h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What ancient Proto-Indo-Iranian drink might be connected with fencing?

Whoops - forgot the QI-

So I noticed. I thought it was a Roymondo journal

Would this have anything to do with Mister Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', perchance?

For, unless I'm mistaken, the Proto-Indo-Iranians had a little drink called soma. Only I can't remember there being fencing or sword-fighting of any description in the novel.

You have the first connection - 'Brave New World' might be a clue or a false lead!

I thought it was a Roymondo journal too.


Then I read the question and thought ..... creosote.

You can't beat lateral thinking, but DRINKING. Reminds me of the cabinet maker who overdosed on French Polish - he died, naturally, but he had a lovely finish.

Hoama/soma worshipped by Zorastrian Turks who wield sabres?

Well they might have, but the pen is mightier than the sword.

Soma or Haoma from Proto-Indo-Iranian sauma, was an intoxicating or reviving drink. Important to Vedic, Persian and early Indo-Iranians cultures.

It is not known how it was made, but it is believed to come from the stems of mountain plant/s.

Soma we have - now fencing, not barbed wire and wooden posts. Think terminology of the martial art. Think of music.

Okay, so we have soma and we have fencing. In fencing the fighters occasionally use what is called a schläger. Now schläger also happens to be a type of German pop music that, in my experience at least, is only ever sung by large drunk Bavarians expressing their love for their "Heimat".

Okay it doesn't relate to soma, but it might be quite interesting.

Soma is some ancient word for body (latin or greek, I can't remember). Is it about how to move your body (and dance around) or is it being struck by the floret on the body?

Look for a term that would be understood by most people.

You now have Drinking, soma and a common term used in sword fighting.

I've never heard of Schläger as a type of German pop music. Seems I'm terribly out of touch with modern music.

Oh, no! Is this going to be one of those horrible embarrassing language moments where I've noted down the wrong word from German lectures and instead of meaning dodgy music a'la Guildo, I've inadvertently called someone something horrific?!

Ohh, now I know, you mean 'Schlager'
That's entirely different from a Schläger.

http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&p=hPXz..&search=Schl%E4ger

Damn my trigger-happy umlauts!