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[galraluver]

New video · Friday, May 2

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[depressocafe]

What is the real reason why Zarkon thought Lotor was weak? And why did Zarkon become power hungry after the quintessence incident?

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In this week's edition of VLD Theories I hyper fixate and overanalyze the show once again but this time I think I have something really interesting, considering the fact that we're not just talking about the inner workings of the Voltron universe but we're also discussing everyone's favorite father son duo.

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Something that's always irked me is the cliché way Zarkon was written (and don't worry we'll get into Lotor and his relationship with Zarkon as well as childhood trauma in a moment but to get to that we have to talk about the Emperor himself). Zarkon is written as everyone's typical, immoral, emotionless, power hungry bastard and while that is essentially what a 'bad person' is it doesn't make for good writing nor does it function well with the cannonisity of the series or even its inner workings.

Let's go back to what Shiro said himself about Quintessence Corruption. Shiro stated "Zarkon fell to his own evil instincts. The quintessence field didn't create Them, it revealed them." This sentence states that the chemical itself is capable of sensing and seeping into hidden or strong desires. But here's the thing, Zarkon initially didn't desire war. He conquered planets because that's what his race had done for generations, that was until Alfor helped Zarkon to end his conquest and ally with several of his enemies (Alfor, Blaytz, Trygel, Gyrgan) then Zarkon put conquest behind him and worked on being a benevolent ruler who desired peace. Quite a switch but that still leaves the question, what changed? What made him power hungry? What ruined him? Well the answer is actually quite simple and was staring us in the face the whole time.

It was the overwhelming feeling of weakness. Weakness that came with his greatest failure, the inability to support what he loves and cares for. Namely, Honerva, Lotor, his planet, his military, his citizens, and with each day watching the things he loves grow weaker, even himself.

Zarkon watched his life grow into something spectacular and then started watching it's downfall. Even when he put stabilizers into his planet, that only slowed its collapse. He struggled to make his wife pregnant and now he was struggling to keep his son, his only child, healthy in his mother's womb. Speaking of his mother, Honerva slowly and harshly deteriorated right before Zarkon's eyes and he couldn't stop it. Because his planet was dying, he struggled to feed and support his citizens as well as provide nourishment for the soldiers whose job it was to stay healthy and protect all of Galra existence. And thusly Zarkon himself began deteriorating, His mind losing its sense of morality in favor of a stronger sense of survival. He's been weakened. Powerless to stop anything, the quintessence at this point is the only support he has. And thus the only thing he can focus on. If he can harness it, he can fix everything.

See, the quintessence didn't reveal Zarkon's evil nature, he wasn't evil to begin with. The quintessence corrupted his deepest desire. To become strong enough to support all that he cares about. To have power over all that he controls and sees. But no wish comes without a price. Power and quintessence became his biggest concerns. And turned him into what we now know as the Evil Emperor Zarkon.

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But how does this tie in with Lotor? Quite easily actually! You see a lot of what Lotor is, happens to be what Zarkon once was. Lotor had a deep seated love for existence. He indulged himself in other cultures, he respected every living being, he befriended individuals other than Galra, and he believed he could harness quintessence without destruction or disrespect to life.

But to Zarkon, that is Arrogance, Foolishness, it is Weakness beyond compare. Because he thought that way once, and it only brought Daibazaal to ruin and made him incapable of anything. But as we know, that's just Zarkon's perspective through his corrupt eyes. We, the viewers, know Lotor is right in his beliefs But his father is incapable of seeing that because of his fear, having no control over anything, no power over anything. This led Lotor and Zarkon to have an even more broken relationship than they already had, disintegrating to the point Zarkon couldn't stand his own son anymore and sent him away.

