Hello. Is America actually fat? He is obviously
has some worries about this. He doesn’t like his body? Is he heavy because of
this or is this just muscles and America’s paranoia?
He’s not overweight, but
he thinks he is. He’s just big-boned and doesn’t understand that they’re
muscles. Longer post on that here [x].
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 23-24.
Hey, if it’s no trouble, could you mind
offering some characterization advice in regards to Russia? His canon
personality is already hard to get a grasp on, and it gets even harder when you
try writing him in more slice-of-life situations such as Human AUs. Is there a
way to ‘tone down’ his unstable personality while still keeping him in
character?
I don’t give direct
advice for characterizations. It’s just awkward for me to tell someone how they
should interpret and write a character. I can offer tools that are useful to
include in your writing, but I don’t push it.
Human AUs are more lenient anyway, since it’s not canonverse.
Why are these boys
cute, Ella? WHy? Please help me understand. Citation: Every Strip
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 4.
Sorry, I just had to.
If there are no Canon ships, why say HRE x
Chibitalia are one when they aren’t really either (I think, and hoping, Hima
changed his mind onthat cause
that closeness was uncomfortable, and slightly offensive. No offense to those
who do ship.)
They are canon. They had
mutual romantic feelings for each other, even though Holy Rome mistook Chibitalia’s gender. It was an innocent childhood first love that ended with a kiss and nothing more. They shouldn’t be actively shipped because they’re children, obviously.
Source: Hetarchive, Chibitalia.
About the Gay-gun strip: There is a
“Beep” about America’s head… does that mean he fired it at
himself?? (Sometimes I have a hard time understanding Hima…)
I’d assume so, yeah lmao.
Source: Hetarchive, Comic Diary 9.
As far as I know, the post where Sweden was
confirmed to be gay has been deleted by Himaruya later. Do you think this still
makes Sweden’s sexuality 100% canon or around 50% canon?
Last time I’m answering
this. It was canon but was later deleted. Himaruya said that Sweden was homosexual but only for Finland. Some people still consider it to be canon. Others don’t. It’s a big grey area in the fandom with no clear answer.
Source: Link and translation can be found on the last source listed on Sweden’s profile by Hetarchive.
Ok I’ve been thinking about this for a few
days. What do you think about the height’s of the characters? First I started
with the mindset of “I’m just gonna add ten cm to all Caucasian characters
this seems very unrealistic.” But then I remembered that Europeans used to
be like 20cm shorter only a few hundred years ago so now I don’t know…
Based on precedent, the
height is dependent on the political and economic development of the country
and if the latter two are strong only then is the national average taken
into consideration. Aside from Prussia’s height, which is smaller due to
malnutrition, I do agree with you. I think a lot of the heights of the adult
nations we see depicted are based on modern figures.
Ella, do you happen to know what’s with the
“be the piano” thing? Is it from cookies-hetaoni? I mean, i’m afraid
to play the game so I don’t what it means. Have you played it?
I haven’t had the privilege
of accessing a copy (I’ve only watched playthroughs), but the “be the piano” thing is from the original version.
Canada tries to pretend to be a piano when he encounters one of the “Steves.”
Was Sweden ever confirmed as gay or was it just gay
for Finland? I’ve seen some debates about it and I’m just confused.
It’s complicated. Sweden was confirmed to be gay only for Finland in a 2007 blog post that has since been deleted. Most consider it be canon, especially because of Sweden’s continued and favoured interest in Finland (not as prominent post 2010).
Do what you will with the information. Unfortunately, it’s not a black and white answer [x].
Could you make a post explaining why PruCan
(Prussia x Canada) is a crack ship? No bashing though, it just kinda is, isn’t
it? Or maybe you will need to make a post explaining to me that it isn’t truly
a crack ship after all lol
I’m not a fan of the
word “crack” ship. It assumes that there’s a hierarchy where people are
obligated to justify their ships according to plausibility. Prussia and Canada
do have a canon interaction. I’ve noticed that it’s often been used as the basis for
the ship.
Just wonderin’ why is America
so reluctant to not to be England’s little brother. Is it because he’s
resentful? Whats your opinion?
Again, not really a clear-cut answer, but this is my take on it. America refers to England as “onii-chan”, a title used to devote affection and adoration. England became America’s de-facto older brother figure.
America later rejected the label because he was tired of being infantilized and bossed around by England. He wanted freedom and considering England as a brother figure was associated with this lack of autonomy. I believe his rejection of the label ultimately boils down to the fact that he didn’t want to be seen as a child.
Source: Hetarchive, Cleaning out the Storage Closet.
This post will explore how openly and inclusively concepts of
love and sexual attraction are depicted in the manga. While the nations don’t
have canonically assigned sexual orientations—of course, with the exception of Sweden—
it’s the fact that there is a representation of diversity within the series
that matters. Obviously, the term ‘Sexualities’ in the title is used very loosely
for lack of a better word.
