but one thing that stuck out to me is the fact that in wings and embers, cassian mentions that a huge factor in saying yes to mor initially was the fact that it would hurt azriel. Besides the obvious misogyny, it always read to me as cassian (and az too, as we later see) chasing a proximity to status (whiteness on a meta level) through coupling with a high fae female; compounded by the fact that he continues to be obsessed with mor's approval even after the incident. And like. That chase for status is technically rewarded within the narrative: he gets a powerful high fae mate gift wrapped to him by his idol to mold and shape at his pleasure.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this, if possible.

(I might not like cassian and probably never will, but I really, really hate the fact that a huge part of his character is "hypersexual MOC character who chases after white women as the ultimate prize")

Hi anon!! Sorry this took so long with this! I had sooo much to say because your points where brilliant! Disclaimer: this is looooong! I really wanted to discuss the weird area Az an Cassian exist in, which I think contextualizes they're dynamic with Mor!

Cassian is Rhysand's 'brother'--and this sentiment is steeled into the text: we are not taught to look at Cassian and Azriel as actual characters, but extension's of Rhysand's generosity, of his kindness. The material reality is this: Cassian and Azriel are the select few members of an ashamed minority. They are powerful in their own right, but their value, culture, sociality is so closely tied to Rhysand (and the High Fae) that they've been annexed and shamed from their own communities: in short--even if Az and Cassian wanted to be amongst their people, amongst their kind, they would not have a home. They would not be welcomed--and no amount of physical power can quite amend that situation--its centuries in the making.

Even in that - they still lived their formative years interpolated into a system that hates them, devalues them. Because of that, it makes perfect sense that they would do anything to escape that (enter: Rhysand's generosity). And -- I don't think I'm far off the mark with that observation, either; if I remember correctly, Cassian (I think -- pls correct me if I'm wrong), initially notes Rhysand's difference (his clean clothes, his demeanor) and fights him. Cassian's bastard heritage ensured that even with his power, he was entitled to nothing. He literally owes...everything to the High Fae culture.

So - years go by - and Cassian, Az, and Rhysand are a unit. But that solidarity within the High Fae circle, couples with their bastard heritage, the image of the NC (at that time), and immense power breeds resentment.

Az and Cass were living in ramshackle houses, no bath, living in complete darkness, tortured--and then they entered a whole new world with Rhys. Velaris exists: night-clubs, parties, artist blocks, shelters for the abused. They've entered a whole new reality than what they ever thought possible in the dark, 'backward' society of their origin. Like--if they're mothers lived in Velaris, they'd have had better lives. It would make sense that,in world, the really do see Velaris as this dream, a city on a hill.

They would come to intricately understand that opulence, wealth, social/political intrigue is aligned with the High Fae. And so -- they begin to seek this validation of the place in that society. The reality quickly becomes this: they are still visibly other in this circles. Brown skin, brown eyes, curved ears, and large wings. They are tolerated in these spaces, not respected. Their utility makes them useful, but the race ultimately makes them disposable.

What better way to cement your claim to this society than through a High Fae woman. And its like, Morrigan was never going to marry or love them, but for them, the desirability of a High Fae woman is validation of their status in this society. Azriel often spouts this rhetoric in his chapter with Elain (he's dark, she's the sun. he's dirty, she's pure--too pure to have and blah blah blah). Yet, with his race, he is vitriolic. Unyielding and unmerciful. And while the High Fae are the masters of the dynamic, Az's relationship with Rhys and Mor creates that blindness. The same with Cassian. They have benefited from this system too much to earnestly dismantle it---and dismantling the system ensures they are essentially...thrown to the wolves. Again -- without Rhys -- Az and Cassian have no home, no community. Prior to the events of TAR, they have willingly aided in the 'evil NC' scheme. So--even within other courts--they'd be pariahs.

And this all inevitably comes to a head with Mor. Both boys seem to have an obsession with Mor -- and Mor riles them on, in more ways than one. Morrigan's rejection of both echoes a rejection of society. Azriel literally pines for Morigan for OVER 300 YEARS. And still -- he doesn't even see her as a person, but as this holy embodiment of purity that his 'dirty' hands just can't touch. And Cassian views Morrigan the same way, except, his relationship with Mor echoes a sort of jealousy. Both boys use Mor as the object of their validation in High Fae society. And it would make sense that they would harm themselves to maintain that relationship.

It's definitely interesting to see race, misogyny (misogynoir), class intersect at a complicated point in this story. It's also why I've also felt that a lot of the shipping discourse, particularly with Azriel (with Gwyn and Elain) oftentimes recreate these dynamics to a very nasty degree. Like--in their rush to be 'feminist' (i.e. they like the female character more than the male character), they often treat Azriel's character like an exotic doll that can be passed around and played with, often disregarding his complicated feelings with his hertitage, his (post-retcon) harrassing issue, and the fact that he is still a marginalized man of color. But in a way - Its very indicative in both Cassian and Az are seen by the novel.

With the Morrigan situation--its so darkly comes to a head, as you've so brilliantly analyzed. Morrigan -- High Fae, princess of Hewn City -- is placed in this position where she realizes her freedom and her life are at risk of not being her own. And to relinquish herself of this fate she finds "the best/greatest Illyrian warrior" (her words, no lie). The material reality for Cassian is this: bastard-born, low political social rank, minority states, poor (presumably), his only claim to status is his relationship with Rhys, current High Lord already hates him. In an act of desperation, Morrigan destiny swaps with Cassian: she places him in her victim role. And the story never delves into details -- because then it would have to expound on the racial/social undertones. I expect a few more retcons in regards to the situation.

