Idk if this is of any use to your DenNor
analysis but there’s that scene in a Hetaween event where Norway demands that
Denmark asks if he’s lonely after Den has already asked Sweden and Finland.
Denmark tells him that they’re always around each other so he’d know if he’s
lonely and Norway doesn’t seem completely okay with that answer…
Yes, but Norway’s just annoyed with his response [x].
I summarize
relationships for these posts, so I can’t use every example 🙂
I think all nations are
just inherently smarter than the average human, regardless of their populations’
intelligence levels. Yes, they do act foolish in the manga, but they’re just
comic gags/ stereotypes. If you think about it, each nation has gone
through several political, economic, and social revolutions. Centuries and millennias
of existence would inevitably lead to increased intelligence.
Italy never lost his
smarts either.
Ex: He participated in
the Second Industrial Revolution and invented cars [x].
It’s really random and
there’s not much logic to it. I’ll get into some patterns that I’ve found
in a more detailed post, but the basic rule is that regardless of history, nations
aren’t related to each other unless explicitly stated by Himaruya.
The following post will examine Denmark and Norway’s
relationship. It serves to summarize their dynamic, which, while complicated,
is still nonetheless a friendship. For those wishing to characterize them in a
romantic relationship, these strips will also be useful tools to incorporate into
your works.
I’ve organized their relationship into three themes: Childhood
Nostalgia, Rocky Waters, and Nexus of Inseparability.
Childhood Nostalgia:
The first theme is particularly important because it sets
the framework for how the two associate with each other. Because they were
childhood friends, Denmark believes that Norway still thinks of him as his best
friend [x].
Meanwhile, in the same character note section, Norway is
noted to “somberly pick on Denmark” despite the latter not noticing this [x]. In
other words, Denmark isn’t aware of Norway’s quips or criticisms, while it’s
left unspecified how Norway truly feels about Denmark. What I’ll show soon is
that Norway does care about Denmark but is also easily agitated by him,
remaining externally aloof in their interactions.
Overall, a panel that bests captures their dynamic is this
one. The prompt is what they would be like as
elementary students. Of particular importance is that they’re closely depicted
together [x]. There’s a reason for that…
Rocky Waters:
This theme is in reference to how the sea has been used as a
metaphor for time in the series. Historically, Denmark and Norway have had
several ups and downs in their relationship (e.g., fighting against each other,
fighting with each other, and being separated by force).
As mentioned above, the two were childhood friends.
One thing that fans don’t often mention is that Himaruya’s acknowledged
that his depiction of Denmark and Norway’s union gives off the “impression that
Norway is completely disinterested in Denmark.” Not only that, but he goes on
to mention that the two were in actuality working together very well at that time [x].
He also makes note of Norway’s oppression leading up to
their separation and how the two drifted apart afterwards. Denmark even went so far as to throw a
tantrum and send a letter that cut his ties with Norway when he had heard about
the latter’s new union with Sweden.
Ex: This panel depicts their mutual poor relations in the
aftermath of their separation [x].
On the topic of Norway’s oppression and the poverty/
turmoils he experienced under their union, it’s important to recognize
that Denmark was initially unaware of this.
Ex: He cries when he realizes the delipidated living
conditions Norway experienced because of him. In this strip, Denmark had
originally been tasked with increasing taxes onto the Norwegian population but
was unable to follow through with it [x].
Ex: He becomes distressed when a naval blockade prevents him
from reaching Norway [x].
Lastly, even though Norway may come off as indifferent and
make several jabs at Denmark, he still expresses concern for him. It’s not that
he doesn’t care at all. What confuses a lot of people is that Norway will act
indifferently one moment and then express concern for Denmark in the same
scene.
Ex: Norway tells Denmark not to worry about him. He then reassures
him by admitting that he knows Denmark was trying his best despite his
impoverished circumstances [x].
Ex: Denmark doesn’t want to look uncool in front of Norway
and engages in a fight with Sweden that he knows he’s going to lose. Norway
makes a few remarks about Denmark’s well-being but is waved off as a worrywart.
It’s only after Denmark is defeated that Norway goes back to the trope of
remaining indifferent…which brings me to my next point [x].
Nexus of Inseparability:
The most resounding theme of their relationship is that the
two are inexplicably bound to each other, regardless of how many ups and downs
they’ve experienced.
What I haven’t seen anyone point out is that while one of
Norway’s hobbies is to “gently poke fun” at Denmark (vol 4), this stems from a Norwegian
stereotype.
