Are you convinced that sword swallowing is an art and not a trick?

[faceadventure]

I believe that if the person is actually "swallowing" a sword, be it sharp or not, that is still an art to me. Because, let's face it showing things down your windpipe is not easy or comfortable. They do it to entertain and astound the crowd. It gives people a chill and makes them wonder.

[bootsie0126+]

I'd say sure, it's a trick, but that doesn't discount it also being an art. I don't believe sword swallowers go down to the local magic and illusion shop for their retractable sword and instantly become performers, it takes work and (I imagine) tons of practice to pull off something that looks realistic.

Practice does make perfect. However a picture is worth a thousand words. How can people discount the creditable evidence of a x-ray. This topic is always debatable and proof of this extraordinary skill has been documented through pictures. In order to prove that this feat was real, doctors have witnessed first hand the progression of swallowing a sword by taking pictures from start to finish.

Many people are unable to comprehend how sword swallowing could possiblably be real because the brain can't get past what is logically impossible.

Your response inspired me to read more about it and I found an article from Scientific American that was pretty interesting but my throat hurts just thinking about. I can't imagine what the first person to try it was thinking lol

I like your response. I'm in agreement with you. I cannot even imagine how the notion of even thinking about trying is insane. I wonder what the first person who tried was on. Whatever it was, I don't want any. LOL

[bootsie0126+]

I would imagine that when sword-swallowers begin training, they probably don't use sharp swords to start off with, in order to prevent the risk should something go wrong. Then, once they're able to do it successfully, the likely move on to real swords. Even so, it seems incredibly dangerous.

Yes, I support your opinion. There was a story of this magician that passed a sword through his hand without bleeding and it was discovered that he cut into himself repeatedly until it scarred over a hole in his hand that he then used to perform his trick.
Magic acts and/or tricks both require effort and in some cases pain. They should be appreciated.

I heard about that same story. I wish I could remember if it was on TV, internet or some other place, but I fasinated. It is truly insane the things that people will do for attention. For some people who enjoys being a traveling performer, I believe that they are always looking for ways to out-beat the next person. Competition is fierce and some may find that they have to go to the extreme to be the best. I quess this can be true in any type of competition.

[kdstrack]

I believe it is real. Duke constantly states that he cheated death when he finished his act. I think it is a learned skill that very few people have been able to master.

[Christina Rose]

I definitely believe that there is no trick involved in the genuine displays of this art. I'm sure there are those looking to earn a quick buck, but those dedicated to the "old-time" profession do align with a strict code. I have seen a number of documentaries on how they teach people to do this, and it involves learning to suppress your gag reflex and starting on smaller knives before moving onto larger swords. If you look at the swords they are slim and can fit onto each other with the total size being equivalent to a "normal" sword I guess. Personally, it makes me queasy to watch it, but the hours of practice it must take to thrill an audience is commendable. As humans, I think we have the tendency to call things tricks that we don't fully understand. I have some friends who are fire jugglers and had to learn how to do an entire routine with the gas in their mouths without accidentally swallowing it before being able to use it in a trick, so lots of things are possible with a gag reflex.

How insightful. We do, indeed, automatically question what we do not understand, often passing it off as a trick of some sort. The training process you describe definitely demands dedication and time. Like any other art form, consistent practice is key, as well. Thank you for the insight!

[Christina Rose]

I would imagine that when sword-swallowers begin training, they probably don't use sharp swords to start off with, in order to prevent the risk should something go wrong. Then, once they're able to do it successfully, the likely move on to real swords. Even so, it seems incredibly dangerous.

Yes, I support your opinion. There was a story of this magician that passed a sword through his hand without bleeding and it was discovered that he cut into himself repeatedly until it scarred over a hole in his hand that he then used to perform his trick.
Magic acts and/or tricks both require effort and in some cases pain. They should be appreciated.

Wow! That is truly fascinating! It makes sense though, as other talented individuals have surgeries and such to better develop and excel at their chosen forms of art. I’ve heard of performers having ribs removed to improve flexibility. It may seem too much to some people, but when you find your true passion, you tend to find ways to be the best you can be at it.

[Christina Rose]

I would imagine that when sword-swallowers begin training, they probably don't use sharp swords to start off with, in order to prevent the risk should something go wrong. Then, once they're able to do it successfully, the likely move on to real swords. Even so, it seems incredibly dangerous.

My friend said that normally people practice using a wired coat hanger, they shape it to the form of a real sword. He also said that the most difficult part of being able to swallow a sword is believing that you can do it. He described it as mind over matter. Knowing that he can do it is te reason he is able to relax muscles that normally are not something that is done voluntarily.
I agree. The way it's described in the book seems real and why wouldn't the author tell us if it was a trick? Still, I did find it a little over the top that he used 5 swords.

Most people are not satisfied with what they have already accomplished. The thrill to push the boundaries is like a rush of excitmentt to them. The more dangerous the act, the more attention it attracks to people. It is more a risk seeker wouldd do to see how far he can go.

This is so true. Honestly, pushing the boundaries is the norm even in less dramatic instances. For example, a competitive runner will always push himself or herself to cut seconds off of a run. I guess it’s human nature.
Also, I agree about mind over matter. Like Henry Ford said, “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right.” (There are many versions of this quote floating around, but this is how it was quoted in “The Reader’s Digest” September 1947.)

[Ericanielsen]

I would definitely not say it’s a trick. I think of a trick as an illusion. Sword swallowing is an act. Therefore, I think it would be considered an art.

[Christina Rose]

I would definitely not say it’s a trick. I think of a trick as an illusion. Sword swallowing is an act. Therefore, I think it would be considered an art.

I love the simplicity of your answer. I agree about this act being a form of art.

[Harrison J]

Sword swallowing is a skill in my opinion... this all falls down to how people react diffrently on objects being inserted through their mouths and throats. One can train on how to controll the musles not to contract when inserting object. Its crazy bt people can do that.

[joshfee77]

I do believe sword-swallowing is an art that can be learned, not just a trick. An incredibly dangerous art, like a great many circus acts, but real nonetheless. As with anything, there are probably fakers, but there are many people out there genuinely pushing the limits of human endeavor, and I believe some sword-swallowers are the real deal.

[Isabelleva]

I think given how dangerous it can be and the persition involved I would definetly consider it an art!

[desantismt_17]

I believe ie is something that can be learned, and I agree with the notion that beginners probably don't use real swords. I also applaud anyone who decides to take on sword swallowing. I could never do it, myself. We all have certain skill sets. Sword swallowing seems to be one for a very specific type of bravery.

[gkgurley]

Interesting, I hadn't thought about that distinction. What has stuck with me is the fact that the author uses "Duke" and "he/him" pronouns just as much if not a little less than he uses "the sword swallower". It's his identity, it's not just all he has, it's who he is. It's not an adjective that describes him, it's a noun. I think sword swallowing for him comes so naturally to him that it becomes who he is. I don't know if that makes it an art, a trick, or a mix of both.

[P Reefer]

As I ponder on the question further I would concur that it is an art learned by mastering the technique of sword swallowing.