Eda Clawthorne | The Owl House and Adult Disability

[@genericname2747]

The Owl House has great disabled representation, such as Eda with her curse, Hunter with his PTSD, Luz, Eda, and Lilith with their lack of magical abilities, and The Owl House itself after Disney shot it in the foot multiple times.

[@Kat_dragon]

True, very true, especially the last one

[@kumoric]

LMAO THE LAST ONE people are too clever with these jokes istg 😔

[@genericname2747]

@@kumoric i laugh to cope

[@lordcheesecake]

I love how the owl house portrays Eda. She's introduced as just some quirky old witch but really developed over the series.

[@AutumnKatto]

I agree, Lord Cheesecake.

[@friendsalwaysthere3116]

@@AutumnKatto 😂

[@panicatthedm873]

eda before toh: i'm gonna go rob a bank eda after toh: y'all wanna come rob a bank?

[@sonicfan9144]

It’s literally impossible for me to not love Eda.

[@gailasprey7787]

@@panicatthedm873and everybody agrees to it and robs a bank with her. 😂

[@JamieElli]

I love that Eda is not only a mentor, but a character. She has flaws, and gets to develop through the story. No one has it all figured out, and Eda's story is focused on.

[@-Pearldragon-]

What makes it feel so real is that none of them are by the end of the story, they leave room for the character to grow and become better. Nobody is perfect and never will ever be perfect, all of us have room to grow and learn.

[@sleepstump]

Something that stuck with me is how Luz is a physically disabled character in The Boiling Isles.

[@idlescree]

Oh there are so many disabled characters. I would haVE LOVEd a chance to talk about Luz's digestive problems while in the BI, or say, Hunter's lack of magic and how he's set up in this way but it wouldn't have been very topical to this essay, which is about Eda. Might do a write up for the other two though.

[@radioisactive7590]

​@@idlescree I would be very excited to see those videos!

[@insertunoroginalnamehere6189]

​@@idlescreeand also how Luz had to find her own way of doing magic on the boiling isles, whilst everyone else did it easily because they had bile sacks

[@jacobrodriguez7365]

Physically disabled?

[@leesscribbles]

​@@jacobrodriguez7365 compared to a witch. She can't use magic, and powerless witches or weak ones are treated as lesser or disabled.

[@charlieon1893]

As someone still in the struggles of going from "gifted child" and self sufficient to an adult in their 20's and feeling like a failure due to a now crippling condition that has no cure and chronic pain? I relate so badly. I'd never even noticed these connections before but I'm so glad I found this video as it's so true and just makes me love Eda even more!

[@friend-of-axolotls123]

Yikes I never thought about her being called the owl lady instead of her name, probably because she seems so happy about the wanted posters in the first episode

[@torazely]

It's probably a defense mechanism response. If you can't do anything to stop people from calling you something, all you really can do is embrace the title. On top of that, Eda's rebellious nature may have had the thought that if she acts like she LIKES the title, people might stop calling her it.

[@covanentsbane]

This channel is such a gem. I'm a mentally disabled person myself, and you put something I was feeling but couldn't express into words. Thank you.

[@AutumnKatto]

Same. I have a lot of mental disabilities, I’ve been bullied for my entire life, but I’ve clung onto that hope, and now I have lots of friends.

[@bjorncorvin4568]

As a disabled person I always love it when disabled people get portrayed as heroes and celebrated for their weirdness (for those who are curious my disability prevented me from walking properly but through 2 surgeries and much physiotherapy I can walk normally enough)

[@LittleHobbit13]

Kind of in line with what you were saying about the mentor role, what I also love about Eda is how well she's portrayed as an adult. So often in shows that revolve around young protagonists, the adults never really get fleshed out. There's a vague notion that they existed prior to their mentor mantle, but you never really get to _see_ it, and I don't mean in flashbacks. You see in Eda that all of these adults were once the same age as the kid group. They had friends who are still around, they had hobbies that they still reminisce about, they had whole personalities _beyond just being a mentor._ When we see young Eda, it doesn't feel like you're meeting some new person who grows up to be the Eda we know. Young Eda feels exactly like adult Eda, just with a little bit more wisdom about how the world works. She didn't have a full personality and then suddenly lose it to become An Adult™. Lilith feels like the direct growth of young insecure Lilith. Raine has just as much confident personality as an adult as they did when they were a student. Perhaps it's because I'm well into that age bracket now myself, but it's fascinating and delightful to me to see a show where people don't suddenly stop being themselves upon reaching adulthood. So many of them feel like kids who grew up by just doing the best they could and maybe still don't have everything figured out. And most importantly so many of the adults in this show feel _actively_ engaged in their own lives. They aren't just shuffling off because they're over 30. They're still living in the world too, every bit as much as the kids. I love it. EDIT: Hahahaa, great minds....you spoke a bit to this! :D

[@idlescree]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment!!

[@spacepiratecaptainrush1237]

"it's a part of you that deserves kindness" that hit me out of nowhere, actually started to tear up a bit.

[@pip_a_doodle2175]

Eda is that character where she might not be your #1 favorite, but if you don't like her I'm extremely concerned

[@cgreenidgebugs]

"You are not only enough - you are everything you need to be, and your survival alone is the birth of a rebellion against those systematic lies." Wow. I love all your videos, but I can't tell you how much I needed to hear that. ❤

[@idlescree]

I'm so glad that it meant something to you

[@sagedeen4180]

This was a really enlightening delve into Eda's character and how she both mixes and subverts tropes. Truly a top shelf video essay if I have ever seen one, great work!