Although Norway is perturbed by the fact that Denmark thinks
they’re best friends, he’s resigned to it. He isn’t exactly the type of person
to say something as explicit as that, which is why the phrase “competent
partner” was probably used [x].
Make no mistake either. Denmark irritates Norway, but the
two always end up together.
Ex: Iceland chides Norway for being contrary to Denmark, as it’s completely
ineffective. Denmark is described as a person who ignores unkindness, so Norway’s
jabs go right over his head [x].
As is the same for anyone who wants to depict the Nordics,
Himaruya touches on how historical tensions between them have been replaced by
cooperation and closeness in the present [x].
Conclusion:
All in all, it would be a misnomer to claim that Denmark and
Norway hate each other or that it would be impossible to depict them in a romantic
relationship. Just be mindful that they’re not buddies like Denmark sees them
and that they have a complicated personal dynamic stemming from their history together.
I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but there are some ups and downs in their political history together that have influenced their relationship. For shipping purposes, I’m of the opinion that a slowburn type of romance is most accurate for their relationship (i.e., it would take Norway a lot of time to be receptive to Dan given how much the latter annoys him).
Post coming up tonight! (It’s going to be a weird mix of a friendship and shipping post. It would be redundant to use the same examples twice.)
Isn’t it super sad that almost the whole fandom forgets about
the fact that Italy is really good with clothing and fashion but wears big,
silly t-shirts instead?
I mean, France of all people pretty much states that Italy
isn’t very good at fashion [x].
Then again, I don’t think Himaruya can make up his mind on
what Italy’s sense of fashion is given how contradictory pieces of canon
information are.
Ex: Italy can’t pay his electric bill because he’s spending
too much on clothes + his dressed-up cosplay ventures [x][x]
If there is a significant demographic shift in
a country (ex. if a minority group shifts to become the majority), will the
personification’s appearance and/or behavior also change? P.S.: Your content is
always awesome! I love your stuff, keep up the good work and thank you!
Thank you!
The nation’s appearances
first and foremost are based on stereotypes. Even if a minority becomes a
majority, more emphasis is placed on how the country is known to the world.
However, internal demographic traits and political, social, and economic
developments can affect the nation’s health, behaviours, and personalities [x].
Try to bear with me while I ask this, I’m not the
greatest with words so the phrasing might not come out right. Um, this has
confused me, unification is like a marriage, right? Okay, so wouldn’t they be cheating
on their spouse if their dates other nations. And what would of happened to two
married nations of other suddenly married another nations. Wouldn’t break and
upset their people, wouldn’t that cause trouble… And if they represent the
same country how’d that work. I’m sorry, very confused.
Even though the words
are used interchangeably, unification
is more often used in reference to the formation of one country (i.e., states,
territories coming together; German Unification, Italian Unification), whereas
marriage involves the union and/ orpartnership between two countries.
Unions don’t necessarily have
romantic overtones either [x].
I was just wondering, do you think the
england’s personality is at all influenced by the germanic stereotype? some
consider him part of the germanic family (historically england has strong
germanic influences + he has blond hair where the rest of his family seem to be
brunettes and redheads) and he’s definitely bad at showing his emotions, or do
you think these stereotypes only apply to actual german-speaking countries?
Probably not. He may not
be good at conveying himself, but unlike the Germanics, England is volatilely
expressive. He’s not stoic but rather extremely hot-tempered, sensitive, and
impulsive [x].
On the other hand, there
has been some Germanic influence depicted, albeit minimal. From what I can
recall, there is one panel depicting the Danish Conquest of England [x].
Thank you, same to you :D.
I know that Austria spent part of his life in his
wheelchair [x], and that Romano had chorea when he was younger (Vol 1).
Do you think America trusts his own gov?
currently only 18% of the us trusts the gov and the rest doesn’t. I’m not really
sure if they’ve gone over that in hetalia, the only time I can actually think
of one time were america was unsure(??) of his gov, is that one ep where he
finds Tony but his boss or gov tells him that he can’t tell anybody and that it
didn’t happen. Maybe I haven’t found anything yet or I’m just looking too deep
but yeah I was kinda wondering that.
It’s not clear on
whether he trusts them or not, not that he really has a choice on obeying them anyway. Nations are
forced to comply with their bosses’ orders regardless of their own will/
opinion over the matter [x].