But he didn't kill Lotor. Not until 10,000 years later. Because his son was one of the things Zarkon wanted to save. Another reason why Lotor and Zarkon had an abusive relationship has to do with the Quintessence Corruption itself. Because Zarkon desired that power and control over everything, he desired it for his own son as well because if he can't control his own child then the weakness will grow again. The fear Zarkon let die along with his friends and planet will regrow and resurface. But Lotor is not the kind of person who allows himself to be forced, coerced, or manipulated so easily into obedience. Especially when it has to do with his father's sense of Value and Morality. So naturally in Zarkon's mind Lotor has become weak and as he's said before "Weakness is an infection. Better to cut it off then let it spread." We all know what happened next.

And if you need more evidence. Look no further than to Lotor's own corruption itself. Lotor was never good enough for anyone. And honestly saying that statement grossly understates Lotor's actual suffering. But it's still accurate. There are many things the prince wanted in his life. He didn't just want good parents he wanted his parents to be good. But that wasn't going to happen. He didn't just want to accept and be proud of himself he wanted people to accept and be proud of him. But that wasn't going to happen. His home quickly became nothing short of a survival situation and a place where he couldn't belong. So he decided he'd find that place himself and if he couldn't find it, then he'd create it with his own two hands. A place where he is accepted and everyone is proud of him. A place where his accomplishments and intellect matter. A place like the Altean settlement

Initially yes, I believe Lotor made this settlement to save his race. There is no denying he's always had a good heart. But sadly, he's never had a sane mind. Lotor was in Honerva's womb when she and Zarkon became corrupt and it's even stated within that show that when Galra doctors did a health read on Lotor shortly after his birth, he was giving the same quintessence readings as Zarkon and Haggar. In addition, Lotor seems to struggle with letting go of a grudge. Understandable but holding onto grudges creates emotional instability which can cause problems for your mental state. Take it from me if your angry with someone, forget the pain you felt but remember the harm that was delt. Learn it and let it hone you for further down the line in your life. Lotor, didn't do that. He wouldn't forget the rage he felt, even if he could still get revenge on his abusers if he wanted. And with his hidden desires and quintessence his parents seeped into his veins, it was only a matter of time until Lotor finally lost it.

Lotor desired a place to belong and he was going to make it happen no matter what. No matter what or who he had to sacrifice to get it. That's what the Quintessence brought out. His hidden desire for belonging. To be honest, Honerva had her desires herself. But we already understand what those are. Her desire for endless knowledge as well as control over quintessence, life itself. And we know what it made her. We've always been aware of Honerva's mind so there really wasn't a place for her in this post. This statement does exclude her actions for season 8 and that's because who she is then doesn't fit into who she once was or what were discussing.

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Zarkon became what he wanted to be but at what cost? His desire ruined everything. So did Honerva's. It tore apart the universe, it destroyed their son, it slaughtered their friends. Zarkon got the power he wanted and control over his fear, but in turn it ruined everything he built. Immoral sacrifice for absolute solace.

Post made: Feb 18, 2023

Updated: Mar 9, 2023

[chibi-pix]

So, they’ll be making an appearance eventually in The Electrifying Tale of Shockwave.  Meet three more supers! Trigel as Dalterion. Blaytz as Nalquad. Gyrgan as Rygnirath! 

I’m gonna be honest, it was a pain trying to figure out what their outfits should be. Until I decided I could take inspiration from their outfits. At least for Trigel and Gyrgan. I used the Zora outfit from Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess a bit as some inspiration for Blaytz.

Anyway! I hope y’all enjoy these! Until next time!

[the-lightning-strikes-again]

A Collaboration to Celebrate the Five Years of VLD Mini Bang

Hi, all! June 10, 2021 is the five-year anniversary of Voltron: Legendary Defender first airing on Netflix. To celebrate, I joined the Five Years of VLD Mini Bang and had the privilege of collaborating with the wonderful and illustrious artist, @cieltee22. They developed a super fun and amazing artwork to align with my story! It was great working with them on this project! 

