07-09-2003, 02:24 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-09-2003, 03:00 PM by Occhidiangela.)
For naming the ships.
As to luck, I hope the Valkyrien is a lucky ship. Ship's reputations are part and parcel of the ship itself, and usually in the hands of the crew. However, some ships are simply "unlucky" or "cursed."
"Luck" was for millenia a necessary attribute for any successful commander, be he on land or sea. "He was born under a lucky star" or "he is a lucky captain" was considered a favorable endorsement rather than a backhanded compliment.
"Leif Erikson," who some claim "dicsovered America" was also known as "Leif the Lucky." I suspect he liked the nickname.
EDIT: Insofar as who does not get what, the issue is timidity as the bogus concept, not luck, tradition, or superstition.
Once again, "tradition" and "superstition" do not include "timidity" as a guiding principle for naming Ships of the Line. With United States and Congress, one could argue that 'bad luck' at their launching is reason enough not to use the name again. OK, why then did the Lexington, sunk in the battle of Coral Sea, get renamed on a new hull? What worse 'luck' than being sunk in battle? Same also with USS Wasp: sunk in a battle in WW II, renamed twice now, once as a carrier, now as an amphibious assault ship.
As to luck, I hope the Valkyrien is a lucky ship. Ship's reputations are part and parcel of the ship itself, and usually in the hands of the crew. However, some ships are simply "unlucky" or "cursed."
"Luck" was for millenia a necessary attribute for any successful commander, be he on land or sea. "He was born under a lucky star" or "he is a lucky captain" was considered a favorable endorsement rather than a backhanded compliment.
"Leif Erikson," who some claim "dicsovered America" was also known as "Leif the Lucky." I suspect he liked the nickname.
EDIT: Insofar as who does not get what, the issue is timidity as the bogus concept, not luck, tradition, or superstition.
Once again, "tradition" and "superstition" do not include "timidity" as a guiding principle for naming Ships of the Line. With United States and Congress, one could argue that 'bad luck' at their launching is reason enough not to use the name again. OK, why then did the Lexington, sunk in the battle of Coral Sea, get renamed on a new hull? What worse 'luck' than being sunk in battle? Same also with USS Wasp: sunk in a battle in WW II, renamed twice now, once as a carrier, now as an amphibious assault ship.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete