My name is Princess Celestia.
You might think that I am exceptionally lucky. I’m the ruler of Equestria! It is the most prestigious position in the nation! I hold the admiration of ponies everywhere, and they cheer me wherever I go. My every whim is satisfied without me lifting a single hoof. I run an entire kingdom. How could I not be lucky?
But I am not. In fact, I am the complete opposite.
You are not interested in me. You are interested in the magical misadventures of my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. You enjoy watching Rainbow Dash perform her beautiful and magnificent stunts. You’re amazed by the simple act of applebucking. You’re transfixed when shy and quiet Fluttershy stares down a dragon. You’re amused by the strange antics of Pinkie Pie, and you’re annoyed when Rarity throws a fit over a petty issue. You’re not interested in me. You don’t care about me. And neither does anypony else.
When I say you’re not interested in me, I don’t mean that you don’t know me. I’ve appeared in the life of the Elements of Harmony many times before. I am the pony who issues cryptic instructions before a quest, and I am the pony who rewards other ponies when they have done good. When a problem occurs that cannot be solved by one of the six, I am the one who fixes the mess. But when all of that is done, I am no longer required. You turn your head away from me and expect me to disappear. And I do.
And perhaps that is for the best. I was never meant to appear as a main character, I was meant to assist Twilight and her friends in their tasks. Once I had finished what was required of me, why should you keep me? I would serve no purpose. I would merely keep the story still and unmoving. Yes, leaving me be would have been the best option, albeit the lonely one.
But that is not what happened either. Instead of simply existing in my required role, instead of fulfilling my duty, followed by my leave, I have been portrayed as many other things. I have been shown to ravage the homes, towns, and villages of my little ponies, laughing maniacally, without a care in the world. I have murdered my beloved sister, for the purpose of keeping power to myself. I have tortured to death my beloved student because of her impending transformation into an alicorn. I have exterminated entire races out of spite. And that’s merely within Equestria.
Many of the ways that I am portrayed disgusts me thoroughly. I have invaded alien worlds, stripping the residents of their culture, beliefs, and freedoms, all for “their own good”. I have assassinated world leaders, taken over their cities, and incinerated billions of souls. There’s nothing I did to deserve this! Why? Why do you see me in this light? Why can’t you see me for who I truly am?
And of course, it doesn’t merely stop there. I have been made out to be a sexual deviant, a pony with no moral boundaries, imposing her will upon her subjects by force. Always the tail chaser, and with no hesitation committing compromising acts with my own sister, my student, with multiple ponies at once. Is this how I am really perceived? Do my little ponies really avoid me in the streets, hoping to escape from the reaches of “Molestia”? Do they truly believe that I would banish somepony to the moon, or turn them to stone, or incinerate them on the spot, just because they upset or disagreed with me?
Why do ponies see me this way? It’s not who I am. It’s just not fair. Why am I the one stuck with these identities? As the bigot, the racist? The rapist? Why me? Why must it be me?
I just want to be loved. Not as a princess, but as a pony. But how can I compete? There are just so many ponies to choose from. Lyra, the gifted musician, or Bon Bon, the candy maker. Carrot Top, Derpy, Doctor Whooves and even my sister, Luna. I can’t compete with that! I’m just not cute enough! The only special qualities I have brought me the hated titles of “Molestia” and “Tyrantlestia”.
Even my lightest “persona” is something I can hardly bear. I am not a cruel prankster, running around with no regard for other ponies' feelings. I don’t burn down houses for fun, or send ponies “presents” which happen to be explosives, nor do I send ponies to the moon with a giant cannon while smiling with joy. I’m not a cruel pony. I’m not an insensitive one, either. So why do you portray me as such?
I feel so alone. I am so alone. None of my subjects will talk to me. Luna is always taking her duties so seriously, interacting with the population, running the courts. I’m happy for her. She doesn’t need my help anymore. I have no friends, no relatives willing to listen, nopony to confide my hearts troubles in. I weep all through the night, trying to find comfort in the dark, occasionally wishing that sleep would take me permanently, only to wake up the next morning and having to pretend everything is fine. I need a hug, but no one will give me one.
