What makes a warrior?
First, let me explain what a warrior is not.
A Conquerer.
Conquest junkies are one of the reasons warriors are misunderstood.
A "Chad",
a Chad type, or, civilized alpha poseur, is a social projection. A role some play. Much like roosters on a dung hill crowing and ruffling their feathers. Mostly harmless , if annoying at times.
A Mercenary.
A mercenary is merely someone with skills at violence that uses violence as their trade. Mercenaries are neither good, nor evil per se. Merely amoral. Conquest junkies often employ mercenaries.
A Soldier.
A soldier is someone that employs violence, for pay, in service to a government.
A Bully.
Someone that uses violence, or the threat of violence against those weaker, to achieve their desires. Usually a coward Chad without ethics, motivated by fear.
All of the above seek to portray themselves as a Warrior.
Of those listed, only the soldier will occasionally find a Warrior among their ranks. Though, a warrior usually does not make a good soldier.
Warriors , while self disciplined, will ignore any instructions that violate their sense of ethics and or integrity
What then is a warrior?
Dating back to the late Neolithic, tribal,or clan structured peoples had two classes of armed, usually, men.
Hunters, that carried weapons as tools to hunt game, provide meat, and protect the herd, crops, from animal predators.
The second group, are Warriors.
Warriors would train with weapons, develop skills at combat. From their youth.
At a particular age, usually at the end of adolescence the prospective warriors would under go testing , as part of the rite of passage into the ranks of Warriors.
These rites would incorporate, usually, three forms of testing.
Physical, testing Endurance, perseverance, willingness to sacrifice, integrity, compassion, intelligence, ethics. And, physical skills at violence.
The second phase involved Intellectual capabilities, psychological stability, emotional discipline, and commitment.
After passing these tests, a Warrior would be granted the trust, of the people, to bear arms of war.
A warrior ,existed for the sole purpose of the defense and protection of the people from ,
Attack by outsiders, raiding, attempts at conquest,.
And,
The abuse of criminal actors within the tribe or clan. I.E, opposing bullies. Protecting the sick, elderly, women, children, the weak, from the predation of the strong.
Warriors do not enforce law or custom. Warriors are not enforcers period.
Warriors ONLY protect and defend.
Which brings us back to the question.
What makes a warrior?
Choice. The choosing of;
Integrity,
Faithfulness,
Endurance,
Compassion,
Perseverance,
Self sacrifice.
Choosing these things accords the warrior with Honor and respect.
Honor and respect which are earned, and maintained via the choice of being a living example of the peoples ideals.
The second thing that makes a Warrior,
Volunteering. Voluntary service, in humility.
Warriors do not rule.
Warriors lead by example.
In Western Culture,
The Fifth Century A.D.
King Arthur, Riothamus,
Arthur Pendragon and his companion knights, serve as the penultimate example of the Warrior and the Virtues of the Warrior.
Xxxx
Donn, a very good piece, thoughtful and deep. When I think of a warrior, I draw both from fiction and the real world. From Lord of the Rings trilogy, Aragorn comes to mind, in his restrained strength, self-discipline, deep vision and compassion in defense of both the good and of those weaker than him. I also think of my Savior Jesus Christ, especially on this Good Friday 2024. He could have summoned legions of warring Angels to his defense. He chose, as the Ultimate Warrior, to intercede for sorrowful humanity and in so doing, removed the barrier between hurting humans and our Creator God. I am grateful beyond measure.
I actually consider my own humble self to be a type of warrior as well, solitary, protective by nature and defensive against evil.
Keep writing, Donn!!! You are needed.
Mai Bhago was quite the warrior too ❤️ love this post