It's not to say Morrigan's situation isn't empathetic, or even understandable - its that it represents white feminism to a T. And its to the point where Morrigan still seems to replicate this same behavior towards Cassian, just in a subtle way: She uses him as the buffer between Az, she's involved with his relationship with Nesta, she still seems to pull Cassian along for the ride. And its like -- she already did this HUGE violation, but she also doesn't seem...too bothered by the fact. In fact - she's continued to use Cassian in that way for the next 500 years.

And the reality is that in our own reality -- white women -- have been victims of patriarchy, but they've historically used black and brown bodies as a way to circumvent their own oppression. Something that radically changed me as a kid was reading Frederick Douglass's narrative and seeing him document his mistress's hard shift from perceived nice person to evil incarnate. Mind you -- this is the same woman who taught him how to read. I wrote a paper on this in college because it was such a poignant illustration of my ultimate distress of systems. She was against the system, until the system turned against her. Once that happened, she picked the most vulnerable person she could and took her anger out on them. Her 'freedom' from the system was predicated on the subjugation of those lower on the social wheel. It was so easy to just...revoke his humanity when it no longer benefitted her.

Specifically, with the Morrigan situation--particularly the moment in time in which it takes place--we see the consequence of this disjointed system. The narrative focuses on a more sympathetic view of the situation--we are trained to be looking at the direct emotional consequence the Mor/Cassian situation stems from, not the material reality (or circumstances) happening in front of us. And we've seen this system established through the lens of Feyre's personal narration: the internal motivating factors seem to undermine the material reality. Intention is the golden key--if you're favorable. And in this case -- the only victim ever reiterated is Morrigan. Rhys and Az are angry at Cassian--it (if im remembering) nearly broke them a part. This is loooong already so I'll end off my rambling, but this is a very interesting topic to me and I thank you for your question!

[ofbreathandflame-archive]

I've always, always, always, argued that SJM's racism is intentional. People undermine the conversation about racism in SJM by arguing that her racism is just a little, fickle mistake. I really aggressively need to push back against this point - I don't think SJM is an idiot blonde woman who does not recognize the racism in her writing. If anything the reason why I've persisted this long talking about the problems in her story is because I was initially taken aback by just how intentional the racism is.

For example, the Illyrians. We talk about how ambiguous they are, but I think its one of the biggest examples of intentionality in the texts. The Illyrians purposely operate in this realm of uncertainty. Whether or not they are actually men of color has always been a moot point - it's about the intentionality of creating this race of men that embody these very weird, intentional traits. SJM knew that she wanted these men to be dark, violent, and warrior-like, but she also don't want them to be specifically categorized as men of color because the story simply doesn't see these men of color as desirable (see: Tarquin, Helion, Thesan - think about how they are characterized). It's also why I've argued that the story purposely doesn't associate the Illyrians as lesser fae, even though for all intent and purposes they are. The Illyrians are simultaneously the best (leathers, weapons, fighting) and the worst (culture, misogyny, hyperviolent). The story is also very intentional about how it characterizes the Illyrians concerning Rhys. Emerie just so happens to be the only one of her entire friend group that's not drop-dead gorgeous; notice how Amren is also described similarly when she is introduced initially. Everyone in the IC is gorgeous, beautiful, the most beautiful, but Amren the only explicit person of color, is described as being just plain.

The point is that these are very intentional writing choices - eerily specific, in my opinion. SJM is very intentional about the ways in which she chooses to 'represent' people of color in her series (see: Nehemia, Sorcha, Nesryn, Nuala, Cerridwen, Emerie, Fury, etc). Even think about the ways in which characters like Alis border on minstrelsy in their depiction. It's not just the representation, its the way certain traits are aligned with certain people, specifically people of color. I remember I made a post on my last blog about the ways in which SJM has her characters of color operate in this permanent semi-disposable position. There is always a way in which their white (white-passing) peers are always explicitly better (see: Hunt/Baxian, Helion/Nesta, Tarquin/Feyre, Yrene/Aelin - I have words for this one too).

In short, I don't think SJM is ignorant - not in the way people think. I actually think she is much smarter than even her own fans give her credit for and its why both her own stories and booktok/tube/gram have honestly gotten worse. I feel like oft times the pro and anti sides are just observing the same things (literally - the arguments are identical), but the difference is the pro sides don't think its a big deal partially because they believe that SJM is a whimsy white women who just can't understand she's wrong. Its why the argue that SJM is 'working to get better' even though she's written, at this point, over fifteen books.

[ofbreathandflame-archive]

Sometimes, I think about the absurdity of the UTM situation — but then, sometimes I think of it and it makes Rhys a much more sinister, albeit, more interesting character.

Like - the situation is this, initially:

Feyre is in her cell. She frazzled,dirty, but hasn’t quite had to experience any of the horrors of UTM, save for her bargained first trial. After her initial riff raff with Rhys, the guards are hypnotized to never touch Feyre, and she receives hot meals to her cell everyday. Rhys was also able to clean Feyre up multiple times as well. So far - excluding his other actions up to this point - we can characterize Rhys as opportunistic, cruel, but well-intentioned in these moments. I am not asking for him to be a purity princess, only that I can vaguely understand the motives to his actions, whether good or bad.

