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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2009 12:38:24 GMT
To be honest, I really don't know. I like the answers people have given, and I can relate to a lot of them. I grew up loving mythology, history, fantasy... the philosophical and spiritual symbolism of the sword appeals to me... I find the physical and mental discipline of the sword satisfying...
But I don't know why. I don't know if any of the reasons I can come up with are the real reason, or if they're just post hoc rationalizations.
I think the older I get, the less I know. And actually, that's kinda cool.
I guess, to me, that's the "riddle of steel"! ;D
Cheers
Marc E
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2009 16:29:59 GMT
Even since I can remember ( around 2 years old) swords attracted me to the point where I carried some kind of long, thin object and pretended it was a sword. My parents says that I did that when I was even younger. Always swinging and using it like a sword. So it's not that I *like* swords... It's a destiny
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Post by genocideseth on May 12, 2009 16:41:54 GMT
A sword has always been a sign of heroism. A symbol of strength, courage and many other things, like justice, the right to choice and almost a tool to carve your own destiny. Although, Sadly, those days are over... But I have always been attacked to the symbolism and the tool itself. I remember watching old cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and noticed that the leader used a sword. To me, a sword was as close to hand to hand combat you should get to during combat. There is no projectiles and you are required to get in close and it is all a matter of who can slay the other first. Also, when I was a child, medieval and medieval fantasy always had a place in my heart. Knights, soldiers, kings and even other things like Dragons, unicorns and elves. Books, toys, cartoons and just plain imagination, as it is all a poor kid can do when he can't afford too many things .I remember I would horde as many medieval based lego as I could afford or trade from friends.. Those were the days...
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Post by sparky on May 12, 2009 20:43:40 GMT
Ha ha, my wife says I like swords 'cause I'm NUTS . Oh well as long as she keeps letting me buy them
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Post by hotspur on May 12, 2009 21:33:21 GMT
Well, an easy answer is that swords are fun. Early inspiration would have been in the fifties and sixties. Often prompted by Sunday comics like Prince Valiant and various films from the early to later periods. While may periods are prtrayed in film and book, it is probably the times of the high middle ages from about 1200 to 1600. My personal pespective is more drawn to the 18th and 19th centuries but I have found few of any period that cause me to pause. There is no cultural boundry either, as even the play Mikado was introduced very ealy in my childhood. Mum was a fencer in her high school years and continues to have her two foils presented with other ancillary cultural items in prominent display. Cheers Hotspur; closet fop, if anything a most determining factor
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2009 23:29:50 GMT
I suppose everyone can relate different, also the differences can be generational or what was around to "trigger" the inspiration. For me born in 1980 and by the time I was an age to watch cartoons it was He-Man and Thundercats (the main guy had a sword of power) they kicked me in, the first fantasy film my folks let me watch was Willow, I watched a VHS recording of it so many times I had the script memorized. I conned my dad at 10 to record Conan for me and glad he did, then it was movies like Excalibur, Ladyhawk all manner. Swords became a very innate part of my childhood and adolescence. But not just swords but the principles (mentioned by others already) associated. My passion now as an adult is for Viking culture and weaponry and it comes not just from a refinement of my tastes but a growing spirituality in the Viking mythology that came when I started highschool and its something that still defines me today. I believe alot of us buy swords for two needs ...... material and spiritual ....... and both are intrinsically connected. My material is maybe in that in the Dark Ages, a sword was a major status symbol but also the mark of a highly proficiant warrior, you were "THE MAN" if you had a sword and doing well for yourself. The average was a sword cost you around 12 cows, so you had to be a bit well to do to have one. A comparo now might be owning a BMW, or maybe higher end Mercedes. In this modern incarnation (my retail worker) I cant do that, but if I own a sword, a little part of me connects in what that felt like back then, on a level satisfying me materially. The next is spiritual, and it connects back to the material. In buying the sword I am making that connection, a connection back to a time of hero's, conquests, myths and beliefs (which was daily and natural as eating and breathing to our ancestors) in an age when the earth was pure and unspoilt (the ozone layer laughed at our pitiful campfire emmissons). Having the sword in hand lets me reach down on a genetic, ancestoral, past life spiritual, call it what you like but we all at one time came from the womb of a woman that lived 1000, 1500, 2000 years ago, and somewhere deep down in the D.N.A or spirit is a part of me that wants to remember ....... and all I have is that little feeling inside, and it pulses with every swing. If that makes sense
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on May 15, 2009 0:46:06 GMT
