The Tree of War Page 5
October 30th, 2015The Peacemaker faces a lethal test put forward by the Kahne’aké on Page 5 of The Peacemaker and the Tree of War.
While reading several versions of the Haundenosaunee legend that inspired this vignette, I was wondering why they gave a suicidal test. And I think the answer is to show bravery in the face of death. The people followed several customs in this era where courage was valued more than life. Courage in the face of danger was widely respected even if the cause was hopeless and death the inevitable end. So the sachem at this point in the story is saying “Put up, or shut up.” The Peacemaker chose to Put Up when everyone expected him to Shut Up. This wins him a lot of integrity points and allows him to take control of the situation.
Next weekend, Steph and I will be at one of my favorite conventions of the year — Nekocon! I do so love this convention. It’s the perfect size, easy to get to, and the attendees are fantastic. We’ll be bringing the recently released Volume 2 books as well as the Volume 1 chapter books. Come see us!
I’m just gonna say, the art in this vignette is really, really good.
Also, that guy is a much better person than me.
And here I am, mulling over how I would totally trip and fall to my death before they could even get started with the test. Being a messiah requires bravery and solid character, but more than that, it requires fine motor control. :D
I live in the landscape where this story began–where trees are undermined and jut out into ravines. Your art continues to be so sparing and so true. And the facial expressions of everyone, bystanders as well as main players, tell so much.
“You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.” – Albert Einstein
“In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.” – Sun Tzu
Although looking at present times, the “prepare for peace” is the part we should do more. Seriously: does anyone have a plan how to have peace in middle east? I mean, some involving at least some survivors?
History repeats once again. That last panel is especially relevant in present times.
You know, he probably would have had more luck turning up in a mysterious ship and telling warring nations to be nice to each other if he had brought a big stompy robot with him. Failing that he could at least have put some trousers on.
I don’t think the trousers would have convinced them, really.
Even up to QE I’s time, some European nobles preferred to have their pant legs as separate pieces. Tied ’em together. Must be something to it.
From my reading, the First Nations of this era loved shirts and coats that the traders brought. But they detested pants. They felt that it interfered with their movement. And they kinda have a point. It kinda does. So the breechclouts and stockings were worn after contact with the Europeans.
I think I like a pantless society. Especially if the men are sometimes wearing dresses or even dress-ish dresses.
Well, such a stompy robot sounds like a good Idea, doesn’t it? Needs a fancy name though… How about “Peace Walker”?
Boooooo. That’s awful. I love it.
Why do I keep thinking that the the land would be quiet only because all the players would be plotting to get hold of stompy robot? “Yesss, all we need for peace is the ultimate weapon that THEY have!” sigh