weapons of war
by Elouise
sunburst of glory
explodes in gleaming splendor
wrought from war’s horror
* * *
I’m standing in The Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle, surrounded by historic weapons of war. They’re arranged artfully, often highlighted by spotlights. I’m torn between admiring the beauty of each arrangement, and imagining what it was like to be on the receiving or giving end of these weapons. This isn’t a new feeling for me; just a new setting.
Here are several other examples from The Great Hall. Each display was created from medieval weapons of warfare. Each projects its own strange beauty. No blood and gore. Just the shining gleam of silver and gold, set against beautifully carved wood such as that found in cathedrals and churches.
I’m not a pacifist, and freely acknowledge my country has its own way of glorifying weapons of war. What I can’t escape is that displays like this don’t generally highlight body counts of men, women, children and animals.
Why do we celebrate these remnants of historic battles? The battles themselves were great in cost, though not always great in honor. Except for those who fought valiantly and died, physically and/or in their souls. Some believed they were doing the right or even righteous thing. Others did what they had to do.
Perhaps displays like these aren’t about the glory of past wars. Perhaps they’re an invitation to remember the high cost of war, including the lives of everyday people still touched by generations of wounds.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 25 September 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, September 2015
The Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Telling the Truth 
I, also, am not a pacifist although my father was and received white feathers in the mail.But the weapons of war are always seen as the pinnacle of man’s endeavour. No one was ever directed to beat their pruning hooks into swords. It was always the other way around.
I hate war, but I must admit that I find weapons of war fascinating.
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John, Thanks for your observations. Baseball has been called the civil religion of the USA. Yet the truly awesome or even religious moments seem to be related to great wars of the past–including fascination with their weapons. I wonder. Will we someday have the same fascination with death-dealing drones or other less visible weapons? Or will the relative invisibility of warfare (to those not on the ground) make the business of killing more impersonal than it already is? Your father paid a price for his commitment. I honor that–and assume a white feather is like being called ‘chicken’ here in the USA? I’d like to see a national memorial of conscientious objectors. Especially in light of the enormous cost of war worldwide.
I also admit though, the weapons themselves have a fascination–despite the horror of what they were fashioned to do.
Elouise
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How can such beautiful things cause so much pain?
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Good question! They are, indeed, beautiful in this context.
Elouise
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Mhm the pictures are fantastic.
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Yes, they are. I’ll let D know his work is appreciated!
Elouise
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The Sword of William Wallace was 5’4″ and weighed in at more than 5 lbs, one wonders at the power and strength of warriors such as he, to wield such a weapon; in all probability, whilst mounted upon a horse, wearing a suit of armour.
I wonder too at the blacksmiths who made these tools or war, my father was a blacksmith and I have no doubt that he could have made weapons of the highest quality.
He was obliged once by his employers to make something for the Prince Of Wales as he then was before ascending then descending from the throne to marry his American mistress, (my father despised him before this), a long story.
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I’ve often wondered about the weight of all these weapons. Also, when they’re hanging in display, they look like ceremonial pieces. But they were not. 😦 Interesting bit about your father and the Prince of Wales.
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