awanderingbard | Don't mind me, just being daemonic again

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Don't mind me, just being daemonic again

joonscribble and I worked together to choose daemons for the Avengers, but now I find myself working on a Thor fic, and so I've had to suss out the Asgardian daemons. Natter below.

For my Aesir daemons, I tried to use animals that would have been known to the vikings. Loki and Heimdall are the exceptions, but I thought with Loki's love of travel and reading, and Heimdall's ability to see everywhere, they might have seen some other animals to pick from.

Loki
Galdra (Old Norse, from 'Galdr', meaning 'magic staff')
an alien variation of a caracal.
Caracals are desert lynxes, with the ability to form a variety of sounds. They are solitary, and travel great distances to find their own territories. They are very agile, and adept hunters, who stalk their prey, and who can leap high enough in the air to catch a bird in flight.

Odin
Brynja (Old Norse, meaning 'armor')
a polar bear.
Polar bears are extremely powerful hunters, who use different techniques to attack their prey, depending on the situation. They are cautious in confrontations, and will only attack when severely provoked. Bears were considered a suitable gift for a king in the Viking age.

Frigga
Runi (Old Norse, meaning 'secret lore)
a norwegian lynx.
Norwegian lynx are sleek, agile cats, who hunt their prey with stalking, ambushing, and stealth. They raise their children, and teach them to hunt. Lynxes drew goddesses carriages in Norse mythology.

Sif
Avindur (Old Norse, meaning 'against the wind')
an arctic wolf.
Arctic wolves are unafraid of people, and fierce hunters. They live in packs, and hunt as a group, with an alpha male and an alpha female.

Fandral -- Nanna (Old Norse, meaning 'daring'), a pine marten. I wanted something sort of agile and swashbuckling for Fandral, and pine martens are quick and known for being some of the best hunters amongst the tree tops.

Volstagg -- Thruda (Old Norse, from 'Þrùð' meaning 'strength'), an Asgardian wild boar (rather similar to a warthog). Volstagg is known for his strength in battle, so I wanted something sturdy and solid for him. He's also portayed as big eater and on the heavy side, so I thought a pig would do him nicely. And her tusks give her an air of danger, which means she can hold her own, despite her size.

Hogun-- Emine (Turkish, meaning 'honest/reliable/trustworthy'), a short-eared owl. Hogun seems to be based on a Mongol culture, rather than a Viking one, so I choose an owl native to Mongolia, and a name from Turkish (which was common amongst Mongol peoples during their empire). Hogun is supposed to be the wise and measured one of the Warriors Three, and owls are thought to be wise by stereotype. He's also known as 'the grim', so I chose one with a grumpy face.

Heimdall-- Saga (Old Norse, meaning 'seeing'), a mantis shrimp. Mantis shrimp are badass little things, who have the most amazing eyes amongst the animal kingdom. They have trinocular vision, and can see in multiple spectrums. They are also rather viscious, and have been known to break the tanks when kept as pets. And they are rainbow coloured, and Heimdall is in charge of the rainbow bridge.

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These are all pretty badass. Heimdall's might be my favorite though.

Heimdall's daemon took awhile to find. I wanted to give him a tarsier, but they were just too cute looking for him, so I settled on the shrimp.

I've done Merlin daemons now. Please help me.

I've done Merlin daemons now. Please help me.

I've been writing daemon fic so I think I'm in the sinking ship with you.

I'm sorry I got you into this situation. Eventually I will run out of characters to daemonize though, and then..maybe everything will be okay.

We really should find a responsible adult to supervise us.

A part of me loves this whole daemon world because there is such good fic fodder. I mean, writing interactions between Issie and Shess has brought me great joy and internal squee. But...yeah, I need to stop staring at people's pets on the street and thinking about them as manifestations of their soul.

I am so glad I'm not the only one who does this. Or sees pics like this (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/321866704591968343/) and goes 'daemons!'.

