Saturday, August 7, 2010

Cue Q, the Armorer!

Many little boys dream of a magnificent weapon, one that will give them great power, such as the famous Sword in the Stone, Excalibur.  (For my money, there is no better telling of the story than T.H.White's "The Once and Future King".)  When James Bond is about to undertake a dangerous mission, he usually has a session with Q, the Armorer.  Q and his crew usually have one or two amazing weapons to arm James.  It is often a car that can fly and drive in the water and of course, at least one pen that is also a camera, a mace dispenser, a cellphone and maybe a small pantry of snacks.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if little girl dreams of tiaras, magnificent gowns  and stunning shoes were similar in some ways.  Just don't be surprised if a little boy wants a (plastic) tomahawk or pirate pistol.  Dreams of enhancing his power are typical and older "boys" may similarly dream of a special bowling ball or fishing rod or a smartphone that also does one's taxes.  The ancients had smith gods among their families of divinities, strong craftsmen who made winged shoes and chariots that fly up near the sun.  It is an old idea and one that an age such as ours that is steadily inventing more material goodies can also take to heart.  

Every hero wants to be well-equipped.  A strong, brave, fast horse would be nice or as in E.T., bikes that can be pedaled up into the air.  Every Q (quartermaster, supplier) wants to supply his charges with equipment that stands up to all demands and conquers all challenges.  I have read that the American army has a long tradition of equipping its soldiers well, realizing that their weapons, tools and supplies are a vital part of a fight against enemies or nature.  Maybe that idea has not always been well realized but the tradition is important.

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