Children of the Moon - Ian Fontova

[@Azrila_The_Reaper]

I love the forest spirit's anger at the end but how it also helped the child. He seems more like not just a protector of the forest but also of children or those that seek help. He felt sorry for the child but also took charge to help the child unlike some that might not have helped the child at all.

[@Sleepycat482]

I find the forest spirit to be quite a fascinating character. His righteous fury, his gentle kindness, his slight naivete in assuming that the city knights must be good and heroic figures. He's separated from humanity, both biologically and socially, and yet still fundamentally holding those qualities we most ascribe to the quality of 'humanity.' A powerful outsider able to act where others cannot or will not, the sort of person everyone dreams of being rescued by at least once in their life no matter how charmed ones life is. A distinctly archetypal hero in an unusual form.

[@IanFontova]

Lovely description 💙

[@dennisluchesi]

Agreed!

[@denzilbrowder5509]

i have a similar pair of figures in my D&D world, both espouse kindness, gentility, harmony, and philanthropy, but gods forbid they discover you harmed an innocent, or worse a child, their fury is boundless and no haven is safe from them or their agents, if this child ended up before either of them, the father would not see the next dawn.

[@dennisluchesi]

I liked it too!❤

[@dennisluchesi]

They would protect all those in need!

[@lilhedgehog8576]

The lyrics “Darkness looks like haven when fiends hide in plain sight.” hit hard every time.

[@logansray]

It's fiends not friends, but yeah it do be hitting hard

[@lilhedgehog8576]

@@logansray oh. Lol

[@lilhedgehog8576]

@@logansray there I fist it 😄

[@logansray]

@@lilhedgehog8576 YOU DID WHAT TO IT!!!

[@lilhedgehog8576]

@@logansray I FIXT IT! 😭😂😂

[@noctusfury6918]

"But having nowhere you could go, that I don't forgive!" is an interesting line. As a forest spirit, he symbolises the concept of having the freedom to roam or spread to wherever they wish, but also that forests have distinct boundaries which they don't cross. If trees don't spread to a certain distance, they form a boundary and stay there, or until the requirements to continue expanding have been met. Basically, the fact that this child wasn't protected nor looked after, but forced to flee and wasn't even allowed to grant him any place to settle would go against every rule of the forest. Which explains his righteous anger. At least from my point of view. *Sequel:* Forest spirit collects children and adopted them, protecting them in his realm, and they grow up to become druid rangers which protect the forest from monsters and humans, and the forest quickly develops the reputation of being the "Dark Forest". Crap, this makes me wanna write a *fanfic* about this. 😗 This was very good, Ian! Well done! ❤💯👍

[@IanFontova]

Omg I love this 😍😍😍 If you ever write anything around this let me know, I'd want to read it!

[@noctusfury6918]

@@IanFontova Aye, I shall when I can. I'll be sure to come back with a link once I'm done. 😉👍

[@leifjbj]

I am leaving a comment here in hopes that if you do write and leave a link I will get a notification for it.

[@toakrikitt]

same. I may already be stealing this for a druid NPC in my own campaign@@IanFontova

[@angelicrobles6292]

YES, PLEASE WRITE THIS! 😍🤩

[@aa-oy9il]

When I was a little girl, my 'home' wasn't safe. So I used to run away into the forest and search for fairies amongst the streambeds and ferns. This song struck a chord with me... my 9 month old daughter will always have a home and hearth and my protection. Beautiful song, lyrics and video.

[@IanFontova]

I'm sure she will. It's becoming a routine to check the new comments of this video and cry a bit before I move on with my day. You're all awesome people, thanks for sharing this 💙

[@dennisluchesi]

Home should be safe!

[@lynnwallis8654]

Your story is so similar to mine I also ran into the woods to escape

[@dennisluchesi]

I am sorry to hear that, I hope you found your freedom and safety.

[@haysmcgee801]

Wow, this hit me deeply. I am a disabled and autistic 42 year old man. I was severely bullied all through out school and I had an abusive father who didn’t know how to handle me as a person or my disabilities growing up and after my parents divorced he let his frustration and temper rule over my childhood home. Being a well liked member of our community he issued a similar warning to me about speaking out. Because I was so regularly physically attacked and bullied at school the nature of my disability it was easy to lie about and/or hide the physical signs of the abuse. I was and still am also an insomniac, when it got too bad I also would escape into the moonlit forest around my home; living in my own fantasy world. I would pretend I was on all manner of late night adventures. As I got older I would spend hours conversing with the moon, or telling stories to the trees about heroes and villains. When I finally came of age, and with my disability check in hand and some help from a friend, I left and never looked back. I am okay now but man, this got me sobbing like a baby. I was not expecting it. Thank you so much for making this.

[@IanFontova]

Thanks to you for sharing your story 💙 I'm really sorry this happened to you 😔 It makes me really angry how this issue is disregarded as an individual fault of the abuser, which it is, of course, but not only. This terrible situations could be avoided with community that cared and held parents accountable. I'm glad you could leave that behind and that you're doing better now, big hugs from here. There's been a few comments with people sharing their personal experiences regarding this topic, it really means a lot to me that you all feel comfortable doing this here. Thanks 💙

[@xxxsaraHelloxxx]

🌹🌹🌹👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🦾🦾🦾just by telling your story you have helped someone

[@TheDreameroflove]

I'm on the Spectrum myself, Asperger's Syndrome. I know exactly what it's like to be bullied at school, though it has been many years since I was even in college. I was lucky to find a husband that was so accepting of me the way I am, now we support each other through thick and thin. I don't know if you were ever able to marry, but if not, I hope you can someday. Everyone has someone out there, and we all find each other eventually. Congratulations on escaping a nightmare, may the rest of your life be a dream come true.

