#light weaver

drew some of the Spiders from our Discord server using @kiamsoda​‘s base!

Children's cartoons regularly use power imbalances, or the *texture* of an abusive relationships to characterize a villain's dynamic with their supporting cast. But the conversation usually stops at that point. (And to clarify, this is FINE!)

But She-Ra doesn't WANT to rest on implications or shorthand for what the deal between Catra, Adora, and Shadow Weaver is. There's a commitment to exploring this problem within these people & their ‘family unit’.

And as we move into season 2, Shadow Weaver’s toxicity isn't necessarily attributed to 'evil magic'; her flashback episode showcases a Light Weaver who expertly manipulated children. That is to say, Light Weaver didn't just drink Evil Juice and start emotionally abusing kids; she always had these abilities & tendencies. Her relationship with Micah (preying on his insecurities & rewarding loyalty with affection) is darkly prophetic to how she would treat Catra.

Even this behavior pattern didn't come from nowhere. As an instructor, it is *logical* that Light Weaver would need to form bonds with children who were dependent on her & structure praise around good performance. But she was ready to use these skills in an unacceptable way.