Something about how Nina created the fake plague in Ketterdam and she made the siren sound and how when it starts ringing Kaz says it wails like the piercing cry of a woman in mourning and when Matthias dies Nina screams and the scream scratches against the empty place where her heart used to be something something
Friendly reminder that Leigh Bardugo originally wrote Zoya as a rich white bully, reposted white Zoya fanart saying that's exactly how she imagined her, then commissioned Zoya's fanart to look Suli only after people were complaining that all main characters in KoS would be white. Then it turned out Zoya actually looks white in Rule of Wolves...So she's just been rejecting her identity, choosing to lie and pass herself as a high class Ravkan in order to belittle others, as we saw in Shadow and Bone trilogy? When in reality, the Little Palace was the most diverse place, had Grisha and otkazatsya Oprichniki from all over the world, a lot of them poor like Zoya who had nothing because they were hunted and ostracized. AND it was actually encouraged to learn Suli from Suli Grisha, Zoya just never bothered to take a class or learn from them in private. That becomes the reality when Leigh Bardugo overwrote over what she had established in the trilogy.
Also it's never addressed how elitist Zoya was? If she was a poor peasant all along, why did she go out of her way to unnecessarily bully Genya, Kaz, Alina, Mal, Jesper, Adrik for their lack of "fine taste" and for being "peasants" and "street rats" in every single book she appeared in before KoS?
When the author needs a sob backstory for her, she hastily makes her a Suli peasant...hmm, weird...
Meanwhile, the Darkling’s Suli and Shu heritage got erased in KoS duology...hmm, weird...
The funny thing about Darklina is that their romantic involvement lasts about five minutes before they become enemies. From the twist villain reveal onwards, their relationship becomes that of heroes and villains as opposed to lovers. For the rest of the trilogy, their relationship is adversarial (despite the obvious sexual tension). So I’m amused by the popular argument that the Darkling abused Alina. Not only did they not have a sustained romantic relationship, their canon relationship for the majority of the series was not one that abided by…normal standards. An “enemy” relationship is completely different from an abusive one.
Hi! I’ve been thinking a lot about the Grishaverse lately, especially its worldbuilding and magic system—and I’ve come to realize something that I both love and struggle with.
The idea of “Small Science” is incredibly compelling to me, mainly due to its scientific roots and it basically consisting in atoms manipulation. That concept is one of the things that drew me in the first place. But as the story progressed, i felt that the system doesn’t always stay consistent with that core idea (especially in the last duology). At times it feels grounded and rule-based, and at others it drifts into something much softer, where the initial rules do not exist (for example wearing multiple amplifiers) and magic starts to feel more like… well, magic.
This isn’t a criticism so much as an observation from someone who really enjoys digging into systems and structure. So, partly for fun and partly for my own sanity, I’ve started working on a small personal reference/headcanon book where I try to “make it make sense”.
If you’ve ever noticed inconsistencies, had your own interpretations/headcanons, or even come up with “fixes” in your head, I’d genuinely love to hear them. What would you change, clarify, or expand?
Also if you think that it actually is coherent say your opinion too!
— Absentee Empires: The Absence of Ottoman Influence in the Grishaverse and Its Potential Depth and Complexity
@aleksanderscult @siriuslyobsessedwithfiction @stromuprisahat @black-rose-writings Please share your thoughts on this—I’d love to hear your opinions!
One aspect of the Grishaverse that truly frustrates me is the absence of a nation inspired by the Ottoman Empire and the Arab world.
We have six well-defined nations — Ravka influenced by Imperial Russia, Fjerda drawing from Scandinavia, Shu Han reflecting elements of China and Mongolia, Kerch resembling the Netherlands, Novyi Zem based on the Americas, and the Wandering Isle inspired by Celtic cultures. But somehow, there’s no representation of the Ottoman Empire?
It feels like a significant oversight, especially considering the empire's substantial power during the 16th century and its enduring influence into the 18th and 19th centuries, even amidst its decline.
