Grazers & Spartans

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From: David Dunham , via RadioMail (ddunham@radiomail.net)
Date: Sun 07 Nov 1993 - 08:03:37 EET


It was recently suggested that the Sun County folk are like Spartans in Prax. While this is a good first-level approximation, it fails closer examination (for example, Spartans weren't farmer-warriors, and are described by Plutarch as having a sense of humor, even when they're the butt of jokes. I also have a hard time picturing the Sun Domers as having institutionalized homosexuality.).

From my limited reading on Sparta (a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...), it seems that the Grazers may be better Spartans.

vendref = Helots (farming slaves)
Pure Horse Faction = reform movements that wanted to restore Lycurgus's constitution
Getting and using money considered beneath the attention of Grazers = Spartan currency was worthless iron bars; Spartans weren't allowed to practice a craft
"vendref polluted some noble clans with gaudy gifts and heavy baubles" = the very reason Lycurgus instituted a policy of austerity Grazers are sought after as mercenaries = Spartans were too Grazers don't build walls (until FHQ) = Spartans sneer at fortified walls as for women
Feathered Horse Queen = no Spartan equivalent

While there are many and obvious differences between Grazers and Spartans, the model of military-minded overlords who explicitly don't work is probably a good one. (Tending herds obviously is work, but might be treated more as a religious duty.)

This does _not_ mean that Grazers have a Spartan lifestyle (though the nomadic life they pretend to has fewer material goods than if they were settled overlords). The Scythians were noted for their love of wine, and several Mongol leaders essentially drank themselves to death. The Grazer sun god Yu-kargzant probably has a very different morality than Yelm.

Maybe the differences are too great for the comparison to be meaningful. I was just taken by vendref=helot, both a class of farmers supporting a ruling class in a lifestyle very different from its neighbors'.

Any comments from those who know more about Grazers and Spartans?

David Dunham * Software Designer * Pensee Corporation Voice/Fax: 206-783-7404 * AppleLink: DDUNHAM * Internet: ddunham@radiomail.net

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