[@idlescree]

Wow, thank you!

[@amandab3946]

I’m crying. I’ve never felt so seen & understood. Idk why Eda is equated to mental illness b/c it’s so obviously an allegory for physical disability. When you spoke about migraines, IBS, inflammation problems & (insert Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid etc) disorders that leave doctors befuddled b/c of the myriad of symptoms that can’t be put into one cohesive diagnosis. Doctors that don’t know how to treat the chronic illness (that’s if you can access a specialist). The self hatred and disgust I feel towards myself for being 26, unemployed, University drop out, withdrawing & alienating myself from all friends b/c of intense anxiety about not getting better, not achieving what my peers have. Almost everyone thinks you’re ‘putting it on’ ‘being lazy’ ‘have you gone to the doctor?’ ‘should’ve gotten better by now’ ‘shouldn’t be on all those medications.’. I swear if ONE more doctor ~ advises me~ to reduce your stress immediately! And asks if I’ve tried mindfulness & meditation I’ll do a forced shut down like a windows computer … My face LIT UP when I saw your vid in my notifications 🔔 I did not expect to have this topic fleshed out with such an adult, wise & restful perspective. I think that’s what struck me the most & why I’m crying! Time to rewatch some Eda scenes. Thanks for giving a voice & platform to this topic. It’s not usually interpreted & discussed with the seriousness & dignity it deserves.

[@idlescree]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's so good to know we're not alone with this stuff. I'm really glad this resonated--it was stories like yours, mine and SO MANY that inspired this video. I'm so grateful to Dana Terrace and the TOH crew in general for giving us Eda.

[@peaceblossomvalentin667]

How long has Eda had her curse. I feel sad that her curse not only ages her prematurely and caused her not able to have kids.

[@MayliSong]

I feel like Eda can be an allegory for both physical disability and mental illness though. I am a person with severe mental health issues myself and I so clearly remember needing to actually take a break after certain episodes because of how seen and heard and understood I felt and profoundly it affected me. It’s true that a lot of Eda’s curse is pretty explicitly coded to be physical disability (the detaching limbs, the aging, the feathers and claws as flaring symptoms, the loss of magic, just to name a few) but I can assure you that myself and many other mentally ill/mentally disabled people felt seen and heard in Eda in a way we rarely do, and I personally found ways to cope and heal that I was having trouble internalizing before.

[@sporogymno]

do you not think people like autistic folks can relate to what you said?

[@liliax9147]

I hate that Eda doesn’t get talked about a physical disability rep, everyone thinks it’s mental illness. Yes Eda struggles with trauma but that is because it is part of the experience of having physical disabilities/chronic illness. People need to stop trying to separate them and claim our experiences and talk over us. I have endless empathy for people with mental illnesses and no physical ones, but it really seems like they have no empathy for us sometimes because they can’t just let us have one thing

[@emeraldqueen1994]

As someone who’s got multiple disabilities, most of which are invisible, I LOVE HOW EDA NEVER LET’S HERS GET HER DOWN IN SPITE OF HOW HARD IT IS FOR HER!!

[@mrmightyena8786]

The scene of Eda making peace with the owl beast might be the most personally impactful piece of media I've ever seen. Hearing you put into words exactly why her story resonates with me, and so many others, legitimately had me in tears. Like you said, I'm not used to the topic of chronic disability, let alone invisible ones, being addressed with such respect. Thank you for your amazing work and, just like Eda, spreading the message that we're not alone and deserve to be seen.

[@idlescree]

Aaaaah I think so too! Thank you so much for watching, I'm really glad it meant something to you!

[@jennythecyberwitch]

I loved Eda's portrayal in The Owl House, and also just in general how adults, teenagers and children are all treated equally as humans. What an incredible show. I hope more shows take inspiration in their treatment of characters, their themes, good representation, etc.

[@pyrebird]

This video had me crying in a good way. Eda reminds me so much of my aunt, both in more surface-level things (she LOVED owls) but also in her chronic illness and social alienation. Thank you so much for this, and keep up the excellent work! :D

[@idlescree]

It's so crazy because the story is so heartbreakingly common. A lot of people either personally resonate with Eda's story, or know someone who struggles as she does. I'm glad the video meant something to you, and thank you for watching!

[@Lily-l9x9k]

@@idlescreehey I hope you’re doing great 😊❤

[@exlipse3813]

I really saw myself in eda as a bisexual chronicly & mentally ill, and physically disabled

[@Macaqye]

I come from a family that has a lot of chronic illness issues, and watching this video made me cry because I saw my mother in it, I saw my aunt, and all my family members that struggles with this everyday Seeing a character like Eda in TV will make a lot of people feel seen and understood

[@DesTheBeetle]

Great video, I too am a physically disabled person with an unnamed chronic pain condition that no one's been able to identify. I couldn't put this into words but this meant a lot. Thanks.

[@diamondpython8034]

I never saw the similarities between Eda and Edward, which now that I am thinking about it, seem totally obvious. Fantastic observation, and a great video!

[@idlescree]

Glad you liked it! That means a lot!

[@skittlespizza]

holy fuck this video made me cry. I'm a younger disabled person (young as in, still in high school) and for the last four months my disability (chronic pain) has absorbed my life. I've fallen out of so many friendships and I've lost all motivation to do my hobbies... I've had nights of crying because im afraid I won't be able to graduate, go to college- but Jesus christ. listening to this video knowing that so many other people feel this way helps me feel really understood. knowing I'll grow up, older, and I'll be beyond my disability and illness, be a person again makes me have hope for a future I thought was doomed. thank you. you've kind of given me something I thought I lost and that was hope

[@leesscribbles]

As a learning disabled adult with a disabled partner, let me tell you this. Find your people. Once you have your people that empathize and understand you, your world will become a better place.

