Taking Faroe swimming for her birthday! She doesnt need floaties anymore at this age, right?

Arthur Lester and living for someone else: an essay I dreamt up while I had the flu

First, some clarification: when I say living for someone else, I mean taking them into consideration in your life. It is not about catering unhealthily to them, or enslaving yourself to their whims. living for someone else is the difference between feeling love for someone and acting on it. It's about treating love as an action.

In episode 31, we learn a lot about Arthur's past. While Bella was giving birth, he said to James, "I can't live for someone else!" and he wasn't wrong. He loves Faroe, even if he didn't love Bella, but he didn't truly live for her. Don't get me wrong; he wasn't a neglectful father. He was kind to her and tried to spend time with her. Ultimately, he made few sacrifices for her, but not none.

Once she was gone and Parker had helped him restore his will to live, he found contentment. And this is the most important part; he wasn't unhappy living for himself, having no one worry about where he was or what he was doing, and having no one depend on him. He was fine.

But he wasn't thriving. Guilt and loss aside, he was living the life he would've, had he never gotten Bella pregnant. And yet, despite everything, despite knowing that he prefers a life lived just for himself, Arthur still said that the time he spent with Faroe--for Faroe, so to speak--was the happiest of his life. He didn't allocate much time to that selfless joy, the joy of telling fairy tales to his little girl, of dedicating time to her, but he was happier with her than he would've been without her. Happier carving out a piece of himself and giving it to her, sharing it with her, hollowing out a space in his world for her to be safe and loved in.

But he did cave to himself. He didn't dedicate as much to her as a father should, because he didn't want to live for someone else.

Cut to episode 20. This is a different Arthur than the man who fathered Faroe. This Arthur has lost absolutely everything, except John.

Arthur has made up his mind. He knows he can't beat the King in Yellow, but he also refuses to let him have John. He knows that John doesn't want to return to the King, and he knows John doesn't want to die. But John has no real agency over his fate, as he is trapped within Arthur. John can't fight back, and he can't run away. The only way he can be protected from those terrible fates is if Arthur puts himself aside entirely and thinks only of John.

So he does. He faces the King, knowing that he might die, knowing that he might fail, but completely unwilling to make a call that would doom John. And the King sees that. That's why, during the confrontation, he says to Arthur, "You despise me... and yet you love him."

That line. That beautiful, poignant line, spoken so contemplatively by the bloodthirsty god of madness. He seeks to understand Arthur, to manipulate him, to find his true intention, and that is what he finds. "You love him" means "You act singularly out of love for John, with his best interest at the core of your every decision."

He knows, because of this, that he has lost. So he chooses to take out his anger on Arthur instead.

It would've been easier for Arthur to give up while his bones were being broken. He was helpless to stop the torment, but he knew he had the knife. He could've killed himself once he realized that he was going to be subject to eternal torture, and it would've made sense. But he didn't. In fact, he begged John not to return to the King even while screaming in agony, even knowing that if John left, the pain would end. Because John's fate mattered more to him than his own. So long as he endured, John would live.

It wasn't until he realized that John was leaving, sacrificing everything for him, that he decided to kill himself. If John was doomed regardless, then this way, at least he would be free from the King. And if Arthur's motivation was at all unclear--perhaps he was sacrificing himself because of all the people the King would hurt once fully restored--he clarifies it later, in season 3.

"I died for you. For a fucking voice in my head, that stole my eyesight. I fucking died for that. Do you have any idea how insane that sounds?"

It does sound insane. But he doesn't even mention the even crazier thing he did; being willing to live for the voice in his head. To live through unfathomable agony and terror of the King's torture, just to protect John. Dying for him was his last resort, because he shares a body with him. Dying for John could only save him from something worse than death.

This means that in order to love John, Arthur has to live for him in every way possible. He has to care for himself in order to care for John. He has to do things he doesn't want to do--like maybe one day sit through a film he can't see--to care for John. Every single experience--good and bad--that he has brings John life and humanity, and every good thing he does shows John how beautiful the world can be. His patience and forgiveness helps John to grow his own sense of compassion.

The core beauty of their relationship lies within this, at least for me. Arthur Lester, a man unable to live for anyone but himself, is put in a position where everything he does has a potent effect on a lost fragment of an eldritch being. And despite what that being is, despite the bloodlust and violence of his entire existence, he slowly becomes someone so full of love and compassion that he can hardly stand to ignore a person in need. Even before growing close with Arthur, he knew compassion from his new desire to grow. He wanted Arthur to spare the wraith in season 1, because he wanted to know that monsters can be saved and redeemed. And he kept growing from there. John shed his first ever tears for an innocent animal. He looked through Arthur's cruel words in season 3 and understood that they were fueled by self-hatred, and he stuck by him and refused to let him drown in his darkest moments. He was willing to risk everything for strangers victimized by a terrible monster. He begged Arthur not to take the stone from Mr. Scratch, because in doing so, someone innocent would have to pay the price.