I've never had more than a passing interest in learning Martial Arts, I just learned enough to be able to drive my body - to make it strong and flexible enough and learn the movements so that it goes when I want it to. But it's never been about fighting - winning, or defeating, or being better than anyone else. I've always held more to the romantic Fabley aspect of swords. The ideal of a man or woman in a free world, putting their ass on the line to defend his family and loved ones who are not as physically strong. The ability to stand against the unconscious knuckleheads and defend the simple right, and the humble wish - to just BE. To be happy and peaceful in your space on Earth and not have some tool come and infringe on that. I guess thats what I love about swords. They symbolise a simple humble way of life, just being. And they equalise the combatants. Two guys with hand weapons is a fair kill. Not like someone with infrared heat vision sitting safely in a room computer targeting someone who doesn't even know they are being scoped and pressing a button to fire - thats abhorrent. Yup I'm all about the Fable
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on May 15, 2009 1:21:27 GMT
I've never had more than a passing interest in learning Martial Arts, I just learned enough to be able to drive my body - to make it strong and flexible enough and learn the movements so that it goes when I want it to. But it's never been about fighting - winning, or defeating, or being better than anyone else. I've always held more to the romantic Fabley aspect of swords. The ideal of a man or woman in a free world, putting their ass on the line to defend his family and loved ones who are not as physically strong. The ability to stand against the unconscious knuckleheads and defend the simple right, and the humble wish - to just BE. To be happy and peaceful in your space on Earth and not have some tool come and infringe on that. I guess thats what I love about swords. They symbolise a simple humble way of life, just being. And they equalise the combatants. Two guys with hand weapons is a fair kill. Not like someone with infrared heat vision sitting safely in a room computer targeting someone who doesn't even know they are being scoped and pressing a button to fire - thats abhorrent. Yup I'm all about the Fable Well said! I DO have a bit more of an interest in Martial Arts than you do, but otherwise we're pretty much on par with each other. Although I must admit, the whole thing about slaying enemies and defeating evil is another thing I love about swords. You've just got to love LoTR, don't you? ;D -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 3:03:24 GMT
Reading the replies I find myself agreeing with everyone else's reasons for liking the sword! I really can't add much, but the skill that goes with the weapon is the reason, nothing clumsy or random, but a real skill and connection. There is a greater beauty, in addition to the surface one, that makes it special. Much that can't be put into words but only felt. Balance, control, execution, beauty.
A very pure feeling.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 3:07:22 GMT
Its a shame that humans dont have another sentient creature to war with, like orcs, or evil trolls or some such creature, it might have actually cut down some of the self destruction.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 4:13:32 GMT
For me I agree with Brenno on this one. A sword is a connection to a romantic legend of right and honor. But more than that, it's like holding your own well being in your hand. Back in the day, the sword was the only thing that might keep you alive at a given moment. They say you never feel more alive than when you're in danger of loosing it and the sword is like a tangible connection to that sense of being a hair-step away from dead on the ground, and consequently, incredible alive.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 13:14:36 GMT
The ability to defend one self is so rudimentary that America in its foundation deemed it so vital that the founders of America’s Constitution recognised it as a God given right. “The right of the people to keep and bare arms, shall not be infringed.” This has always stirred me to exercise that “RIGHT”. The possession of arms IS the difference between a freeman and a slave and I shall remain free!
As a Boy Scout, we were taught to “Always be prepared”… This was another life lesson for me, to think ahead, plan and prepare for the unexpected and the real possibility of a “need”. It has served me well. I look at weapons as nothing more than the claws and teeth of man, tools if you will, that most animals are born with. My knives and swords are my claws and my firearms are my teeth. I am a pacifist until the need to defend my self or loved ones, and then as an old Scottish saying expresses, “(I’m) fierce when roused”.
Also, being somewhat of a romantic I like radial engine planes from WWII, V8’s, wind up watches/clocks and swords for about the same reason. The fascination never ends.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 13:40:12 GMT
Its a shame that humans dont have another sentient creature to war with, like orcs, or evil trolls or some such creature, it might have actually cut down some of the self destruction. Funny; I have had this very same thought on more than a few occasions...who wouldn't like to charge down a platoon of dirty, filthy Orcs bent on the destruction of your way of life? Maybe that'll be the new diversion for the future- mass produced subhuman 'pells' - nothing organic mind you, but of a material that could mimic organics...you know, they bleed when you cut them, but you'd have the option of turning down the sound if the screams get to be too much. Of course, you'd have your hardcore groups who would require ultra realistic stuff like the organics crapping themselves upon death, screaming death chants and spewing fake blood everywhere. That might be...fun.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 14:26:58 GMT
isnt that what we make video games for ?!! DOH
david
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 14:44:36 GMT
LOL
Yes David, that is true...but look at the trends, it isn't just a single input device anymore (controller), now you have peripherals that track the player's movements and translate them onscreen (Wii for example) - VR is swiftly becoming the present; how long before we can engage in mock-type battles where we pit our actual skills and stamina against quasi-realistic opposition?
