maskormenace | 02

As a professor, whenever a holiday comes, it's always an opportunity for learning, and today happens to not be an exception, despite the personal nature of the holiday.

I suspect there are not many who celebrate such things, but perhaps it is a nice time to speak of them, considering it's father's day. I'm reflecting on fathers of myth, of course, not real ones -- but, ah, if you need someone to listen, I am, of course, here to listen.

There are, unfortunately, not a terribly high amount of good fathers in mythology, at least from my world. Sometimes, if you think of yourself as a poor parent, you can at least remember that you are no Zeus, or Hiranyakashipu. One was merely...devoted to sowing his progeny around Greece, as we all know, but Hiranyakashipu attempted multiple times to murder his son, because he worshipped a god he hated. [ A soft chuckle, and a shake of his head. ] I worried about moving too much, with mine! I suppose things could be worse. Then again, there is also Cronus, the god who ate his sons, [ he starts ticking on his fingers, ] Tantalus, Izanagi, Abraham...

Well, we're not short on those, are we? [ A soft chuckle, and a shake of his head. ]

I suppose there's something to be said, when we consider ourselves bad parents, yes? Not that we should ever excuse ourselves. [ A beat. ] I suppose I'm just...thoughtful, today. Moreso than I thought I would be. [ Another pause. ]

Are there others out there, who are thinking of things like this today?

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[ A laugh. ]

I only meant that it took so long that eventually, Persephone had to cave, lest she starve. Although that may be more a comment on the gods and their observations on human suffering.

There are many mothers, who seem to have done a great deal for their children, particularly in myth. I suppose it says something about how we have always viewed men, incapable of nurturing, or caring for our young.

Well, good thing I'm around, then, mm? That's my specialty. [ A pause. ] You would be correct, though. There's not nearly the same derision for men that there is for women in myth.

[ He laughs, and then clearly as a joke, if the lilt is anything to go by: ] Misandry!

Mm, in your world, I suppose that may be true. Titans are something entirely different in many cultures, and worlds. [ A beat. Way to be pedantic, David. ]

But ah, I see what you mean? How many wars have you fought with him? I assume you did, considering your name.

Oh, a favorite? [ David paused, as if he were considering. ]

There are so many to choose from... and I don't know what that would say about me, to favor any one "Bad Dad". Although I have often been fond of the greek myths. They're so...quick to anger, and kill.

Οὐρανός, of the originals, I should think. To start the entire pantheon, to create so much and hate it sounds just as fascinating as it is horrifying.

[ Well he can't pick his real favorite. ]

[he hesitates. It's weird to talk about his dad. it's not like he has like, dad damage. But its still weird]

My dad didn't raise me or anything. But he is the nurturer of the pantheon.

[ "for what could've been?" ]

I can get that. [ . . . ] I mean, I don't have the greatest relationship with my dad myself, and I'm sure others feel the same way about their own.

Ah... oh no, spreading knowledge is quite enough. I'm an educator by trade. It's the least I could do.

I think...anyone who has regrets likely feels the same way. I suppose...there's nothing for it. No need to whinge over something that can't be changed.

[ You know, especially when you've probably irrevocably ruined your relationship with your son. ]

Hopefully your father gave you the space you desired as well?

Is he? [ A pause. ] I don't think you told me who, but I suspect I could guess, if you follow Nordic conventions. [ A beat. ] After all, there aren't many nurturers among them.

If you insist.
I look forward to hearing from you, Professor.

Of course, and the same for you, Danger. Perhaps next time it can even be in person -- Er, face to face?

Do you have a preference?

I wouldn't have minded telling, but now I wanna see if your degree was worth it.

[cheeky, but kind]

Edited 2018-06-22 03:39 (UTC)

Of course, Professor.
I can accommodate a face-to-face meeting.
As long as you feel that you would be comfortable with me.

Oh, I'm certain that I could manage! I've encountered many things that should be beyond my comprehending.

This would be just another one, and I welcome the...new experience, as it were.

[ David laughed. ]

Ah, let's see. I seem to remember you mentioning that you were half-Vanir, yes? That limits our options a great deal. Njörðr was a touch too tragic, and his marriage too ill-fated, Vanlandi too obscure and not god-like enough, Kvasir is a possiblility... [ he's ticking off his fingers. ] Ullr and Heimdallr aren't commonly thought to be Vanir but there are theories...

[ David tapped his chin. ] I think, however, the most likely candidate is Freyr.

I defer to your judgement, Professor.
Though I would not say I am beyond your comprehension.
Unlike your myths, I am not supernatural — only ones and zeroes.

Ah, yes. That's... Binary, yes? I'm afraid I'm more expert in dead languages and dead societies, than math. Jon -- my son, is the one who is much more expert at such things.

He would like you, I think. Robots always fascinated him.

Perhaps I would like him as well.
It is possible that the Porter will someday afford us the opportunity to find out.

Ah, yes. Perhaps someday. [ A twitch of his mouth, half a smile, half a grimace. ] I couldn't wish something as awful as being here on him.

[ David Blake, a man who loves his son and wouldn't wish anything bad on him, clearly. ]

I think he would like you, as well.

Ah, always a classic. Starting an entire pantheon of piss-poor parenting, more like. I don't think it says that much about you, being a professor of - mythology, I take it.

You'd get along great with my ex-boss. If he ever shows up here you could trade insights about uh, art and whatever you study.

I still... don't think it is that deep beyond trying to teach you a set of morals.

[Magnus quirks a slightly awkward smile]

Got it in one. Maybe college is worth it for more than the wild keggers...? [a good joke. Magnus is too much of a square for wild keggers, probably] We don't, um. Know each other well. But I know my dad takes nurturing life seriously. More seriously than Ragnarok, even.

[which... is its own problem. still; Magnus is... definitely okay, with being descended from a person like that. connected to those kinds of domains, of growth and plenty and peace. he can't imagine being anything else, really]

Yeah, I'd say so. It helps that we're not even in the same dimension right now.

[ It's weird, knowing that Zeus isn't remotely responsible for the garbage that's going on in this Earth. He really is a myth, for better or worse. (Probably for the better. Has to be for the better.) ]

But time heals all wounds, right? Now it's a matter of waiting and seeing if that's true.

Oh? He sounds like an intelligent person.

[ Well... That might have been back-handed. ]

Perhaps that is your perception, but art, culture, and myth are deeply intertwined to our identities. In my world, each era is defined by the myths that shape them, and each saeculum is different because of these factors. Pretending that it serves one purpose is reducing such things to only one of their many functions.

Mm, I'll take the compliment as I can! [ A laugh. ]

Nothing large, just starting an era of generational trauma. How bad could it be, yes? [ A smile. ]

You seem well-learned, do you have a favorite yourself?

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