Of course he isn't perfect (ahem, that whole thing with Oscar), but he has been loved enough to be transformed completely. He has been loved enough to return that love, not only to Arthur, but to people he doesn't know. Because Arthur lived for him.

Might as well just rot around the nursery and count sheep

I almost forgot to add these 🙃

I wanna draw Faroe so bad but I can’t draw toddlers :””)

All right, I am one day late for the correct day for this, but here is my contribution to @malevoversary. Faroe's song is gorgeous and I love making variations on musical themes.

Klaksvík, Faroe Islands

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of the Faroe Islands History, Culture, and Weather

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland, the Faroe Islands constitute an archipelago of stunning natural beauty and captivating history. These remote islands, characterized by dramatic cliffs, lush green valleys, and picturesque villages, have a unique cultural heritage shaped by their Norse origins, rugged terrain, and maritime traditions. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history, vibrant culture, and ever-changing weather that define the Faroe Islands.

History:

The history of the Faroe Islands dates back over a millennium, with evidence of human settlement dating as far back as the 6th century AD. Originally inhabited by Gaelic monks, the islands were later colonized by Norse settlers from Norway in the 9th century. These settlers established a distinct Norse culture and language that still prevails today.

Throughout the centuries, the Faroe Islands were subject to various external influences, including domination by the Kingdom of Norway, followed by the Kalmar Union with Denmark in the 14th century. In the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, the islands came under Danish control and remained so for several centuries.

In the 20th century, the Faroe Islands gradually gained greater autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark, culminating in the establishment of Home Rule in 1948. Today, the Faroese people govern their internal affairs, including cultural and economic matters, while Denmark retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defense.

Culture:

The culture of the Faroe Islands is deeply rooted in Norse traditions, with a strong emphasis on community, storytelling, and the sea. The Faroese language, closely related to Icelandic and Old Norse, is the official language and serves as a symbol of cultural identity.

Music and dance play an integral role in Faroese culture, with traditional folk songs known as kvæði and chain dancing still practiced during festivals and celebrations. The islands also have a thriving contemporary music scene, with local bands gaining international recognition for their unique blend of traditional and modern influences.

Fishing has been a cornerstone of the Faroese economy and culture for centuries, shaping the way of life and providing sustenance to the islanders. The annual Grindadráp, or pilot whale hunt, is a controversial tradition that continues to divide opinions both locally and internationally, reflecting the complex relationship between tradition, sustainability, and modern values.

Despite its remote location, the Faroe Islands have embraced modern technology and innovation while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural heritage. This blend of tradition and progress is evident in everything from architecture and design to cuisine and literature, making the islands a dynamic and intriguing destination for visitors.

Weather:

The Faroe Islands' weather is characterized by its maritime climate, with mild winters, cool summers, and frequent precipitation throughout the year. The islands are often shrouded in mist and fog, lending an ethereal atmosphere to the rugged landscapes.

Due to their location in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are subject to rapid weather changes, with sunny spells giving way to sudden squalls and shifting winds. This unpredictable weather adds to the island's allure but also presents challenges for residents and visitors alike, requiring preparedness and flexibility when exploring the outdoors.

Despite the ever-changing weather, the Faroe Islands offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking and birdwatching to sea angling and kayaking. Each season brings its own unique charms, whether it's the vibrant colors of spring, the endless daylight of summer, or the dramatic storms of winter.

In conclusion, the Faroe Islands stand as a testament to the resilience of a people shaped by their environment, history, and cultural heritage. With its captivating landscapes, rich traditions, and dynamic climate, this remote archipelago continues to enchant and inspire all who venture to its shores.

oh my gods oh my gods "welly boots" by the amazing devils is so faroeverse coded i could scream i could cry i could sob

"How could you leave me here?" you'll scream And louder, I'll scream back to you from that unknown And say, "I know you're strong enough, I know you're strong enough I know you're strong enough to do this on your-"

BE SO FOR REAL??! IT'S THEMMMM.

oh, and let's not forget

I get to watch you grow up now and make me proud Make all of the mistakes that make me laugh Oh, darling, Lord, how you make me laugh Get drunk for me, sing louder than you've sung for me Grow young each time that thunder in your lungs Begins to rumble at the world

i'm fucking unzipped lads, unzipped.

@maik_lipp

See more like this.

oh my godddd this show is so good are you fucking kidding me

faroe

NationCats Flag Cards - Faroe Islands