There’s nothing I can do except trudge through my life, never stopping, never ending, holding onto a forlorn hope that someday, maybe, I’ll be rescued. Hope that one day you will turn your attention to me, the real me, here in my castle at Canterlot. I hope that you can save me from my despair, the neverending torture, that stretches on throughout my life.
All of the other ponies are so lucky. The ones you like to watch, the ones you like to write. The ones you enjoy imagining in your mind’s eye. They are lucky. I am not.
I’m no tyrant.
I’m no sexual deviant.
I’m no troll.
I’m just a lonely pony who is overshadowed by the cuter background characters. The pony that is trudging her way through life. The pony who has lost the magic of friendship.
Aww. I have a sudden urge to give one white alicorn a hug. Thankfully, she gets enough hugs in my fics.
Thousands of years old and beloved by everypony in her own kingdom....
elbrooklyntaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/first-world-problems.jpg
...Acts like an angsty teenager complaining that she doesn't get enough obsessive attention by anonymous keyboard warriors.
They can label and call you whatever you want. What matters is what you choose. All Hail Princess Celestia of Equestria!
Okay, I have to do this:
I hope I haven't creep anyone out...
2140212
You bear the portrait of the void, yet you are not the prophet I had anticipated...
Wow. This.. This is amazing. You.. Writer. YOU MAKE ME FEEL BAD!!!
I too, fall into the category of people who just see Celestia when she is there, and as soon as she is gone, no more thought goes into her. I can now say that while I will never like Celestia as much as Luna, I will never ignore her again.
You have written one of the most touching things that I have read on this site. Thank you.
≥Snolf
Also, Celestia can have as many hugs as she needs. Though it might be a bit awkward seeing as I am a whale and only have these small fins, but I can try.
Now I feel bad for spreading propaganda about the Tyrant Celestia, even if it was jokingly...
2140231 You do not "Creep me out".
what about Twilight? she IS your friend....
I'll be you're friend Celestia
I feel like Celestia's character is only interesting because you can make her whatever you want her to be. She's easily one of my least favorite characters in the actual show, but she's probably my favorite character to type about because I can make her different in every story I write. She doesn't have very much screen time (and most of it that she does have is just her talking to Twilight), not to mention she's as old as dirt, so I feel like it's up to the author to decide what her personality and life are like. With that said, if they want to make her a troll or a tyrant or a kind-hearted princess, that's completely fine. And if princess Celestia actually existed and started crying about it, I'd tell her to shut her dirty mouth-hole and just be glad that people like her enough to type any fanfictions featuring her.
Um, yeah. I share your sentiment of Celestia being misrepresented by the fandom and all, but you are really laying it on thick here.
I get that Celestia would want to be portrayed in a proper light. I get that she'd be upset with others calling her a troll or a tyrant. But her self-esteem should not be dictated by us, and she should know that. And don't tell me she doesn't have anyone to confide in. She has her sister Luna, her niece Cadence, her faithful student Twilight, her pets Philomena and Cerberus, and that's just those that are close to her. Heck, I'd even put Discord and Blueblood on that list, even if the former isn't too fond of her, and the latter is, well, Blueblood.
I'll give you a hug anytime you wish, Your Majesty. But I will not take part in a pity party. Mainly because parties are meant to be fun! So buck up and stop feeling sorry for yourself, alright? I know you're better than this.
Note that I have no qualms with the story itself. It's well-written, and like I said, I share your sentiments. I just disagree with this particular portrayal of Princess Celestia's reaction to her misrepresentation.
Wow, if there was ever a time I was glad for my sloshing through endless fics, it sure is now.
While I admit, at first glance, this letter hits right in the feels, and hits HARD, might I add, I'm glad it also missed a few wonderful fics I've read.
I've read quite a few, including My Little Alicorn that wonderfully portrays Celestia and Luna's rekindled relationship, and also allows our Solar Diarch to find a friend in the Modern Pony age. Throw in a few other similar fics that show her getting out of the Castle and into interacting more with her subjects, and I'm happy to say Dear Celestia certainly DOES have a kind and loving Fanbase.
While I'm not her biggest fan, mind you, I'm also somepony who would give a hug if I even caught the slightest inkling to such sad demeanor. And I think I speak honestly when I say I'm not the only one.
