- Jan 25, 2009
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Is there a specific religion within the world of comics (if a comic-book lover) that stands out to you more so than others? If anyone has any thoughts, would love to hear sometime. All I ask for all participating is 3 things:
I like it in regards to the way they took the mythology of Atlantis and Greek culture and merged that into the character - with them also taking Arthurian legends/Celtic concepts and making it a part of the history of the character, as seen in how he was at one point blessed with powers by the Lady of the Lake - the one who gave Arthur his sword Excaliber
To see them connect myths together is always amazing - but to see his characterization and symbolism is very significant.
Again, It is fascinating seeing how the religion of Aquaman (Arthur Curry/Orin) was also connected with Greek culture. More specifically, the kingdom Aquaman rules over is the culture of Atlantis (as he's an Atlantean-human hybrid )--and as is the case with most Atlanteans, Aquaman can be classified as a Greco-Roman classical religionist who worships Neptune (also known as Poseidon), God of the Seas. Interestingly enough, within the comic portrayal, Atlantean Neptune worship is essentially the "state religion" of Atlantis and the majority of Atlanteans are adherents, although as is the case with most state religions, religious observance varies among individuals, from nominal to devout....much in the same way that Russian Orthodoxy is the official state religion in Russia...even though not all celebrate it out of real concern for God as much as for cultural heritage. Whereas others are more devout in her devotion to their gods, others like Aquaman are not as "reverent" for a host of reasons. For Aquaman, what matters is the pragmatic side of things where there is belief in the creators of the world - and yet in the long scheme of things, he realizes that it's really upon him to ensure whether or not things get done. In Aquaman's world, he has to be the answer to his own prayers...
And he a very complicated character in that he is one who will do what is necessary to protect his people and represent the system of religion he came from even when it means that he will be an anti-hero or rebel to many other things in the process - someone who has access to an unknown realm that many are not aware of....and who seeks to ensure others respect what's present in nature and yet finds himself alone in the process. As another noted best:
As expansive as Aquamans' abilities are, he is still greatly limited by the world he lives in and continually burdened by the circumstances around him. Aquaman, to me, represents the reality of what it means to experience being a Christian Atheist - or a Theistic Atheist in that one believes in God/the Creator and yet still feels the tension of being alone in the battle of being expected to serve as your Creator demands and yet feeling like it's largely on you (as discussed before here).
1.) Be respectful even if you disagree with a character and share what about the religion/culture of the person you enjoy
2.) Give a picture of the comic you're speaking of, as not all may be aware of it..
3.) Have fun - this is a thread for the sake of fellowship and appreciation of the diversity within the comic world, as art truly does reflect life in many respecrs.
That said, one of my favorite comic religions of all time has to perhaps be the one from Aquaman's universe2.) Give a picture of the comic you're speaking of, as not all may be aware of it..
3.) Have fun - this is a thread for the sake of fellowship and appreciation of the diversity within the comic world, as art truly does reflect life in many respecrs.
I like it in regards to the way they took the mythology of Atlantis and Greek culture and merged that into the character - with them also taking Arthurian legends/Celtic concepts and making it a part of the history of the character, as seen in how he was at one point blessed with powers by the Lady of the Lake - the one who gave Arthur his sword Excaliber
To see them connect myths together is always amazing - but to see his characterization and symbolism is very significant.
Again, It is fascinating seeing how the religion of Aquaman (Arthur Curry/Orin) was also connected with Greek culture. More specifically, the kingdom Aquaman rules over is the culture of Atlantis (as he's an Atlantean-human hybrid )--and as is the case with most Atlanteans, Aquaman can be classified as a Greco-Roman classical religionist who worships Neptune (also known as Poseidon), God of the Seas. Interestingly enough, within the comic portrayal, Atlantean Neptune worship is essentially the "state religion" of Atlantis and the majority of Atlanteans are adherents, although as is the case with most state religions, religious observance varies among individuals, from nominal to devout....much in the same way that Russian Orthodoxy is the official state religion in Russia...even though not all celebrate it out of real concern for God as much as for cultural heritage. Whereas others are more devout in her devotion to their gods, others like Aquaman are not as "reverent" for a host of reasons. For Aquaman, what matters is the pragmatic side of things where there is belief in the creators of the world - and yet in the long scheme of things, he realizes that it's really upon him to ensure whether or not things get done. In Aquaman's world, he has to be the answer to his own prayers...
