Disjointed Ramblings on The Khukuri as Microcosm

J

Josh Feltman

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Feb 12, 2001
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I was trying to get to sleep last night after a few too many beers, and I started thinking about the khukuri as a microcosm. A khukuri partakes of air, earth, fire, and water: air to heat the forge, metal from the earth, fire to forge the blade, and water to temper it. If you include the sheath, a khukuri is a mixture of animal, the leather (and sometimes horn); vegetable, the wood in the sheath (and wooden handles); and mineral, the blade, bolster, chappe, and assorted little nails in the sheath (keep this in mind as a stumper the next time you play "animal-vegetable-mineral".) It has both masculine and feminine aspects: The strength and sturdiness of the blade seem very masculine while the graceful curves suggest the feminine. Oh, let's not forget the little spark of human spirit forged into each and every HI khukuri by the kamis. Overall, the khukuri is a very complete package. Ok, I'll shut up now. :rolleyes:
--Josh
 
Wow! You must have a whopper of a hangover :D

Here I was, working under the assumption that the khukuri was just another phallic symbol, and now you are suggesting that its shape may have other erotic qualities. You might be onto something. But, I am going to need more then a few beers to catch up with you.

n2s

edited to add: John, do you have any more of those khukuri centerfolds?
 
Yeah,
I once had a spicy bean burrito before bed, also known as a "Vision Quest" by some in Texas, and I dreamt about wielding 2 GRS's in a grat battle. (Bean Burritos are great for those dull Saturday Nights.)

The only comparable story I know of is the one my friend had before he knew he was allergic to penicillin. He dreamt that there was a tiny marching band marching across his bed.
 
Good stuff, Josh, however it comes. I'd add that in my symbolic musings on swords, the sword is the masculine symbol, and the Sheath is the feminine symbol. When the sword is drawn from the sheath, it means business. Only the protection and containment of the sheath can stop the swords ardor for battle.

In the Arthurian mythos, Excalibur is the masculine, and the Holy Grail the feminine. The sword is for besting any foe, but it is the cup of life that brings fruitfulness and fertility back to the land.

'course, we could bothe be nuts, but ain't that fun too?

Keith
 
though one should remember that there are very 'violent' and warlike females too, in culture I mean - like the Valkyries, Furies, Amazons, etc. and in India/Nepal the goddesses Durga and Kaalii
 
Originally posted by beoram
though one should remember that there are very 'violent' and warlike females too
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Any married man could have told you that, Beo. Even one who's only been married for six months.

S.
 
I cannot hold one without thinking of the kami who forged it. They may have to travel many a mile to obtain the steel. This they do without the benefit of a Chevy Tahoe and the 405 freeway. They take a cast off piece of scrap, and with enough sweat and know how, turn it into one of the finest blades to be found. It reminds me that you don't have to wear a certain brand of clothes or live in a certain neighborhood to create something of lasting value. It reminds me that the greatest things in life are frequently purchased with blood, sweat and tears. It reminds me what an awesome power is contained within a single piece of steel. And that power must be respected. The consequences of not respecting that power could be catastrophic. It reminds me to be responsible. It reminds me to be careful. It reminds me not to lash out in anger. It reminds me that once upon a time it was not uncommon for a blade to have a Name and possess magical qualities. It reminds me that there are things we don't understand. That it's okay not to understand them. It reminds me that there is still wonder in the world.

Frank
 
Originally posted by Ferrous Wheel
Good stuff, Josh, however it comes. I'd add that in my symbolic musings on swords, the sword is the masculine symbol, and the Sheath is the feminine symbol. When the sword is drawn from the sheath, it means business. Only the protection and containment of the sheath can stop the swords ardor for battle.
Click to expand...

If I remember my Latin correctly, vagus = sheath.
 
If I remember my Latin correctly, vagus = sheath.>>

So instead of condoms, we should be buying packs of vaguses.

.. ... ....


I agree with Josh about masculine and feminine characteristics of the khukuri. He forgot to add that a kukri can bend, yield and still return to form.

The thing is, we are all of us of the microcosm and macrocosm. We call this micro-macro, or simply mishmash.



munk
 
Originally posted by munk
If I remember my Latin correctly, vagus = sheath.>>

So instead of condoms, we should be buying packs of vaguses.
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Umm, you could, I suppose, but it would be expensive, and I don't know if they come in packs.

To clarify, vagus is the root of vagina. Sorry I didn't connect those dots.
 
Originally posted by Tohatchi NM
To clarify, vagus is the root of vagina. Sorry I didn't connect those dots.
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This has the makings of a horrible Massengill commercial-- mother and daughter, both wearing matching Ang Kholas, walking on the beach together near sunset, seagulls flying overhead, daughter looking down nervously at the sheath of her khukuri, "Mom, does the sheath on your AK ever..."

Whew, I've gotta lay off the caffeine.
--Josh
 
Jeeze Josh, I don't know what Tohatchi's doing, I was just making a joke and he's now correcting his latin!

mishmash...er uh..munk
 
If I remember my Latin correctly, vagus = sheath.>>
Click to expand...

Actually, I believe it was vagina 'sheath', just as gladius 'sword' was synonymous with 'penis.'

The things you learn as a linguist...:D ;)

(edited to remove improper quote attribution) :o
 
Actually, I didn't say that, Ruel. I haven't seen you here, pleased to make your aquaintence.




munk
 
True, true, Beo. Let us not forget the Celtic Morrigan, battle witch, or tye Norse Goddess Freya, goddess of love, war, magic and fertility, or Skadi, huntress giantesss, or the Valkyries - Battle maidens, or the Norse heroine Hervor, armed with her father's magic sword, or the Scythian` royal women warriors.

Keith
 
Originally posted by munk
I haven't seen you here, pleased to make your aquaintence.
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Likewise. I fixed the quote in the above post. ;)

I think I may have the lowest post-per-day ratio of any of this forum's regular members, but I make my presence felt when I can. :p

franchesca-49a.JPG
 
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