Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Talking to Gravity


At the heart of much speculative fiction (and fiction in general) is a question. What if? On Tuesdays I like to throw one out there and see what you make of it. Do with it as you please. If a for-instance is not specified, feel free to interpret that instance as you wish. And if you find this becomes a novel-length answer, I'd appreciate a thank you in the acknowledgements ;)

On The Flash a couple weeks ago, Barry Allen ended up "inside" the "speed force"... Okay, it's kind of a long story, especially if you don't watch the show.

At one point, Barry talked to this personification of the "speed force" and likens the idea to talking to light or gravity. And that got me thinking...

What if some of the fundamental forces and phenomena were like modern gods? Like, there was a Light or a Gravity that one could find? (I was trying to think of some others. Sound? Magnetism? The strong or weak atomic forces?) What would they be like? How would they interact with us? With each other?

33 comments:

  1. This is a tough one. My mind is drawing a blank with this. You've stumped me!

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  2. Sounds very Greek mythology to me. And very profound.

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  3. Yeah, I wonder if it would be like talking to the Greek gods.
    Flash is such a great show.

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  4. First, I am shocked that it is Tuesday.
    Second, those little glovettes in the post below are kind of cool. I'm not sure what kind of outfit they'd go with though and you're sure as heck not wearing them for warmth.

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  5. I like the possibilities of this, but my brain is too tired to try to do more with it.

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    1. Just let it sit for now. It'll be there when you're ready for it.

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  6. I think they would interact with us based on what their powers were. Gravity would keep us from falling, light would provide a way out of darkness, etc. Maybe I'm simplifying this too much?

    betty

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  7. I watch Flash (with the kids I babysit), but your question is kind of blowing my mind. I have no idea how to respond.

    Why did you decide to associate fundamental forces with gods? Were you reading something on Greek mythology? … Or you see Barry as a god in the show? … What made you want to associate the two?

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    1. It was what Barry said to the speed force. Paraphrasing: This is kinda like talking to light or gravity.

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  8. Why would they want to converse with mere mortals? They'd probably just do their thing and stay out of our lives.

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    1. Probably. But, for the sake of argument, let's say you got an audience with one.

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  9. I don't watch Flash! In fact I have never even heard of it. But I talk to "things" all the time. So I imagine I would communicate the same!

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    1. It's a fun show, but not really aimed at your demographic. Comic book shows appeal to the nerd in me.

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  10. At least they are not up on Mt. Olympus, peering down at us, and messing with us!

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  11. I really need to catch up on that show!! And if I were to meet one, I'd hope they'd be pleasant and not just obliterate me lol

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    1. Well, on Flash the speed force was very helpful...

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  12. I think the idea of the fundamental forces of nature being gods is absolutely fascinating. It makes me wonder how they could be communicated or interacted with... That's some beautifully hardcore sci-fi stuff right there.

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  13. Don't think God(ess) is modern or any thing with time. Every element of life has it own time and views on the subject.
    Coffee is on

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  14. I don't watch Flash and your question reminds me of the Greek & Roman Gods but I picture Magnetism as some guy who, when he smiles, his teeth have that glint and all the women can flock to him..and some men. Gravity would be some very strong but heavy dude. not fat but one can hear him coming since he is so close to the Earth. Light, sound, touch. They may all be Gods with major issues

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  15. I'm not sure but it would make a good premise for a whole new comic book series.

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  16. Super cool thought, though I have to think all of them would be rule keepers, as boring as that may be.

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  17. Actually, this reminds me of a comic book story called "Ordinary". One sad, lonely, aging divorced father ended up being humanity's salvation when every other human developed scary super powers. It was interesting, to say the least!

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  18. The god of speed (taking form as a cheetah?) vs. the god of slowness (a tortoise?)- it could get epic. Gravity god vs. speed god - Gravity god turns off the gravity and speed god drifts into space. Only magnetism god can overcome! Gravity god would be a tough one to battle.

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    1. I think I'd want to spend some time with Gravity. I have a certain affinity for it (hence, the title of my blog).

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I appreciate your comments.

I respond to comments* via email, unless your profile email is not enabled. Then, I'll reply in the comment thread. Eventually. Probably.

*Exception: I do not respond to "what if?" comments, but I do read them all. Those questions are open to your interpretation, and I don't wish to limit your imagination by what I thought the question was supposed to be.