[@haysmcgee801]

@@TheDreameroflove Thank you for your support! To answer your question, yes I am married to a beautiful woman whom I love very much. We have been together for 16 years going on 17. She is my best friend and rock. She is also neurodivergent and we have been Living together for all but 2 months of the time we have been together. She is the kindest, most generous, most supportive person I have ever met. She’s a voice actor and Audiobook narrator at the top of her field. You can find her and I on Audible if you look up my name, or hers Andrea Parsneau. We have had the amazing opportunity to live on both coasts of the US and all over in between. With hers and a couple of other very close friends help I have come a very long way from that abused and bullied child to where I am now. I have had the chance to see and experience some very amazing things and even more amazing people. I am happy, regardless of the physical or mental challenges that I deal with. More happy than I ever imagined I would ever be when I was young being told that I was only ever going to struggle and fail. The internet has also allowed me the opportunity to find music or art like this video and the opportunity to meet and talk to wonderful people like you and the others who have also commented to my story. If I can offer any advice, take every opportunity you can. Don’t let you get in your way. Trust your instincts and love yourself. This world really is far more beautiful and complex than what we are shown most of the time. People are typically far kinder than they are given credit for, those that aren’t are likely dealing with their own pain and lashing out because of their fear of being hurt again. They don’t deserve more space in your heart or head than what is required for pity.

[@elisseamstutz8175]

I wasn't abused by my parents as a kid, but I've had so many people I trusted hurt me. This song drove me to tears

[@IanFontova]

❤🩹

[@buecherwurmin5062]

the moment when the child ask hopeful yet fearful for help - and gets way more than he expected -can't say how much that touched me knowing someone who was abused the worst way possible from her father and had noone to turn to that time - may everyone in need get an angel in whatever shape

[@fearreavers]

I was bullied a lot as a kid and my home life was not great. As a result I ended up loving the night. I feel safer walking alone at night then any where else. Love this song.

[@IanFontova]

Thanks for sharing this ❤️🩹

[@netwitchtatjana4661]

Heartbreaking story. An enchanted wood. And a horned owl I've never known of before. This is precious. Tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. You made my day Ian. Thank you from the bottom of my witchy soul.

[@IanFontova]

😍😍😍 Thanks for your words :)

[@catlinmarie]

The horned man can take many forms

[@firenzarfrenzy4985]

How naively I clicked on this expecting a fantasy folk song. Only to weep upon realising the reality woven into the fantasy. You evoke such beautiful cruel emotion in this. I am fortunate enough to live in a safe home thanks to my mother. She shields me from the evils of life because she wasn't afforded the same. Domestic abuse is no joke and I am grateful you are covering this issue so eloquently in song. The forest is a wonderful thematic device for a safe haven. Something that provides safe harbour and takes serious of the injustice of being refused refuge. I love reading the comments here. Everyone has such wonderful interpretations. Reminds me of English class, but this feels infinitely more meaningful and relevant. I will always remember "Darkness looks like haven when fiends hide in plain sight" a reminder that the greatest evils are the realest ones. Thank you Mr Fontova, for something rich and worthwhile in an era where thing seem exceedingly shallow and insensitive.

[@IanFontova]

Thank you so much for your words :) I'm also amazed to read all the beautiful comments you all are leaving here 💙

[@PeterCrowleysFantasyDream]

My friend, I have no words to express how good that was. The music is so gorgeous, and so are the animations. I cannot wait for the Volume 2 !

[@IanFontova]

Thanks :)

[@ElNacho38]

Gee gods, It’s Peter Crowley himself!

[@SanguiniCore]

No way! I listen to your music too!

[@blakethefairy6442]

This song gave me chills. Such a powerful ballad, and one of my new favorites. I was never abused, but I do have demons that I run from, and I have always considered the wilderness my safe haven, and my friend who have been abused feel the same.

[@SeliahK]

This hit home hard. Survivor of an abusive sperm donor and trafficking here. I've always been drawn into forests and mountains and away from humans whenever I needed space or time to myself. You hit every button in exactly the right way with this. Thank you. Beautifully done, excellent storytelling as well as a wonderful singer (and the artwork is just gorgeous, too!). I've never heard you before, so please pardon me while I go trudging around your channel now. :)

[@IanFontova]

Thanks for sharing your story. A few people that struggled with abuse have shared their experiences in the comments, and I feel so honored that something I made makes you all feel safe to do this here. I cried a bit 🥲 Thanks 💙

[@jodirisenmay1200]

What a great job those hiding their evil in the dark have done to make us into self-loathing beings. We judge all humanity by what the most evil ones do. All we have to do is hold accountable those humans that are monsters, lock them away forever or worse. 😵

[@NeverLookBackOnce]

And so an order of druids would be born. Guardians of their oak father and children of their mother moon.

[@PlatformingCyndaquil]

Add a ranger and I’m in. (My family loves me, I just want to protect the Spirits of the Forest and the Moon, as well as the people under their protection.)

[@Hirumaenjiru]

My dad was abusive, not very physically, but he constantly made me feel worthless. I'd stay up all night just as to not aggravate him... I love the forest spirit in this, helping the child, like I had wished so many times for someone to help me

[@IanFontova]

🫂🫂🫂

[@rjwintl]

My wooden boat is named ‘Ayla’ , which means ‘halo of the moon’ … maybe a good name for one of your little friends ??? 👩

[@lilhedgehog8576]

That’s a pretty name.

[@AbstractQueer]

What language/culture does that come from?