The Merry Misadventures of Voltron’s Five Original Paladins

Story Summary: It’s been many quintants since Alfor, Zarkon, Trigel, Gyrgan, and Blaytz agreed to a galactic alliance. Alfor has taken to recording their adventures as part of an ongoing status report to his vassals. In doing so, he reveals that the galaxy’s most fearsome leaders have some terribly mundane quirks and weaknesses, and that their warrior’s bond is transforming into...friendship? Rated T.

Please check out Cieltee’s associated artwork here: https://cieltee22.tumblr.com/post/653622389179056128/hello-in-celebration-of-voltron-legendary

You can read my story here on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31862188

Happy Five Years of VLD, all! Please follow the blog below for more content and updates regarding other collaborations!

@fiveyearsofvld

[vld-prompts]

Coran runs a Monsters and Mana campaign for the old paladins.

[voltrontranscript]

VLD S8E10: Knights of Light, Part 2

Season 8 Episode 10: Knights of Light, Part 2

Transcript by @dragonofyang

Summary: As the Paladins travel further into Honerva’s consciousness, they make shocking discoveries that will alter their reality forever.

[Google Doc]

Hunk: Woah. Wait, where are we?

Alfor: On Daibazaal.

Gyrgan: It’s pristine. Last we were here, all was decimated.

Allura: The landscapes of her mind must be made up of places from her past.

Lance: Wait, hold up. If all this is a big, old Honerva thought bubble, then wouldn’t she know we’re here?

Pidge: About twenty years ago, the Garrison was able to map the human brain. They used a ventral metatronic reactor to read the theramagnetic wave signatures of each of the subjects.

Lance: Get to the point, Pidge.

Pidge: A person’s mind is an endless landscape of constantly shifting thoughts and ideas. We must be hidden in the chaos.

Keith: Do you know this for sure, or is this just a theory?

Pidge: Well, it’s a theory, but if Honerva finds out we’re in her mind, I have a feeling we’ll know about it.

Hunk: Good point.

Keith: Allura, where should we go next?

Allura: The entity wants us to enter the palace.

[Scene change to the doors before the great hall.]

Alfor: Allura, please listen to me. Alteans are life-givers. The entity you possess is a dark, ancient evil. It is not the key to winning this war.

Allura: I understand your concern, but the entity granted us access to Honerva’s mind. Without it, your spirit would still be cursed.

Alfor: If you’re looking for real power, the ability to become a true Altean alchemist, there is a place where you can train.

Allura: Oriande, I know. I’ve been there and passed the guardian’s trials.

Alfor: That’s wonderful news. You were able to gain the power of Oriande.

Allura: It isn’t enough. That is why I must learn another method. The entity will guide us toward the answers we seek.

Alfor: But at what cost?

Lance: Whoa! Where’d that thing come from?

Hunk: Guys, it’s the monster from Arus!

Keith: Form Voltron!

Hunk: Wait, where are the original paladins?

Keith: What the heck was that?

Hunk: He couldn’t do that the last time we fought him!

Pidge: This is Honerva’s mind! Anything can happen.

Lance: Wait, does this means she knows we’re here?

Allura: It appears she has guardians to protect her thoughts and memories. The original paladins, they’re still with us!

Alfor: Voltron, keep going. We’ll hold off the beast.

Keith: Thanks for the help, Paladins.

Lance: But where do we go?

Keith: Any ideas, Allura?

Allura: Yes. I know what we must do.

[Scene change to Oriande.]

Keith: Is everyone okay?

Hunk: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m good.

Pidge: Yeah, I’m alright.

Allura: Just a bit shaken.

Lance: What the heck just happened?

Pidge: These are traps, just like that monster. They’re failsafes Honerva is using to protect her secrets from any unwanted intruders--us.

Hunk: What? I thought the entity was supposed to be helping us.

Allura: It’s pulling us back to its source. Unfortunately, that source is being protected.

Lance: Great, so the thing that is guiding us might get us killed.