To all who've read this fic, I challenge you. Seek out the Celestia fics!! The ones to warm the heart, the ones that open up her character in ways beyond the normal tropes. Seek them, read them, and commit them to heart! We love and tolerate as Bronies, but so too should that extend to all ponies, even the ones we are unsure about. GO FORTH, FOR THE PRINCESS, FOR EQUESTRIA, FOR MUFFINS!!!
2140197 #ponyworldproblems
That line. That line is just...wow. I'm sorry Celestia!
We love you Celestia don't worry. You know what you need, you need some ice cream or a cupcake from Sugarcube Corner. . Pinkie likes you, Twilight, and many other.
P.S. Maybe you can read my story "My Day in Ponyville"
*hugs Celestia* I hope you feel better with that Princess! I may love your sister more than you, but I still DO like you!
Celestia, please understand, human's have a tendency to wildly speculate about things we know little of. It's not that we hate you, we just don't know a lot about you so our minds go in every possible direction to try and puzzle out what you might be like. Our willingness to try so hard to understand something is an admirable trait to be sure, but we also have a tendency to assume the worst about things. Mainly from experience. Although, the more we see and know of you, the more we will come to love you. THIS I SWEAR! Now come over here and give me a hug.
i love you princess, and you have a beautiful singing voice
Hope you're proud of yourselves, people.
Reeeally disappointed in the fandom, I am.
My letter:
I shall send my hugs to Celestia and add this to my group. To 2140581 and anyone with the similar sentiments I send out an blanket invite to the "Protect Celestia", you are not alone, and neither is she.
2140575 Wayta miss the whole point of the story dude
*hugs Celestia and strokes her ears*
Dear Princess Celestia,
Your character is in fact one of my favorites within the show. The infallible ruler who is not a tyrant, and wields her power carefully and only when necessary. Yet, at the same time, you are somehow always ready for a joke, something the rulers of our world find to be lacking of...
I dislike Molestia, hate Tyrantlestia, I don't mind prankster Celestia, but only to an extent. I find there is so much actual character that can be explored within Celestia, but for some reason the fans create their own bloody versions...
To be brutally honest I have just probably created the newest way to portray you... Changelestia. Though the only reason I ever did is because I always wondered what would happen if the loving ruler of Equestria was the loving ruler of Equestria, but actually a Changeling? You've been a feature of almost every single one of my fanfictions and I hope to continue to use your character and portray you as the best I can.
vren55
Wait, so Celestia isn't Xenephobic?
Here goes.
In unrelated news:
...
Those rape-off artists should be ashamed!
...
>>CplHenderson, Thank you.
Sorry about that Princess, but alas we humans love to hate those that are in charge.
Oh god I feel so bad now! I'm so sorry Tia! *Hugs celestia*
Celestia is and always will be best Princess!
I love you TIA!!!!!
Don't be sad!!
omg. ive called her molestia more than my fair share of times. after reading that,this was my face
heres my own letter to celestia screw you mane six its my turn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dear princess celestia,
i understand your pain. i understand how it feels to be unappreciated.
i appreciate you.
you are one of my favorite ponies and you always will be.
my dearest apologies to you for as many times as i've insulted you.
your subject,
theultimatebrony
(srry i cant risk using my real name.)
i believe that the main reason people have portrayed her in these light is because she is innocent ,and some times it can be fun ruining that. is that a bad theory?
And now I demand a sequel! Set after she's read all of this mail she is getting, with her reaction
Great writing, very emotional.
I love Celestia, the canon Celestia. She is an extremely complex character that is really hard to nailed in while writing. It is simply easier to porttray her differently, turn to just one aspect of her. Instead of looking for a deep explanation, it is easier to say: she send Twilight to the dragon because she is a troll.
That said, doing that can be fun too and there are fans that do it nicely. C'mon people, she is not the only character changed that much on stories. I've read tyrant Luna, tyrant Twilight, evil mane six but Twi, evil Spike, and let's not forget muderous Pinkie Pie. If the story is fun to read why is it wrong? What It is sad, is when fans really think the foul versions of the character are more than the original though and recognise them more. Celestia is much more interesting than Molestia and Trollestia.
I respect stories with a good portray of canon Celestia more, and enjoy them more too.
