Why a Ga’Hoole Owl Specifically
I wrote this as a response to someone on my intro thread at NNP on why I identify as an owl from Guardians of Ga’Hoole specifically. I felt good about what I wrote so I’m re-posting it here.
I knew “bird” something fit, but I struggled to find something that really had the this is me feeling to it…
I identified as a pterosaur and then a condor initially and honestly? Until Othercon I didn’t look into any fictional sources. I had it in my head I would be less legitimate. Espeon’s panel is what got me to open up and be okay looking outside earthly animals. One of the main reasons I “settled” on those species was because they were known to patrol beaches. I have a strong connection to the shoreline and cliff faces over looking the water.
To give a little background: In that universe, owls are sapient. There are remnants of human construction, but none have been seen in living memory. The birds use tools, make weapons, play instruments, and read/write. The “Guardians of Ga'Hoole” in particular are a group of owls that came to live together to study and uphold a set moral code. (Ga'Hoole being the name of a great tree they all live within.)
I grew up reading the book series and owned all of them, but it had been a decade since I’ve touched them. One day I was bored so I popped in the movie. The main characters arrived at the tree for the first time and it was on an island with sheer cliff faces overlooking a sea. I had this moment I can only think to decide as “damn it, this is it.” So I started re-reading the books and my shifts and experiences also started to make a lot more sense. My mental shifts did have some animalistic instincts to them, but they were always accompanied with emotions. Complex ones I wouldn’t attribute to an earthly owl. My phantom shifts are definitely of bird wings and legs/talons though. I don’t have a non-cheesy way to say this, but the words of the oath they take resonate with my heart.
There is still a lot I’m figuring out with this ‘type as it’s fairly new to me. I don’t know what species of owl I would have been, but I do feel drawn to the long-earred owl. I have no reason for this besides it feels correct and makes me feel like myself.
Picture of the tree for reference:
I knew “bird” something fit, but I struggled to find something that really had the this is me feeling to it…
I identified as a pterosaur and then a condor initially and honestly? Until Othercon I didn’t look into any fictional sources. I had it in my head I would be less legitimate. Espeon’s panel is what got me to open up and be okay looking outside earthly animals. One of the main reasons I “settled” on those species was because they were known to patrol beaches. I have a strong connection to the shoreline and cliff faces over looking the water.
To give a little background: In that universe, owls are sapient. There are remnants of human construction, but none have been seen in living memory. The birds use tools, make weapons, play instruments, and read/write. The “Guardians of Ga'Hoole” in particular are a group of owls that came to live together to study and uphold a set moral code. (Ga'Hoole being the name of a great tree they all live within.)
I grew up reading the book series and owned all of them, but it had been a decade since I’ve touched them. One day I was bored so I popped in the movie. The main characters arrived at the tree for the first time and it was on an island with sheer cliff faces overlooking a sea. I had this moment I can only think to decide as “damn it, this is it.” So I started re-reading the books and my shifts and experiences also started to make a lot more sense. My mental shifts did have some animalistic instincts to them, but they were always accompanied with emotions. Complex ones I wouldn’t attribute to an earthly owl. My phantom shifts are definitely of bird wings and legs/talons though. I don’t have a non-cheesy way to say this, but the words of the oath they take resonate with my heart.
There is still a lot I’m figuring out with this ‘type as it’s fairly new to me. I don’t know what species of owl I would have been, but I do feel drawn to the long-earred owl. I have no reason for this besides it feels correct and makes me feel like myself.
Picture of the tree for reference: