Tale From the School Tree
My name is Moyakoshkakyrit of the Koshka clan. Today I am going to share a little bit of the Wookiee Way with you.
This is how we teach our children at the School Tree ... through stories and by using everyday objects.
You will notice that I am holding a bowcaster. To the Wookiee, this is not a weapon of war. It is a tool of survival.
We use it to put food on the table, to protect ourselves from the dangers of the forest, and to keep our families and villages safe.
Look carefully at the bowcaster. It can teach you much about the Wookiees.
First, it is a mix of ancient tradition and of new technologies. Our culture is much the same.
We live in the trees much like our ancestors did. But we are also adept with technology and comfortible with modern advancements.
We have found a way to advance technologically without destroying our homeworld or our close relationship to the forest.
It takes great strength to use a bowcaster.
Not just the physical strength to cock the mechanism ... it also takes a great strength of will to stand ready to defend one's home and loved ones.
Take a look at the weapon. Notice the twin polarizers ... one on each side of the bowcaster.
These help to accelerate the quarrel towards it's target.
While we may want the quarrels to move quickly, a good hunter will always approach his prey slowly and with care. And a wise warrior will not rush into battle unprepared.
Notice also this switch on one side. That is the safety. We use the safety to prevent accidental firings of the weapon. You must unlock it before using the bowcaster.
Now, the safety reminds us of one of the most important things about being a Wookiee.
We are a peaceful people by nature, and do not resort to violence unless we have no choice. While we are very strong, we should not use our strength maliciously.
A good warrior always exercises self-control and thinks carefully before unlocking the safety on his weapon.
If you look at the front of the bowcaster, you will notice that it is double-barrelled. This is also an important reminder for a hunter or warrior.
Sometimes you might not be successful on your first try. You must be prepared to keep trying until you succeed.
Finally, I would like to call your attention to the bandolier that I am wearing. This is where I keep the ammunition for the weapon.
Each quarrel on its own can have a powerful impact, just as a single Wookiee can achieve great things as an individual.
But our greatest strength is as a community ... represented by the bandolier.
When the quarrels combine ... and when a community of Wookiees work together toward a common goal ... we have a much greater impact.
So, next time you look at a bowcaster be sure to pause and consider the lessons it can teach us.
It is much more than a weapon. It is a symbol of our people and our way of life.