[@fandomer3223]

As a former gifted child now struggling from being burnt out on top of being diagnosed with a chronic condition, Eda always spoke so deeply to me and you worded it perfectly. My whole life fell apart after my diagnosis and i felt myself drifting from social circles and struggling even more in my studies than i already was to the point i was recommended to just drop out. I was told the best way to treat my condition was to give up and for a while that felt like the only way out. Since then I’ve found ways to keep it manageable and while sometimes it makes life tougher I have a support circle ready to catch me until i feel like i can stand on my own again. Seeing Eda represent that to such a wide audience makes me wanna cry from happiness because I finally feel seen. There’s nothing more isolating than a chronic condition but Eda brings a promise that it won’t always be like that

[@Sev3617]

The episode where Eda came to terms with her curse struck such an emotional chord with me and was definitely one of the highlights of the series. Accepting your flaws or disabilities as apart of who you are and viewing it as something beautiful and uplifting was just so powerful and it hurt in such a therapeutic way. Tears were shed.

[@veronicanaumov2981]

As a neurodivergent child, I have been diagnosed with ADHD since I was eight I love this show because it’s beautiful. I appreciate that this show makes a point that the curse isn’t curable. ADHD is a part of my life, but many of my mental health issues are caused because of my medication, and because of how isolated I felt as a child who had basically no one to relate to that feeling of isolation made me feel like a monster. Not gonna lie, my disability made me very reckless and caused my hyperactivity to be crazy and as a result I regret many many things I did because now I look back and just blame myself for not being what I wanted. I thank Owl House for making me feel a little less alone, because honestly I relate so much to Eda. I really like how the show portrayed the curse, having ADHD it’s chronic and thus I need medicine to work on school and live my life but I would be lying if I didn’t say that testing medicines isn’t scary. The worst thing was I felt like my brain and body weren’t communicating. See, I became irrational and from what I remember pretty violent throwing things just because I could and even though I did that I remember feeling like my body was acting independently from my head. It’s terrifying, to feel that you have no control and for people like me that’s something you have to live with. It’s better as you get older but it’s chronic, I developed a habit of biting my nails, pulling my hair not because I like it but when I’m stressed I need to touch something and my first instinct is to pull at something close. Obviously it’s manageable but there is no magic spell and there is nothing that will make me “normal”, actually it’s more like I’m so used to these habits that it’s not a condition more so it’s a part of me. Much as I hate myself, I’m slowly realizing that self love should be more openly encouraged. I wish Owl House existed when I was a child because this show would have given me hope and that was something I desperately needed.

[@kadoceleritus]

These two videos have honestly been incredible. You've done a wonderful job articulating Eda's appeal. Your video on masks was similarly stellar, and I just have to wonder what's coming next. At the end of the day, TBH I just hope that these kids get to see some therapists and Eda can get some opulent rest and relaxation; therapy wouldn't be bad, either. Damn, girl.

[@idlescree]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment!! We're really excited for the next projects :D And for real, the whole Boiling Isles will need therapy. First person able to practice ethically after this mass trauma is going to become a freaking celebrity.

[@wren8423]

god i wish i had an eda in my life. i need that kind of caring, fellow-weirdo-solidarity, badass adult figure in my life. an adult who will validate me and understand me and make sure im loved. i love eda so friggin much

[@Indigoisaspookyghost]

The line about how chronic illness comes on immediately, flipping your life on its head really hit home. I have multiple mental disorders, & got a chronic illness last year. I’m currently on treatment, which we really hope will work. It came on suddenly, and my whole life, every bit of it changed. Slowly I felt my life and passions slipping away, and eventually I had to drop out of school. currently.. the only thing I have to cling onto is the hope for treatment. This video almost brought me to tears for multiple reasons. Thank you. I’m sorry if this is worded confusingly, I’m struggling with brain fog at the moment.

[@idlescree]

Not at all…thank you for sharing this. I’m really glad it made you feel seen. I wish you the very best of luck on your journey. Hang in there!!!!

[@Indigoisaspookyghost]

@@idlescree :)

[@tahraethestoryteller6079]

You also forgot to mention that Eda would’ve experienced the same alienation curse or no curse since she denounced the coven system right before her EC tryout I am willing to bet dollars to snails that Eda would’ve still been “The Owl Lady” even if she wasn’t “The Owl 🦉 Lady”

[@idlescree]

She'd have certainly been *something*...thanks for watching!

[@monicavix6036]

Scree, you're 2 for 2 on knocking it out of the park with these videos. Keep it up!

[@idlescree]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@LightningStrike0KAR]

as a disabled person, this brought me to happy tears. thank you.

[@mattiasvancleef4701]

Damn, this video nearly brought me to tears. Anybody who knows me knows that I can't stop talking about what an important character Eda is to me, but I was never able to sufficiently say why. Thank you for making this video because it really homed in on everything I was trying to communicate. I'm also a mentally disabled person but was described as intelligent and talented as a kid with a bright future ahead of me. Only for catastrophic circumstances outside of my control and my artistic talent that isn't lucrative enough for my family or fir society to make me a burnt out, cynical adult. I think that a major part of Eda's development and another reason why I love her so much is that she has an altruistic revelation upon inadvertently becoming a surrogate mother to Luz and King - that being that she doesn't need to live an isolating, carefree life until the consequences finally catch up to her and she surrenders to death. Rather, I think that Eda sees so much of herself in Luz, King, and all their friends. Upon seeing that, she motivates herself to keep on living to help ensure that these kids get to grow up in a world that they don't have to pay any debts to. I know I'm just scratching the surface here, but, again, thank you so much for making this video. It's provided me with some much-needed clarity and peace of mind.

