hm I might be late to this information but only recently learned that the meaning of the name Alexander is 'man's defender' or 'protector of man'. I mean ffs. is it any wonder that Lex, who is perpetually preoccupied with destiny (whether trying to escape or embrace it) and who is desperate to find meaning in the relentless suffering, gaslighting, deception and rejection he's faced, should end up pouring everything into trying to assume the role of world's saviour?
and he gets called 'delusional' but a) all the threats he says happened DID happen and b) you can SEE it. you can see how it DOES look like destiny and birthright from where he's been forced to stand. which is, oh yes, in Smallville, scene of probably his most traumatic childhood experience. the information about the Traveller, this supposed threat to humankind, came from a secret society his own FATHER was part of, for crying out loud. so yeah let's also throw in his never-sated need to show Lionel that he IS capable and worthy of respect/admiration/love and it's just a perfect storm waiting to happen.
AND then you consider what a burden his *last* name has always been to him. can anyone really blame him for wanting his given name to mean something good? for it to mean that HE'S something good?
oh Lex <333 I don't know why the narrative had it in for you so hard but goddamn it, I wish someone could pluck you out of it and hug you and tell you you're not crazy