In no way will these be all examples included in the manga, but this
should provide a good scope for understanding how Hetalia approaches human sexuality
and the capacity to love.
England:
England is once described by France as being aroused by anything [x].
Germany:
In the infamous Buon San Valentino strips, a series of
mishaps occur where Germany misinterprets his relationship with Italy to be a
romantic one and proposes to him (really???).
Regardless of the misunderstanding, what matters is that Germany was okay with
the idea of entering a same-sex relationship [x]. Not only that, but he had totally committed himself to it.
France:
In a volume 2 character note, France is said to go for “guys
and girls of all types”, including non-humans “as long as they’re beautiful.”
In the 2007 April Fools’ event, we also learn that he may
have a preference for “macho men.”
Italy Brothers:
Both are notorious for being girl-lovers, without a
question. It’s part of the Italian stereotype [x][x].
On the other hand…
Italy admits to Germany in Buon San Valentino that his first
love was a guy, presumably referring to Holy Rome [x].
In a Volume 2 character note, it’s left open-ended on
whether Romano has a taste for men.
Bonus:
Spain quasi-proposes to Romano when gay marriage is legalized in his country [x].
Sweden:
Sweden remains as the only aph character to possess a canon
sexuality. He’s homosexual, but only feels this way toward Finland. It’s
one-sided, as Finland doesn’t reciprocate this sentiment [x].
Taiwan:
Strips have suggested that Taiwan may be attracted to women.
In the Christmas 2011 event, she’s unable to concentrate due
to the exposure of other female nations’ cleavage.
In the Halloween 2013-2014 event, she checks out other
female nations.
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].
This guide will go over
the stereotypes that affect how the Germanic nations are able, or rather, unable
to express their feelings. The steely emotionless stereotype of Germans/
German-speaking countries often prevents the respective nations from being
understood properly. It’s not that they’re incapable of experiencing love or
feeling care and affection. It’s quite the contrary. Instead, they just have a
difficult time showing and communicating how they feel [x].
For the purpose of this
post, I’ll only be going over the Germanic nations that are listed in this
strip, as they are what Himaruya characterizes to be of German inheritance and influence.
I recognize that there are many more Germanic countries than this. I’m just
going by what we see portrayed in the manga.
That said, let’s go over
some examples.
Germany:
The German stereotype of
being emotionally steely and hot-tempered is a complex that Germany is defined
by in the manga.
He’s sweet and
compassionate but is often mistaken to be angry by those around
him [x].
Germany also claims to
have trouble smiling. It’s not something that comes naturally to him [x] [x].
In terms of
relationships, Germany is emotionally withdrawn. This is most seen in Buon
San Valentino [x].
There, the premise of
the arc is that Germany has trouble defining what his relationship with Italy
is.
He first buys a popular
book in Germany titled “Communicating with your partner.” The comic gag
of this is the stereotype that Germans aren’t savvy at reading emotions; they’re
‘emotionless.’ Obviously, this isn’t truly the case.
As Germany reads this
first book, he begins to question whether Italy likes him as a friend or as a
romantic partner.
When Germany gives
details of his relationship with Italy to Austria, Austria is repulsed due to
the romantic overtones = seeing someone every day, kissing and hugging them,
bathing with them etc. The irony is that Austria later realizes that Germany
was talking about Italy, an anomaly of a person who normally does all these
things.
Unfortunately, Germany
doesn’t know this, and he forms the conclusion that Italy has romantic feelings
for him. It’s a “misunderstanding.”
Since he’s still clueless about this aspect of human relations, Germany then buys a book that gives dating advice.
His dismay grows when he remembers that Italy’s a guy [wow!] so of course, his next course of action is to ask Austria if he can practice these newly learned romantic gestures on him.
He later reveals to Austria that he has no previous experience with romantic relationships and that he’s only read romance novels.
The strip culminates in
Germany mistakenly proposing to a very confused Italy.
Prussia:
Despite having never
been married, Prussia is the most sensitive and emotionally-expressive Germanic
nation.
He’s often found crying
and lamenting over the fact that he’s single and “alone.”
Ex: He cries when he
spots Hungary and Austria spending their Christmas together during the 2007 Christmas event [x].
The Germanic stereotype
has more to do with the fact that he’s a poor socializer.
For example, he’s given a
book on “How to Socialize with People.” He sneezes and claims to be bored with
it [x].
Austria:
In direct contrast to
Prussia, as someone who’s been in several marriages, Austria is arguably just as
clueless as the German brothers.
He may have solved his
problems with marriages…
…but when it comes to
relationship troubles, he’s read his fair share of manuals and guides too.
Austria had copies of both
books that Germany purchased in Buon San Valentino. Had he have known this
beforehand, he would have lent them to him.
He becomes flustered
when Hungary reads the dating book and laughs at how inaccurate it is. It would
be to his own embarrassment should he have admitted that he had been an avid
reader of it.
On the other hand, in his defense, it’s largely hinted that he’s the one who gave Hungary flowers on Valentine’s Day.