And he a very complicated character in that he is one who will do what is necessary to protect his people and represent the system of religion he came from even when it means that he will be an anti-hero or rebel to many other things in the process - someone who has access to an unknown realm that many are not aware of....and who seeks to ensure others respect what's present in nature and yet finds himself alone in the process. As another noted best:
While his power level and overall skill sets are mightily impressive, the land-based bias that we air-breathers have prevents many people from taking Aquaman seriously, and lots of folk typecast him in the role of the fish out of water (see what I did there).
Who is Aquaman?
Raised by a father who ran a lighthouse, Arthur Curry always knew he was different, but didn’t always know how or why. The ultimate reason was that his mother was an Atlantean princess and his father was a human, which made Arthur a rare half-breed, but also ultimately, the heir of the underwater Throne. His abilities manifested themselves most strongly when he was in water, and eventually, he joined the Justice League of America as a founding member.
...Does this character represent the powers or fight against them?
Aquaman is directly on the fence here. On one hand, he can be a radical eco-activist, who levels strong and valid critique to those who use and abuse the world, and especially its oceans for their own purposes. It is part the charm of Aquaman, honestly. Yet, on the other side, Aquaman firmly represents what amounts to the largest empire that has ever existed, given that he rules the entire ocean, and that covers 3/4 of the Earth. Also, when in his role as underwater king, Arther acts very much the part. He tries to avoid conflict, but ultimately often succumbs to the will of his people and often lets go of his strong morality in favor of pleasing this faction or that.
Does this character have a spirituality? No? I don't think it is really ever mentioned that I can think of, but the imagery of Atlantis is solidly Greek/Posidedonic. Also, in the one or two times in the last 60 years that Aquaman is seen to pray, it is to Father Neptune. Having said that, I can't think of Aquaman ever doing anything remotely religious or vaguely spiritual, besides uttering an oath before battle. So no. He is likely a nominal Neptunian. ...is constant struggle with his two lives breeds conflict and drama nearly every issue. He struggles as an outsider to both his peoples and you can really feel his tension at desperately wanting to fit in somewhere, but ultimately not. The fantasy and Arthurian legends that often overlay Aquaman's super-heroic stories form a depth that many comics don't reach.
Who is Aquaman?
Raised by a father who ran a lighthouse, Arthur Curry always knew he was different, but didn’t always know how or why. The ultimate reason was that his mother was an Atlantean princess and his father was a human, which made Arthur a rare half-breed, but also ultimately, the heir of the underwater Throne. His abilities manifested themselves most strongly when he was in water, and eventually, he joined the Justice League of America as a founding member.
...Does this character represent the powers or fight against them?
Aquaman is directly on the fence here. On one hand, he can be a radical eco-activist, who levels strong and valid critique to those who use and abuse the world, and especially its oceans for their own purposes. It is part the charm of Aquaman, honestly. Yet, on the other side, Aquaman firmly represents what amounts to the largest empire that has ever existed, given that he rules the entire ocean, and that covers 3/4 of the Earth. Also, when in his role as underwater king, Arther acts very much the part. He tries to avoid conflict, but ultimately often succumbs to the will of his people and often lets go of his strong morality in favor of pleasing this faction or that.
Does this character have a spirituality? No? I don't think it is really ever mentioned that I can think of, but the imagery of Atlantis is solidly Greek/Posidedonic. Also, in the one or two times in the last 60 years that Aquaman is seen to pray, it is to Father Neptune. Having said that, I can't think of Aquaman ever doing anything remotely religious or vaguely spiritual, besides uttering an oath before battle. So no. He is likely a nominal Neptunian. ...is constant struggle with his two lives breeds conflict and drama nearly every issue. He struggles as an outsider to both his peoples and you can really feel his tension at desperately wanting to fit in somewhere, but ultimately not. The fantasy and Arthurian legends that often overlay Aquaman's super-heroic stories form a depth that many comics don't reach.
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