It is a lil crazy how literally all the Beasts are depressed and lonely, just in their own little special ways. They had authority thrust upon them with no chance to choose it- no chance to say no. And when they inevitably became corrupted, they never really got the chance to just be themselves, did they? They never actually realized they could relinquish their power, or at least take a vacation- just for a little while. They just changed their methods of their regimes. I wonder- has any of them actually considered the option? Were any of them punished for trying to find a successor?
My interpretation of their plights:
Shadow Milk: Endlessly explaining and educating with no genuine appreciation- worship, sure, but not understanding. To be loved is to be known, and who could meet the Fount of Knowledge in that regard? So, he started to not be as genuine, and got even more worship for it. He realized that no one actually loved him for who he was, but what he could teach them. He was tired, and all his work seemed for naught. Thus, he started to toy with people, make them act like how he wanted, not the other way around. Still, he did not find love here.
Burning Spice: He loved overseeing the evolution of the land, culture, ecosystems, and societies. However, when he would get attached, something would always change, always lead to the downfall of the places and people he treasured. Not only that, but starting from the beginning over and over and over again is enough to drive anyone insane. He was tired, and all his work seemed for naught. So, why not enjoy the chaos? Why not submerge himself in the mania? If all was going to fall eventually, he might as well actually enjoy it. Still, he did not find satisfaction here.
Mystic Flour: Guiding people through their wants and convictions is a tough job. Even more so when they’re asking her to do all the work. She granted whatever was asked of her- if there was something someone truly desired, then all they needed to do was take the first step, and she would help them along the way. Overtime, she noticed cookies always wanting more, and disregarding her as soon as they were satisfied- did her effort mean nothing to them? Did her conviction to their betterment go completely unnoticed? Did they even know what they actually wanted? They keep changing their minds, coming back for more, never satisfied. Did they ever consider what she wanted? She was tired, and all her work seemed for naught. She found rest, however unsatisfying, in not caring anymore. They never cared, so why should she? Still, she did not find comfort here- just an absence of the pain.
Eternal Sugar: All she ever wanted was people to be happy. Yet, others kept choosing paths that would stress them, harm them, break them. She certainly wasn’t happy when all her dearly loved companions continued to suffer. Every time she loved, every time it seemed like she would be safe, surely they’ll stay this time, all her friends, companions, and lovers would be eventually ripped away from her. What’s worse- they chose those paths! Didn’t they know she loved them?! Why would they abandon her! Hadn’t she done enough?! Wasn’t… she… enough? She was tired, and all her work seemed for naught. If they were always going to choose to leave, she simply wouldn’t leave them a choice. They’d see- they were better off with her, and she was better off with them. Still, she would not find happiness here. If someone didn’t have a choice to love you, then they never loved you at all.
Silent Salt: we do not know them yet and I will update with an analysis when we do.
The biggest difference between the Ancients and the Beasts will always be that the Ancients chose their mantle- I fear the Beasts did not. We’ve seen all the Ancients run away from their responsibilities and failures. Can you imagine how painful it would be if you didn’t even get a choice? They became tired, and all their work seemed for naught. Work they didn’t even want anymore. Still, their actions did not lead to happiness, love, understanding, or community. They just traded one pain for another.
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