A Shadow What?!

This post floated around in my head for a while. I am not even quite sure where to start. Perhaps I could go all the way back to my childhood where my obsession with dragons and fantasy began. It might be a good idea to start with the fact I've always been drawn to characters with harsh outer layers that are actually quite loving and sweet on the inside: Beast, Grumpy, Mr. Darcy, Raphael (the ninja turtle of course), etc. Actually, I could take an academic approach and share that I've learned something new. I do enjoy learning something new. Or maybe I should start with the fact my sister gave me Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros as a gift. 

Hmmm...tell you what, let's just start with an image of Xaden Riorson as a Basgiath professor:

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Got your attention? Yeah, this image got my attention too - whew, it's a little warm in here...

It happened. I fell down the Fourth Wing Rabbit Hole. Of course, I loved the first book and quickly purchased and devoured the other two. Now I am amongst the many adoring fans stressing about the fates of these characters awaiting the next book TO. BE. WRITTEN. Sigh.

I actually LOVE Violet as a FMC. In most of these types of stories, the FMC can spend pages and pages and pages on her worth and if she is really the right person for the job. However, there is a great moment in the first book where Violet tells her bestie that she is good enough, and if he cannot get with the program he can get out of her life! Yasss Queen! Additionally in the third book, she clearly states that she will not give her time or her energy to someone who doesn't love her the way she deserves to be loved. I am here for it.

But of course, this post is not about Violet. It is, in fact, about Xaden Riorson because I have fallen for what is apparently labeled a "Shadow Daddy." As a 44-year-old woman, this term definitely stopped me in my tracks. A what?! Apparently, this is an entire character trope that I had to speak with my pal, Gemini, about.

Here is what I learned: 

"The 'shadow daddy' is a popular character trope in fantasy romance, often found in the 'romantasy' genre. It describes a male love interest with a very specific set of characteristics that readers find alluring.

Concept of a Shadow Daddy

A shadow daddy is typically:

• Dark and Brooding: They have a mysterious, often intimidating aura. They are usually portrayed with dark hair, scars, and/or tattoos, and a generally serious demeanor.
• Possesses Shadow/Dark Powers: A key element of the trope is their ability to control or manipulate shadows, darkness, or other forms of dark magic. This can range from literal shadow-wielding to having a 'dark Gift' or association with night and darkness.
• Morally Gray: They operate in a gray area between hero and villain. They might have a dark past, have committed questionable acts, or hold positions of power that require ruthless decisions. However, they are often revealed to have a hidden, softer side, especially towards their love interest.
• Immense Power and Influence: Whether magical, political, or physical, they are incredibly powerful and competent. They are often leaders, warriors, or ancient beings.
• Protective and Loyal: Despite their dark exterior, they are fiercely protective and intensely loyal to the female protagonist. They would 'burn the world down' for the person they love.
• Significantly Older (Often Immortal): Many shadow daddies are centuries or even millennia old, giving them a sense of ancient wisdom and power.
• 'Daddy' Aspects: The 'daddy' part of the term often refers to their dominant, protective, and sometimes nurturing (in a dark way) nature. They take charge and often relieve the female protagonist of mental or emotional burdens.

Origin

While the term 'shadow daddy' is relatively new, popularized by BookTok and the rise of romantasy, the archetype itself has been present in fantasy and romance for a long time. It can be seen as an evolution of existing tropes like the 'bad boy,' 'dark prince,' 'brooding assassin,' or even certain interpretations of vampires and dark lords."

After reading this, the English teacher in me felt this sounded very much like a Byronic Hero another type of character I seemed drawn to. I asked Gemini what it thought about my connection. Turns out, I was right:

"The Shadow Daddy is arguably a direct descendant of the Byronic Hero. Both share the brooding nature, mysterious past, charisma, intelligence, and morally gray qualities. The key difference is the 'supernatural flair' and explicit shadow/dark magic of the Shadow Daddy, and the intensified protective and possessive romantic focus. The Byronic Hero's darkness is more psychological and tied to their past transgressions, while the Shadow Daddy's darkness is often a literal power or magical affiliation."

Look at me making this academic after all. If you are interested in my entire chat, feel free to check it out here for the definition with examples and here for the comparison to other types of literary heroes.

Okay, so what? What is the appeal of this type of character? Don't worry. Gemini shared that with me too:

"Readers are drawn to shadow daddies for several reasons:

• Complexity and Morally Gray Appeal: These characters challenge traditional notions of good and evil, making them fascinating to explore. Their internal struggles and dual nature (dark exterior, soft interior) create a compelling dynamic.
• Intense Devotion and Protection: The idea of a powerful, dangerous character who would do anything for the protagonist is incredibly appealing. This fierce loyalty and protectiveness evoke a sense of security and validation.
• Power and Authority: Shadow daddies are often in positions of immense power, which adds to their allure. They are competent, strategic, and capable of handling any threat, creating a strong sense of escapism for readers.
• Forbidden Allure: Their dark, mysterious nature and often villainous reputation make them intriguing and sometimes forbidden love interests, adding a thrilling edge to the romance.
• 'Fixer-Upper' or Redemption Arc: Readers often enjoy the idea of being the one person who can bring out the hidden tenderness or good in a seemingly dark character, leading to satisfying redemption arcs.
• Escapism: These characters offer a fantasy of an impossibly strong, devoted, and powerful partner who can solve problems and protect the heroine, which is often far removed from real-life experiences."

Yep. I basically checked every box on this list especially the Morally Gray Appeal and Redemption Arc. The Escapism is legit as well.  So here I am now looking for other stories and series with Shadow Daddies. I found some favorites in Cyrus, the King of Tulan from the Woven Kingdom series, Trystan the "Villain" from the Assistant to the Villain series, and the Darkling from Shadow and Bone, but only this version of him:

However, I will say that a Shadow Daddy only makes sense fictionally. I cannot begin to try and understand what it would be like caring for a man like this. I mean, geez the amount of energy to get through the brooding alone...