Catra and Adora and why I can't stop thinking about them. + Patrochilles and Love and why I think it's pretty cool
!!She-Ra spoilers (kinda spoilers for achilles/patroclus)!!
There is something about them that I can't stop thinking about. The way they interact with each other is so beautiful and the way their stories are written. I watched She-Ra two years ago, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about these two girls.
In the portal episodes and in Adora's future wish all these girls want is to be with each other. They don't want to rule the world or do anything. All they want is each other.
But they can't have each other.
They were bound to break at some point. Catra is the scapegoat and Adora is the golden child. Adora is oblivious to the manipulation and Catra knows that is what Shadow Weaver does. They are two very different products of childhood abuse.
You can tell from the beginning that they are absolutely in love with each other. Even after Adora left in episodes like Promise when it's just Catra and Adora, they're playful and in love. I think that they were in some sort of relationship, but they didn't have the words to describe their feelings (Adora didn't know what an Aunt was, so I don't think they'd know what a relationship was).
Even Horde Prime knew. He told Catra in Season 5, episode 1 "Horde Prime"
"Elevated heart rate, dilated pupils... Adora means something to you."
After everything when Adora went back to save Catra because she was the only person who knew her before She-Ra. Catra thinks that no one cares for her anymore and that Adora hates her. Adora has every reason to hate Catra, but she doesn't. She forgives Catra and Catra accepts that forgiveness.
In the show we've never seen Adora as scared as she was when Catra was chipped. There is genuine fear running through her veins as she watches the girl she loves be used as some toy. Adora is able to access her true She-Ra form, the one built on love, because of her love toward Catra.
It's not until Shadow Weaver is dead and Adora is dying does Catra take the step and admit her feelings without expecting any kind of reciprocation.
And their love saves the world. It's a powerful message. That no matter what love prevails. Love is the most powerful tool that one can use.
People will go to any lengths to find love or save it.
Achilles' love for Patroclus was strong enough that it would defy fate. He loved Patroclus so much that once he died, Achilles didn't care anymore. His better half was gone, the half that was kind and compassionate, was gone. So, he killed Hector because he wanted to die. His other half was gone and he was a killing machine. So, he killed Hector and then he died so he could join his lover in death.
There is always these movies and books and whatnot that emphasizes is, but no one does it like She-Ra and Song of Achilles (specifically), or at least that I've come across.
Both of their love was strong enough that it was to be feared. Prime knew about it and tried using is against Catra and Adora, pushing their buttons the right way, but it ended in his demise in the end. The gods knew that Achilles was powerful, but not as powerful as he was when Patroclus was alive.
Love is cool and powerful. We need more media that shows love this powerful that is can save/destroy planets, change fate, and defy the gods.