A Matter Of Opinion

[imp_resario]

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?

Comments

[herewardbound]

When you have a sentimental connection to something as personal as a weapon or vehicle, naming them makes perfect sense.

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.

Sender: Emet-Selch

[recreator]

I assure you that the tradition of naming weapons is still very much alive and well today. Though the practice has become more of an individual choice throughout the ages, and indeed its popularity varies amongst cultures, it is quite common within military nations such as Garlemald.

Few soldiers within the legions would choose to eschew the opportunity to style themselves thusly.

sender: della duck

[sos_pilot]

dude you don't have to write a whole essay to justify why you think something is cool

if Cranky Cringe doesn't like it, who cares???

cool is in the eye of the beholder

Sender: Blitzø

[helluvaboss]

I herd u name ur gun bc then it wont let you down same with cars

Ive got too many guns but my favorites have code names

Sender: Noel Vermillion

[bulletic]

Oh, I don't think that's an outdated custom at all! At least back where I come from? In fact, I'd say it's rather common to give names to weapons... I suppose it might seem odd to someone who doesn't fight themselves, but it feels... more reassuring that way? It's like you have a reliable partner at your side at all times!

... I guess that might come across as a little silly after all...

Sender: Eustace

[flamekthunder]

Tradition...plays some part and there can be sentimental aspects to it. However there is also practical reason for naming weapons depending on the circumstances and significance of the weapon. If it is one that is stronger or has certain qualities that make it different from more common use weapons, then naming it makes it easier to differentiate from the rest. It may also be required for activating its inherent abilities.

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.

Sender: Rokurou

[rokubro]

Your friend clearly has no appreciation for weapons. Of course you give them names, it's proof of the weapon's worth and legacy. And in battle, there's no truer partner you can trust than your weapon.

Sender: Lady

[notladyluck]

Only one of my weapons is named for personal reasons. Its really up to the person who either creates the weapon or the person using it to decide if it gets a name.

Or it could be like Dante's devil arms. They're named after the demons they came from.

[imp_resario]

I think you're forgetting an important category here:

A mundane armament that you've cultivated a personal history with, or which was integral in some personally important occasion.

[herewardbound]

I wouldn't have a personal familiarity with that, but I suppose so.

[songbird_slayer]

My darling Slashley is offended that you'd call her cringe.

[herewardbound]

why are you like this

Sender: Kashuu Kiyomitsu

[redbeauty]

I don't think it's a relic of bygone sentimentality. In the world I'm from, it was very common for swordsmiths to name the swords they forged, either after themselves, or their school, or after special moment like a sword slicing through five corpses or a candlestick.

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?

Sender: Yamatonokami Yasusada

[hairpinings]

I'm not sure what cringe means but I can tell you not having a name or a story to tell is one of the most painful things for a weapon.

Sender: Norimune

[kikuichi]

Naming weapons are still practiced even today back home. Why differs between who named them, their creators, owners or the people who knew of them.

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?

[imp_resario]

On top of which, I'd imagine a military nation would revere the weapons of its leaders just as much as the leaders themselves, wouldn't it?

In a sense, having your weapon named and enshrined among the greats would be its own form of immortality.

[imp_resario]

It's the principle of the thing, Della.

I'm advocating for a time-honored tradition of valor and glory.

[imp_resario]

Wait, really?

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.]

[imp_resario]

No, I understand completely. Naming a weapon elevates it from being a 'tool' to being an 'ally', right?

[imp_resario]

Hold on, "activating its inherent abilities?"

What, do you have to address a sword by name if you want it to actually cut someone?

[imp_resario]

They don't. But I'll be fair enough to say that it might just be because they indeed rarely work with weapons themselves.

Or partners, for that matter. So you may be onto something.

[sos_pilot]

and I bet whoever who got you all mad about this ain't gunna change their mind, even if half of this place agrees with you

just not something worth ruffling your feathers over if you ask me

or whatever you non-birds ruffle

anyway! i'm more of a fisticuffs kinda gal so I've never really had a special place in my heart for any certain weapon

though I did have a phase in my teens about naming my fists after goddesses when I was in a really fighty mood

which was a lot

[imp_resario]

Then let's use that weapon as a case study.

Which weapon is it and why did you decide to name that specific one?

[imp_resario]

Hold on. Can we circle back to those 'special moments' you mentioned? They seem oddly specific.

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.

[notladyluck]

Custom MANPADS rocket launcher. Named after my mother, Kalina Ann. It was my first custom weapon.

Dante's holding onto her with the rest of the devil arms if you want to take a look.