π + power
sendΒ π + a topic to receive a headcanon about said topic. I'm in fundamental disagreement with some habitual readings of Tristan as power-hungry at a rather basic level. I think his ambitions are actually nuanced and complex. I actually would go as far as to express that there is enough canon-material to rightfully argue that Tristan is not interested at all in power for power's sake. He doesn't even respect it. A common backstory within the TVD universe, not only among vampires, involves all kinds of characters who grow an obsession or fixation with power mainly because they felt powerless at some previous point of their lives. But Tristan doesn't fit this. I would say he had a complicated relationship with power even as a human. Often feeling like the most powerful person in the room, even more than his father, and yet in some aspects also frustratingly perceiving himself as the the one with least say on some matters. I think he grew up exploring the subtleties and contradictions of different forms of power. He interprets it as a useful if potentially treacherous tool. But just a tool in the the end. Never the objective in itself. Power as a form of control doesn't hold any allure to him because Tristan never needed to have these more raw variations of power in order to feel like the one in control. He already does. Tristan as a human, confronting the "demons" invading his home: Klaus: "This is not going to be pleasant." Tristan: "Do so at your peril."
But this was him as a human!- an observer might say. Surely he changed his tune with time. Tristan's first instinct a millennium later, at a table that included two Originals and an exceedingly powerful witch. Tristan: Harm my sister and I'll be forced to return the favor.
Facing someone with inherent strength, speed or "power" that surpasses his own is never something Tristan cowers from. It is a matter of methodology. And in this I would like to compare him with Lucien. Because I believe their perspectives contrast each other interestingly. See these two quotes, side by side. Lucien: I will leave you with one lesson. Against vampires, humansΒ alwaysΒ lose.Β ---- Hayley: These vampires areΒ ancient. How is Marcel supposed to beat one of them? Tristan: With guile, courage...perhaps a bit of trickery. Lucien's traumas stem from those who wronged him and were hierarchically above him in one way or another (Tristan included) It is understandable to develop a point of view from where the solution is entirely hierarchical as well. His answer is to "upgrade" himself until he is the one on the top. For Tristan, who grew up among the the ones who were at the top and observed them well, anyone can already be beaten. His solution is to outmaneuver, outsmart and outplay. And this mixture of bravery and intelligence is something he highlights in another episode as a formidable combination. But Lex...Doesn't he spend century after century seeking for more power? I'm glad you asked, my imaginary interviewer. And my answer is: Is that what he is seeking? Aya: Tristan has been a collector of extraordinary talent for the better part of a millennium. He chooses the best of the best and helps them evolve. Aya: One of our more famous faces. We count amongst our society celebrated actors, artists, politicians... Of course, most of us prefer to live a life outside of the public eye. That doesn't make our talents any less impressive. Aya: Β We're the top of the food chain. The smartest, the strongest. And, we take what we want. The Strix under Tristan is not an army (although it certain can and will be employed as one if there is need to see it adopting such role) It is...Well...A court. There are within its ranks some extraordinarily remarkable warriors. But it is also a pinnacle of the arts. Of accomplishment, influence and marvel. Power is another factor among these. But only one. All of these divisions give us a clue concerning Tristan's genuine fixation. Because while it isn't power itself, Tristan does have an eternal fascination of his own: Greatness. Uniqueness. Talent. Creativity. That fusion of bravery and cunning. The remarkable and the sublime. Even beauty is in here, considering some of his comments. Forms of greatness. These are the things Tristan exhibits sincere, personal interest towards. Power is, once again, a tool. Even when he directly addresses power on the show it is always under the particular lenses of "special among.." and "like no other." Power and influence are instruments to create the music he wishes to hear. It serves to protect what is worthy of being protected and to get him what he yearns for. Now I feel awfully tempted to go on, rambling about my headcanons regarding why Tristan feels this constant beckoning towards greatness. Because while he mostly enjoys the hunt, it isn't unimportant to notice that a part of him feels that he must do the things he does. As an obligation to himself. But that wasn't the chosen word. And I tortured you with enough of a long answer already.