[@Draikinator]

absolutely incredible, 10/10, banger #2 of 2. I'd eat this if I could.

[@idlescree]

Thank you, that means a lot!!!

[@Entityys]

Eda is one of my favorite characters i’ve ever seen. I sympathize with her story. As it’s similar to my own. I was labeled as gifted when I was little and now I struggle to keep up despite being bored with everything. My chronic migraines ran my life and Ive finally started to get some control. I adore Eda. She’s such a great character.

[@333deltasa2]

I never view Eda as a disable person until seeing your video. I love how she is written and I really appearciate your analysis on the character!!

[@idlescree]

Eeeeee, thank you for watching!!

[@RileyG]

babe wake up new idle scree video essay just dropped Edit: jokes aside, just finished the video and 1) I’m definitely gonna rewatch it cause WOW you guys manage to condense so much information in such a relatively short time, it’s honestly incredible!! I’ve already rewatched your previous video twice and absorbed new info each time, so I’m eager to do that with this one haha And 2) I got so emotional at the end there??? I already loved Eda but you managed to put it into words WHY I love her you know?? ANYWAY i loved it

[@idlescree]

Ohhh that means a lot to me. I got a little anxious during the recording of this one--I was worried I was getting too squishy, vulnerable and emotional there but the Hog, our editor was like NO that's IMPORTANT. Seriously he knocked it out of the park. Thanks again so much for watching and I'm glad you're enjoying!

[@friend-of-axolotls123]

Ohhhh I never really could explain why I hated the book I got for my birthday about helping reduce anxiety that personified them as goblins to fight

[@Kaipyro67ALT]

That reminds me of books like "Why you should smile more!" and just going WTF.

[@msmcl71]

i find it interesting that the disabled people are the heros in a body horror show. dana really did a wonder with this

[@Kaipyro67ALT]

Yessss. Also the show's protagonists are almost all "gifted kids" who've been struggling with school, home lives, and mental disorders. (Gus, Amity, Hunter, Luz, Willow, Eda) It's a really cleverly done show.

[@thelovelybunny9012]

16:02 I never noticed this before but this poster is definitely a Monster Hunter reference.

[@rorokira]

I really figured out the symbolism about eda's "curse" in the episode about her mom

[@BlueFlower___]

I'm an autistic carrier of a chronic illness too, a rare digestive condition called lymphangiectasia. It took the doctors years to figure it out, i spent most of my social development times in hospitals and therefore have to friends ever since childhood. Thank you, this is a very good video and i can see your channel growing a lot in the future 💜

[@puddlel1ama327]

over the last year I've gradually progressed from being fully active-despite my asthma- to being nearly housebound with chronic fatigue. the disability permeates every single aspect of my life. and yet, I will continue. indomitable human spirit and all that thank you for making this and opening up about your own chronic condition. to everyone reading this, I love you.

[@MissyMona]

Thank you for this video, as a woman suffering with both physical and mental illness it resonated. I myself am dealing with weird inflammation problems affecting my eyes..I have to take so much medicine for it and if I don't it could lead to blindness, but they don't even know why I'm dealing with it. You're right, life isn't over for us. And after getting closer closer to 30 it was hard for it not to feel like life was just kind of ending. I appreciate how genuine your voice was as you spoke about it, especially at the end.

[@idlescree]

Thanks for sharing that--it's ridiculously hard. That emotion is quite genuine, a lot of this video was pent up feelings I was having about my own situation and after watching Owl House and otherwise meeting so many people struggling with the same fundamental problem of alienation...it's a lot. I'm glad it meant something to you!

[@v1626]

Your Owl House analyses are what I've been wanting all along. Wonderful work, and I agree wholeheartedly about every point you've made on Eda!

[@idlescree]

; o ; that is such a kind and validating thing to say, thank you so much!!!

[@azurithdetwilight]

As a 40 yr old disabled woman who has never really "fit in" this his home *hard* thank you

[@idlescree]

Thank you for watching--you are so seen!!!

[@drkn0ckers715]

"You are not only enough, you are everything you need to be and your survival alone is the birth of a rebellion against those systematic lies. Every part of your experience every part of you is enough." I didn't know I needed to hear this until I broke down crying. Thank you Idle Scree.

[@rachelmacdonald3467]

Great video! I remember when the episode of her confronting the owl beast within herself and it really starting to make sense to me that life isn't about cures and success it's all about living to see tomorrow as long as one can

[@batterybrainz]

Love your content and happy to be early to this upload after just finding your channel. The message at the beginning means a lot to me as a trans person as well. Eda is fantastic. I have a lot of weird chronic problems with my physical and mental health and it’s been very disabling and alienating, on top of already fitting into some other minority groups as well. It would be so much easier to deal with the disabilities themselves if I didn’t have to also deal with the mocking and accusations from others. But I have to deal with it, and despite that and my disabilities, my physical and mental health has been improving greatly, and I’m learning how to work with and overcome my disabilities rather than be defeated. For example, last October I was able to run just because I wanted to and not out of necessity for the first time maybe ever. After years of chronic pain (suspected fibromyalgia), severe malnutrition, medical neglect, etc, I suddenly felt free, and like my body was mine rather than something I was just stuck with. I suppose that for me, that was sort of like making friends with my owl beast and working with it like Eda did. Honestly, I could draw a lot of comparisons between my experiences with most-likely-fibromyalgia and Eda’s with the curse. Thank you for talking about this.