Switzerland:
Switzerland’s similar to
Germany in that he’s an angry-type that’s soft on the inside and well-intentioned.
He shouts at Japan to
give his own opinion, scaring the latter despite the good intentions of this
action. It’s tough love in that he’s trying to get Japan to stand up for himself.
He cringes and gets
angry for remembering all the fond moments that he had experienced with Austria during
their childhoods. This is sometimes at the expense of ruining the fond moments that
he shares with Lichtenstein [x].
Nonetheless, Switzerland
shooting at Italy in the frilly pajamas that Lichtenstein made for him is
iconic, and you can’t tell me otherwise.
Sweden:
Sweden’s slightly
different in that his minimal facial expressions are intimidating to people.
In sum, while the
Germanic nations may come across as hard and steely, they’re easily among some
of the sweetest, most considerate characters in Hetalia.
As mentioned, the colony system in the manga doesn’t have the colonizing nation live with their colony 100% of the time. Instead, the colonizer visits the colony in the latter’s home.
Ex: England visits America at his home. Long gaps of time pass between each visit.
Ex: In his character song “Absolutely Invincible British Gentleman”, England mentions that he has holiday homes – presumably in India and Hong Kong given the lyrics.
“Curry, Chinese cuisine, my holiday houses’ meals.” [x].
What you’ll see is that the word “home” is also used generically to refer to a piece of land/ territory/ settlement. It’s just like how nations will refer to their entire country as their house.
(e.g.,“My house [country] has the best food!”)
Another example would be Finland and Sweden’s colonization of America. They make a settlement [home] in America, only to have it taken from them by Holland. In this case, the strip is making a reference to New Sweden, otherwise known as Delaware [x].
Misconception: Finland has a sweet, child-like appearance, so he must be weak.
Reality:
Finland’s a warrior, and is noted to possess immense strength and resilience.
Ex: He’s so
cold-resistant that General Winter has no effect on him. They even get along.
Ex: He’s
visibly disappointed when Sweden calls off a battle during one of the Polish-Swedish
wars. Not to mention that he was excited about engaging in the fight.
Ex: His
patience isn’t endless. It’s said that if you poke him ten times, he’ll forgive
you, but once you pester him enough, he’ll get you back ten times harder.
[There’s a slight difference in the translation, but it’s basically the same thing.]
Misconception: Like Iceland, Finland’s one of the tamer Nordics.
Reality:
Finland’s actually quite strange.
Ex: He loves
nature and enjoys being covered in grass.
Misconception: He’s Sweden’s wife = Sufin is canon.
Reality: He
is not Sweden’s wife. Sufin is not canon.
Sweden calls Finland his
wife, but Finland does not accept the label.
The two do share a close
relationship though, enough for Finland to refer to Sweden as “Swe.”
Although, Finland is often
just as perplexed by Sweden as the other nations are.
Misconception: He’s a jittery, nervous, and shy person as a result of being overshadowed
by the other Nordics.
Reality: He’s
soft-spoken, and quiet-voiced, but is far from quiet. In fact, he can be a very
talkative and bubbly character at times. Nonetheless, he is said to be
overshadowed by the other Nordics.
Ex: Finland
jokes with Germany about his boss, despite the fact that the humour goes right over Germany’s head.
Ex: Finland’s
noted to be a particularly nagging person.
Bonus Facts:
He lightly teases Iceland and
once asked the latter to call him Big Brother.
He’s offered to act as a
father figure to America.
He loves saunas, sweets, and
alcohol. Bonus if it’s all combined together.
He’s had the hardest time out
of all the Nordics, likely stemming from the fact that he’s historically been
an underling to other nations.
I love him too. He’s a giant sweetheart, quirky, uniquely strange and mysterious, and not to mention a total badass.
One, I don’t appreciate your tone. I’ve already said before that my word isn’t law. This is a place for discussion, not me indoctrinating or forcing my outlook onto others. You guys are my check and balance, and in no way are you obligated to agree with me.
Two, calling someone an uncle is not mutually exclusive from being a father figure. They can go together.
My justification is that all the other Nordics are waiting for Santa Claus and Finland to appear. Ladonia generically refers to them as Uncles.
Denmark comments that any kid would refer to them as an uncle. Ladonia later refers to them as Swe’s friends. I think this correction and differentiation on Ladonia’s part is him being embarrassed by Iceland’s initial confusion at the label of being called an uncle.
Considering how Ladonia first uses uncles generically as they all wait, which happens to include Sweden, this is why I believe that he grouped them together to fall in line with how he perceives his relationship with Sweden. Like you said, Sweden acts as a father figure to Ladonia, but given how much pride Ladonia takes in his independence, I don’t think he sees him this way.
Further, what differentiates Sealand and Sweden’s more explicit parent-child relationship is that Sweden actually adopts Sealand, not to mention the fact that Sealand isn’t autonomously recognized.
[Side note: I know who you are :O …You asked me this first off anon???]
Ellawritesficssometimes 