Moxxie (
imp_resario) wrote in
dreamcrystals2022-12-08 12:24 pm
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Entry tags:
A Matter Of Opinion
Sender: Moxxie
Subject: re: Armaments, traditions, and customs, vis-a-vis names
Reverein, I need a little help in resolving a minor dispute on a matter of opinion. And weapons.
Namely, the naming thereof.
Now, I've always had a mind for the classics in both music and literature, and giving a weapon a name all its own is a way of establishing personal significance, identity, and legacy, to say nothing of gravitas in recognition of or anticipation of the deeds ascribed to it. What, pray tell, would be Der Ring des Nibelungen without Nothung, the accursed sword of Siegfried? What would be the Arthurian legends without Excalibur or La Chanson de Roland without Durandal?
I would assert, therefore, that the practice is timeless, and has a well-earned place in the modern day, and with modern weaponry besides; that something like, for example, a shotgun can have enough significance to its wielder and within its deeds that it is no less worthy of being given a name than the weapons of old.
HOWEVER, in contrast, a certain colleague of mine does not share my views on this matter and describes the entire practice as, and I quote them directly,
"Cringe, T B H".
Which to me not only shows a lack of dramatic appreciation but also ignorance of the proud tradition upheld by the act of doing so. Thus I put it to a vote in a public forum before my fellow dreamers:
Is the practice of naming weapons really just a relic of a bygone sentimentality, or is it a timeless practice honoring the tools of the world's second-oldest trade?
Subject: re: Armaments, traditions, and customs, vis-a-vis names
Reverein, I need a little help in resolving a minor dispute on a matter of opinion. And weapons.
Namely, the naming thereof.
Now, I've always had a mind for the classics in both music and literature, and giving a weapon a name all its own is a way of establishing personal significance, identity, and legacy, to say nothing of gravitas in recognition of or anticipation of the deeds ascribed to it. What, pray tell, would be Der Ring des Nibelungen without Nothung, the accursed sword of Siegfried? What would be the Arthurian legends without Excalibur or La Chanson de Roland without Durandal?
I would assert, therefore, that the practice is timeless, and has a well-earned place in the modern day, and with modern weaponry besides; that something like, for example, a shotgun can have enough significance to its wielder and within its deeds that it is no less worthy of being given a name than the weapons of old.
HOWEVER, in contrast, a certain colleague of mine does not share my views on this matter and describes the entire practice as, and I quote them directly,
"Cringe, T B H".
Which to me not only shows a lack of dramatic appreciation but also ignorance of the proud tradition upheld by the act of doing so. Thus I put it to a vote in a public forum before my fellow dreamers:
Is the practice of naming weapons really just a relic of a bygone sentimentality, or is it a timeless practice honoring the tools of the world's second-oldest trade?
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Besides, we exist in a literal realm of cognition. It makes an intuitive sense that a weapon which has a proper Name should be more effective than one that doesn't, particularly if it's visually impressive enough to be worthy of one.
In summation-
Naming a random knife you found? Cringe, unless you're doing it ironically. Naming a custom pistol, every inch of which has been modified to make it visually distinct and uniquely yours?
Perfectly expected and rational.
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A mundane armament that you've cultivated a personal history with, or which was integral in some personally important occasion.
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Sender: Emet-Selch
Few soldiers within the legions would choose to eschew the opportunity to style themselves thusly.
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In a sense, having your weapon named and enshrined among the greats would be its own form of immortality.
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sender: della duck
if Cranky Cringe doesn't like it, who cares???
cool is in the eye of the beholder
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I'm advocating for a time-honored tradition of valor and glory.
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Sender: Blitzø
Ive got too many guns but my favorites have code names
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What did you name them?
[Granted, 'Blitz does it' wouldn't exactly refute his unnamed detractor's stance on the matter, but Moxxie had to admit he was curious.]
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Sender: Noel Vermillion
... I guess that might come across as a little silly after all...
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apologies for the late tag, covid happened ;;
Sender: Eustace
However... If one is naming a weapon with no meaning to it like some kind of collector's item, then I would have to side with your colleague.
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What, do you have to address a sword by name if you want it to actually cut someone?
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Sender: Rokurou
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Or partners, for that matter. So you may be onto something.
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Sender: Lady
Or it could be like Dante's devil arms. They're named after the demons they came from.
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Which weapon is it and why did you decide to name that specific one?
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Sender: Kashuu Kiyomitsu
If anything, it's rather sad for me to think about all the swords that were forged and were never named.
Even though the era of swords is over in my world, I still think it's only fair to name the weapons or tools you either create yourself or personally use. Otherwise, they weren't really loved, were they?
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I can envision a weapon being named for some mighty feat or boast, like Sharur or Tonbokiri, but cutting corpses or a candlestick doesn't sound particularly
epic.
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Sender: Yamatonokami Yasusada
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Would you be surprised if I said I never considered that my weapon might have feelings on the subject?
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Sender: Norimune
It is the most important thing you can give to a weapon, as it tells others their stories, prayers and their masters upon hearing it.
By the way, what does "cringe" mean?
Sender: Blitzø
[Excuse you, Blitzø, you weren't invited to this convo--]
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Sender: Angela
I can't speak to how common or uncommon the practice is among the people of my world, but there is something I heard once: "It's an unspoken rule that the creator names their creation." I wonder if that applies to weapons as well.
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Of course, for those of us that use them, it's another story.
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Sender: Dante
Most of my stuff comes pre-named, but sometimes I get to do it myself.
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[That little McCartney/Wonder collaboration would make an odd choice as the namesake for a weapon, that was for sure.]
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Sender: Shigeru Miyata
I don't think naming weapons is a relic at all though! I think it's kind of...fun? Making up cool names and personalizing your weapons just feels good.
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What do you mean by "a part of us", though? Is that a metaphor?
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