[@idlescree]

I'm so, so glad that it resonated. Thank you for watching, and sharing your story!

[@aptekagneva]

Thank you for the video! I relate to Eda very much. I both have a physical disability and a pretty serious mental condition. The second one makes me feel like I'm a monster, because it causes bouts of aggression and an ability to feel pleasure because of pain. The Owl House really helped me to feel seen

[@lordmage3694]

The show resonated with me a lot. I wasn’t expecting to relate to Luz so much with being afraid to tell her mom the truth, and wanting to find people who like the same things she likes. It does a very good job at bringing me to tears and it will always hold a special place in my heart 💜

[@vozh7639]

Thank you. Thank you so, so much. The Owl House and Fullmetal Alchemist are both stories I cherish deeply, and yet I'd never realized the parallels between them. I have mystery chronic illnesses too, and have lately been feeling upset about how my disability has affected my life. You've put so much of it into words. I can't thank you enough for talking about all of this. For reminding me that I'm really not alone. That being an adult doesn't have to mean losing hope. You are seen. Thank you for seeing us, too.

[@idlescree]

Thank you so much for watching--and thank you for the sentiment. The response to this has been so overwhelming and sad and kind and special. I'm glad it was of comfort to you

[@sephnitomsol2294]

Bro I already love your channel, holy shit-- This analysis makes me want to show my mom The Owl House; particularly Eda

[@idlescree]

SHOW HER. One of us, one of us, one of us-- Thanks for watching!!!

[@bristleflight303]

I love eda so much she is my favorite character. And reminds me of myself. Also it will be satisfying to see her get back together with Raine.

[@TheBlackEternalWings]

I happened to stumble upon your channel by chance from your first video, and I just want to say thank you for addressing headaches/migraines as an invisible disability. I have been living with one of the most extreme cases of an already rare headache disorder for the past 15 years, and it's always great to see them get more attention.

[@idlescree]

Almost all of my aunts have serious migraines. It's truly wild how they go Unaddressed despite their incredible impact on people's lives. All of these little things add up. I'm glad it resonated! Thank you for watching!

[@TheBlackEternalWings]

@@idlescree I actually did a paper for a class once on how it's one of the most drastically underfunded fields of research per those affected. For example, in 2021, the NIH have about $40m which is less than a .1% of their total budget, yet by some global surveys indicate 75% of all adults everywhere deal with headaches semi-regularly and cause an avg of $36b in economic loss. To compare, asthma roughly affects 1 in 13 but got over $300m the same year; granted it can lead to death but headache pain has shown direct links to depression and etc.

[@jacobwas809]

Great video! I love the bat-chittering to censor a word.

[@idlescree]

Glad you liked it!

[@maitaitiu]

awesome vid. ive got a chronic illness/disability myself so it always makes me happy to see people talking about eda

[@MarchAlius]

Hey, thank you for making this video. I’m about four years into my own mystery chronic pain/disability with no name journey and I’ve been struggling a lot with the concept of acceptance (my therapist literally told me she didn’t know how to help me if I couldn’t accept it). But your video, especially the part about treating your disability with kindness because it is a part of you, really hit me and I feel like it’s made a significant impact in kickstarting my journey to acceptance and living with my disability instead of fighting it or letting it define me. So once again, thank you for making this video. I’ll be rewatching it whenever I feel hopeless again ❤

[@idlescree]

I'm so happy that the video resonated with you--and grateful you shared your story! Thanks so much for watching

[@WanderingRagabond]

I know it's not meant to be the focus of the video, but I particularly LOVE how Eda's loss of magical power conveys the idea of disability. It's something everyone around her takes for granted and that she now has to do without, and we feel its absence all the more starkly because she was shown as so powerful before. Her power and talent as a witch was her shield from the worst consequences of failing to conform, but also a massive point of pride for her. Being "the most powerful witch in the Boiling Isles" was a huge part of her self-worth, ever since she was just a really talented kid. Making her find growth, love and peace even after losing something like that is tremendously powerful, and tells the viewer that even in the direst of situations your condition brings, your story isn't over. You can live a happy and dignified life, and you deserve to.

[@idlescree]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment ; w ;

[@thatcat1391]

Excellent video! I never considered the connection between eda and ed but now I cant unsee how interesting it is lol

[@jennyclark9505]

Your point on hope near the end really hit an emotional part of me, you're right. Keeping the hope involving my chronic illness is what keeps me going each day even when I don't want to. It matters bcuz when I get into the negative mind state I do worse with managing it. Thank you for reminding me of that crucial point.

[@ItsAllNunya]

Eda is so important to me. Her story feels like home.

[@MatchGirl]

I was diagnosed with my RA at age 4. I *loved* seeing Eda reflect growing up and changing perceptions of yourself based on disability and the resistance that comes from existing as disabled. You have to accept the changes, the awkwardness, and figure out how to deal with it all. When she comes to acceptance with the Owl Beast internally absolutely made me cry. As a disabled weirdo parent who refuses at this point to hide anything and to be visible and talk about disability openly, Eda was a reflection of me in a way I've *never* seen before, especially in children's media. But disabled people being happy and still doing their best to live their full lives is so incredibly rare. And that's Eda. I love her.