2142331
I always thought it was because she is outwardly flawless and people don't like flawless. Flawless makes people fell uncomfortable and a little inadequate. It also makes you completely unrelatable because no one is perfect. It's really hard to write stories about characters without flaws. Celestia as the show presents her really has the deck stacked against her. It's not to say you can't work within those confines but it's an awful lot harder. I suspect it's one reason she's rarely used even in the show.
2141266 The 'point' of the story is that Celestia is butthurt, despite being a princess. I gave my honest opinion on Celestia's character, and it wasn't trollish or mean in any way. Apparently, the only comments allowed here are ones where people role-play that they're talking to an imaginary character, so I'll do just that.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I have trouble feeling sorry for you. You're a super rich princess that's clearly loved by all. But for some reason you see the need to whine about a bunch of random people from a different dimension making puns about your name and giving their own interpretations about your (lack of) personality. If you can't stand what equates to a very small amount of joking criticism, I question whether or not you are mentally fit to be leader of a country.
Sincerely Ethesto
Here, this oughtta show that we truly love you:
I don't understand the hate on Celestia. I think she's funny and not in the "Molestia" kind of way. I think she's exactly how I would want to rule my kingdom. Compassion, honesty, kindness, fairness, generosity, love, and of course, a sense of humor.
Good job, Coporal, you made me feel sorry for her.
Bravo, good sir. You are truely intune with this character and I hope to see mor eof your work do just as good.
Stay Strong
1000Fights
Poor Celestia. Fortunately I value her for her wisdom and not what many see her as in this little story. I really want to give her a hug now, especially after seeing that coverart.
I gotta do one too now.
Aww, poor Celestia!
True, I usually portray her as a troll myself, but it's done in a very positive light. A fanfic of mine has a subplot where Chrysalis returns (disguised as Derpy, long story) and Celestia absolutely destroys her... and she does it with trolling.
I know what you mean, though. Celestia needs more love!
She does come across as a bit whiny and angsty. It doesn't seem to perfectly fit with how she's been portrayed in the show, though that could be just be a cover - a mask if you will. Her voice just isn't quite as 'refined' as I would expect.
However, this follows my own thought processes almost exactly. Celestia is my favorite character largely because of fan works and I my desire to give her a hug. I've grown rather jaded when it comes to fanfiction because there just seems to be so much more that puts her down than there seems to be for any other character. My art and writing is definitely colored by this perception - many of the things I've done have been inspired by the simple desire to portray Celestia in a more positive light.
"Celestia is, and always has been, actually a horrible pony inside; she just hides it well." -Me lamenting what I feel is an all-too-common idea.
2144181
Did Celestia do it with intent to cause excessive harm? That's trolling. Trolling involves finding pleasure in making others hurt. That's why 'Trollestia' is such a misnomer - canon Celestia is not malicious with the jokes she plays.
1,013 words. Those words took and absolutely destroyed the good mood i had tonight. I still don't regret it, after the half hour composing this comment and three readings of the story. This comment also marks the third 'letter' i've written, to date, and only the second to Celestia, if i remember correctly.
Well, apparently that was much longer than anticipated. I guess my emotions got the better of me when writing that. I would love a sequel to see her reaction to all the comments and mail she'd be receiving, if at all possible, CplHenderson. It doesn't need to happen, but i personally would love it. That letter is more than half the size of the chapter i read, that says something about me, and i'm not quite sure exactly what as of yet.
Hey, author! Make a response to these letters! We have a bunch!
2143148 i never saw here like that... huh.
The feels!!!
Celly!
I've never wrote her as a troll, and don't plan to. Molestia is just for teh lulz. Tyrantlestia I refuse to read.
Celly is a bit of a Gandalf-type character to me; she's there for guidance, but that does not prevent her from being very wise and powerful.
Now come here, Celestia.
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I see what you were getting at, but as someone who mostly ignores all the offbeat alternate character interpretations of Celestia, this letter came off as more "whiny" than "legitimately hurt."
Shrug.
Well, it's not like every other god-forsaken character in the show, the big damn heroes or small potatoes, have never been depicted in an unsavory, sometimes really, extremely unsavory light, like as some murderous psychopathic genocidal puppy-kicking tyrant who also freely disregard traffic lights. In the fanfiction hyperspace, everything is fair game to the hands of creators.
Also, Molestia is literally 'troublesomeness, stiffness or affectation' in Latin. It isn't so bad in my book. Ho ho.