Weapons Narrative (for Stag)

Hey Stag, I noticed your interest in weapons and decided to write this entry. I don't know if you noticed in any of my earlier blogs, but I too am interested in weapons and martial arts. Pertaining to weapons, I feel that each weapon has a narrative; its very composition and the way that it is used says something. Here are a few of my thoughts...

Single-Edged Sword--- To me, the single-edged sword represents decisiveness. Every swing is purposeful and progressive because there is not reverse swing to recover from mistakes. It symbolizes making a decision and investing in that decision, because where the sword goes the swordholder is not far behind. In fact, the blunted side of the blade seems to invite assistance from the swordholder's free hand.

Sheath--- The sheath represents unwillingness to fight. Still, some sheaths can be used in battle, such as the sheath of some katanas. In such case, the sheath represents defense and reluctance. It can also represent distraction when used as a temporary substitute for the sword in battle. Finally, it represents a source of power when used as resistance for drawn-sword combat.

Double-Edged Sword--- The double-edged sword represents complete offense. It represetns forgiveness if the handler should make a faulty blow by allowing him to make it up with a reverse swing. The double-edged sword has a sort of independence independence, as there is no place for the swordholder to involve himself except at the handle.

Shield--- Large shields represent the valued life. Its sole purpose is the protection of whoever is holding it. Small shields glorify the fighter. They aren't meant to protect their owners as much as they are meant to create opportunities for their holders to put their fighting prowess to use.

Knife/Dagger--- These represent intent to kill. They're not made for long-term combat or deliberations. It represents also a personal interest in the demise of the victim, as the wielder must be in personal close-range in order to land an attack.

Nunchaku--- These represent several things: freedom of choice and the relationship between control and consequence. At any moment nunchaku can be manipulated to create any number of directional attacks. However, though the user has infinite options, he must maintain control of the nunchaku at all times. Otherwise the very weapon he holds can strike against him in a moment of random flight.

Tonfa/Baton/Blackjack--- These weapons greatly emphasize the role of the user in combat. All combat using the tonfa is very close range and requires one with the skill to manage a close-range-based combat situation. Furthermore, they often have no components that cause fatalities. Therefore, they really symbolize the essence of mastery: total control of a situation to the point that in a close-range, life threatening confrontation, an element of killing is not even necessary.

Chain/Whip--- The chain and whip symbolize time in certain ways. For instance, chains and whips are not meant to end fights quickly (unless they are attached to more fatal weapons). They are used for torturous strikes that accumlate on the opponent over time to overwhelm him. Even at their most lethal, when used for strangling, the attack is one that requires much effort. Chains and whips also symbolize dominance, as they can be used to bind opponents, control the parameters of the fight to an opponent's disadvantage, and strip an opponent of his weapon.

Staff/Bo--- The staff/bo symbolizes simplicity and balance; it is merely a stick, and it can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, sometimes simultaneously. It represents unwillingness to kill because it has no fatal components; it is more a weapon of battery than slaughter. A long staff seems to warn opponents of a reluctant will to fight, but a full capability of fighting. A short staff enocurages combat and puts more emphasis of the role of its carrier in the fight.

Spear/Javelin--- The spear symbolizes defense through offense; though it's length keeps opponents at bay, it's sharp end gives it the capability of killing those who it attempts to ward off. It expresses loyalty to whomever it protects when it is sacrificed to the fight by throwing.

Gun--- The gun symbolizes cowardice and intimidation. It is designed to keep the user at a safe distance while he "fights". Actually, it negates the fighting aspect; the gun does all the fighting for the user. It makes sound that intimidates those around it while actually only firing in one direction at one small target.

Bow and Arrow--- Very different symbolism than the gun, though similar in essence. The bow and arrow represent unity and harmony. The bowstaff, arrow, and user must be in harmony in order for the shot to be successful. Also, though the bow and arrow are distance weapons, they rely on the strength and control of the wielder for their success, not an automated mechanism in which a user is only required to cause a reaction. Finally, the bowstaff itself can at times become a weapon for close-range combat, so the bow and arrow represent versatility.

Shuriken/Throwing Star/Dart--- Again, these are similar in essence to the gun and bow-and-arrow because they are projectile weapons, but these are much more symbolic as weapons of complication. These projectiles can stun, injure, slow down, poison, and snag the clothing of enemies. The skill of the wielder is the greatest determinant of the success of the projectile, but these weapons are succeptible to the elements as well, such as a gust of wind. Occasionally a skillful throw will kill, but they're chiefly distractions to keep enemies on their heels.

These are the things that weapons seem to say to me when I see them in action and think about their essence. Of course, I'm not an expert--- okay, I do own a bokken and some training nunchaku--- but I've never seen a live fight with these weapons, nor have I been in one... yet...

Next time on Narratives, The Narratives of Eastern Martial Arts, lol...