[@VaSoVaVa]

May I also notice that our beloved wich was always "I care person"? She protected her sister so she would not be grounded way before curse, care enough about Raine to not betrayed them, cared about the coolest director before he got his position, care about her dad and mom to the point she cast herself away to not hurt them anymore, take the King with her from that time unknown beast and probably many times we didn't see. She've always has this "I am here" thing, but she was forced to lock it up, because when you care, you may expect a boot on your but for answer. Because Eda refused to fight, Lilith got her position, and sister paid her with curse, hunting season for decades. Huh. When you want to be better, but susiety think backwards because of minor things.

[@ellasorrow4stolas445]

This is why I finally accept my Autism and finally got help I needed. Thank you Dana

[@friend-of-axolotls123]

Love the message at the beginning :D

[@raincloudkindaday]

Beautiful video! The owl house has helped me accept my disabilities but today I was struggling with the limitations due to said disabilities. Your video just reminded me to be kinder to myself and to love my disabilities as a part of me instead of viewing them the way I usually do. Thank you for that! I needed it lol

[@honeyfulhunter]

Your bat avatar is so cute! I love it so much! Great video

[@lornbaker1083]

*cries* thank you... thank you so much. i wish I could show this to all the drs all my childhood who forced me onto medications I didnt need. Before the owl house. the only thing I could compare to the idea that "being sick doesnt mean your worthless" was from lilo and stitch. when stitch said " I ...broken... but still good". sometimes the hardest thing is.. proving to the world you are still worth something. no matter how little it is.

[@o26kaichu20]

Heh. I came to this show bc I was hearing about how the main character was a bi woc. Grom had just aired. I was completely in the dark about everything else because Grom was ALL everyone was talking about. You know, so, I'm watching this show. It's really early into the series, like I mean Luz still hasn't learned about glyphs yet. But ooh she's about to. You know, King brings up this potion and I'm already raising an eyebrow, you know? Because at this point we know that Eda is resting and she's been acting suspicious and, on top of this, it's just -- VERY clear that King is going to be wrong about what this potion is for. So when it CLICKED?? That THIS was where the show was gonig with Eda? At first there was worry. But then there was RELIEF as we start to get little explanations from Eda and a sense of comfort and relaxation as I knew this show was going to treat me right. And I've just... I had never FELT that way before. You know, I have still never been WHOLLY represented in something -- not that I'm aware of -- that isn't a biopic and ESPECIALLY not in a way that's done well. The warmth I feel whenEVER we get to focus on Eda is--I mean that's just it!! I wasn't the kind to act out, really? But that's STILL my story!! Being kinda clearly bored but driven as heck; life seeming to go easier as a kid & then suddenly WHAMMO--! Your life is changed, seemingly forever, and only ever for the worse. (I mean my disease is hereditary but I went a good 18-ish years where we mostly took care of my crises at home before it got out of control in college.) Gods I love Eda & everything she stands for. And may I just say that your analysis was brilliantly done, okay -- you pointed out aspects of her character/storytelling that I didn't even realize I appreciated her for, but GEEZ, you're so goddamn RIGHT about how alienated she is and how MUCH that's true for us and I'm kinda peeved I didn't notice it... like consciously. I'm already subbed, or I would, you know, subscribe -- but uh I liked and this is my comment and I hope that it helps bc I really want the best for you, man. Your work so far has been amazing. 🧡🤍

[@idlescree]

College is where a lot of people see their previously manageable symptoms go crazy because of the stress, new workloads, the changes. The impact is incredible. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad it helped--I know Eda's story helped me a lot too! Thanks so much for watching

[@jeaugust]

This was an absolutely fantastic video essay, thank you for this! The algorithm brought me to your channel literally yesterday and I'm so glad.

[@K_yote]

you almost made me cry, ALMOST, love the video btw

[@idlescree]

Dang it! So close! In all seriousness, thanks for watching!!

[@shiritsuskorone405]

What an insightful video! I knew that Eda was kind of a presentation for mental illness and I loved that approach, but you showed so many more connections and I appreciate her character even more now! She is so well written and I am also glad that the curse didn't get lifted in the end and she learned to handle it just fine...overall she just gives such a nice message I really love the show for things like this. Also a fellow bat lover it seems! I absolutely adore your avatar! 🦇💜 Keep up the good work!

[@idlescree]

Yessss I'm glad you enjoyed it! And absolutely yes, bat fans for the win

[@erinbathie-moore8478]

"You are not only enough, you are everything you are meant to be" I had no idea I needed to hear this today. If I'd heard this a few years ago, I'd be sobbing. I'm an autistic adhd adult who's incapable of working, and only just figuring out who/what I want to be. Eda is an inspiration, because she just does what she wants and doesn't care what others think; the sort of thing I'm working towards. Here's to hoping I get there ❤

[@AtarahDerek]