But then…

He then *willingly* chooses to take her out said cell, allowing Amarantha to remember Feyre. His only tangible reason for doing this was to…anger Tamlin. He already had explains that Amarantha has a shield that wards against physical attacks, so that explaination makes no sense. The only one that actually sticks is that Rhys is…jealous. There is no tactical explanation as to why Rhys would establish this safe-space for Feyre, only to immediately co-opt it. Think about it, at this point, Amarantha has forgotten Feyre even exists. If she was tangibly written, she could have played against Feyre’s time, allowing each trial to take place once every thirty or a fifty years. But I digress.

Anywho, Rhysand removed Feyre’s clothes, painted her, and gave her a linen scarf as a dress. The hot food be gives becomes inconsequential because the wine makes Feyre wretch up any all of the food she receives. She then has to sleep on the dirty ragged floor naked because those were all of the clothes she was given. And as Rhysand is breaking Feyre down, he also has the antidote. Now, Feyre isn’t surrounded by the quiet of her cell, or looking forward to the anticipation of a hot meal. She is anticipating (and more than not dreading) her eventual drugging SA.

The sinister part of this is that — Rhys becomes the author of all of Feyre’s sorrows, but then he also swoops in and provides solutions to the issues…he caused.

And it’s why the music scene is one of the most unromantic moments in this series if you stop and consider EVERYTHING. Feyre is sitting there, alone and naked. Exhausted after being paraded around by the Wraiths and having to bear info she has no power to stop. Rhys reads her mind, and then sends the music into her cell. But HE IS THE ONE who caused it in the first place. All of it. It’s so scary when you consider that Feyre was a human, with no mental shields. She was a legit open book and the book acknowledges that he read it alll. Like - even in Twilight - Edward could read everyone’s mind BUT Bella. She was a closed book for and that made her interesting to him. It built a sort-of boundary between them, which considering everything, was a good literary choice.

Rhys has all of this access, and knowledge of Feyre that she doesn’t even get the pleasure of telling him (or just letting him experience it). Like that moment where Feyre tells Rhys she was scared, and he retorts back “no you weren’t” is like…quite scary. Idk. It’s just so weirddd. And I’m not asking for these tidbits not to exist. I’m saying that the story never considers any nuance in these issues. Feyre is expressing that she felt these amalgamation of emotions upon seeing Rhys, but he just smiles and tells her how beautiful she thought her was. At one point, Rhys mad feyre so scared she pissed herself (or almost did - I can’t remember) and threw up. She was terrified, violated, and afraid. And Rhys knows this - and he never apologizes. I am not against the idea of Feysand, as many may assume, not inherently. My problem is, the sinister parts do not add nuance. There’s no discussion into Rhysand’s control issue, which is wrapped in a self-sacrificing package. His need to do everything is the exact same as Tamlin’s control issue - they are both very controlling. Rhysand cannot trust his inner-circle. He does nefarious things because he doesn’t trust them to do so even though they’re so supposed to be Prythan’s version of the Avengers. He makes Mor the queen of the CoN…but doesn’t actually trust her to do the job. What I’m saying is - isn’t it leveraging Rhysand’s faults into a well rounded character, the book would rather just assume they don’t exist.

[nestaians]

elain does not get enough lashings for nesta’s treatment

like feyre, elain isn’t naive or oblivious -funny how sisters are always called that to dismiss their treatment of nesta

elain has taken advantage of nesta’s protectiveness and used it to hurt nesta back

elain knows nesta will do anything if it means she won’t be dragged into it, that’s why ic is like do it or it’s elain and elain doesn’t stop them

elain pushes nesta and brings up their father despite nesta telling her to stop and when nesta has had enough, she makes herself the victim and says nesta isn’t trying? oh poor elain crying cause of her big sister. fuck u

elain was in on nesta getting locked up, yeah she didn’t have a vote, she did take part in it by going with it and against nesta instead for once fighting for nesta’s rights like nesta always fought for hers

when elain was mourning her human life, who was by her side? nesta

who put aside her own problems, her own trauma for elain and to look after her? nesta. feyre was too busy destroying another court over a petty revenge and when she came back she was busy with her mate

who let elain mourn and take her time? nesta. feyre was okay with them being forced into war

but who’s side does elain take?

the audacity of elain to come back in nesta’s life when nesta is “better” and everything is okay lool

elain fits perfectly well in inner circle

elain told ic about nesta’s dancing, which is connected to nesta’s childhood trauma and abuse she went through -i’d argue it wasn’t elain’s place to talk about it, about nesta especially to ic knowing nesta does not fuck with them- and ic used that info and made nesta do it again

elain is complicit in nesta’s abuse

[vampsb4tramps]

Emerie being starstruck by Rhysand is how I know a white woman with no sense wrote that book

[spore-loser]

Morrigan, Nesta, and the Hewn City

A number of readers don't see why others find Mor to not be a "girl's girl" type of character. SJM's narrative had her welcome Feyre with open arms, but Mor's reaction to and treatment of Feyre differs greatly than with others.

To start off, let's look at Mor's relationship with Nesta. They had a disastrous first interaction, and it immediately put Mor at odds with her. 

Some readers say they didn't notice any nastiness on Mor's end, but you just have to look at the text to see that's not true.

Some readers excuse it as Mor treating Nesta that way to defend Feyre and Cassian, but Mor treated Nesta in a way that overstepped only worrying about friends. 