[@okidokidraws]

Oh I always wondered what that ment Ayla is a character in a video game i play shes a Chief Lady the games Chrono Trigger

[@misora-y6x]

​@@AbstractQueer In Turkish, Ayla means the same meaning, also 'Ay' means the moon in Turkish, but I guess the origin of Ayla is Hebrew and Turkish.

[@Grausicht]

💜

[@KaiAmara-zt8cj]

My "home" has all the food, clothing, and items i could've ever asked for in a lifetime. Yet the one that i ask for ever year is my mom because alcohol has consumed her life and now she is consuming mine at a such young age. So many times i have forgiven her, but lately she did something that i feel like i could never forget or forgive her for it. So when i heard this song for the first time, i broke into tears realizing that my mom was the dad in the song and my dad was the mom. Your song brought me joy because i love the forest and your song was very reliable to me and my broken heart.

[@KaiAmara-zt8cj]

I am so glad that I can seek refuge under your songs

[@IanFontova]

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation 😞 I really hope you can get the resources at some point to improve that and surround yourself with people that treat you nicely like we all deserve ❤‍🩹 Big hugs from here and thanks for sharing your story 💙

[@krive123]

This hit so hard, I'm ngl. I have too many friends who were abused by their parents, and even my own parents went through that. Just knowing how hard it is for a kid to run from a traumatizing childhood makes this song hit hard. I can't count how many times I'd be messaged in the middle of the night by my now adult friends because they had night terrors of their parents, how many times I've sat with them as they fall into another pit of depression because "they're not good enough". This song legitimately almost made me cry.

[@IanFontova]

Having caring people around that offer safe spaces, like you did, is a key aspect of being able to get out 💙

[@krive123]

@@IanFontova I really appreciate that. I'll always be there for them, no matter how dark things get. They may not be able to change their past, but together, we can always craft a bright future.

[@fellowcat3796]

Even though this beautiful video literally has the lyrics. I've written it down for the people who'd like it. Guided by the moon tonight Across the frozen path Strides a fearful spirit Running from the past Deep inside the dark wood Where roots are veiled in ice They fall and find upon them Two eerie bright eyes Tell me troubled young soul What is it that you fear? I watch over this forest None shall hurt you here Did you come across the dead That roam around the bog? Did you wake the wicked troll Or breathe the deadly fog? Will my garden settle you, Or will you follow your flight? Darkness looks like haven When fiends hide in plain sight Let the dawn light scatter 'round And spread the robin's tune May this glade be home and hearth For the children of the moon There's no dragon, wraith or curse, No monster that i woke For it was someone close to me The reason i donned my cloak Twas my father I ran from I'm afraid to tell Made my life so miserable He does not wish me well How can that be possible? How can it be true? A parent must protect their child He should've cared for you Did you seek your mother's aid? What about your god's? Surely the righteous city knights Would chase a man so flawed Will my garden settle you, Or will you follow your flight? Darkness looks like haven When fiends hide in plain sight Let the dawn light scatter 'round And spread the robin's tune May this glade be home and hearth For the children of the moon Mother weeps and stays aside She does not dare to speak Her laughter once a sunny storm Turned to sigh so bleak Father's a respected man He's the mayor and the priest There's no guards I could go to For they would turn on me He said 'If you run I will find you I'll spread the word, there's nowhere to hide I'm a friend of each honourable man, From here to the end of known land' Will you help me? A cursed evil coward snake Is enough to grieve But having nowhere you could go That I don't forgive May the night fall upon him And those who take his side My roots will crawl beneath their beds And spread a rotten blight Will my garden settle you, Or will you follow your flight? Darkness looks like haven When fiends hide in plain sight Let the dawn light scatter 'round And spread the robin's tune May this glade be home and hearth For the children of the moon May this glade be home and hearth For the children of the moon

[@yimveerasak3543]

Thank you 😊

[@SystemofEleven]

Many thanks! Imma sing it at bardic tonight, and it's always easier to keep up when I can see the next line before it's time to sing it :)

[@muddywolfpaws6896]

Stunning... What a beyond gorgeous melody. This is haunting, stirring and comforting at the same time... I got so many chills and teared up at the part when the owl spirit soars through the air. Just, wow, wow, wow..... ❤♥♥♥

[@IanFontova]

💙💙💙 Thanks :)

[@adele3428]

I have been mentally/psychologically abused my entire teenage years, so I must admit that this song hits hard. I wish I had an Eerie Bright Eyed friend to protect me, but no one ever came

[@fruitymcfruitcake9674]

My name is Rhiannon and I've reflected this very same opinion - that children should not be so deprived of rights and autonomy - for almost my entire life just to go unheard. This is beautiful. Thank you.

[@priscillaneff8073]

Ooo. This one hit me in multiple ways. I expected so much beautiful art and music, and you've more than delivered.❤️🙏🏼 But I have also been a child of the moon in my life, wandering at nights to feel free and safe in the darkness, and sometimes with my siblings and friends, and processing parental abuse since then. I've also been a volunteer advocate at a domestic and sexual violence services organization, and I see these kids (and abused spouses) around me more often than I think is right. This is beautiful, for obvious reasons, as well as for those that may not be as easy for some to see, but which are very clear to those who haven't had a voice for their struggles. Thank you.

[@IanFontova]

Thanks a lot for sharing your story, it means a lot to me 💙

[@papucsorranpamutbolyt1297]

The forest spirits anger and disbelife... I love his character so muuch. Sadly bringing up a lot of negative flashback from my childhood. I found that song maybe 5 days before, it's on loop, all day, so far.