Someone pointed out on tumblr that one of their steps of character development is deciding what daemon their character might have, and I wonder if that's what appeals to me. The character development part. Because I am all about the character development. And names. There are also the names.

I like how you can show something about the human characters by having their daemons do something. Like the humans might be fighting but their daemons are cozily huddled together. It's a bit like the conscious and unconscious at work which appeals to my psychologist self.

And there are the names. And the animals.

It's a bit like the conscious and unconscious at work which appeals to my psychologist self.

Ah, yeah, I can see why that aspect appeals to you. I also like having someone's conscience there to talk to them directly, and contrasting the different viewpoints that way. Putting those inner arguments into a conversation form is very interesting.

Putting those inner arguments into a conversation form is very interesting.

It's like someone talking to themselves only less crazy looking. Uh..yeah.

On an unrelated note, more photos of people as pandas:
http://bicoastalbitchin.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/panda3.png
http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2012/10/12/1226494/222564-panda-suits.jpg

I think the real pandas in these are like, "...Let's get out of here."

C'mon, those panda suits in the second pic aren't even trying. They're basically t-shirts and pillowcases. Poor pandas.

I think the real pandas in these are like, "...Let's get out of here."

"I know this is a good neighbourhood, Steve, but I just don't like those ones next door. They're creepy."
"They're just trying to be friendly, Martha."

I think the panda in the first pic is rather disturbed by the fake panda in the back that looks like it's "laughing."

I just took a Buzzfeed quiz that told me what sort of bear I am (because why not?). I'm a panda. Good job, Buzzfeed.

I'm slightly disturbed by the one adjusting his head.

I'm a panda. Good job, Buzzfeed.

Just looked this up. I am a sun bear. I can live with that. Apparently that's what Baloo is in the Jungle Book is, and I do know the Bare Necessities in both English and French, so I'm already armed with the skills I need.

I'm slightly disturbed by the one adjusting his head.

I saw a pic of one with its head off. That was weird.

I am a sun bear.

Aw, you're the same as Shessida post-Winter Soldier.

I saw a pic of one with its head off. That was weird.

I hope they don't do that in front of the baby pandas.

Aw, you're the same as Shessida post-Winter Soldier.

I distinctly remember contemplating a sun bear for one of my Sherlock daemons, but I can't remember for which character now. I think it might have been Stamford.

I decided to use heraldry animal meanings for my Merlin characters, since I thought that would be a good resource of how they might have viewed or been influenced by animal symbols, and I found out that giraffes used to be called cameleopards, because they thought that they were from a camel and a leopard mating. That is almost as adorable as the new world explorers who thought that narwhals were unicorns.

giraffes used to be called cameleopards, because they thought that they were from a camel and a leopard mating.

That actually sounds completely legit if you know nothing about how mating works. They're totally a mash up of a camel and leopard!

What's your daemon for Merlin? I'm super curious. Were any mythical animals involved for the characters? In any other universe, daemons being mythical creatures might indicate a kind of fancifulness from the person but since the Merlin verse actually HAS magical creatures is it more commonplace?

In any other universe, daemons being mythical creatures might indicate a kind of fancifulness from the person but since the Merlin verse actually HAS magical creatures is it more commonplace?

That is something I totally considered, but at the moment, none of my characters have magical creatures, due to the fact that I felt like Uther would put anyone to death who had a magical creature for a daemon, in fear that that person was magical. Also most of ones I found appeared on the show as 'shit, sorcery, kill it!' . But I do think that some people in that universe do have magical creatures, and they do tend to have magic.

But I gave Merlin a duck. Because they are symbol of someone of many resources in heraldry, and also, they look mild-mannered, but are actually pretty vicious and dangerous when roused. I gave him a golden cascade (http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Ducks/GoldCas/GoldenCasDuckHead.JPEG) duck, because gold=magic and also they look like such cheerful dorks.

'shit, sorcery, kill it!'

I feel like this should be a meme.

But I gave Merlin a duck.