If it was about Feyre, well Feyre always checked Rhys when he disparaged Nesta. Mor could have taken the lead from that. Feyre forgave Nesta for their past, wanted to move on, and that was family business between the sisters.

If it was about Cassian, Mor had no business getting between them either. Feyre wondered if they were mates since ACOWAR, so others likely wondered too. That's a situation best left to the possibly bonded. Mor wasn't in a relationship with or in love with Cassian, she was just using him as a buffer with Azriel.

For examples of poor treatment, there are many that show Mor was rude and irrational when it came to Nesta.

The first time they interacted isn't the 'Nesta is just a bitch' situation it's made out to be. Some readers say Mor was only being friendly, was just trying to be welcoming of Nesta, but that isn't a take supported by the text.

“Where did that dress come from?” Mor said, red gown flowing behind her as she breezed toward Nesta. My sister drew up short, shoulders tensing, readying to— But Mor was already there, fingering the heavy blue fabric, surveying every stitch. “I want one,” she pouted. Her attempt, no doubt, to segue into an invitation to shop for a larger wardrobe with me. [Mor conversing with Feyre about Rhys picking the dress] “He gets all the credit for clothes,” Mor said, examining the fabric of Nesta’s skirt while my sister monitored like a hawk, “and he never tells me where he finds them. He still won’t tell me where he found Feyre’s dress for Starfall.” [...] “It’s a good thing we’re not the same size—or else I might be tempted to steal that dress.” “Likely right off her,” Cassian muttered. Mor’s answering smirk wasn’t reassuring. (ACOWAR, Ch. 17)

This was not very long after Nesta and Elain were thrown into the Cauldron. In reality, Mor's behavior was inconsiderate and insensitive of someone who recently had their bodily autonomy violated.

Invading her personal space.

Grabbing her dress up.

Ignoring her verbally before finally acknowledging her.

Smiling at a joke about stripping her. 

It isn't something you'd expect from a character who, according to SJM's narrative, is supposed to be sensitive to victims. The interaction wasn't about complimenting Nesta, because Mor knew the dress was given to her. She asked Feyre about it. This wasn't simply a friendly encounter. Nesta acting how she did with Mor was not starting an uncomfortable situation – it was reacting to a situation that was already uncomfortable for her.

After the IC got back from a battle, Nesta asked them where Cassian was. Instead of simply answering, Mor went off on her.

And Nesta had been … pacing in the foyer. As if she was worried. I opened my mouth, but Mor beat me to it. “He’s busy.” I’d never heard her voice so … sharp. Icy. [...] if the Illyrian warrior no longer stood as a physical and emotional buffer between her and Azriel … And worse, if the person who caused that vacancy was Nesta … Mor said flatly, “When he gets back, keep your forked tongue behind your teeth.” My heart leaped into a furious beat, my arms slack at my sides at the insult, the threat. But Rhys said, “Mor." (ACOWAR, Ch. 39)

Another time, Mor tried to interrupt a conversation Cassian and Nesta were having, which was in no way hostile. It wasn't like she was trying to defend Cassian or anything; she was just being territorial.

Mor sagged a bit, jewelry glinting with the movement, and went to take Cassian’s arm. But he’d at last approached Nesta. And as the world began to turn to shadows and wind, I saw Cassian tower over my sister, saw her chin lift defiantly, and heard him growl, “Hello, Nesta.” Rhys seemed to halt his winnowing as my sister said, “So you’re alive.” Cassian bared his teeth in a feral grin, wings flaring slightly. “Were you hoping otherwise?” Mor was watching—watching so closely, every muscle tense. She again reached for his arm, but Cassian angled out of reach, not tearing his eyes from Nesta’s blazing gaze. (ACOWAR, Ch. 42)

Another time Nesta worried about Cassian, Mor rudely sent her on her way after Feyre said he was ok.

Nesta stood by the nearest tent, an empty water bucket between her feet. Her hair a damp mess atop her mud-flecked head. Watching us emerge, grim-faced— “He's fine. Healed and awake,” I said quickly. Nesta’s shoulders sagged a bit. She’d saved me the trouble of hunting her down to ask her about tracking the Cauldron. Better to do it now, with some privacy. Especially before Amren arrived. But Mor said coldly, “Shouldn’t you be refilling that bucket?” (ACOWAR, Ch. 27)

The comments Mor made in ACOSF are particularly bad.

The first is when she was having brunch with Cassian, where she brought up Nesta unprompted, was snide about her, then outright callous.

“She’s settled, then?” Cassian knew who she meant. “Taking a nap.” Mor snorted. “Don’t.” His attention drifting to the glittering Sidra mere feet away. “Please don’t." Mor sipped her tea, the portrait of elegant innocence. “We’d be better off throwing Nesta into the Court of Nightmares. She’d thrive there.” (ACOSF, Ch. 4)

Mor knows more than anyone how a "difficult" woman would absolutely not thrive in a sexist society. It was actually a ridiculous statement to make. Nesta's whole reason for being sent to the House of Wind and training was because the IC considered her "out of control". Feyre straight up admitted it.

Mor was projecting her abuser onto Nesta, when Nesta is not comparable to Keir. In fact, she is more comparable to Mor. She was drinking excessively, which Mor does too, often taking full days to recover. Nesta was shamed for having meaningless sex, but Mor will have sex with someone she doesn't even like to put off Azriel, rather than have an honest discussion with him. 

The second time Mor made comments was in Windhaven camp, where she didn't actually have to be. She doesn't rule over it, nor was she involved in Nesta's training. I wondered why she was even there when she hates it so much. 