You’re talking about the
Roswell incident where he was deliberately lied to about the UFO by his boss
(the president) and was instead told that it was a weather balloon. (Source: Assault☆The neighbor’s Roswell Incident.)
Because
that’s one of the minimal scenes where we see him interacting with his boss
(another example would be in the “Black Ships have sailed” strip), there isn’t
enough information to form a solid conclusion on what you’re asking.
@amuamoami asked: Are
there any other african (black) characters in hetalia besides Seychelles? The
only issue i have with hetalia is that I dont see much color diversity.
There
is color diversity (e.g., Ecuador, the Asian nations, Spain, and Portugal— not to be confused with race, which doesn’t exist in Hetalia).
Cameroon is the only other official black character with a full
design [x].
There’s an unconfirmed female who may or may not be an African nation that visits Seychelles in Volume 6 (most people speculate that it’s Madagascar due
to the use of third person in one panel).
Lastly, there were some “chibi head”
illustrations that appeared in Gauken Hetalia [x].
I understand your sentiment. On the other
hand, Himaruya does have a habit of travelling to countries before he creates a
character for them. There’s also the whole matter of how messy and complicated
it would be to try to depict the subject of colonialism intersected with race.
It would be pretty unavoidable if he were to create these characters.
What are your personal opinions on Czechia and Slovakia?
They’re some of my favourite characters!
They’re hilarious
together! I love them! Taken out of context, this scene is even funnier for
some reason [x].
There isn’t much to base
my opinion on, unfortunately. There are very few interactions between them.
Ex: India comes to
England’s aid after the American Revolution and heals the latter [x].
Do you have any particular mischaracterizations of Hetalia
characters that you absolutely hate? This can also include falsely portrayed
relationships and such.
Hate is a strong word, but I definitely get irritated.
People’s inability to reconcile the idea that
deleted material is deleted material and that the shock “perverted” humour used
in the past by Himaruya, while incomprehensible, is no longer incorporated in
the series. France, in particular, would be a prime example of this.
Here’s just a list of
terms that have a completely different meaning in the manga. This is aside from
their literal denotation.
Being Bullied:
When a nation is referred
to as a bully and/or is bullied, this refers to them being conquered or sought after
by more powerful nations.
Ex: Both Italy brothers being conquered after Rome’s death [x].
Ex: Russia being ‘picked on’ by Mongolia, Denmark, Sweden, and Prussia.
While it is possible for
nations to become students and attain degrees, the term “honour student” is
used in reference to how well a country succeeds politically or economically.
Ex: Italy’s referred to as an honour student in the EU [x].
Ex: Seychelles, being among the wealthiest African nations, is referred to
as an honour student.
House:
House refers to the
actual country itself.
“My house [country] is
known for…”
Ex: Italy expressing confusion at the foods that tourist destinations in
his country try to pass off as authentic Italian cuisine [x].
One thing I’ve noticed is that fans approach and analyze
relationships between the nations from a human perspective. The problem with
this is that it doesn’t capture the elasticity and interchangeability of
titles of beings who are immortal– not mortal– go through. In other words,
aside from direct biological relations which don’t change, you can’t apply
words of human organization to immortal beings who routinely change how and who
they relate to.
For example, just because a nation lives with another
nation, doesn’t automatically make them family. In the case of a nation, they
don’t live with other nation(s) by choice but rather circumstance. Often
enough, it was the product of being conquered.
Some nations living together will choose to identify as a family,
as their bond as a unit most closely resembles one. Nonetheless, these
families, or households rather, are temporary.
Ex: Hungary refers to Holy Roman Empire’s household as a
family [x].
Ex: Having lived with France in Rome’s household
for some time, young Italy referred to France as big brother.
Out of respect, some nations will continue to refer to the
other nations they lived with as an older brother. In Japanese, “onii-chan” is
a term coined out of affection and adoration for a figure. It doesn’t mean
older brother in a blood sense.
Ex: France claims to be the older brother figure of the
world. Meanwhile, only Italy and Monaco choose to refer to him with this title
of affection [x]. Again, not to be mistaken with a relation.
A nation can be a guardian for several centuries and later
evolve into a companion, friend and/or mentor figure.
This is best seen with America and Canada, biological
brothers who temporarily held a family unit with their colonizers. Although,
they didn’t physically live together, settling for occasional visits instead.
For one thing, it’s important to distinguish the fact that biological relations are inherently sensed by the nations.
There’s a difference between Iceland, who senses Norway to
be his brother from birth [as does Norway]… [x].