I wish endocrine illness had a cool flying harpy form that I could unlock. Lose your thyroid, gain wings. Seems like an okay exchange to me. But yeah, with Eda, the biggest takeaway is, people want you to be a victim. Don't be. Be a victor. A victor doesn't get to be a victor by not having battles to fight, of course, but they also don't get to be a victor by rolling over and letting those battles beat them down. The kind of people who want you to be a victim are usually the kind who refuse to be anything else themselves, even if what they're "victims" of is imagined, created within their own minds to justify their lack of self-esteem. Don't let them drag you down. Some people don't want to crawl out of the pit they've found themselves in--especially if they've put themselves there or happily dug deeper after being dumped into it. They hate victors. And you just have to pass them by and not let them latch onto you. As for reducing stress, one of the best ways to do that is to support your endocrine health, because your adrenal glands are endocrine glands. And that means advocating for yourself. If there's a place to unleash your inner Karen, it's in your doctor's office. That's the closest to a harpy form any of us are gonna get anyway, so we might as well enjoy the catharsis of it. Endocrine illness is the most neglected class of physiological illnesses. Which is part of why thyroid disease is the fastest growing disease (especially among women; estrogens compromise the thyroid when imbalanced), why we have so much anxiety and stress related illness, and why diabetes is so prevalent (our crack-like addiction to HFCS and processed sugar also contributes to all of these). Most doctors don't even know what the endocrine system is, let alone what it does in the body (in short, it does everything). 90% of so-called endocrinologists only know about the pancreas. They don't know it's an endocrine organ, they don't know it's part of a system, and they don't know that every part of that system impacts every other part. And they dismiss the reproductive system entirely, even though it too is part of the endocrine system. Your ovaries/testes cannot exist separate from your hypothalamus. And Big Pharma is so eager to throw hormone pills at you that make your condition WORSE, not better, instead of actually helping you find a working method for managing your illness. That way, they keep you as a customer whose payout is continuously increasing. That's why they refuse to promote natural dessicated thyroid or allow it to be properly FDA approved and covered by health insurance, but I digress. Point is, f-[bat chittering noises] Big Pharma.

[@evevoli]

YES another scree banger..... both your videos have completely knocked it out of the park, i can't wait to see where y'all go from here!!

[@idlescree]

Appreciate it!!

[@Kaipyro67ALT]

Boom. Solid second video! Editing looks great. ^.^

[@RingRingRingItsTheBananaPhone]

0:05 - 0:15 You made my heart smile I love how eloquent and well-spoken this video is, and the care dedicated to compassion in every facet. Fantastic video, I'm a lifelong fan now

[@idlescree]

Thank you so much, we're proud of it and happy you're here!

[@ohdarling6657]

I have been able bodied throughout my whole life, never had any major physical health problems or conditions, however 5 months ago i got into a terrible motorcycle accident, which broke both of my legs. Having to relearn how to do everything was certainly a lot of trouble. Now i have a limp, am unable to do many things i love, have constant pain and have much difficulty doing everyday things, all of which might be temporary or not, specially since my left leg has now a kink which makes my foot position improper. Rewatching the owl house for the first time after the accident was certainly a much different experience, seeing Eda having to struggle not only with losing her magic, which was something she loved -just like i being unable to go back to running or skating-, but also loosing her arm later in the show was extremely comforting for me. I am still coming to terms with having loosed some abilities that i once had, which is a very difficult mourn to go through, seeing you being unable to do everyday things, such as going down stair without holding on to something or being unable to keep up with other's pace when walking, is certainly a very frustrating experience. I have cried many times over the lack of capacity that i now have, and seeing someone else having to deal with adapting to a whole new experience of life makes me feel less alone in my struggle, and seeing her sucessed and being so positive about it does give me some hope.

[@ohdarling6657]

On another note, even though this video is about physical disability and not neurodivergence i gotta say how Eda's curse really helped me through this as well. Having both bipolar II and BPD, i really resonate with the feeling of living with a condition that quite literally "turns you into a monster" which gives you close to no capacity of controlling yourself. I have had hurt my loved ones due to my disorders, specially pre-treatment, which really makes you isolate yourself and fear being around others, it takes away your sense of trust in yourself and can be extremely stressful -specially during hipomanic episodes or BPD "attacks"- Having to keep taking medicine to something that will never go away is difficult, but seeing Eda reconcile with the fact that it is part of her and learning to go with it rather than against it is truly inspiring. Eda really is just a great all-around example of representativety when it comes to us, socially estranged and excluded people, the ones called weirdos and convinced of the idea of having to change to fit. I am tired of worrying if my limp is too visible when i'm in the street, i'm tired of being ashamed of going up or down stairs when in public, i'm tired of people asking me about my leg, tired of people saying that once i get older i will change ny mind about not wanting kids, tired of hearing about how my mental disabilities are "evil and dangerous", tired of being othered by my hobbies and wants. People need to be more accepting, and us weirdos gotta stick together

[@LoneHowler]

Though your channel is new it has become a very fast favorite of mine because of how insightful and in depth your reviews are

[@ribbitcryptid]

YESSSS i literally watched your other video on unmasking in the owl house the other day, and was super excited to see another upload just a day later :)

[@craz2580]

My mother has had migraine since she was ten. Since i was a little kid i always saw her in pain during the times she got the migraine "attacks", so i got to know how she felt. When going outside, people often dont understand or pretend to do so, but just looking at them i knew it wasnt true. Its sad that people cant comprend that even if you cant see a thing it doesnt mean that it does not exist

[@idlescree]

Yep, and to add insult to injury migraines are SO common and if you have them it's just like...welp, sucks to be you, we got nothing

[@Jaydee8652]

I know it’s just a common phrase, but if you haven’t read “You Are Enough” the fanfic you really should.

[@leitmotif7268]

On my first watch of Owl House, my inner child identified with the kids in various ways as their stories played out in the series. She felt seen and loved and understood. On my second watch I actively watched for the adults’ narratives and noticed so many things that moved my heart to compassion for myself and the adults I knew growing up. Your analyses put words to the feelings in my heart, love your work ❤

[@oceanblue2358]

Thank you. I needed to hear that.

[@SillyNep]

Beautiful video, I'm so happy a story like this is being told, I hope that there will be more in the future too.

[@camchappy]

I just finished The Owl House today, adn I'm binging your videos! They are phenomenal. Thank you for your insights that I didn't pick up on my first watch through!

[@idlescree]

Thank you! It means a lot to hear it when people say that :D Glad you enjoyed.

