For Russ and for Shankly!
OK, deep breath in. This is gonna be geeky and weird in equal measures, but here goes...
I wrote a note on Facepalm recently where I said that I can see real similarities between Liverpool FC (the team I support) and the Space Wolves Chapter of Space Marines (an army in Warhammer 40k that I used to collect). Bob asked me to explain this bizarre comment.
Both orgainisations represent and are defined by qualities very close to my heart, qualities I think are essential parts of myself, and that I admire in others.
Don't expect this to be an airtight allegory by the way
Both prefer an organic, person centered organisational structure, which does not bend to commercial (in the case of LFC - sort of), or legislative (in the case of the imperial guideline for Adeptus Astartes) pressures.
Both are highly individual versions of a 'brand' which is well established among the populations in which they operate.
Both are noted for their individulaism, and indeed revel in their difference from similar organisations. They are both full of marauding, headstrong men who prefer glory over success and pride over thought or tactics
Both had glory days which are now in the past, but which represent a strong backbone to prop them up when attacked (verbally of fictitiously physically)
Both mourn over a lost leader. When I used to go to Anfield, it was always around Christmas time. One visit was on the anniversary of Shankly (legendary LFC manager who dragged them from the foot of the old second division to the top of the old first, and to European dominance) being appointed manager. To mark this there were several events: a 'mosaic' on the Kop, guests on the pitch beforehand etc. Then, just before kick-off, the crowd started to sing the name 'Shankley' to the tune of Amazing Grace. No backing tune or anything. They sang in hushed tones, so it seemed to wash around the stadium, and to emanate from the air itself. No-one shouted, or whistled, or really even moved. 40,000 people all singing the same, in low respectful voices. It was very eerie, and struck a chord with the 14 year-old me, who was really into the legend of the disappearance of Leman Russ, and of the prohesised return of the great Primarch of the Space Wolves, and with him those great glory filled days.
Both occupy famous 'fortresses', constructed eons ago, rich in their references to past conquests and successes, both rich in their decay and illogical constructions, both based in a greater, though more barbaric time.
So, there you go. I could probably go on, but that just about covers it.
I wrote a note on Facepalm recently where I said that I can see real similarities between Liverpool FC (the team I support) and the Space Wolves Chapter of Space Marines (an army in Warhammer 40k that I used to collect). Bob asked me to explain this bizarre comment.
Both orgainisations represent and are defined by qualities very close to my heart, qualities I think are essential parts of myself, and that I admire in others.
Don't expect this to be an airtight allegory by the way
Both prefer an organic, person centered organisational structure, which does not bend to commercial (in the case of LFC - sort of), or legislative (in the case of the imperial guideline for Adeptus Astartes) pressures.
Both are highly individual versions of a 'brand' which is well established among the populations in which they operate.
Both are noted for their individulaism, and indeed revel in their difference from similar organisations. They are both full of marauding, headstrong men who prefer glory over success and pride over thought or tactics
Both had glory days which are now in the past, but which represent a strong backbone to prop them up when attacked (verbally of fictitiously physically)
Both mourn over a lost leader. When I used to go to Anfield, it was always around Christmas time. One visit was on the anniversary of Shankly (legendary LFC manager who dragged them from the foot of the old second division to the top of the old first, and to European dominance) being appointed manager. To mark this there were several events: a 'mosaic' on the Kop, guests on the pitch beforehand etc. Then, just before kick-off, the crowd started to sing the name 'Shankley' to the tune of Amazing Grace. No backing tune or anything. They sang in hushed tones, so it seemed to wash around the stadium, and to emanate from the air itself. No-one shouted, or whistled, or really even moved. 40,000 people all singing the same, in low respectful voices. It was very eerie, and struck a chord with the 14 year-old me, who was really into the legend of the disappearance of Leman Russ, and of the prohesised return of the great Primarch of the Space Wolves, and with him those great glory filled days.
Both occupy famous 'fortresses', constructed eons ago, rich in their references to past conquests and successes, both rich in their decay and illogical constructions, both based in a greater, though more barbaric time.
So, there you go. I could probably go on, but that just about covers it.