Allura: What we’re looking for is in there.

[Scene change to a barren plain of fractured earth, with frequent lightning strikes all around the paladins.]

Keith: Honerva.

Allura: Father. These must be her memories.

[Transition through a series of still shots of Honerva’s life from childhood into the flashback where the original paladins are fighting Zarkon after he’s resurrected.]

Zarkon: Where are the lions?

Blaytz: They’ve been destroyed.

Zarkon: You dare lie to me?

Trigel: It’s the truth. You’ll never see your lion again.

Zarkon: Neither will you.

[Transition back to the paladins in the barren mindscape.]

Pidge: She… she killed them.

Hunk: What she did to them was terrible.

Allura: I always assumed they sacrificed themselves, but I--I didn’t realize what that entailed.

Pidge: That's how the original paladins ended up trapped here. She took their quintessence, trapped their minds inside her consciousness. It drove them mad.

Keith: He was the leader of Voltron. And he just turned on them.

Allura: That is why we must destroy Honerva.

Lance: Allura, please. What we just saw, it was all because of the entity. The same one that’s inside you. You need to get rid of it.

Keith: If Allura loses the entity, then we lose our connection to Honerva.

[Scene change to the paladins standing in a clearing surrounded by thick glowing web-like structures.]

Hunk: Aw, now where are we?

Keith: Stand back.

[Flash through a series of wordless flashbacks of Honerva on the colony, then Oriande.]

Pidge: The deeper we get into her mind, the more recent the memories.

Allura: Good.

[Flash through a series of flashbacks that show the retrieval of the Sincline mech from the rift as the paladins destroy the web-like structures.]

Honerva: Lotor. We’ll all be together soon.

[Cut to the paladins standing Honerva’s memory of the corrupted rift.]

Hunk: Pidge, any idea what part of her brain we’re in now?

Pidge: No, I’m not sure.

Honerva, disembodied and overlapping: Wait… Voltron. Voltron! My son… I will find you. This flame represents Lotor. Son, I will find you. The end for anyone who dares oppose me.

Allura: Keith, grab my hand!

Honerva, disembodied and overlapping: Rise and avenge my son. And my Altean…

Keith: Hunk, over here!

Allura: Everyone, feel the energy of the entity within you. Don’t fight it. Let it guide you.

Honerva, disembodied and overlapping: ...deeply coiled in traditions of evil that tempt us. Voltron and Galra will pay for what they did to my son.

[Scene change to the paladins awakening in a field of juniberries beneath a glowing sky.]

Hunk: Oh, man. Oh, boy. Whoo, that was rough. Ah!

Allura: Altea! It looks… different.

Pidge: This must be the way Honerva remembers it. It must be a place she holds dear. We should be close.

Lance: Ugh, I wonder what kind of weird, freaky thing is gonna attack us here.

Hunk: Ah! Does that answer your question?

Keith: Find safety! I’ll distract it!

Lance: What? No way!

Keith: Just go! You were their leader! They trusted you, and you betrayed them! You don’t deserve the Black Lion! Hunk, shoulder cannon!

Hunk: I can’t! Ah!

Keith: Form sword!

Pidge: Uh… guys?

Alfor: Zarkon?

Zarkon: Alfor. Blaytz. Gyrgan. Trigel. Melenor? What are you doing here?

Allura: Melenor was my mother, and you murdered her! You’ve killed millions!

Lance: Allura, what are you doing?

Allura: Reminding him of the suffering he’s caused.

Zarkon: No.

Allura: You did that. All of it!

Zarkon: I’m sorry, I… I didn’t realize what I--

Allura: You knew exactly what you were doing. You deceived and betrayed your friends and allies!

Zarkon: The quintessence… it blinded me. And you all suffered because of it.

Allura: If you’re truly sorry for what you’ve done, then help us stop her. You must have been placed here to protect something. What is it?