[@akira1086]

This song is so beautiful i nearly cried. I adore your music and work, and i especially appreciate these amazing celtic tunes which also tell a tale, but not just any tale, but that slip in social commentary that's important to have. Child autonomy is so heavily disrespected in our society today, and i've seen how deep those rotten roots grow, I've met countless people, and have many friends who have their own tales of abuse, neglect, of having their boundaries trampled upon, and having everyone else around them turn a blind eye, make excuses for their abuser, or outright take their abuser's side, ESPECIALLY if the wounds aren't physical. Even then, when you find few who may listen if any, they don't know what to do, or don't bother to do something, they express hollow sympathy but don't dare to try, because full authority of a parent is placed on a pedestal in our society, while the constant, demonstrable harms are just overlooked, or swept under the rug, if not called "normal". As a rotten cherry on top, some of the people who argue against this, somehow argue that child autonomy would put children more in danger to abuse or predation, not just ignoring the fact that the total authority of a parent multiplies this 100 fold already, but that allowing children to say no, to set boundaries, and to stand up for themselves, is part of preventing those things from happening. These conversations need to be had but too many don't even engage with it, too many will only throw out snarky, bad faith responses to these things, like pointing out how children don't know a lot, or might be immature, or might set some "unreasonable boundary" (very important to press them on why depending on the context), which even if they do, doesn't change the importance of this topic. Obviously it's not reasonable for a child to set a boundary of "i will only eat candy" for example, but that's never what we're talking about, but it's along the lines of the kind of sarcastic, snarky, bad faith responses people will throw out as a way to dismiss the subject entirely, rather to think critically about how we treat children in our society, and how it can enable abuse, predation, and a slew of other harmful things. (Also there's a misspelling in the description of LGBTQIA+) On another note, could i recommend some streamers i watch who talk about these issues to react to this song on stream? if not i understand, but I just wanted to check for permission and if it was copyright.

[@IanFontova]

Thank you so much for your time writing this 💙 I'm really glad to have people expanding on it on the comments, I support everything you said. I'm no expert on the topic, but I find it absolutely enraging how normalized all this harm is. A lot of things that everyone agrees are totally unacceptable to do to another human being, they're ok if they're done to kids because they don't know what's best for them. And society goes along with it.. I feel like a lot of kids are alone and unprotected, while being one of the groups that need more care and understanding, as they're still learning how everything works, and so they're more vulnerable. Sometimes they might now know what's best for them, but that requires help, companionship, guidance.. It's not an excuse to cross their boundaries and wield authority over them. And I'd say that most of the time they DO know what's best for them, it's just that the assumption that they don't, brings adults to not even listen. You can totally recommend this to the streamers you watch. About the copyright, I'm afraid I don't know much about how KZbin and Twitch handle it. I set the Standard KZbin License when I upload my videos, and I don't check the "KZbin Content ID" thing when I upload the music to Spotify, in case someone wants to use it in a cool way. If there'd be any kind of copyright issue, it'd come from the platforms side, not mine. And I'd try my best to solve it so they can use the video without problems. ps: thanks for the misspelling clarification, corrected!

[@akira1086]

@@IanFontova I completely agree with what you said. It's so odd to see people argue that because children may not always know what's best for them, that means that it's somehow justified to wield authority over them maliciously, rather than educating them on dangers, being patient, guiding, compassionate, and understanding. As someone who has also been through abusive experiences with parents, it seriously feels like some parents don't actually think through why they want children other than having a cute living thing to own as property, and they don't actually put forth the effort to learn how to understand, guide, teach, and raise a child. Then when their child acts like a human being separate from them, with their own thoughts, opinions, and flaws, they lash out, and justify horrid treatment towards children in place of more compassionate responses, and while they'll argue it's to teach them, for many, it doesn't come off as trying to teach their child better, it comes off as them taking their anger out on their child, using them as an emotional punching bag to vent their frustrations and struggles of being a parent, a responsibility they chose, onto their child. It's repulsive, but abusers will always justify their lashing out as teaching their child when all it teaches children is to fear their parent, to be secretive, and to lie, and trick their parent into calming down out of self defense and fear of their safety. As for copyright, i see, thank you for the info, do you want to know the streamers in advance that i want to recommend to so they can contact you if any weird youtube copyright stuff happens?

[@IanFontova]

@@akira1086 Totally, having kids for the wrong reasons is one of the big variables in all this 😔 The reality clashes with the ideal they had in mind (often shaped by prejudice and bigotry), and the kid, which is the one that had no say on being brought there, pays the consequences. I'm sorry this happened to you, it happened to so many people I would say, in some degree. Big hugs and thanks for sharing your perspective, I think it's really valuable 💙 Do you mean puting me and those streamers in contact? I'm fine with everything, you could give them my email ([e-mail]) if that makes sense, or whatever you think works better :)

[@akira1086]

@@IanFontova Agreed, also thank you. As for the streamers, whichever works best for you, whether you want me to put you in contact with them, or if i should just inform them of what you said and hand them your contact. No guarantees they'll view the song, but asking in advance, cause rightfully so, many streamers worry about copyright so they'll avoid songs like this unless they know it's safe to cover.

[@IanFontova]

@@akira1086 Ok! So, if you're alright with it and want to suggest it yourself to whichever streamers you see fit (including what I said about the copyright and my contact info), that'd be cool :) Thanks a lot for spreading the word about the video!

[@lukasmarks6504]

I cannot put in words how much I love this song. I already love a lot of your music, so I've kinda been spoiled to expect great songs but this somehow really hit me by surprise by how awesome this is! Thank you for sharing your work and passion with us. (Man this comment came out waay more schmaltzy than I intended, but I mean it 😄)

[@IanFontova]

Thank you 💙 I've put a lot of work and love into it and it makes me so happy to read all the cute comments you all are writting :)

[@nintaion4756]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You're truly one of the best composers of the era, and I mean it. Your music is powerful, enchanting, and makes us want to dance all night. Be blessed forever, Ian Fontova. You deserve it.