While the Grishaverse hints at other “colonies” beyond the main nations, that doesn’t quite make up for the lack of an Ottoman-inspired culture. Just think about the richness it could have added! An Ottoman-inspired nation could have been filled with intricate politics, vibrant culture, and a fascinating history of diplomacy ESPECIALLY with Ravka as a neighbor. The Ottomans had a complex and often contentious relationship with Imperial Russia, which included both trade and warfare. Imagining Ravka’s brooding intensity interacting with a nation influenced by Ottoman culture could have created such a thrilling dynamic, rich in both conflict and collaboration.
At first, I thought maybe some elements of Ottoman culture were reflected in Shu Han. But it’s pretty clear that Shu Han is primarily inspired by Mongolian and Chinese influences, making that connection a bit of a stretch. This feels like a missed opportunity, considering the Ottoman Empire was vast and influential, controlling significant parts of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. At its height, it was one of the world’s most powerful empires, playing a crucial role in European and Middle Eastern politics.
The potential for conflict between Ravka and an Ottoman-inspired nation would have been especially compelling. The 18th and 19th centuries saw numerous wars between the Ottoman Empire and Russia, primarily over territory in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea. These Russo-Turkish Wars significantly shaped the geopolitical landscape of the region. Instead of a straightforward narrative, we could have seen intricate power dynamics where alliances constantly shifted, leading to moments of both tension and unexpected cooperation. Imagine the political intrigue and skirmishes we could’ve witnessed…Instead of a simple “Good vs. Evil” narrative, we could have had layers of complexity, like “Who’s backstabbing whom today?” or “Are we trading grain or are we going to war?!”
But despite their military conflicts, the Ottoman Empire and Imperial Russia maintained a complex relationship that involved significant trade. As neighbors with intertwined economies, they exchanged goods like grain and textiles while competing for influence. A similar relationship in the Grishaverse could have added depth, showcasing how economic interdependence can exist alongside rivalry.
Additionally, the relationship between the Ottoman Empire and Fjerda could have been more diplomatic and friendly, especially given the historical context of increased interactions between the Ottomans and Scandinavian powers. The Danish and Swedish crowns sought to establish formal relations to protect their trade interests and gain support against regional rivals like Russia and Poland. For example, during the Great Northern War, Sweden sought support from the Ottomans against Russia. Although no significant military alliance was formed, the prospect of cooperation was explored. Diplomatic missions often resulted in the exchange of knowledge about military tactics, geography, and culture, enriching both sides’ understanding of each other. The relationship between the Ottoman Empire and Scandinavian countries was multifaceted, involving trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange that could have deepened the tension between Ravka and the Ottoman-inspired nation. You know the saying, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"? The Ottoman nation would have taken that to heart!
Finally, an Ottoman-inspired nation might have treated Grisha in a way that reflects the Ottoman Empire’s approach to its minorities, offering some autonomy under a millet-like system but with enough restrictions to keep everyone on their toes. You know, like “You can have your own laws, but only if you don’t annoy us.”
In conclusion, the absence of an Ottoman Empire or Arab-inspired nation in the Grishaverse represents a missed opportunity to enrich the narrative with the complex dynamics and vibrant cultures that characterized these historical realms. The interplay between an Ottoman-inspired nation and Ravka could have introduced captivating political intrigues, cultural exchanges, and historical rivalries that would elevate the storytelling. The rich history of the Ottoman Empire; its intricate relationships with neighboring powers, its approach to trade and its treatment of minorities offers a wealth of material that could have added depth and complexity to the Grishaverse.
Ultimately, incorporating such a nation could have not only enhanced the world-building but also provided a platform to explore themes of power, identity, and coexistence in a compelling way, making the Grishaverse an even more engaging and multifaceted universe.
Was Aleksander power-hungry or wanted power to use it for the protection of his people?
This question is one of the most hotly debatable in this fandom and I decided to clear this out not by analyzing his words through the POV of other characters (who don't believe him and therefore the reader finds him a liar) but through his own perspective in "Rule of Wolves".
So let's take an objective look inside his own thoughts and find out.
