A philosopher once asked, “Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?”
Pointless, really… “Do the stars gaze back?”
Now, that’s a question.” – Neil Gaiman
The above quote is one of my favorites, not only from this story but of all time. From movies, books, life in general… This quote means more to me than any other.
The story of Tristran Thorne and Yvaine is what I will forever hold on the highest pedestal for “love stories.”
When I Became Obsessed
I remember being in Junior High (Middle School, whatever) and watching Stardust for the first time. Later, I eventually got my life together and read the book – leading me to realize Tristran’s name is, in fact, TristRan and not Tristan.
Love is something everyone thinks they can plan out. We are engraved with this ideal that we “choose” who we fall in love with and spend our lives with. And yes, we do have some control over it, but it’s deeper than that.
True love is not a choice. That person will come in your life unexpectedly, or you will see someone who has been in your life for some time in a different light. But once you see that side of this person, it consumes you. The love you have for that one person is undeniable and overpowering. It’s magical and uplifting.
Sappy, I know.
But why this love story?
But, for real… Neil Gaiman blew me AWAY with this love story. But it’s not the love at the end of the story that gets me, and this is why this story is unique to me. It’s the way they see each other in an authentic, raw manner – because of the circumstances. They are forced to rely on each other, survive certain circumstances and get through it together.
Obviously I don’t aspire to find true love in a life altering, dangerous escapade across foreign lands… Obviously…
But in modern day dating, we learn about others first and foremost by stalking their social media, talking to people they know, or judging that person based on minimal communication via a cell phone. Dating is different these days, and the sense of adventure in going on dates with strangers is lost.
Why I’ll Always Love It
This story reminds me that true love is out there, in the places you least expect it. It reminds me that there’s hope in love. It reminds me that worlds can’t even keep you apart from your person. Galaxy’s even – I mean, she’s a STAR, guys…
Call me a hopeless, childish romantic. But this story is the one I will read to my children when I meet my Tristran Thorne.
BRB while I watch the movie and cry.
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