Mor’s face was pale, tight. “I hate this place,” she said under her breath, the heat of it clouding the air in front of us. “It should be burned to the ground.” (ACOMAF, Ch. 45)

It seemed like Mor just came to get into Nesta's business. She taunted her 'quietly' because she didn't want Cassian hearing.

No amusement lit Morrigan’s face as she shifted her attention down to Nesta. “Why aren’t you out there?” “I’m taking a break. Morrigan’s gaze swept over Nesta’s face, noting the lack of sweat or flushed skin, the hair barely out of place. The female said quietly, “My vote would have been to dump you right back in the human lands, you know.” (ACOSF, Ch. 6)

The human lands, where Nesta would have to live in hiding at risk of human prejudice and violence. How is anything Nesta did deserving of that? An abrasive personality and having bad coping mechanisms for PTSD deserves living in danger 24/7? 

Dark fire simmered in Morrigan’s eyes. “I knew plenty of people like you once.” Her hand drifted to her abdomen. “You never deserve the benefit of the doubt that good people like him give you.” (ACOSF, Ch. 6)

Again, this is wild projection. It's an unkind take on someone who is suffering from depression and does not want to have her life completely controlled.

Something to notice, is that the times Nesta lashed out in ACOMAF and onward were mostly in reaction to the IC crossing her boundaries. In reality, Nesta wasn't as bad as Mor made her out to be. She was essential to the war effort, helped in every aspect (diplomacy, strategy, battle, in the camps) because she actually does care about people – but Mor gave her no credit for it. 

When Cassian approached them, we learned that Mor, who winnowed him and Nesta, had come early. 

Cassian had reached them, breathless and gleaming with sweat. “You’re early.” “I wanted to see how things were coming along.” Morrigan pulled her burning gaze from Nesta. “Seems like today was a slow start.” (ACOSF, Ch. 6)

So she did just come to be in Nesta's business and make spiteful comments. Some mean girl energy there. Ironic when certain readers say Mor disliked Nesta for being that way.

Mor did end up coming around to being nicer to Nesta, though. We weren't given her reasoning over it, but I'm positive it was because of Nesta encouraging the priestesses to come out of their shells and train to be Valkyries. In my opinion, Mor realized she had been harsh on Nesta and that calmed her down. Also, I think the IC having Nesta distract Eris made Mor feel sympathy, probably seeing how similiar they actually were and all that. So Mor stopped coming between Cassian and Nesta, and secretly taught him to dance so he could surprise Nesta.

Some readers question if Nesta would have been receptive to Mor even if she had been welcoming. An example to look to is Azriel and Nesta – they were perfectly fine because he minded his own business concerning the Archeron sisters and Cassian's possible relationship with Nesta. Nesta was even friends with Amren until they had their falling out, which only happened because Nesta didn't want to train her powers.

So that's one relationship with a person Mor was disinclined to like based on her friends. Let's look at others, who are outside Mor's circle in Velaris — in the Hewn City.

“As my Third, Mor is my … court overseer. She looks after the dynamics between the Court of Nightmares and the Court of Dreams, and runs both Velaris and the Hewn City. I suppose in the mortal realm, she might be considered a queen.” (ACOMAF, Ch. 18)

Mor has a direct hand in running the Hewn City, but she barely goes. Her experiences of having been from there understandably traumatized her. Even just the thought of a pending IC trip distresses her.

But she’d left after dinner, pale-faced and jumpy, ignoring Cassian’s attempt to speak with her.

“Why did Mor look so disturbed [...] ?” ( ACOMAF, Ch. 41)

Yet Mor having trauma doesn't make her think of what other daughters of the HC have gone through and are still being subjected to by male relatives or even Keir himself.

Keir paused at the threshold as the doors opened on a phantom wind. He said to Rhys, perhaps the closest he’d come to asking for permission to leave, “Lord Thanatos is having … difficulties with his daughter again. He requires my assistance.” Rhys only waved a hand, as if he hadn’t just yielded our city to the male.

After Rhys' deal with Keir to let HC folk into Velaris, all Mor cared about was Keir.

She waved a hand to the town house, the city. “This is my home, and you are going to let Keir destroy it.”

“I took precautions,” Rhys said—an edge to his voice I had not heard in some time. “Many of them. Starting with meeting with the governors of the Palaces and getting them to agree never to serve, shelter, or entertain Keir or anyone from the Court of Nightmares.”

“They have been sending out the word to every business owner in the city,” Rhys went on, “every restaurant and shop and venue. So Keir and his ilk may come here … But they will not find it a welcoming place. Or one where they can even procure lodgings.”

(ACOWAR, Ch. 27)

There was no thought from Mor about all the innocents who could benefit from being outside the HC, who should be able to have time not being trapped inside a mountain with their abusive relatives and Keir.

Some readers say Mor's actions against Nesta are about having principles, about defending Feyre from an abusive relative—but Mor never does that for anyone else.

The IC and Mor act like she is the only innocent, the only 'dreamer' from the HC. She is in a position to help others suffering like she had suffered—but she does nothing about it. People could be freed from an oppressive system if Mor and Rhys took Keir out of the picture, for Mor to step into his position. But they let Keir stay in charge, keeping that system in place. It's hypocritical on Mor's part to be so hostile to Nesta if her reason is about defending a victim. The IC as a government lets girls and women in 2/3rds of their court suffer oppressed lives of victimhood and they do nothing to help them.

