Lightloch's Domain

This weekend as I was cleaning my bedroom within my apartment, I realized that my special space was more than just where I sleep or get things done. With this I had an epiphany and became quite excited: my room is a bona fide man-cave!

The official term “man cave” seems to have come about only in recent years, at least in the most modern sense of the word, yet the idea is at least as old as man himself, as I will show you later on in this post. Indeed, it is supposed that at one time men did frequently live in caves, as they offer most effective yet completely natural protection from the elements. Perhaps the modern phenomena of men’s need to isolate themselves in personal bliss and privacy is derived from this basic instinct. Thus, I will proceed to inform you as to what exactly a modern man cave is.

An online urban dictionary offers the following definition of a modern man cave (slightly edited by me):

Man cave¹ n. [pr. man kāv] pl. “man caves”  - A room, space, corner or area of a dwelling that is specifically reserved for a male person to be in a solitary condition away from the rest of a household, often with the intent to work, play, and involve himself in certain hobbies and/or activities without interruption. This area is usually decorated by a male, often without any female influence.

 

Example:  Tom retreated to his man cave to play his awesome online RPG game.

There are further qualifications in order for a space to be considered a genuine man cave. One qualification is the need for the space to contain “phat loot,” or, for those unfamiliar with online gaming jargon, “cool stuff.” This stuff may include (but is not limited to) a powerful gaming computer and/or video game system(s), powerful speakers, a comfortable chair and/or bed, personal trinkets, an internet connection, posters and other manly pictures and trophies displayed on the wall, a personal multimedia library of games, movies, music, and the occasional book, and finally, a small refrigerator or other means of personal sustenance. It is within a modern man cave that men can slay dragons, turn up the volume, or just get away from it all.

As I mentioned before, it is true that the definition of the man cave has changed over the centuries, but the essential purpose and essence remains the same. Let us now consider some historical examples. The man cave of Thomas Jefferson, for example, was his entire house (Monticello) or, perhaps more specifially, his study full of books, paintings, and tools for writing. Still in even more ancient times did men have man caves. Elijah from the Bible also had one:

1 Kings 19:9 - And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

From this example it is clear that the prophet Elijah was simply taking a break from it all, and in his mind he probably responded to the Lord in the following fashion, “Dude, I was just relaxing in my man cave, sheesh!”

Having considered now both the definition and history of the man cave, is it any wonder that such a marvelous concept is so popular among the men of today? Life is stressful, and a personal man cave offers the best way to relax and gain a refreshed perspective on life and the world at large. Women are the true owners of the castle, and thus it is prudent for the man of the house (or the college student tired of constant classes and studying) to have his own personal space that represents who he is.