[UA] The Duelist and The Gardener

[Royal Minister of Stuff]

--- Edward Parsons <edward-parsons at ntlworld.com>
wrote:
> What about moving the Gardener to a not-just-plant
> role...

That's what I was thinking, too, but, having recently
watched Being There as part of a Peter Sellers binge
(back-to-back with the Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu
Manchu),  I'm thinking that a Gardener, or, at least,
the archetype, does a lot more than just nuture
plants.  The Gardener is a symbol of wisdom and
guidance, patience and fertility, constantly doling
out advice which people are inclined to listen to.  

There's a down side to this, too, because, although
the Gardener is willing to talk, he or she doesn't
really give a shit about anything but the Garden. 
Showing concern or care, beyond the bonds of polite
conversation and basic civility, for anything other
than your "Garden" disconnects you from the avatar. 
Tending to and nuturing your Garden (perhaps it could
be some other kind of hobby, since Gardening is only
an occupation on other people's really big lawns)
connects and strengthens your archetype.  

You can certainly help others, if the need catches
you, but total devotion, almost worship of your Garden
(or, to be more postmodern, Entertainment System or
Raku Pottery -something which takes skill to assemble
and maintain and which others can admire.)  

Perhaps manipulating the admiration or others can be
part of this archetype.

Perhaps the "Green Thumb" would work, someone who
advises so long as she has proof of his or her wisdom
(a flourishing garden, a well-kept swarm of bees or a
garage full of pristine restored autos.)
 
> 
> The creature was a being of perverted fertility, a
> bit like old Shubby of
> the Cthulhu Mythos. He was based on the "Green Man"
> figure found frequently
> in legend, and on many Cathederal (My hometown's
> features him), and also as
> the name for many many fine drinking establishments
> (and some dreadful ones)

Which reminds me of Palmer's garden analogies in WEEP.
It's not my favorite scenario, but it isn't bad and it
certainly fits in with this theme.

=====
-- Rp Bowman, Royal Minister of Stuff
The Electronic Nation of Yokeltania:
http://www.geocities.com/yokeltania/

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