[queenofqueensarcheron]

When Feyre was stuck in the spring court, the IC went to get her out as soon as possible.

When Elain got taken by Hybern, Feyre and Az went to get her as soon as possible.

When Nesta got taken by the Illyrians (Briallyn) nobody did anything (Cassian wanted but ultimately was convinced not to)

And that is why some people believe she deserves better than this.

[littlefeltsparrow]

Honestly, ACOSF might’ve been less painful than it was if Feyre just dropped the “forgiveness “ act and admitted that she wanted to exact revenge on Nesta. Like…please spare me of this dumb charade of magnanimity and kindness and just say what you mean. She disavows Rhysand’s open disrespect and hostility towards Nesta while simultaneously marvelling at how devoted and protective her man is. She says: “Oh Rhysand, you’re so silly! Don’t threaten Nesta’s life 🥺 you should just get along!” And then proceeds to do nothing to stop him.

It would be beneath Feyre to order Nesta into exile or force her to complete a gruelling hike, doing that would ruin her virtuous image. That is why Rhysand does it for her, and she does nothing to stop him because she secretly likes seeing Nesta crushed beneath his thumb. She can stay clean, while her man does the dirty work.

[bloomingdarkgarden]

N E S T A A R C H E R O N | Lady Death

What did you wake that day in Hybern?

[geniemillies]

i will never be convinced on rhysand the better high lord when tamlin opened his court to refugees during amarantha's reign, began celebrating festivities that didn't belong to spring just so they'd feel at home, played for them too with his silly fiddle omg, refused to send his people beyond the wall until he was desperate, felt them die because their bond as subject and high lord was just too great (sarah's words not mine), even buried a lesser fae in his court after he was brutalized by amarantha, dug the ground with his haaaands, said lesser fae wasn't even his subject but he offered him peace and company during his death anyway. then there's mister change takes time over here, has his people living in harsh conditions in camps, under a mountain where they cannot leave because they're more weapons than people. so if you were born anywhere in his court that's not velaris sucks to suck i guess.

don't even get me started on his family being in charge while he was gone for 50 yrs because their circus troupe didn't do squat either. cassian is a privileged boy who has lost all emotional connection to his own people. idk what azriel does besides do a job he doesn't even want to do and mope around i guess. morrigan hates her people, morrigan 'i'm the exception, everybody evil except for me and i will make no effort to change anything bc im too pretty for that'. amren. amren wtf even is she doing in the night court. not even from the lands and she's already named second in command, that's all i have to know about the high lord. what is she commanding? *in damian's voice* she doesn't even go here!!!

tamlin did more for spring and people from other courts in those fifty years than the ic will ever consider doing for the night court. morrigan couldn't lift a pinkie, if you mention doing anything for hewn city she'd start whining throwing up waa waa waa, grown ass woman. cassian kisses the dirt rhysand steps on, if he says bark he out here 🐕. amren is just there for shits and giggles. azriel.

so if anyone sat on their asses it's rhysand and his ragtag group of powerful people who don't do shit with it. illyrians still suffer in the camps, hewn city still trapped in a mountain where abuse is the norm. and they aaaalll stiiill haaaate youuur aaaasss 💥💥💥💥💥

[livinforthetea]

This is it....today is the day....I've literally seen and heard it all as of right now....it can't get any wilder than this....

Someone in Threads just posted that Nesta's behaviour in ACOFAS was "politically dangerous" to Rhys and Feyre, and that politically they should have done something about it sooner....and I can't.

Feyre destroyed an entire court out of spite.

Rhy and Feyre stole from another court.

1/3 of their court hates them due to Rhys' prejudice and discrimination, is frequently starting uprising against them, and ardently disobeys their orders to not physically assault the women of their territory.

The other 1/3 of their court is a place of nightmares, where it's literally (supposedly) like living in the purge everyday. It's governed by a man that would happily see Rhys and Feyre dead and would do it himself if he could.

The entirety of Prythian believed that the Night Court were the bad guys for centuries, and saw them as the actual biggest villains in all the land...and this is somehow with Beron being around, Rhys was still seen as so much worse than that.

But somehow, Nesta being rude to them in front of the 1% elitist population of Velaris when they tried dragging her out of the places she used to stifle her trauma was politically dangerous to Rhys and Feyre????!

I honestly think this is where I check out....because I'm not sure there's any hope left out there if this is where we are at.

[kataraavatara]

dare I dip my toes into acotar fandom discourse….

[tangerinecherrygal]

do it

[praetorqueenreyna]

#rhysand: I can excuse systematic violence against women in hewn city but I draw the line when's it's towards the woman I'm currently fucking#and it's not done by me

[dimalry]

Ladies and gentlemen, ✨her✨

Do NOT repost without credit!

IG: dimaalry

[writingpretension-deactivated20]

Superficiality in the ACoTaR Series - Beauty and Power

One of my favorite YouTube channels ever is a channel called “The Authentic Observer.” I originally found her through a video series she did called “The Shadowhunter Books are Dreadful,” a title, I think, that could be easily applied to the ACoTaR series. If you’ve read the Shadowhunter books by Cassandra Clare, I’d highly reccomend you watch her video series on them, by the way. 

In her first video, she made a great point about how she hates the overused, lazy YA trope that characters are good-looking because they’re a part of an supernatural race. She said, “‘It might be interesting if a writer went into what it’s like to have a race of such beautiful creatures and how it affects them and the people around them. But it’s never about that – it’s always about the eye-candy.’”