[@lostonessoul5154]

this song sends shivers down my spine. The forest spirit's gentle yet agressive voice, the instraumentals, even the lyrics make this feel like something out of Dragon age or a DnD campaign where the song explains the backstory of a particular player character. I feel my skin grow cold as the spirit says "BLIGht", and want to shelter the child as he explains his situation. It FEELS like a legit old Celtic folk song. Fantastic work.

[@averageenjoyer2249]

Average sorlock backstory.

[@MNDarkfire]

If you're interested in reading, I came across this song just recently and it is almost exact for what my current dnd character's backstory is. For added context I've been playing this character for 7 years, and just found this song. My character, Roric Fennorin is a wood elf who was born to a cult who isolated itself from the rest of the world. He was indoctrinated and raised to believe everything outside of the community would bring death, and that only the gods were the answer to what people could believe. Roric's father, Ruvyn, is on the high council of the cult, and as such has responsibilities to the community, and a lot of power. Roric, through many years, grew into agnosticism, refusing to believe in the unjust gods which segregated his society. As a result of his infidelity, his father went to the council to have him cast out, branded with a symbol of banishment, which Roric later learned was actually a symbol meant to mark him as prey, to be hunted for sport by a nearby mindflayer in hiding. Roric's mother dared not speak out in his defense, and stood by silently during Roric's banishment. Recently, the party came across Roric's mother, who had been cast out from the cult similarly to how Roric had been, and she had been infected with an illithid (mindflayer) pathogen. In my dnd campaign, it feels as though the party themselves fill the role of the spirit of the forest, with their indignation and disbelief that my character's father could be so cruel.

[@tyraelpl]

Love the song, just discovered it. I really like this mystical, karmic, primal even justice the forest spirit represents. He really reminds me of ents in lotr. Imho it's a personification of nature and the natural order of thing. I'd like to point towards 2 occurrences that strike me most. 1 4:41 "and spread a rotten blight". The peak of righteous fury of nature against human evil and perversion of nature. Well done mate. 2. 1:54 "how can that be possible?" A stark and clear yet unfathomable realization for the force of nature. For can it be true that a parent wishes harm onto their offspring? An unnatural thing, abominable and abhorrent. Again well done and thank you.

[@robybalde5742]

Adrian von Ziegler, BrunuhVille, Ivan Torrent, Phil Rey Gibbons, Tony Gram, Two Steps From Hell. Now we also got Peter Crowley and YOU too!

[@gavenace3667]

Absolutely beautiful, genuinely magical, wonderfully crafted. Thank you for the phenomenal music!!

[@WardenOfSouls]

I am very lucky to live right next to a very beautiful forest. Sometimes i go out at night and enjoy how the sound and atmosphere take me in, swallow the sounds of the city behind me and give me inner peace. When i stand still for a while and listen to the sounds of the forest i often wonder if the forest also listens back to me. I love the way you pictured the Forest Guardian here. The thought of something watching over these beautiful places is somehow very calming to me. Just very very beautiful, the music, animation and Story. Thank you so much for this wonderful song!

[@IanFontova]

Love this, thanks :)

[@griseldis]

This brings back memories... My safe place was on a thick branch in a tree next to a pond. Since then, I have loved the golden sunlight shining through the leaves. So, yes, trees offer protection and safety. At least for a while.

[@ElAquelarreDeMoon]

I'm in absolute love with this forest spirit, it bring me to tears. Fantastic, fantastic song

[@DraconixWingforged]

KZbin randomly recommended this to me, and I started listening to this as a sort of background music for something else, as I took it for some cool but ordinary folk themed music. Then I caught the lyrics of verse 2, felt chills running all over me, and I felt compelled to redtart and give it a proper watch and listen. Amazing work ❤

[@mikato2]

I've experienced the perspective of both the child of the moon and the forest's guardian. Neither is a comfortable place to be, but the forest's guardian at least has the power- and the willingness- to do something about it. I've often had the will, but not the power. And the music itself! Beautiful, eerie, like it comes from another world, a land of fae and gods. The voice of the forest guardian, like an ancient thing echoing in the bones of the earth itself, but soft and compassionate. And your own voice, rich and vibrant and full of all the emotion of the piece. It's perfect. I love this song, gives me chills. I've had it on repeat for five hours now since it landed in my recommendations!

[@IanFontova]

💙💙💙

[@HeavyMetalSociologist]

This is beautiful and profound. I already loved your music (and finally became a patron once I realized I was listening basically every day :) ) - but as someone who has experienced multiple forms of violence in my life, and who has worked in the antiviolence sector for years, I am truly grateful for Children of the Moon. Thank you.

[@IanFontova]

Thank you so much for sharing this and for your support on Patreon, I am honored 💙

[@haileyjones2336]

I can’t stop listening to this song. It’s just too good for words!

[@fellowcat3796]

This song has a special place in my friends and my own heart. It came on by accident during a dnd session. Truely a spectical to my eyes and like honey to my ears!

[@IanFontova]

That's lovely :)

[@KiyoshoA]

My home wasn't safe growing up. But I will provide a safe home for my children.