Maybe said opposition could be using 'light blades' or 'light knives' - they register as hits but nothing that'll damage you, while you, on the other hand, will have a realistic weapon in hand.
I was playing Assassin's Creed again last night, just to get into some swordfights...love that game just for that.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 15, 2009 15:16:48 GMT
To be honest, I really don't know. I like the answers people have given, and I can relate to a lot of them. I grew up loving mythology, history, fantasy... the philosophical and spiritual symbolism of the sword appeals to me... I find the physical and mental discipline of the sword satisfying... But I don't know why. I don't know if any of the reasons I can come up with are the real reason, or if they're just post hoc rationalizations. I think the older I get, the less I know. And actually, that's kinda cool. I guess, to me, that's the "riddle of steel"! ;D Cheers Marc E Completely agree with you Marc. I could sit here and think up a rationalization, but the truth is I've always been so enthralled by the romantic idea of chivalry and dignity that knights had, this code of honor to live up to, and the ideal of the sword, that love for the sword is just ingrained in me. As I purchase and use swords, I am moving slightly away from that romantic view of the blade, seeing it in use has shown me it is a tool. Still representative of honor and chivalry, but a tool. My view of valor and chivalry though? Yeah, still the same as when I was a kid.
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2009 6:52:00 GMT
Its a twofold thing for me.
My religious beliefs emphasize courage and steadfastness in the face of an enemy (Be that an overt enemy or simply someone who wants to dominate you mentally). It takes real courage to face a man with a sword in your hand, it takes skill. A firearm is an un-graceful weapon. It's effective, yes, but it's very direct and any fool can kill someone with a gun. It takes real stones to look someone in the eyes and actually put them down with a sword. A sword is also a symbol of the carrier's willingness to defend themselves, to stand and fight if they are confronted. In fairness, I have no personal experience with either but this IS how I feel.
Second, I've always felt comfortable with swords and other similar weapons. They've always felt comfortable and natural in my hands. Its a feeling that doesn't come from holding firearms or anything else like that. Arguably that could be a psychological reaction coming from my associations with swords but that is neither here nor there.
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Marc Ridgeway
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on May 16, 2009 12:55:36 GMT
Its a shame that humans dont have another sentient creature to war with, like orcs, or evil trolls or some such creature, it might have actually cut down some of the self destruction. Funny; I have had this very same thought on more than a few occasions...who wouldn't like to charge down a platoon of dirty, filthy Orcs bent on the destruction of your way of life? Maybe that'll be the new diversion for the future- mass produced subhuman 'pells' - nothing organic mind you, but of a material that could mimic organics...you know, they bleed when you cut them, but you'd have the option of turning down the sound if the screams get to be too much. Of course, you'd have your hardcore groups who would require ultra realistic stuff like the organics crapping themselves upon death, screaming death chants and spewing fake blood everywhere. That might be...fun. Ummm well ... I've had kinda a similar idea... only instead of cyberanimate orcs to kill and bleed , I had kind of an idea of a "Blockbuster" where you rent cyberanimate celebs and supermodels to..... erm.... well ... nevermind... but you get the picture.. its a billion dollar idea...
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2009 14:52:01 GMT
As my collection expands I have asked myself this question over and over. Realistically, I have no real use for a sword other than I enjoy them. A firearm is much better suited to protect my family. Still, there is something about them that speaks to me. I suppose it is the romance of the sword. Its history. The things man accomplished by its use, both good and evil. Mostly I think its the realization that the men who wielded them were 'real' men. Men that faced one another eye to eye before hacking each other to pieces rather than punching holes in some guy from 200 or 1000 yards. I just have to respect that. Its about courage and honor for me I guess. The spiritual desire to be that sort of man. To connect somehow with something that seems to be lacking in our present world. Still working on it, but that's what I've got so far.
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2009 23:07:24 GMT
I like swords because they keep me connected (spiritually ) with my ancesters and my culture . My ancestors fought with swords for thousand of years against the invaders and when I hold the very same type of the swords it really make me appreciate that sheer determination and thier great effort .
On the lighter side ,hanging out here in this forum is fun and I enjoy cutting recycle material with swords and this fun hobby make me a better resident of California for I am now consider myself a part of solution not part of the problem . Every bottle that I pull out of trash can and side walk will not end up in the land fill and ocean to pollute mother earth ;D
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