I couldn’t agree more, frankly. And this point she made really got me thinking about Sarah J. Maas’s characters in the ACoTaR series.

Now, having given credit where credit is due, let me begin with my analysis on S.J. Maas’s crazy superficiality when it comes to how powerful and attractive her characters are. 

I think Sarah J. Maas tries to make her characters as appealing as possible, and she does that by making them really pretty and powerful. Like, seriously. Just focusing on beauty for a second, here’s a list I‘ve compiled of beauty being mentioned throughout this series: 

“I couldn’t ignore the sheer male beauty of that strong jaw, the richness of his golden-tan skin. He was probably handsome – if he ever took off that mask” (52). 

“Standing before me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen” (130). 

“He was the High-Fae, one of their ruling nobility: beautiful, lethal, and merciless” (38).

“The brutally scarred face beneath was still handsome – his face sharp and elegant” (274).

“If Rhysand was the most beautiful male I’d ever seen, she was his female equaivalent” (42).

“Her skin tan and smooth, and her face–pretty, bordering on plain” (102).

“But the second male, the more classically beautiful of the two…Even the light shied from the elegant planes of his face. With good reason. Beautiful, but near-unreadable” (100).

“His night-dark hair sliding over his handsome face as if to shield him from that mercilessly beautiful grin” (102).

“His face–ruggedly handsome” (13).

“Handsome, in the way that most of them were handsome” (28).

“[…] As she studied the handsome features” (158).

“I’d already remembered that the handsome High Lord of Summer had […]” (191).

“And then a broad-shouldered, handsome male” (192).

“‘I do not remember you being quite so handsome Under the Mountain. The sunlight and sea suit you’“ (193).

“I met his stare, scanning that handsome, tan face.” 

“Keir surveyed us, distate lingering on his handsome face” (217).

“Nesta had been beautiful as a human woman. As a High Fae, she was devastating” (127).

“His beautiful features uncharacteristically soft” (156). 

“Nearly as beautiful as Rhysand” (328).

“‘You should kill Beron and his sons and set up the handsome one [Lucien] as High Lord of Autumn’” (133).

“Handsome, in the way most Fae males were handsome.” 

Seriously, Maas. Chill out. It’s okay to have unattractive characters. It’s okay to not establish your characters as being attractive or not attractive. Calm down with constantly establishing your characters as attractive. We get it. They’re pretty. 

The big issue here, though, is the superficiality with it all. Having a race that’s mostly attractive would bring up many interesting questions. 

What are the struggles that come with having such an attractive race? (as The Authentic Observer said)

Are they sort of…immune to beauty? Obviously not, because when Feyre called Nesta “devastating,” “From the utter stillness with which Cassian stood beside me, I wondered if he thought the same thing” (127). But immunity to beauty could’ve been at interesting topic to cover. 

Are they prejudiced towards people who aren’t as attractive? Lucien wasn’t judged or belittled for his scar and metal eye, as far as I remember. And there was a character in ACoWaR named Nuan who had a metal hand, and she wasn’t judged for it (although they gawked at her hand).

Do they have higher standards of beauty? In ACoMaF, there was a scene where Amren said, “‘At least you [Tarquin] are far more handsome than your cousin. He was an eyesore” (191). So I’m assuming there are still people who are considered unattractive. But we don’t really get to see them. Sure, Feyre had lost some weight and stuff, but she was later rejuvinated. Same with Elain. Lucien is the only one who may not be traditionally attractive, because of the scar on his face and metal eye, but even he was still explicitly called handsome. 

As for power, all the main characters (Inner Circle) are super powerful or have some really unique, powerful power. It’s so annoying seeing S.J. Maas constantly reiterate how powerful they are. UGGGHHHH. Here’s another list:

“‘For what it’s worth, I’m the most powerful High Lord in Prythian’s history’” (95)

The term “most powerful High Lord” and “most powerful male” were repeated 9 times in just ACoMaF alone in regards to Rhysand. 

“‘I [Rhys] tried to use a Siphon during those years, […] And shattered about a dozen before I realized it wasn’t compatible – the stones couldn’t hold it. My power flows and is honed in other ways’“ (107).

“‘So difficult, being such a powerful High Lord,’ Mor teased” (108).

“And I understood what the camp-lords had feared in them [Cassian and Azriel]. If one Siphon was was what most Illyrians needed to handle their killing power…Cassian and Azriel had seven each. Seven.” 

“‘He is the most powerful High Lord to ever walk this earth. You are…new.You are made of all seven High Lords. Unlike anything’” (301).

“I’d never realized that while Lucien had been trained as a warrior, Cassian, Azriel, Mor, and Rhys were Warriors. Cassian would wipe Lucien off the face of the earth in a single blow” (280).

“But then I began bledding a few days before I turned seventeen. And the moment my first blood came, my power awoke in full force, and even that gods-damned mountain trembled around us” (148). 

“Cassian said, utterly unfazed by the silver eyes, the power radiating from her [Amren’s] every pore.”

Ya. It’s just soooo great how powerful all these characters are. Rhysand, who’s the most powerful High Lord and male ever, still hasn’t managed to stop all wing-clippings in his court yet! “I banned wing-clipping a long, long time ago, but…at the more zealous camps, deep within the mountains, they do it” (272).

“Bastard” children at the Illyrian camps have to find their own food and shelter, and children are whipped when they misbehave. 