I don't know why but I laughed extremely loudly when I read this. It's so perfect and in line with Merlin as a character and how he's portrayed in the show. He's like the Messiah of magic and yet he's this completely gawky dorky teen. It's so fitting his daemon would be as unassuming as a duck.

He's like the Messiah of magic and yet he's this completely gawky dorky teen. It's so fitting his daemon would be as unassuming as a duck.

I kind of liked the idea that the druids would be waiting for Emrys and his fiercesome daemon, and then Merlin and his little duck waddle in all 'hullo! I'm the Chosen One'.

'hullo! I'm the Chosen One'.

Hahaha! He'd totally say it that way too.

I had this Dresden Files/Merlin crossover ficlet where Harry and Bob meet Merlin and Bob is slightly mortified.

I had this Dresden Files/Merlin crossover ficlet where Harry and Bob meet Merlin and Bob is slightly mortified.

Ha! Awesome.

"This is the guy that created all the laws of magic? He can barely tie his shoes, Bob."
"Yes, well, you are hardly one to talk, Harry."
"I'm not calling myself Merlin, though am I?"

I feel like Harry wouldn't know to be amused or just insulted that this is the guy the Council's been propping up for centuries. I wanted to somehow get the Wardens there. If anything to have them keep bowing to Merlin while Arthur's all, "What is happening?!"

If anything to have them keep bowing to Merlin while Arthur's all, "What is happening?!"

Ha! And Merlin probably feeling the same way.

And thus the law of not swimming against the streams of time is born, because Merlin can't put up with all these wizards coming back to gawk at him all the time.

And thus the law of not swimming against the streams of time is born, because Merlin can't put up with all these wizards coming back to gawk at him all the time.

This is probably how the entire laws of Magic are born because after that whole fiasco Merlin is probably like, "There really has to be some rules about this sort of thing."

Ha! I love the idea that Harry inadvertantly caused the Laws of Magic to be created by accidentally breaking on and going back in time. That is so Harry's life in a nutshell.

"Yeah, figures I basically almost got myself killed by a law I inspired the creation of."

"Yeah, figures I basically almost got myself killed by a law I inspired the creation of."

Bob: Morbidly apropos.

Harry inadvertantly caused the Laws of Magic to be created by accidentally breaking on and going back in time. That is so Harry's life in a nutshell.

Harry's life is basically one big FML.

Harry's life is basically one big FML.

He and Merlin could commiserate on this, I imagine.

I like the idea of Harry giving Merlin life advice. I think even Bob would be slightly touched by that. Even as he questions his career pride after meeting Merlin. Actually, Morgan would probably have the larger life crisis after meeting Merlin.

I think even Bob would be slightly touched by that.

Aww, yeah. Two hapless wizards talking about the burdens they have on them, and Bob being like 'perhaps I raised him properly after all'.

Actually, Morgan would probably have the larger life crisis after meeting Merlin.

Morgan: *sitting with his head in his hands*
Merlin: Is he all right?
Harry: Don't mind him, he's just questioning his entire existence.

Because this is what I do now, apparently: Merlin and Sigrun (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/AWanderingMinstrel/Photo%20Manip/Daemons/SigrunMerlin.png).

Did you do something to make Sigrun have a similar smile to Merlin's? Because if not, good job on finding a duck that's slightly smiling. Either way, good job! It's so adorable!

Nope, that's how she came. I chose her because she looked a little mischievous and a had a bit of a sparkle in her eye.

Thank you! I get a stupid amount of pleasure from doing these.

I get a stupid amount of pleasure from doing these.

I get a stupid amount of pleasure staring at these. I've looked at the one of Steve and Issie a few times while writing. I tell myself it's for inspiration and not at all a little weird.

It's no weird than how much time I take making them, and at least it's providing help! I can probably make a Bucky and Shess one, if you let me know which version of both you'd like and you think it would be helpful.

I can probably make a Bucky and Shess one,

!!!

