"Who, WHAT are you?" *main story spoilers*

[Berethos]

Normally I would be inclined to agree, but said line wasn't used by any villains until Thordan (that I can recall).

I think most (if not all) of the previous reactions that talk about an external source of power or protection are directed at our Blessing of Light and/or being blessed by Hydaelyn, being her chosen, etc.

Ifrit and Garuda both mention it, Lahabrea mocks her for using her power to protect us, and of course Midgardsmormr directly comments on it before sealing it away for a time.

I think you're right - it's not until Thordan, but occurs again afterward, that we get enemies or combatants attributing it not us being strong in just a martial sense, or overtly referencing the blessing of any deific being, but wondering in an apparent state of shock at what it is that gives us power.

It could still be the trope in effect, but it's interesting how it's happened more now...when we know Hydaelyn herself is greatly weakened.

[AutumnHarvestwind]

x

I think you hit it right on the mark. This what has been bothering me for some time now. Hydaelyn has been growing so weak, but yet were growing so strong. Perhaps we are a leech of some sort? I mean, of course we can hand wave it to our own power, but I'd like to draw an anime reference to Noragami. Gods are born from wishes, and one of the main characters, Tenjin, was a human/mortal deified as a god.... the same kind of thing could be happening to us...? After a point, It takes a god to slay god.