Hetalia Observations & Ponderances.

[bijou-cho.livejournal.com]

Hi all! Just de-lurking  for a quick question, don't mind me.

As we know, the characters of Hetalia and their stories are largely inspired by certain real facts, be they general stereotype(e.g: Italia loving pasta, France being very affectionate), or an event triggered by history (e.g: why russia carries a faucet around, and China's copyright infringement saga- this one made me giggle hard because I've ever watched this on youtube way before Hetalia came about and made the instant connection ) and so on, but all the same, has anyone else ever found themselves observing/reading something about a character or a particular strip that they can't quite explain how the association came about?  I seem to do so a bit and it got me wondering very inane things, and I was hoping someone could enlighten me, or at least share your theories of how or what may have inspired it.

My personal ponderances run along the lines of: 

1) Is there any particular reason why Sweden (Su-san) is portrayed with 'scary eyes'? (Are those eyebags? And if they are, why Sweden?)

2) Is there any particular reason why UK is portrayed as the 'pure' one who can see things others can't (like Unicorns? for that matter, is the selection of a Unicorn based on certain references to UK as well?) 

These are the two topmost questions that come to mind, so if anyone has any theories or actual references they would be most appreciated! Also, do post your own questions (and answers too) if you've got them.. eh, so I don't feel alone with my idiosyncrasies? =D

Thanks in advance for all your lovely thoughts!

edit: Squee, a discussion Kumbaya! (Man, the things you miss while you're working!)

Comments

[mumumugen.livejournal.com]

As for the UK question, it isn't so much as him being "pure", but rather him being supernaturally inclined. As he is the United Kingdom, this not only includes England and its many supernatural sites, haunted houses, etc., but also Northern Ireland, another land rich in magical lore. He's by no means "pure" either, occasionally portrayed as more than happy to practice black magic or cast curses on others.

I have yet to find out the motivation for Sweden's "big scary guy with a soft core" portrayal, but I'm sure someone will be able to answer your question. ^^

[pajee.livejournal.com]

I don't get the whales with USA. Tony I get, but why the whale?

[kainoliero.livejournal.com]

Continuing the fae theme, what is that little creature you often see with Norway and why? Is Norway also able to see supernatural creatures?

[butachanlj.livejournal.com]

Why does Russia carries a faucet around? D: I think I'm the only one who doesn't know

[picnicbird.livejournal.com]

Re: Sweden, there's a stereotype that claims Swedes are unfriendly and gruff, rarely willing to talk and prefering to keep to themselves. In Scandinavia, Sweden is also sometimes seen as the country associated with state power and inflexible rule by ages-old nobility/royalty. (And veering toward the mangaka's interpretation, he does state in Sweden's profile that 'due to the cold, Sweden doesn't talk much.')

So with this in mind, Sweden's dominating and intimidating stare could be seen as a reflection of that severe background and the Swedish stereotypes of being generally unwarm to strangers (evidenced by his staring at Estonia in such a way [though he meant no harm]).

There's also a very popular stereotype that among the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is the most arrogant, spoiled, and materialistic. ... But that's just a footnote. XD

OH YEAH -- As for the eyebags... I think it's just a matter of how to make Sweden look as horrifying as possible. XD

Aaaannndd, you got good answers for the UK question. :Db

[sasorion.livejournal.com]

Oh hm. I always thought the unicorns/UK thing possibly had something to do with the crest of the Royal family (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_coat_of_arms_of_the_United_Kingdom)...

[gem-gamgee.livejournal.com]

YOUR ICON!!!! A;LDSFHAD;SLKFJ <3333333 I actually screamed when I saw it X3;;

Oh, and yeah, I second what everyone has said about UK. I have no idea abou Su-san, though... D:

[zero-rechter.livejournal.com]

I don't get why Francis is blond. Seriously, i don't.

[tsuki-no-kani.livejournal.com]

What's up with China?

As much as I love him, he's the one character whose personality I don't get.

[gingerbreadmoon.livejournal.com]

Just agreeing with other people regarding UK :) I assumed it was a reference to the folklore it's cultures are seeped in and to all the fantasy the UK's produced (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Narnia, Arthurian legends etc.) As sasorion noted, our royal coat of arms even has a unicorn on it ^_^

I occasionally get confused about things, like, why is Lovino so grumpy? Why does China add "aru" to the end of his sentences? :3 Also, the UK "keeps appearing in the news for stupid sex acts"?! ~.~'

[kataankoryu.livejournal.com]

I'm curious as to why America and Canada wear glasses. Is it because they're shortsighted?