The Fury of the Gods

John Gwynne

Genres: Norse Mythology, Nobody is Having a Good Time Bro, Found Family But Your New Sibling Is a Shield Wall

I’m finally correct in putting this in the newsletter.

In a previous edition, I had mistakenly assumed the third book in the Bloodsworn Saga had been published.

I was met with condemnation, outcries, and corrections that it would only be published on Oct. 22, 2024.

Now, that time is long passed, and I picked up the book, only to discover I. Remembered. Nothing.  

And so I restarted the series, just now finishing The Hunger of the Gods, finally refreshed to actually start book 3.

We’ve got Norse mythology, the deaths of the gods, and a bunch of ship-rowing, sword wielding, divinity-blooded, lunatics.

What more could you ask for?

Dear Crone,

I have a decision to make.

I can either pursue a bachelor of business management degree, in which I'd have the potential to be promoted at my job and make more money etc. etc.

Or, I can pursue a trade, which means I get better pay without having to deal with management crap.

I don't deal with paperwork very well, but I can learn if given the proper time.

But I have a permanent knee injury, which would make trade work difficult (yes it's permanent, no there's no fixing it).

Thoughts?

Crossroads

Dear Crossroads,

I can heavily relate to trying to find balance between money and actually enjoying the work that you do.

My concern for you is that trade work might exacerbate your knee injury.

Avoiding paperwork isn’t worth further injuring yourself, especially given that you trust yourself to learn how to manage it.

I would also double check the income cap that you would make in both circumstances.

Trade work can be quite lucrative, but if your business management could see more long term growth, personally, I would follow that path.

Financially,

The Crone

Darling Crone & Daniel,

I recently had a freak medical event which could/should have killed me & by pure luck or divine intervention it was caught in time & I had emergency surgery & am recovering well!

I am so thankful but I feel like it happened so fast, I was frozen in survival mode & now that I'm healing I'm starting to be aware of & process the shock & trauma of my near-death-experience.

Other than therapy (it's booked) any advice on how to come to terms with this brush with mortality?

Lively,

Never Nearly Died Before

Dear Never Nearly,

I am very pleased to be writing to you today.

In my youth, I became quite familiar with near death experiences, unfortunately for the perpetrator, I brought them a bit closer than I got.

With that in mind, you are likely to find your mind wandering along 2 different paths.

1. Everything is random chaos (positive)

2. Everything is random chaos (negative)

Coming to terms with this experience is accepting the lack of control you had during the events, and recognizing that this does not mean you don’t control anything.  

While your therapist is likely to recommend this, I would suggest strengthening certain aspects of your routine— whether that is carving out personal time to bake, hike, etc.— so long as it is you actively asserting control over your schedule.

Furthermore, you do not need to process this alone, and I would look for a support group to meet with.

Recognize what you are grateful for, and understand that it is irrelevant if it was divine intervention or a random assortment of sapient atoms that saved your life, you’re here.  

Make the most of it.

Death is inevitable, but rarely do people get a second chance to live.  

I’m grateful that you are here.

Love,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

I was recently broken up with from my boyfriend of 2 years (right before Christmas).

I think I'm over it to be honest - he was actually horrible and its embarrassing I let that go on for so long.

Anyways, that leads me to my issue.

We have a good family friend who I've known a long time who was in town for Christmas (Hallmark?) this year.

We have always had some type of chemistry between us, and now we are both single.

I don't know if I should pursue this, and I don't know how.

Help?

Delusional Hopeless Romantic

Dear DHR,

We’re a little ways passed Christmas but I’m going to treat my response like the only thing that got stuffed was a stocking or two.

I always recommend time to mourn a relationship, but based on your writing, I think it’s fair to say that you’ve moved on.

If we’re going based on Hallmark, you have to invite him out for “hot chocolate”, walk through the snow, and then when he shows his interest, pretend like you’re afraid of commitment.

You’ll retreat to your childhood home, where your mother will share a meaningful story about how she met your father, and you’ll realize he’s the one for you.

I don’t see any issue with pursuing it, and believe you can start with simply asking him out.

If you’re going to be long distance, you need to assess if that is something you’re both interested in, but I say break that headboard when you get to it.

Encouragingly,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

I am coming into my 4th time trying to finish my degree.

I'm passionate about the subject matter and did very well in the first 30/32 units of my degree, but I seemed to have developed a block.

It's impossible to get a job I want without this degree, but failing this last time would destroy me.

Any advice for how to push through?

Graduate?

Dear Graduate!,

If I am correct, your remaining two units amount to one class that you still need to complete.

To start, you need to appreciate the work that you have already put in; give yourself the credit for those 30 units.

Additionally, keep your joy in the subject in focus, even if these last two units may be the most difficult, they are a path towards a future that you want.

And recognize that it is your choice and within your power to pass this final obstacle.

I can give you a rundown on the best study methods or time management, but that isn’t your issue. Mindset is.

If failing will destroy you, do what it takes not to fail.

Sometimes, you need to have the discipline to just push through it.

You’re allowed to hate every second, as long as you put the work in.

You’re allowed to complain, and bitch, and moan about how unfair it all is, as long as you put the work in.

You’re allowed to put yourself through this, because you’re worth the reward at the end.

Grit your teeth if you have to, and bear it.

You cannot wait for a block to disappear, go beat that fucking block like the life-interrupting asshole that it is.

Gently(?),

The Crone

Dear Wise Crone,

I have recently ended my 5 year relationship, due to a number of issues the character limit would not appreciate.

I feel extremely confident in my decision, but there’s still a tug at the back of my mind asking if I’ve made a mistake.

Also I think I may have a massive crush on my roommate, leading me to wonder if I’m bisexual.

What would you advise?

Once I’ve allowed myself time to grieve my relationship, what’s a good outlet to explore my sexuality?

Thank you for your wisdom,

Sad & Sexually Confused

PS I am in therapy already.

Dear S&SC,

To start, sexual curiosity is completely normal, and ensuring you explore it in a safe, respectful manner (for everyone involved) should be your top priority.

That being said, the best way to start probably isn’t your roommate.  

Simply because the last thing you need is to accidentally (and unnecessarily) complicate your living situation.

If you have queer friends, I would recommend explaining your curiosity to them and going out together.

Explore spaces that are queer friendly and see if anyone catches your interest.

Sagely,

The Crone

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