His very first thoughts were how could he reclaim his powers, describing the whole experience as somewhat painful and confusing to him. His second were about Alina.
And these are his third ones. He explains how utterly worthless Nikolai and Zoya are to save Ravka. How immature and weak. Aleksander finds himself to be the only one able for this task. His powers, experience and general abilities are testament to that.
But note how he calls Ravka "his country". From the carved woods decorating his bedroom to his knowledge of "every pebble and branch" of it, this country is special to him. He loves it, feels a connection to it and wants to protect it.
(You just can't call the Darkling "unpatriotic")
He displays bitterness for his loss and Ravka's new state just verifies to him that his plans would only prevent this decaying fate.
Yuri: "Sankta Alina who gave her life for Ravka"
Aleksander: "Am I a joke to you?"
And indeed is he?
Aleksander displays a very strong resentment for the lack of recognition he has gained. His statement: "I gave my life for Ravka" probably doesn't only allude to his death from Alina's hands but also his total commitment in the protection of the Grisha and Ravka that lasted for centuries. He gave his life away by pushing his personal happiness and well-being aside and wholly dedicating his life and skills to a selfless goal. He wasted years, allies, soldiers, endured otkazat'sya Kings that rule him, a bitter mother and his own immortality only for others to hurriedly erase any memory of him once he's gone.
So it seems that his desire to be seen only stems from his long-awaited and secret wish for his actions to be recognized.
Based on the last screenshot, he views his actions as justified not because of a "power-hungry nature" but out of his efforts to help others. Whether these actions are justified or not depends on the reader.
I believe this is one of the most concrete evidence that Aleksander truly cared about the Grisha.
He felt intense anger for those who were ignorant and apathetic towards the Grisha's fate and he himself cared about who was gonna sit the Ravkan throne.
No matter how much humanity he shed as the years passed, it seems that he didn't shed all of it by the time of these books.
Apparently Aleksander had two main goals in this book:
- To protect his people and country as he always strived to do.
- For others to finally give him some credit and have their acknowledgment that yes, he has done something for this country all these years.
In order to help the Grisha and change their fates he needed to be in a position of strength, hence his desire to take the throne. He views himself as a fatherly figure towards his people. A protector and guardian.
But he also wants to become a Saint and king. For people to look up to him. So many Saints had done less than half in comparison to Aleksander and they still won people's love. Now it's his turn and he thinks he deserves it.
I'm adding a short parenthesis here.
His concern didn't only extent to the Grisha but to his blind, otkazat'sya followers as well.
He cared about what would happen in the battlefield and seemed ready to create nichevo'ya to protect them. Merzost is extremely painful but this "selfish" villain is ready to use it to protect his naive but innocent army.
A hundred of years ago Aleksander refused the King's gold as payment for his services. Instead he opted to plead for the construction of a palace. A home and haven for all the Grisha that were hiding out of fear from the persecution against them.
He saw his chance and took it to make the lives of his people a little better.
So this whole "the Darkling created the Fold out of his desire for power" was bullshit after all.
He wanted power but only to use it to end the wars. Ironically, the result of it (aka. the Fold) only aggravated the problem.
And the Darkling's dream never came entirely true. He gave them a home but never a safe life. Ravka was almost always at war, Grisha were never accepted, the Ravkan kings never paid much attention to the Grisha's problems regarding their role in society which placed them almost at the bottom of the food chain.
All these things worried Aleksander and pushed him to action both when he created the Fold and when he started the Civil War.
The Darkling has a very different mentality than those who don't have the burden of immortality on their shoulders.
Aleksander uses time as an advantage and has a remarkable patience. He bides his time and strikes when he sees the opportunity, leaving other people to die since they're only just a part of a whole. He probably thinks: "Well, I'll meet plenty more new otkazat'sya in the future so why should I be concerned for this bunch here?"
But the bleak future of the Grisha make him stop and think. They're the only reason why he stays and fight and why he proclaimed Zoya a Saint.
So it's obvious that Aleksander only used power for the benefit of his people and country.