Zarkon: I… don’t know. I… I’m sorry.

Allura: What are you protecting?

Zarkon: I don’t… That moon. It is a moon of Daibazaal.

Alfor: He’s right, that moon is not of Altea.

Allura: That is the source. No. It’s impossible.

Zarkon: They’re her deepest desires. Everything she hopes to achieve.

Hunk: How could she possibly achieve any of this? Zarkon and Lotor are both gone.

Pidge: Unless she’s going to use Lotor’s ship to pierce through realities and find the one where she can live with her family.

Hunk: Is that even possible?

Pidge: Not without destroying all other realities in the process.

Lance: What’s going on?

Zarkon: She knows you’re here!

Hunk: How?

Lance: Allura!

Alfor: Allura?

Lance: What’s happening to her?

Zarkon: The princess holds the entity within. Honerva controls it now.

Keith: Everyone, get to your lions! Where did they go?

Zarkon: You’re in her mind. She’s more powerful here.

Keith: What do we do?

Zarkon: There’s nothing you can do but accept defeat.

Keith: No! We won’t give up!

Zarkon: That’s your Galra lineage. It’s what makes you a great leader of Voltron. You and I share that trait, but look where it has led the two of us. My desire for unlimited quintessence was the catalyst for ten thousand years of destruction. Your quest to save the universe took you into the mind of a psychopath.

Keith: Yes, to gain the knowledge of what she’s doing. And now we know.

Zarkon: Yet you still don’t know how! She’s too powerful.

Alfor: Zarkon, Honerva may be more powerful than each of us alone, but the strength of ten paladins working together as one is the strongest force in the universe.

Zarkon: The lions are gone, Alfor. Voltron is gone forever.

Keith: No, Voltron isn’t gone. Voltron is within each and every one of us. We’re bonded to it, and to each other.

Alfor: We have one last chance to set things right, but we cannot do it without you. Ride with us one last time, Zarkon.

Zarkon: Form Voltron! Form Blazing Sword!

[Scene change as the old paladins crack through the barrier in Honerva’s mind and the modern paladins wake up inside Voltron.]

Pidge: We did it!

Hunk: Yes! Yes.

Keith: Nice work, team.

Lance: Allura, are you okay?

Hunk: Allura?

Lance: Allura?

Pidge: Allura, are you okay?

Keith: Allura, do you copy?

End.

[shirophantomvox]

Random Voltron Thought(s) #1

I'm blogging so much because I am bored and I’ve already studied for the day.

One moment in Voltron that made me a little disappointed was when Shiro disappeared and his clone showed up for the rest of the show. It hurt the most when Keith met Shiro in the Black Lion’s consciousness, which reminds me of the upside down from Stranger Things. That part made me upset only because before we could all comprehend the power Zarkon held, we genuinely thought he disappeared, even so, where? When Keith returned to his physical state, I could feel the pain he  felt when it was confirmed that Shiro was no longer with them. 

Allura manages to put Shiro’s self in the clone and to me...that was still odd. It’s almost as if the real Shiro would never return. That also poses the question, why couldn’t Alfor, Trigel, Blaytz, and Gyrgan’s souls be transferred into other people if they were always with the lions?

Remember the scene where Shiro fought Zarkon in that realm when he was in the Black Lion? For some reason, that reminded me of sleep paralysis...when he kept flinching but he couldn’t wake up…which is terrifying. 

Shiro has been through a lot; put in a Galran prison, had to fight for entertainment purposes, died fighting an alien, being trapped in another realm, and controlled by Haggar. He deserves a million awards. 

If you are just watching Voltron, watch the series. Formulate your own opinion about it. It did have ups and downs, but for the most part I liked it. I will be discussing more things about the show that I wish I could’ve seen more of. 

[clickabletale]

I am suddenly now seeing Gyrgan/Trigel as reincarnated lovers passed down to Hunk and Pidge and now I’m in tears.