…and England and France, who make America and Canada their
family [x].
Ex: America doesn’t inherently sense a brother among his
colonizers, Finland, France, and England.
Instead, they fight over who will assume the role of
America’s brother [x].
As mentioned, it’s difficult to apply human words for
relationships to capture relationships between immortal beings. It doesn’t
quite fit. Think of it this way: The nations have unique experiences that we as
humans will never have. So, why are we using words that describe our
experiences to describe theirs?
Respectively, England has trouble deciding what America
should call him.
Again, notice America’s choice of the word onii-chan.
Titles like guardian and older brother, two very different
terms, are loosely thrown around. Of course, older brothers can be guardians, but you’ll see what I mean by this muddled distinction in a moment.
It’s hard to make sense of a relationship
using words that don’t describe but instead confine and water down the
complexity of the colony-colonizer and simultaneous guardian-adoptive
relationship they’ve established.
This uncertainty and fumbling to find words that best
describe their relationship is seen again when America declares his
independence. Even he doesn’t know if what they had entailed a parent-child or
sibling relationship [x].
Nonetheless, he cuts off these ties and no longer views
England as this type of figure for him.
The point I want to emphasize is that due to political
circumstances, the nations’ relationships with each other are dynamic. It’s not
as rigid as human forms of organization; therefore, it doesn’t make sense to
approach these family-like dynamics from a human perspective. It’s like
comparing apples and oranges.
Lastly, to avoid falling into a trap of reasoning, there’s a
stark difference between conquering/ colonizing a nation and living together and
willfully forming a union [economic or political] and living together.
Ex: Switzerland adopted Liechtenstein into his household and
the two consider each other to be siblings. Because this is how they presently
identify and relate to each other, they are siblings.
I’m not particularly big on headcanons, but I sometimes do charts like this 😀
Most insecure nations
–
America, Canada, England, Germany, Italy,
Romano, and Poland.
Loneliest nations
–
America, England, Iceland, Prussia, and Russia.
Happiest nations
–
Denmark, Finland, Seychelles, and Sweden.
Most sarcastic nations
–
England, France, Norway, and Romano.
Nations we need more of
–
Belgium, Belarus, India, and Vietnam.
Misconception: He’s
Iceland’s father.
Reality: He
raised Iceland and acts as an older brother figure/ mentor.
Ex: He supportively
encourages Iceland to participate in their activities. In this case, they’re
designing a Nordic-inspired hotel.
Ex: He also gave young Iceland diplomatic advice.
Misconception: He’s a playboy that treats Norway like a
loose end
Reality: Denmark treasures Norway as his best friend. As the
leader of the Nordics, he’ll selflessly put others first before himself.
Ex: When Denmark realizes that Norway is struggling under
his rule, he breaks down crying.
Ex: Denmark gets distressed when he’s forcefully separated from
Norway by a British Naval Blockade. He’s more worried about Norway.
Ex: He doesn’t want to let Norway down and look “uncool.”
Because of this, he heads into a battle with Sweden that he knows he’s going to lose.
Notice how he still tries to set an example for Norway.
Misconception: Norway is indifferent toward Denmark.
Reality: While Norway may enjoy teasing Denmark and often gets
irritated with him, he too reciprocates this deep-set affection. The two share
a strong bond.
Ex: Norway’s hobby is gently poking Denmark. Denmark doesn’t
even notice Norway’s comments.
Ex: Norway expresses concern before Denmark charges into a
doomed battle against Sweden. Denmark refers to him as a “worry wart.”
Ex: Despite how poor he is under Denmark’s rule, Norway
recognizes that Denmark’s trying his best.
Again, Denmark may annoy Norway, but the two care strongly
for each other.
The running gag between the two of them is Denmark being
overly affectionate and Norway’s cheeky reactions to this affection.
Misconception: He has a hot temper.
Reality:
He had a hot temper.
Due to recent statistics, Denmark is the happiest of the Nordics – his people are rated to be among the happiest in the world. [x]
Misconception: He and Sweden hate each other.
Reality: They hated each other.
Aside from friendly teasing here and there, the two get along really well.
Or, my personal favourite: Denmark and Finland mocking
Sweden.
Bonus facts:
He has a good relationship with Germany, mostly stemming
from their economic ties.
He once watched Hans Christian Andersen water grass with his
own tears.
He’s one of the few nations who can get the Netherlands to
sell him goods at a cheaper price.
Ellawritesficssometimes 