- When king Yevgeni offered him a handsome reward, Aleksander turned it down and chose to appeal for a better future for the rest of the Grisha.
- When the wars didn't stop coming and Grisha were again getting killed, he tried to use merzost to augment his powers and put a stop to it.
- When he tried to use the Fold as a weapon with Alina at his side, he did it to place Ravka in a stronger position in comparison to his enemies.
- He viewed Nikolai and Zoya dangerous to the rest of the country.
- He was concerned of what would happen to the Grisha if Demidov became king.
- He was determined to save Ravka and lead it as their king and protector.
- Even though he thought of leaving, he stayed out of concern for the Grisha (again).
Contrary to the people who say that the Darkling began selfless but by the time of these books became selfish, it seems that he never lost his selflessness. He still kept thinking about others and his last moments he was unrepentant for his crimes since he did them for others not for himself. It's true that he had pride and an ego but rightfully so. No one else was as powerful or as capable as him to make a change and, honestly, no one else made a decent effort but him.
He also displayed a strong bitterness for the fact that others were so quick to forget him and his actions. He felt wronged that after all he had done, none wanted to acknowledge his own part in the protection of Ravka. He wanted to be seen and appreciated. His anger and indignation came from a place of injustice as he saw it. Whatever he did was labeled as wrong and people only feared him, never feeling gratefulness or love towards him. The Darkling wanted others to give him his due for what he went through, did and tried to do. Recognition after so many years of feeling invisible and hated.
It was something that even his enemies admitted about him:
The strongest evidence of his yearning to shield his country is how he willingly gave his life for it at the end. He would be tortured forever but at least his people wouldn't forget him and he would have fulfilled his desired role as a protector of his country.
it's interesting how everyone sort of acknowledges that the druskelle are a cult, but no one really acknowledges that the Little Palace is more or less the same thing (except possibly worse, since Ravkan Grisha have no say in whether they get taken to the Little Palace and military service is compulsory for them)
we just largely don't think so because we see the Little Palace situation primarily from the perspective of the insiders, who have no real reason to perceive their situation as bad except for Alina (who's stuck fleeing from the cult leader for two books but sees her situation as interpersonal rather than systemic), as opposed to the druskelle, which we see principally from the perspective of outsiders and Matthias, an ex-druskelle who quickly becomes an outsider
Despite claims to the contrary, Rule of Wolves did not assassinate the Darkling's character. He is completely consistent with how he was written in Shadow and Bone- a once bright young man turned noble demon, jaded so badly by the long eons of struggle and isolation that he can no longer see the world except through the lens of power and control. He cares nothing for anyone else's opinion, because that was the only way he could carve the future he wanted- if he shut himself off from the world- from pain, from loss, from doubt, from judgement, and in so doing he's made it impossible for him to truly be the one that saves the world, that remakes it.
The only reason people think he's been character assassinated in Rule of Wolves is because Bardugo writes him consistently with how he is in Shadow and Bone, rather then the version his stans would imagine him as as- edgy, misunderstood and only in need of love to 'fix' him. But at the core, the Grishaverse is not a series that believe love will fix you. Love is a choice, an act, and a promise in Bardugo's world- not a cure all, or hidden power, or a talisman. Zoya's story in Rule of Wolves, ironically, hammers this point dead home. What Zoya realizes at the novel's pivotal moment is that love is a labor- it requires you to be vulnerable, to work at it, to get up each day and decide to keep at it.
Love can't save the Darkling because he can not bring himself to choose love over power, because choosing love would mean having to honestly face himsel. He would have to open himself up to others, and to the idea that he was wrong in his actions. And so instead he cries that he has no regrets as he is impaled on the thorns, because he can't allow himself to have regrets. The boy who had regrets might have been one that found redemption, but he never would have survived the world of his youth. The man he is, ruthless and unyielding and unafraid, sees that neat simple line between point A (the world dying) and point B (the world not dying) and takes it without hesitation, even if it means an eternity of torment, refusing to be humbled or to repent, even as the universe demands he kneel.