[@SalemSalamander]

I’m disabled both with a chronic illness and being neurodivergent and I love Eda. I never felt so seen in a character in this sense before and it makes me so happy that more people are able to experience this too. My chronic illness can complicate thing like exercise, driving, drinking, being pregnant, and mundane things like eating, sleeping and my work. Not to mention how if I don’t manage it properly I will lose my eyesight and my ability to walk. When I was diagnosed at 12 I was alienate by my peers and told “how disappointed my parents must be because I’m useless now” due to this I’ve made it my goal to live the best life I can dispute the days where I struggle to get out of bed or when I’m so foggy headed I don’t remember the day happening I what to do as much as I can. Eda is a massive inspiration for me and I what to continue to live my life by my own terms and not let my condition get in my way of happiness.

[@riakun]

Disability in TOH is very impactful to me. I tried watching it back when it first released, but I wasn’t super into it at the time. However, I rewatched it once it finished and after my dad passed away due to progressive physical health conditions, that even I have to a more mild extent. Seeing how Eda’s disability progressed through the series was/still is something very special that isn’t talked about often. She was still fully living her life through all of it. Because life does not stop when you get to be older than your 30’s, and it doesn’t stop when you have a disability.

[@hiroshotreplica]

love this video essay! you commented on everything ive been seeing but unable to put into words. im glad this representation exists and that people like you are bringing light to it. even though i cant relate to it myself, its really eye opening, and i have learned things that i can apply to my own struggles. the owl house, despite its flaws, still gets its most important messages across, and im so, so glad it can, haha.

[@bbabamzel8238]

This video made me so emotional! ;-;

[@Vinylmelody1517]

I watched this when I didn't know I needed it. That message at the end hit home. Thank you for making such a wonderful video.

[@idlescree]

I'm so glad it moved you

[@Tea-mi2fs]

I’m not sure what to comment but I want to engage with the video so it’s pushed to more people because I really enjoyed this video

[@idlescree]

That is genuinely so sweet. Thank you for watching and engaging. It means a lot to me that you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the gesture so so much!!!

[@xanthemothcat]

I’m a young adult with a multitude of mental and physical disabilities, and I’ve gotta say this had me tearing up a bit. It’s hard to feel like your life is over before it’s even fully begun, all because we live in a society that expects people to be useful in order to be accepted. I don’t know how to word it right, but I just had to say thank you for this, as it really touched that part of me that still hasn’t fully come to terms with my disability and my place in society.

[@idlescree]

Thanks for sharing this--and I'm really glad the video was of help to you. Hang in there!! It's hard. But things do get better

[@Moo-AL-carlos]

When they said “Or, if you must exist, be sure to do it on the edges of society where no one can see you and you can be a funny novelty when the majority decides to engage with you.” that hit me. I've watched this at least four times and only now am I realizing more and more how much this analysis I relate to. Being pushed away because you're too weird, being stared at whenever I say something or dare to stim in any way. People taking control of your weaknesses because they can and getting mad at you when you stand up for yourself so you become a spineless agreeable self degrading lump and have to undo all that trauma because you can't function like this anymore. I guess the only words I have to say is thank you for the amazing video.

[@dee_river]

I really wanted to thank you for this video. I am neurodivergent and sometimes struggle to connect dots and see portraits in media for what they actually represent. That being said, previously, I didn't see Eda as a representation of disability, especially the invisible one. Thanks to your essay, I managed to reflect on her character through this perspective and actually relate to her on *so many* levels. Thank you for giving me that. This sense of understanding and ability to see myself represented in the media ❤.

[@idlescree]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@naturesgale]

The “wree!” At the end killed me lol

[@rebekahking6276]

Thank you for this. So many of my days are spent just existing because I am in so much physical or mental pain. This analysis was insanely comforting to me. 🥺

[@TsundereOtter]

I have severe epilepsy that used to be drug resistant. I found some medications that helped me keep it at bay but I still am reliant on them likely for the rest of my life, and they have their own side effects that mess around with me. I just binged the show and Eda's experience is so...familiar that I started sobbing so many times throughout watching the show. Eda is a very important character to me.

[@catfluff85]

16:19 Exactly!! I had to quit Musical Theater (something I loved) and I don't go swimming as much anymore (which I also loved) because my condition (hEDS) got worse. I'm 16 and I already need physical therapy to manage my condition properly. I'm stuck in my room all day, typically laying down in my bed on my phone because even just walking around from class to class in my school's tiny campus causes fatigue and drains my energy. 5 years ago, if you told me I was physically disabled, I would have never believed you at all. Sure, P.E. was a lot more work and tended to hurt compared to other kids, but I believed that was just because my hobbies didn't include sports and that my friends who didn't do much physical activity either felt the exact same way. Even just going up the stairs every day is a challenge, and the fact that all I can do about it is try and strengthen my muscles to lessen the pain because I was born with it makes things a lot harder. Along with food allergy anxiety, I can't hang out with my friends outside of school ever because it's just too physically-taxing to go places. I feel like my condition, along with many other conditions that aren't often covered in media, could have been a lot better managed at this point in my life had I known it even existed. Until I figured out something was actually wrong with my body, I genuinely just thought I was lazy and that I needed to try harder. I'm actually a much happier person knowing that I *DON'T* need to "try harder" to do something society expects me to do that I just physically cannot, and that it's okay that I get tired quicker than my peers, and that it's something completely out of my control that I should never have felt as though it was my own fault that I couldn't do things other kids my age couldn't. I know this comment is so far removed from the timestamp at this point, but I just needed to talk about this somewhere, y'know?