Република България

OOC Information;
Name; Clara
Personal Journal; haros
Contact; seaferries (also AIM seaferries and email seaferries [at] gmail.com)
Other Characters; n/a.


IC Information;
Character Name; The Republic of Bulgaria (Republika Balgariya)
Canon; Axis Powers Hetalia (Hetalia-centric wiki)
Canon Point; 2009
Age; Around 1300 years-old (the First Bulgarian Empire was founded in 680AD) and physically appearing to be in his twenties.

House; Odin
Power; Fire magic

Personality; Bulgaria is kind of a mixed bag. His nation's militaristic history - Bulgaria was called the "Prussia of the Balkans" at one point - might lead you to believe that he would be a cold, calculating individual. Despite the fact that he has a historic tradition of being a warrior, he's actually really friendly, to the point of being almost unassuming sometimes. He also sometimes has an air of uncertainty around him, which is (seemingly) enhanced by some of Bulgaria's traditions. For instance, in Bulgaria shaking your head means yes and nodding means no - a quirk that causes some confusion when demonstrated in a conversation with several other nations during a recent event (seen at the bottom of the page). A little disorienting to others, perhaps, but that's just his way of doing things. He's also, apparently, been known to compose songs in order to improve his mood (songs about Russia? how does that make your mood better, Bulgaria….). That's almost definitely a nod to the fact that Bulgaria has some very distinctive folk music.

During his first appearance in the Hetalia series, Bulgaria is shown hitting Italy with a stick, despite the latter being a fellow Axis Power member nation. He says that something about Italy's face made him want to do it. Again, his way of doing things is sometimes a bit strange and there might not seem to be obvious explanations for his behavior, but he never seems to be malicious. At the very most, one could say he's easily swayed or that he gives into his impulses too easily. He appears to be a simple sort of person, neither easily angered nor difficult to please. When something doesn't go according to plan, he's quick to apologize and try to set things right.

Recent events in Bulgaria have a lot to do with how he presents himself now as well. Due to strong Soviet influences, the nation changed quite a bit after 1989 and the end of the communist republic in the country. Bulgaria has since joined the EU, NATO, and served on the UN Security Council multiple times. Coming into its own as a modern state might explain some of Bulgaria's appearances in Hetalia canon. During the most recent Halloween event, he's seen to be very eager to introduce himself to other nations so he can make important connections with them. It's clear he wants to know and be known - in the same event, Romania comments that Bulgaria is "pretty strategic" about trying to make friends and "promote himself." In addition, he's shown to be sincere towards allies and comrades, to the point where he seems fairly compassionate and even a little naive. That kind of optimism, in light of all the hardship endured by this country portrays him as an individual who is keen on persevering, no matter what.

In addition to having a reputation as a warlike nation, Bulgaria has also contributed greatly to the historical community, both in terms of language and art. Bulgaria is the origin of the Cyrillic alphabet, as well as the location of one of the oldest archeological sites in the world, in addition to several other historical sites and artifacts of significant importance. Given his respect for other nations and the historic significance of many sites in Bulgaria, one might think that even if he's not the most cerebral of individuals, he certainly has a warm regard for history and the pursuit of knowledge.

In Bulgaria, magic and folklore play a fairly significant role in society today. Superstition and ritual are fairly prevalent, despite admonitions by the church against such practice. One can assume that Bulgaria shares some of these superstitions. Folk tradition of many varieties are held in high esteem, so it's easy to envision the character having a great respect for history and its legacies.

It's easy to say that Bulgaria's changed a lot in 1300 years, but it's probably equally easy to say that a lot has stayed the same. As far as the Hetalia character is concerned, it seems that recent changes have a lot of bearing on the character, making him into a much less intimidating person than history might lead you to believe.

Samples;
Network Sample; w/Hungary @ dear_mun

Log Sample;

A bridge is a bridge is a bridge. Except when it's not. Which is moot, because this bridge is. More accurately, it will be, because it's still being built. The idea of it exists, however, and that seems to be enough. Bulgaria stands on the banks of the Danube, on his own land, and he can see it in his mind's eye. More than seeing a bunch of metal and concrete, he can see what it means for himself and his northern neighbor, not to mention those beyond. Good things, right? In line with good things that have been happening to he and his neighbor for awhile now.

He smiles just a little, toeing at a rock near his feet. It's time for something good to happen, for things to change. It's been clear for decades now that it has to happen, but like everything, it happens slowly. Everything is becoming connected, by land or over water or through the air, and that's a good sign for all of them. The rest of the world may soon acknowledge how different this landscape of his has become and when it does, he'll be ready to show them what this Republic of Bulgaria has to offer.

Without much warning, he's drawn from his thoughts by first the feeling of his phone vibrating in his pocket, then the chime of his ringtone. Withdrawing it from his pocket, he checks the caller information. Again, a smile makes itself evident on his face and he flips open the phone, his voice friendly and conversational when he speaks.

"Rumǎnija. Do you know, I was just thinking of you…."