[@evanarmstrong6513]

This song hits me in a very primal part of my feels. Feels like you got the forest spirit perfectly. Their confusion about how a parent could treat their child like that is almost beautiful. Their binary view is perfectly reflective of nature - as is their vengeance. A forest spirit is basically the ultimate parent. All of nature is their child. On a technical level, I absolutely love the voiceover when the forest spirit is speaking. The distortion works perfectly. I’m pretty sure at least 100 of these views are me. That number will keep going up. You hit my hyperfixation button.😅

[@The19Scout97]

Noodle arms Gobbo is my spirit animal! xD

[@melaniebrooks]

I love this song. As a person with anxiety disorder and social anxiety, I have become more of a tsundere and a ice queen as I got older. I find it very hard to trust others. Sometimes, I can think about memories that hits me very hard that I let waterworks (tears) out. When I listen to this song, it helps me escape to the magic forest where my special someone and I dance to this song and having fun with my animal friends watching us. Thanks for the song, Ian. 💖💖💖💖

[@widgren87]

I love this song, listened to it many a time now. It reminds me of many old stories from when I was a kid and how Spirits and minor Gods are often so defined by what they are i.e. Forest, River, Wells or Gods of the same that they cannot comprehend things that go against that nature. And then there are the ones about Humans dealing with these spirits and how they can face the consequences of what the person before them did, or did NOT do, to the spirits that might not always understand that humans can have short lives or just forget things and so caution is best lest one suffer the possible consequences. Thank you and best of luck.

[@j.c.r.m]

My friend, I have no words to express the amount of emotions that your art has awakened in me. The final part almost brought me to tears of joy because of all that power that the chorus provokes. I am a sensitive soul for this style of art and I marvel at how you have been able to capture the essence of the songs of yesteryear and the power of myth. All that remains is to say thank you, thank you very much and I hope to continue discovering your songs like these.

[@IanFontova]

What a beautiful comment 😭😭😭 Thank you so much for your words 💙

[@bustedblu7737]

oh my god i have the perfect place to put something like this in my campaign! Even an amazing homebrew monster type, a druid lich. I'll just have to make then lawful good aligned but maybe spread rumors about then not being the best of person. Not looked at the stat block in a bit but i'm guessing that i probably don't want my party to be allies with em right away as i renember em being strong enough to at least a boss for an arc.

[@theparijat1000]

I have heard this for some years now and then. Today was looking at the video and listening to the song again at umpteenth time. I am a man of 37, a doctor professor, teach in med school. And I wept specially near the end. It always moves me. There is something so moving about benevolent powers, compassion and love even in places most unlikely, and I have seen it time and time again. People can be bad, things can be bad, but even there good things often find their ways.

[@lynnwallis8654]

Often my father used to come home angry and yelling as soon as he returned from work. I ran to the woods to get away even if only for a few hours… only after living a while I learned and realized he was suffering too . I brought him to the woods when he asked me where I was, I scared momma and him. “Dad I know you hurt , you got injured on the job but you still go, I love you, get help, you don’t have to yell to get your point across. He got help and I got my daddy back, your song hits harder than you can ever know.

[@IanFontova]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, I'm really glad to hear that it got better ❤‍🩹

[@SilverScribe85]

Such a bittersweet tale you weave

[@whilenya4714]

This video is simply stunning! From the music to the animation and the themes, everything here is great. Outstanding performance, Ian!

[@EsusePrime]

I’ve been listening to you for 6 years, you’re great as always, thank you

[@imhappy8078]

That's for sure perfection ❤. The time spent for the animation is totally worth it. Appreciate the hard work you put for us in your musics. You honestly deserve much more. Time to put it on repeat haha.

[@angelicrobles6292]

This is a MASTERPIECE! 👏👏👏 A tale of glorious vindication for a frightened child. I'm grateful to you for sharing this. You've found another fan in me!

[@timoth4529]

Iam so glad we finally got another Ian Fontova song with your Singing, I really missed it. ALso the music video Oh God.

[@IanFontova]

Thanks :DD

[@InfinityWolf33]

This song makes me cry every time I hear it, because when I was a few years younger than I am now, my world was chaotic, and it still is now, but it's gotten better, but it's also gotten worse in new ways. But... I used to hope that one day I could find my home, and that I would finally be free from those that harmed me, whether it was physical or mentally. Though I'm not free from them yet, it seems I'm almost. I'll soon be old enough to leave and find my enchanted forest. The time has flown by fast, so the last few years I have left, will soon be gone, and I'll reach the one thing I've needed most. I have to thank you for this song, as it's something that brings me joy, despite my tears.

[@IanFontova]

Thank you so much for sharing this ❤‍🩹 I hope you'll be able to go to a better place as soon as possible, hugs from here 🫂

[@TheNamelessBard]

And here I sit, speechless, shedding a tear. This is a masterpiece, Ian. ❤‍🔥The lyrics! The music! The marvelous artwork! Your words about this sensible, important topic. ❣ I'm beyond words. Thank you. Thank you so much for your wonderful art! 🥰 (jamming along on my hurdy gurdy to this 😘)

[@IanFontova]

This is so nice, thank you for your words :)

[@mercyjokes2d696]

You got a Hurdy Gurdy!?!? Please post you playing along. (I'm doing research on buying bagpipes but living in a built up area makes me think an accordion or Hurdy Gurdy would make for better relationships?)

[@IanFontova]

@@mercyjokes2d696 I'd suggest the irish uilleann pipes, they sound quieter than scottish or galician bagpipes. It also depends on the reed you use. I ordered mine to a reed maker called Cesar Pastor (if you type Cesar Pastor reeds on Google he comes up), asking him for a smooth not-too-loud sound (because neighbours xD) and I'm really happy with it. I would say it's at a similar loudness level as my hurdy gurdy :)

[@RottieTheZombie]

Holy cow this is criminally underrated, so frikken good.

