Mandalorian Culture and its connections to the real world

[dredwulf60]

Going back to the similarity to Samurai for a moment;

Isn't it interesting in light of the recent revisions to Mandalorian history and culture, the whole so-called 'pacifist' version, that it also happened to the Japanese.

The Samurai way dominated Japan for centuries.  Eventually the 'True' Samurai died out, with the influence of 'western' culture.  (See The Last Samurai, for Hollywood's take on the events).

In World War II however, the Emperor of Japan brought about a resurgence in the Samurai ways, tapping into the historical pride and honour of the people.  The Japanese, possessed by the philosophy of the Bushido, saw themselves as invincible conquerors.

They were however defeated by the allies, the American-made Atom Bombs in particular.  Following this, Japan took a 180 degree turn.  Japan turned from a country of die-hard bushido warriors into a culture of....'Pacifists'.

They became ashamed of their warlike aggression as a people.  Japan, to this day does not field a proper military.  They had a 'Self Defence Force'.  They have placed very strict limitations on this force, to the point that they can not even be deployed in Peacekeeping. (with just recent exceptions.)

Look at these self-imposed strictures:

Their Article 6 states: "The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes", but also declares, "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained."

Japan's Basic Policy for National Defense stipulates the following policies:

Maintaining an exclusive defense-oriented policy.
To avoid becoming a major military power that might pose a threat to the world.
Refraining from the development of nuclear weapons, and to refuse to allow nuclear weapons inside Japanese territory.
Ensuring civilian control of the military.
Maintaining security arrangements with the United States.
Building up defensive capabilities within moderate limits.

Ironic coming from a culture that was ruled by a warrior class for hundreds of years, and nearly helped conquer the world.

Then we have mandalorians...joined with the Sith to try to rule the galaxy...were defeated by the Jedi...and became 'Pacifists'.

[Vlet Hansen]

except the New Mandalorians in question make up only the most politically active part of Mandalore, the majority of Mandalorians across the galaxy are still doing the same thing they've always done...

On Japan: well, a couple of nukes will do that to you... I'd feel more regret about it if they hadn't been working with the Nazis...

[Kalira]

If I recall, Traviss compared the Mandos to the Picts, not the Celts in general, if that helps any ongoing research.

[Vlet Hansen]

the Mongols under Genghis Khan were also a fairly close match... nomadic, warriors skilled in several techniques, willing to accept converts... of course, they were also better organized...

[Rune]

But not half as ori'beskaryc.

[Vlet Hansen]

yell that to the millions they conquered... their dinky bows could outshoot the best English longbows by 100 yards or more, and they used these (to great effect and with amazing accuracy) on the backs of galloping horses, as they outflanked their foes... might not have the best armor in the world, but they still beat almost everyone they fought while Genghis Khan was alive...

[Noldorin Mando]

Not to mention their travel snacks was raw meat warmed under thier saddles. That might be a little hazardous, but definitly beskar'yc.

Oh and I should mention that Mongol warriors wore raw silk shirts for two main reasons. One, because silk is actaully a very warm material. Secondly, because raw silk is a very durable material. It will not simply tear, but come away in chunks. Thus, if an arrow punctured the torso, it would drag a chunk of faabric into the wound as well, making the arrowhead easier to extract. It also minimized the injury significantly.

[Vlet Hansen]

yeah, I've actually seen some Mongolian silk garments that have survived almost intact all this time... their cavalry sabers were also just about the best sword you could come up with to use on horseback... it's cool, the entire army was cavalry, archers, footsoldiers, scouts and everything else all rolled into one! Everybody multitasked!

[Rune]

Okay, point conceded. Mongols were beskaryc. But Mando'ade are still cooler. That's why we're not all making up Mongolian names and making our own sabers, bows and silk shirts.

[dredwulf60]

The mongols make an excellent argument for one of the greatest armies in history, but I wouldn't have picked them (personally) as a Mandalorian connection.

At least not the Mandalorians of the Clone Wars era.

They seem to be exceptional individual warriors.  Each mando having his or her own weapons and distinct style, using his or her own unique skillset to win.  This is precisely what made me think of the Samurai as a mando comparison.

Specifically when the mongols first invaded Japan.

The mongols overwhelmed the individualized Samurai with disciplined military tactics, while the Samurai were superior warriors one on one, they tended to fair poorly against waves of mounted archers.

The only reason the initial invasion failed was because the Khan had not sent enough to get the job done.

The only thing that saved Japan the second invasion was that freak storm...

The mongols might be better compared to the GAR than the small-unit special forces type tactics of the typical mando warrior.

[Vlet Hansen]

I'd say they're very similar to the Mandalorians of the Mandalorian Wars. They all have similar, but not identical gear, they're very good at what they do, they can use just about any tactic needed, and they're excellent at coordinating large attacks. Of course, the Khan was a bit better at ruling a populace once the fighting was over, but still...

[Ironwarrior]

In my mind I would way that the mando is best like the old Sarmatians they were a people defined by warfare. they were heavily armored and masters of the fast attack.

compare a mando with a rocketpack to a heavy armormed man on a horse. 

[CT-1127/549]

all you people talking about armor, there is a phrase in mandalorian that means something along the lines of 'a warrior is more than his armor'.

[Drake Vhett]

In combat, but not nessasaraly in culture.

[dredwulf60]

all you people talking about armor, there is a phrase in mandalorian that means something along the lines of 'a warrior is more than his armor'.

But a Mandalorian without armor at all...isn't.

[Vlet Hansen]

The phrase means that you can have the best gear in the universe, but not having the skill and brains to back it up means you still lose.

[dredwulf60]

The phrase means that you can have the best gear in the universe, but not having the skill and brains to back it up means you still lose.

So very true.  History is full of examples of superior tech getting its shebs handed to it by superior skill.

[Noldorin Mando]

Such as basically EVERY invasion of Russia/Soviet Union over the past 200-300 years...

The Grand Armee

The Wermacht

The Swedish Army under King Charles XII

Even the White Russians failed to conquer their own country in the Civil War...

[Te Ori'gehaat'ik Mand'alor]

I really don't think I can compare Mando'ade to any "Real" culture.
I know that Karen Traviss compared them to the Celts. And she can't seem to stand the whole Spartan thing



http://www.karentraviss.com/html/mandoorigin.htm

[dredwulf60]

I really don't think I can compare Mando'ade to any "Real" culture.
I know that Karen Traviss compared them to the Celts. And she can't seem to stand the whole Spartan thing



http://www.karentraviss.com/html/mandoorigin.htm

Great link, Te Ori'gehaat'ik Mand'alor, thanks for that.

Anyways, the thread isn't so much to find out what Karen chose as inspiration.  It's more to see what parallels we, as fans can draw.  So you actually CAN compare Mando'ade to Real cultures. you just can't expect a perfect fit.  Know what I mean?