The Winter Soldier ones would probably be a bit difficult given the alternating forms. So probably from the first movie. But the Cap1 might be challenging in that I'm not sure if one can find a full body picture of Bucky to go along with a black bear. So uh...this is me saying I'd squee forever if you made one but don't feel the need to spend too much time. Especially if finding a usable photo proves difficult.

I shall certainly see what I can do. I put Volstagg's pig on a plinth to get her in shot, so I can perhaps finagle something. I like a challenge. :-D

I like a challenge. :-D

Good luck and eeeee!

If a usable photo of Bucky is not findable, I'd be more than gleeful with one of just Issie and Shess. The entire fic I'm doing is from their viewpoints so it would make sense.

I have a photo that's definitely workable, but I don't know how big Shess is. How high would she reach on him on all fours? Like, hip height? Shorter?

This is probably a good approximation: http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110720195800/animals/images/c/c8/Human_Black_Bear_Size_Comparrison.jpg

The chart compares an average adult black bear to a six foot man. Sebastian Stan is 5'11 so it's around this.

Here we go: Bucky and Shessida (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/AWanderingMinstrel/Photo%20Manip/Daemons/BuckyShess.png). Hope she's the right size.

Aaaah! It's SO good! Shess looks both huggable and slightly menacing which is perfect.

I'm impressed all around. By your photoshopping skills along with your abilities to find usable photos.

Thank you so much!!

Oh, good! I'm glad you like it.

I'm lucky in that they often do costume test shots, which tend to be full body, and then the promo people use them for posters and stuff, but usually fansites have hi rez copies of the unedited pics. The people I had the hardest time with were Frigga and Fandral, the rest I've managed pretty well. I just find having them makes me able to visualize everything better.

You're very welcome. Someone might as well have some use out of all this madness. :-D

You're very welcome. Someone might as well have some use out of all this madness. :-D

All your portraits are so much fun to look at. I know there are like 7 fics waiting because of them. I just need to get through this weekend and my Word Fairy and I will be ready to finish up. It's the first time I'm making HER wait.

I'd say 'so there', but they're so fickle, I'd be afraid to anger her. You should just offer her some tea and cakes while she waits. Hopefully she'll stick around. I will wish you good thoughts!

Thanks! And thanks again for the portrait! I shall be staring at it lots in the future I know. (Yeah, it does sound a little creepy all typed out...)

Hee! Don't worry, I know what you mean. I'm glad it's useful. I'm going to bed shortly. Goodnight!

Psst, I did Issie and Shess this morning. Here (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/AWanderingMinstrel/Photo%20Manip/Daemons/ShessIssie.png).

Issie's probably post-serum, as she's a little bigger than a standard TR terrier, I would say.

Edited 2014-06-19 16:38 (UTC)

Awwwww....

They look a little unsure of each other which makes sense since it's post-serum. It's like you've looked inside my brain and saw the snippets I'm writing about these two.

I did try to give Shess a smile, but she looked weird, so I kept her a bit bewildered looking. Issie looks like she's trying to be friendly and Shess looks like 'so, you're big now, that's weird'.

I don't know if this will be useful to you, or maybe just entertaining, but there's a behind the scenes video of Michael Fassbender working with black bears for A Bear Named Winnie. It's here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-kaiCd4EU8). It's not all him, but it might help you see how a black bear and human might interacting with each other.

Edited 2014-06-19 22:30 (UTC)

'so, you're big now, that's weird'.

Yeah, Shess remains a bit weirded out by it longer than Bucky is by Steve, much to Issie's annoyance. She didn't even grow four times her size!

it might help you see how a black bear and human might interacting with each other.

Thanks!

Yeah, Shess remains a bit weirded out by it longer than Bucky is by Steve, much to Issie's annoyance. She didn't even grow four times her size!

Awww, that's because she was his soul and plenty big enough to start with. *doesn't pet her, because that would be wrong*

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Don't mind me, just being daemonic again

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