[@bakurnia6367]

I worked while listening to this, my tiredness slowly disappeared. Thank you, great job 👏

[@wolfflamekindl9339]

I burst into tears as I listened to this. It seems my inner child still has a lot left to heal. Thanks for offering me solace under the moon, next to the monsters I've come to know and trust more than the fiends who hide in plain sight.

[@IanFontova]

Thanks to you for your words 💙

[@TheDreameroflove]

My home seemed perfect when I was little, but at ten it all fell apart when my parents divorced. I was lucky that I never had to deal with abuse, but I did suffer emotionally for years. When I met my husband, I didn't think I would want to marry so young, but I learned that I couldn't live without him, and now we're nearing our ninth anniversary and have two beautiful children. I'm being sure to give them love so that their images of a "perfect" family will never shatter as mine did.

[@IanFontova]

I'm sorry to hear that 😔 I think that sometimes divorce is the best option for the kids wellbeing, but every situation is different. What matters most is providing that safe space that I'm sure you're giving them 💙

[@imateapot1231]

This was amazing! You are a talent that I hope to see more of one day. Thank you for your gift of music, and storytelling.

[@joanhoffman3702]

This video just showed up in my feed. Loved the song! I had minor verbal and emotional abuse, not enough to cause major damage, but still enough to leave small scars. My heart goes out to those who experienced the worst possible. ❤❤❤

[@IanFontova]

Same here ❤🩹

[@jamesseven6655]

The forest is or prairie is a excellent place to hide and think and go through your thoughts and peice things together what’s better is haveing a friend to talk to about where thoughts should go

[@leifjbj]

This song is amazing on it’s own but the artwork and lyrics together are astonishing. I am truly blown away by this masterpiece.

[@rpgchronicler]

Apparently Spotify recommended me your song. I was not ready for how much the lyrics resonate in me once i saw this vid... Some people nowadays see druids and rangers as hippies or rogues with extra steps, but this song would be a wonderful source of inspiration for making a druid and ranger character. If a forest and its inhabitants (both magical and mundane) can provide sanctuary to all in plight, then its likely that these tended souls will follow the path that ensues that not only is this sanctuary kept safe but even help others needing refuge like this out of empathy.

[@karakashin9415]

Oh boy, I was not ready for how amazing everything is in these short 6 minutes. Kudos and many thanks for producing this.

[@harryrogan7248]

1st The wiggly goblin is amazing (Definitely accidentally put some ‘Shrooms’ in the stew) 2nd Mini story! The villages next to the angry woods always feared the night of the full moon for the forests creatures old and rotting emerged to take man and women alike though many where left as piles of bones. An old Druid his ancient cloak now little more then a scrap of red cloth wrapped around his throat glares at a quiet village the sounds of a belt flaying young flesh and a crack of a buckle on a women’s hand vibrates through the plants reaching the man. With a pull of magic a gift from his father the Ent at the centre of the woods a mighty crash of exploding roots destroyed the building the white glow of the druids mother the full moon illuminated a wretched man reeking of alcohol a blood stained whip in his hands and one more the beasts of the woods left a pile of bones in a destroyed home. But the villagers would never know of the village hidden deep within the forest that welcomed the mother and child. The Ent and his first son looked on as welcoming magic flowed from the young druids and witches wrapping warmly around its new residents. The duo smile at the joy and happiness on the once terrified faces, with his job done the Druid waves towards his mother for he will forever be thankful to the home and hearth given to the children of the moon. A little bit all over the place but the song demanded a story :)

[@alphapacz5560]

The entirety of a beautiful piece of art

[@CogumeloSonico]

Holy smoke! This is actually pretty impressive. Well done, Ian! That's a wonderful job :)

[@Meian-of-Yin-Yang]

I got major chills all over when I first heard this song, and even after four or five times I still get chills.

[@saphearam.moonstar4733]

As someone who had no one to turn to with a narcissistic home and family i tend to enjoy wondering in the woods and exploring, i find my home in walks along the lake while it rains nowdays, the forest will always be my safe place

[@oddabandon]

Could have used this a decade ago. Glad some kids in similar situations might find it and find solace within.

[@UmojlMusic]

No words express how amazing this song is Ian! Just subscribed. Amazing!

[@amaterasuwolfy5798]

This song woke up my inner child and made me ugly cry. I havent done that in 5 years. When I remembered how my father sent my dog to the pound as vengeance to my mom divorcing him.

[@IanFontova]

That is an extremely horrible thing to do, I'm so sorry to hear it 😞 Hugs from here ❤‍🩹

[@MegaCatlady66]

wow just wow lost for words i saw this and though oh looks interesting i check it out and i was so glad i did i loved it made me cry i got the story straight away this is a beautiful way of showing how cruel the world can be and there is others out there that do care about it you got your self a new subscriber loved the music and words so cant wait to check out your other work well done on this video 👏👏👏👍👍❤❤❤❤

[@IanFontova]

Than you and welcome!!

[@PaPastacat]

You've been one of my main inspo these past years and i'm always so hyped when a new song comes out ! As always: great work !!

[@7979Army]

I can say I was able to go to my parents for help. I was tortured in school before I was homeschooled and I do mean I have multiple surgeries ahead of me to try and mend my body so I can keep living life. Love this song

[@IanFontova]

That's terrible, I'm so sorry you had to go throught this 😞 Big hugs from here ♥🩹

[@lanyandlyna]

Algorythm strikes again to the prettiest surprises man. It's like all of my favourite tropes and vocals in one song!!! HOW?????

[@Sam-zs7dx]

I've been having this on repeat almost not too long after you released this but I'm commenting something now because I just wanna say how much I appreciate this. The characters, the music and the storyline is phenomenal I get goosebumps everytime you sing the chorus. This is like one of the safe spaces on youtube for me lol

[@IanFontova]

That's so beautiful, so glad to hear it 💙 Thank you!

