Swords, Scorcery, Love, & Adventure! What’s not to like?
Dear Auntie SAM: A mutual friend of ours tells me you’re a fan of Conan the Barbarian [the original movie]. So, I put it to you: what is best in life?
Ha!
Great question!
I mean, Aristotle, Plato, & all the Roman orators disagreed on a conclusion, so sure – why not ask the chick who throws burlesque parties?
Perhaps that you did, is at least part of my answer … 😉
It’s true. I love that film. My husband & I walked the aisle to its soundtrack. And, the only thing I ever wanted to do in California was hold Arnold’s sword.
… naughty you.
The sword he branished in the movie hung on his wall while he was Governor.
I’ve yet to touch it.
The famous quote to which you refer happens during Conan’s training.
After watching his family slaughtered; made a slave; & then taught to fight, make love, & kill; he is asked, after one day like any other slaying rivals:
„Conan! What is best in life?!“
His response:
„To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, & to hear the lamentations of their women!“
Great applause resounds.
It’s a fan favorite. Oft repeated.
Yet … this is just him parroting the partyline.
This is what abused people do.
They perform any task very well without emotion. As if their lives depend upon it. Because they believe they do.
They rarely do.
But then Conan dies. Or, at least almost dies.
A warrior fights for him; wards off the spirits who came to claim his soul.
And he escapes the dead.
Fully embodied. Humbled. Aware. Using his head.
Strong.
Appreciative of the delicacy & resilience of his flesh.
Appreciative of his family he built who has followed, fought, laughed with, & cared for him.
Appreciative of his past, his present, & another chance.
The wounded child in him still wants revenge. But he’s also able to see beyond himself.
To be a man. An adult. Human.
Truly a heroic feat some days.
And, after all he suffered – perhaps, because – his last decisions are tender.
If someone asked him the same question now, he would never respond as he did on that cold Tuesday he exacted so much death.
He now knows better than to answer.
So, what is best in life?
Dear Heart: You tell me.
XO
AS
___
All you CRAZY CATS who love COSTUMES are in luck this week!
FANTASY BASEL opens THURSDAY: GO WILD at the FILM, GAME, COMIC, & COSPLAYING EVENT OF THE YEAR. From 10AM DAILY. Tickets range from 35 CHF PER DAY to 210 CHF for the GOLDEN TICKET THREE-DAY PASS. http://www.fantasybasel.ch/ While there, check out BASLER GRAPHIC ARTIST FABIAN DEGEN’S booth at Podium 1. He’ll be READING & HOSTING COMPETITIONS, & he can tell you where to find the OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY!
And, FRIDAY NIGHT, get your FREAK on with THE OTHER BURLESQUE PRODUCER IN TOWN NOIR BIZARRE at FANTASY BOAT. JOE BLACK, LUNA MOKA, MICHIEL VAN LEEUWEN, NIGHTMARE VANI & DJs BLAKE, FABRICE NOIR, SIR D. MODERNIST, KA-TA, & BERMUD. Doors at 8PM; SHOW at 11PM. 35 CHF or VIP WITH DINNER 100 CHF www.ticketino.ch