Romania (Brussels Morning) Sometimes I wonder how, despite its far place on the spectrum of imagination, Greek Mythology encompasses so many timeless truths and mundane affairs.
One of the Olympian deities, Ares was the God of War and courage. Known for his quick temper, aggressiveness, and bloodlust, he wasn’t very popular among the immortals or the mortals.
His sister Athena, the Goddess of War, was the embodiment of wisdom and courage. Every time he would fall under his arrogance and violence, she would rise with her wit and strategy.
There was a constant rivalry between them, that pushed them to battle many times. Sometimes alongside and sometimes against each other.
Me and my brother, we are both insufferable and inseparable. The many ways I have sabotaged him were the many ways he would have sabotaged himself in the end.
Like a constant, my brother is unstoppable in his endeavors. I kept thinking he was a fool, a madman, and kept asking myself “Will he ever learn?“. Only for me to understand that, unlike me, his drive, his convictions, and his desires cannot and will not be bent by others.
I told him I was stronger, bigger, better… only for me to crush under his determination. No wonder his name suits him so well – Constantin. I admire his passion or the lack of it thereof.
If I hit, he hits harder, if I quit, he is just beginning. He is good at being bad, and I am bad at being good. Does that make us alike?
If so, what is the point of fighting someone with whom you share the most important element of your existence – your blood?
One thing is for sure: I would do anything for him.
On many occasions, I have danced with him through the chaos, only so that we can laugh about it later. Now, I would rather dim out than lit my fire against him.
And not because he isn’t capable of holding his torch, but because if he shines, I shine. We are brothers, after all.
I find comfort in him being the greatest. It tones me down – a smooth feeling of fading. Is the sweet sense of relief, knowing that he isn’t fearful, or hesitant.
Knowing his true power, seeing his brightest self. I will always go to war with you, but now I will fight alongside you.
You are my roots.
You can find the original article and many more about the emancipation of Eastern Women here: https://mardie.eu/me-and-my-brother/