[@Ixbran]

I had the exact same issue with my mother rather than my father. Regardless of the horrible things she did or said to me, everyone would just make excuses for her. "Shes your mother, she loves you." Is what theyd say in response to me trying to get help. My dad was the only reason i made it to adult hood, he did his best to make up for my mothers controlling nature. I managed to move out eventually and with her favorite target gone she started going after eveyone else even more to make up for it, and my dad finally divorced her. My dad and my siblings are all doing much better now that we've all cut her off.

[@IanFontova]

I'm sorry this happened to you, glad you could get out 🩹❤ The lyrics came out like this, but I know that parental abuse also comes from the mother side often and that's something that would be good to represent as well. Thanks for sharing your story and hugs from here 💙

[@Ixbran]

@@IanFontova I will admit it was a bit painful to listen too, constant depictions of abusive fathers in media alongside mothers who love unconditionally are bitter. Because my father was my hero who was there for me when I needed him, and a mother like that is something I can only dream about. But at the end of the day it's your song, your video. And you did an amazing job on everything about it. So thank you for blessing this site with your art, and please keep continuing to do so 💜

[@IanFontova]

@@Ixbran I understand. Your perspective is teaching me that mother parental abuse is most likely under represented in media compared with father parental abuse. I had a lot of doubts of what to do with the mother character, as I mainly wanted the story to be about the kid and parental abuse. But also sexist violence from husband to wife is a really common and structural problem, so the lyrics came out like this and I decided to go with it. I might do it differently now, sorry if this was triggering. Thanks a lot for appreciating the video anyway and sharing your perspective, it's really valuable 💙

[@TheDreameroflove]

I envy you in the sense of your father being your closest person. My father wasn't abusive to me, but now he's so distant that I barely know him. I'm sorry you never knew a mother's love, but I'm sure that one day you'll find a good husband (or maybe wife if that's your preference) whose mother will become a mother to you as well and you'll at least have a taste of what you never had

[@judiphillips286]

Brilliant story telling in music, just love it, my hands and feet won't stay still❤❤❤❤

[@soundgreyhound]

Such a beautiful song accompanied by gorgeous animation. Im obsessed.

[@karstenvaljak7999]

beautiful song, very emotional with a strong message. Loving it. Greetings from crazy krautland!

[@davemillet4160]

Now THIS is a gem. Thank you for sharing with us!♥️🎵

[@ArturFlintchannel]

Ah, wonderful. Just wonderful, no words to express that feeling.

[@rebeccamcfarlin1641]

My dude, your voice gives me chills. And this song had me wanting both to comfort and seek vengeance all at once. I'll be watching this over and over, I already know ❤

[@Dreadnought33]

Qué canción más maravillosa y qué hermosa (y dura) la temática que has elegido para ella. Mis más sinceras felicitaciones. Ya tienes nuevo miembro de tu Patreon. Muchas gracias por tu música

[@IanFontova]

Muchas gracias por tus palabras y por tu apoyo, ahora te escribo por Patreon :)

[@Pilpilka]

¡Enhorabuena!! Suena genial la música, tu voz y una pasada la animación! Deseo que te vaya muy bien ,Ian!!

[@JesseMcCormack]

I felt this so much and it made me cry. Thank you for composing this.

[@The_Champion_96]

The instrument is definitely a bard tavern music, i throw 5 gold coin to your pouch 🍻🎉

[@carlosrubio2302]

Qué bueno eres, joder. Te voy a contratar para que hagas la banda sonora de mi día a día.

[@IsaacSolanasMusicVideo]

Amazing both visuals and music! 🌙🌳

[@spicysalad3013]

came back six months later to say this song has been a huge inspiration for the goddess of death in my story, she has these exact vibes of kindness and shelter that can turn to righteous rage in an instant (she's the goddess of life as well, and loves to help children and lost souls in general despite her very disturbing appearance)

[@IanFontova]

That's so cool :)

[@VibingMeike]

I've read a lot of novels about parental abuse and this just hits very close to those books

[@zofiadwojacka3192]

One of the best songs ever. I can't get enough of it.

[@emileighswaggirt2661]

The worst part is that back then, he could have had his wife thrown in an insane asylum for hysteria and his daughter too for daydreaming or for wanting to run away into the woods. To get away was considered insane.

[@IanFontova]

Totally, and sadly I'd say it doesn't differ much from nowadays... The idea of craziness and mental health institutions (or the threat of them) are used against survivors often, as far as I know. Because of course experiencing abuse makes you unstable, and it makes you react in ways and do things that you wouldn't do if you were ok. While the abuser often gets to look as the "reasonable" one, the one that is in control of the situation. How the "hysteria vs reason" duality is often used to enable abuse is a whole topic with a lot to unpack 😔

[@faristasairuv5143]

@@IanFontova Definitely. I just watched a video about this woman whose abusive husband put her in a mental institution and he convinced the doctors that she couldn’t make decisions for herself and he should make decisions for her.

[@IanFontova]

@@faristasairuv5143 Sounds quite like the Britney Spears case 😔

[@dennisluchesi]

Wow! Amazing, help those being abused, and care for all of those in need!

[@UnaraMJaus]

Goddess how I wish I could give more than one like. I'll try and share it with as many people as I can 🙏 this song is so so amazing at so many levels

[@logantauson789]

Beautiful, captured the mystery without breaking it. Thank you

[@chrys.k.mwarriorsofpiathos1501]

Coming back to this masterpiece after 4 months and still loving it. ❤