“I flinched. Hitting children— 

‘They do worse, girl,’ Amren cut in, ‘in those camps. Three lashings is practically an encouragement to fight again. When they do something truly bad, bones are broken. Repeatedly. Over weeks’” (108).

“‘She [Rhysand’s mother] told me [Rhysand] that bastards are given nothing: they find their own shelter, own food. If they survive and get picked to be in a war-band, they’ll be bottom-ranking forever, but receive their own tents and supplies. But until then, he’d [Cassian] stay in the cold’” (108). 

But Cassian and Rhysand (super-powerful people, mind you) are focused on getting women to train. Because that’s a more important issue than making sure children aren’t getting abused and have food and shelter. More important than making sure women aren’t getting their wings-clipped. 

Too bad being powerful and handsome doesn’t mean you have brain cells. 

So…basically, these characters are super-powerful but they’re awful people and rulers. So the constant talk of their power just ends up being so annoying and repetitive and stupid. 

They’re super attractive. Because…that how just fae are. That’s superficial. 

Here’s a moral that I think most people know (except Sarah J. Maas, that is): Being powerful or attractive doesn’t make you a good person. It doesn’t. Please lessen the constant power and beauty reminders, Maas. Especially if you aren’t going to bother giving those subjects any depth or substance (or logic).

…Trying to get women to train when there are still women getting their wings clipped. And children getting abused. Seriously?

A/N - I read the ACoTaR series a couple years ago, so please tell me if I make a mistake about this series. My memory could be faulty, and I really don’t want to misrepresent or straw man these books. 

[ofbreathandflame-archive]

the outcry behind nesta's decision to help bryce further makes no sense when you think about maf and the whole situation with the tarquin/summer court.

bc like...feyre and rhys didn't even attempt to ask tarquin for the book. they literally stole it under the guise of a political meeting. the book (i believe, pls correct me if im wrong) was an ancestral summer court artifact and they stole it. thats why ive literally ignored all of the 'poltical' and 'common sense' motivators people have assigned to rhys. rhys is not a diplomatic person. and to take it a step further: rhys +feyre's actions against the summer court actually does cause tangible consequences that TARQUIN has to step up and take the brunt of - yet he still chooses kindness and consideration and honesty towards the night court. much more a reflection of the goodness of his character than any political prowess on the night court's end. tarquin has to deal with (1) refugees from a whole other court (2) the destruction of his court (for a second time; the people were still rebuilding), (3) the theft of his ancestral weapons without compense and yet his character is still expected to be disrespected in his own home. he asks the night court to leave...and they say no (i believe). feyre literally tries to buck up with him after she literally aided in the destruction of the summer court...for a second time.

bryce, by all intents and purposes, is a much more diplomatic person for even asking (and thats saying a lot bc she's, in general, the worst iteration of aelin/rhys/byrce character trio, on a writing level) because we know the night court would have just taken it if they were in bryce's position. so when yall spin the narrative that rhys + cassian ABUSIVE (lets call a spade a spade here) behaviors are somehow politically motivated to berate nesta, i need us to really think about how the night court would have responded had they'd been in bryce's position.

just something i thought abt yesterday

[user5397885]

remember when feyre said jurian deserved the eternity of rage, despair and horror he endured while trapped in amarantha’s ring? that was wild

[unforgivenyunjin]

It’s wild that you’re more heated at Feyre for saying a man who led on a girl that loved him just to torture her and cut her into pieces deserved the same thing happening to him than that same man joking about a women, who has just been violated, being gang-raped to the point of her death…

But that’s just me.

[olenvasynyt]

Oh? Jurian pretended to be an enemy’s lover to get information that was necessary to protect his people, his loved ones, and to get revenge against the enemy who had tortured him and did him and his people wrong? But he really hated the enemy the entire time and ended up destroying them? That sounds very familiar…

…wait! Didn’t Rhys do that with Amarantha UTM? And technically Feyre with Tamlin in ACOWAR?

Jurian was literally a slave. The humans were enslaved. And many characters in ACOTAR do terrible / morally grey things to fight for their freedom and to protect their loved ones.

Rhysand assaulted Feyre’s mind the second time they met. He has mocked Lucien about his mother and Jesminda. And amazingly!!! Rhys and Jurian are morally grey heroes! Amazing how fiction works.

We damn the morally grey who are not seen in a good light through Feyre’s eyes, but we excuse the morally grey that Feyre loves. The character bias has a lot of people in a chokehold!

[silentvoicescryingout]

It’s almost like Feyre isn’t the moral authority of the entire in-book universe!

[wishcamper]

Imagine this:

A young woman is told by her family to follow the instructions of a powerful older man for her own personal growth. They say it is because she has committed an ethical breach by being attracted to and kissing another man. She is asked invasive questions about her sex life and told to atone for her 'outrageous and self-destructive ways'. Her family is instructed to take away 'indulgences' and to ignore her pleas for help.

She is confined to a house until she follows through with a plan to heal the breach. She has frequent sexual contact with the man in charge of her care. Though she is not locked inside, threat of deportation leaves her effectively trapped. She becomes hopeless and suicidal, believing there is no way to undo the damage she's accused of, and will be trapped for the rest of her life unless she complies.

This is not about Nesta Archeron. This is the real life story of Daniela, a woman who was victimized by convicted felon Keith Rainere and his sex-trafficking disguised as self-help organization NXIVM. But the fact that they sound so similar makes me so fucking worried that these books are marketed to an audience of young femme readers.