#hws baltic

[hetaestoniahq]

A little suggestion for the North Europe part of this fandom, to read this article about the Viking age and how the Eastern side of the Baltic sea region gets completely looked over when it is in fact a crucial part of the region during that era.

And don't just read the title, read the article, fully.

The Baltic Finns were Vikings too, but the world ignores it

The Estonian archaeologist, Marika Mägi, argues that the Baltic Finns – the people who lived in the territories of modern Finland and Estoni

[hetaestoniahq]

Heyo! Hope you don’t mind me asking, but do you have any opinions on fic/content about the Baltics working for Russia in the correct time period? I see some people say it’s best to stay away from possibly sensitive subjects, while others try to handle it with the appropriate tone. Loving the DenEst btw!!

Correct time period would mean Russian empire era and Soviet era, and my answer is- yes 50/50.

With the Russian empire I don't mind at all, the topics there aren't nearly as sensitive as others, and it's a long period with lots to work with. Just wish people did a bit more research though. Although that's maybe just my Estonian ass being disappointed that Estonia's constant uprising shit is never mentioned, which I see as a very telling part of Estonia's character back then and his relationship with others. Estonia definitely was a pain in the ass back then, ready to square up with the Russian army anytime lmao. I do like stuff like Lithuania basically joining the Baltic trio - as Latvia and Estonia have been stuck together for over 500 years by the time he joins. Love to see content of how people depict their development of getting closer and the obstacles they face. Though with the Russian empire they definitely didn't become that close that they are now just yet.

With the Soviet Union I do agree though that it's best to stay away if you don't know what you're doing, there's a lot of heavy shit with that era and I only approve if it's handled appropriately. I actually think Hetalia can be used as a pretty nice piece of media to teach these very heavy and dark things - if done right.

I actually do have one to recommend, Diamond in the Rough by @chessna2, beware though that they do not hold back on the heavy and dark things, only read if you're ready to take what's gonna be thrown at you. If you can take it and aren't too sensitive to the subjects brought up, heavy recommendation! Even I learned some things from it. They're also writing another one that's yet to be finished, I need to catch up on it 😅

Also thank you 💕 DenEst has been a focus of mine recently, hopefully I'll finish the history document soon!