caughtinanetwork

[Being here in Vatheon is a whole lot different than being at home, for Jacob.]

[Not because of the change of scene or anything, or the various sorts of people here who he would have never known if he had never been taken here from the island. It's because, back home, he knew what sort of things were going to happen. The future was already laid out for him like a giant loom, and all he had to do was tie threads together and pull them around to ensure that it would never be unchanged.]

[But here, the future is dark and murky, and even though most of his powers have not gone away, he can't help but feel a little bit of concern that something will happen that he won't be able to predict. Even recently, there had been a bad feeling in his gut that he can't quite get rid of, an itch on the back of his mind. Something bad will occur.]

[When he finally turns the camera on, he doesn't quite meet the camera with his eyes, choosing to say something softly under his breath:]

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes...

[And then he shakes his head and smiles as he looks up, looking completely calm as he always is.]

You know, I've always wondered about the origins of superstitions. How, exactly, did people believe that salt could get rid of evil spirits, or how did black cats become symbols of bad luck? Somebody somewhere must have connected some dots, and said "Oh, opening that umbrella inside a building made me have a horrible day" or something similar, and then proceeded not to do it again for the rest of their lives.

But, of course, the most important question here is- are they really true? Can breaking a mirror give you seven years of bad luck? It depends on the person, really...believing in superstitions is kind of like religion, oddly. Some don't believe in it at all, and some believe in some, but not others. For example, in China, hospitals don't have a 4th floor, as the word for 4 rhymes with "death" in Chinese. Every culture has their list of superstitions and omens,and they can really reveal much about a group of people.

[And a pause as he tilts his head.] So...I know that everyone comes from their own individual worlds here, so here is a question for you: what are some common superstitions or omens that you know of from where you come from? Even if you come from Earth, like me, it'll still be interesting to hear what you have to say.

[Jacob smiles, though his overall expression is still a bit troubled, and turns off the camera. He'd have to wait and see whether his bad feeling would pan out at all. He sincerely hoped it wouldn't.]

[ooc: Once again, if you haven't done so yet, please fill out Jacob's permission post if you can about what he can know about your character thanks to his omniscience powers and what not. Thank you!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Very good.

[ He's actually quite impressed. ]

Most are quite easy to dismiss such superstitions as nothing more than old wives' tales however, I can assure you some indeed hold quite a bit of weight in the past.

Some others tend to forget the darker times, when demons wandered free upon the earth and the night was truly a terrifying hour indeed.

Hmmm. Well, in my world, we did not have such literally demonic times, though the Middle Ages were quite dark in their own way...but I am quite familiar with the fact that monsters did and do still exist.

[Like a certain sentient cloud of smoke which kills everyone who steps foot on his island.]

But yes, I realize how the times were different back then...some superstitions were much more literal than people realize.

The middle ages were indeed rather dark times. It is, however, a precious small few who realize the presence of monsters as you so call them.

[ Small smile here. Read it as you will. Good memories, the Middle Ages though. ]

Some superstitions evolved from the need to protect oneself from other human beings, some to conserve resources such as that concerning the salt which you mentioned.

[ A beat. ]

That of the salt being able to keep away demons comes from the belief that if one spilled salt, one must throw it over one's shoulder correct? The thinking here was that salt was such a precious commodity that the devil had caused one to spill it. Salt being a mineral used for purifying as well as in cooking was said to be harmful to demons because of this property.

Does that answer your question?

People with special abilities, or the monsters themselves?

[And an understanding nod.]

Yes, it does. The origins are quite interesting...back then, religion seemed to be everywhere, you know. What with the superstitions surrounding the devil and things you could do to elevate yourself in God's eyes...

Perhaps both. Most, after all, were quite superstitious in antiquity.

[ Have a chuckle for that. ]

Ah, but were they superstitions indeed or do God and the devil exist? Certainly one could not peg the belief in such things as mass hysteria.

Monsters were superstitious too? Interesting.

[A slight shrug.] Perhaps, perhaps not. People believe what they want to believe. But I know that people can often sense there is something larger at play than they. Whether that is "God" is up for interpretation.

I simply haven't the urge to debate on matters concerning religion as I'd much rather believe that one can carry faith in whatever one chooses, may it be religion or superstition.

[ A small smile. ]

But then I must wonder... just what do you believe in? A higher power? Old wives' tales, perhaps?

Exactly. If you believe in something, keep believing in it. It's your choice.

[He ponders that for a moment.] I do believe in a higher power, quite honestly. But it's more of the higher power of Fate itself rather than an actual God. If God exists, then He exists, and if He doesn't, He doesn't. But I know for a fact that there is something greater in power then most people can understand.

A safe answer. Most haven't the courage to condemn their souls entirely when they've been raised a certain way to believe certain things.

[ Ah, Vatheon. Never cease to to satisfy his thirst for philosophical conversation. ]

And what have you learned? Are the people of Vatheon a superstitious lot?

nona

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