Considering How Much The Horror Of Simon Being Trapped Under The Curse Of The Ice Crown Was First And

Considering how much the horror of Simon being trapped under the Curse of the Ice Crown was first and foremost based around a loss of identity 

It only makes sense that this is still what Simon struggles with now, after being freed.

Simon knows who he’s not. He’s not Ice King. He is Simon Petrikov again. But who is Simon Petrikov now? Because it seems like his current situation has really taken away all of the ways Simon used to define his identity.

‘Simon Petrikov the antiquarian and archeologist’ is… not quite it anymore. His current job is similar, since he’s still teaching people about ages long past. It’s just that now that ancient era is his original world - but it’s clear that’s not quite what he wants to do anymore. Whatever it’s because he can’t get as excited about the 20th century as he could for ‘his’ ancient times, or because he doesn’t really like his new ‘teaching method’ where is quite literally a living museum exhibit.

And what about ‘Simon Petrikov the intellectual researcher of magic and the paranormal?’

Yeah, no chance anymore. Before the Crown, Simon had a real fascination with magic and the supernatural. But now, in the wacky world of Ooo - he has lost that aspect of himself completely. He aches for the mundane.

And then there’s ‘Simon Petrikov the adventurous outdoorsman’, which we only learned about just now.

Which is another aspect of Simon’s identity lost in the new context of Ooo. Simon might’ve been able to brave the elements against rain and mosquitos and poison ivy. But in this world of dragon monsters and shapeshifting bears he is just not able to take it anymore.

‘Simon Petrikov, Marcy’s gentle caretaker’ is right out too. Not only because Simon believes Marceline just doesn’t need him anymore…

But he also doesn’t see himself as capable of helping any little kids anymore - and not just in term of ability…

But also in terms of his own personality. 

Making this little girl cry basically smashed that part of his identity to dust.

And then there’s “Simon Petrikov, Betty Grof’s beloved”, which would be a fool’s errand to keep clinging to…

And yet…