Myths, Legends, And Stories Fuel War

"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war." ~ John F. Kennedy

"The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable." ~ Sun Tzu

"Politics is the womb in which war develops." ~ Carl von Clausewitz

Historical myths and stories have often fueled ethnic groups and nation-states to go to war. These narratives can create a sense of manifest destiny, justifying imperialism and colonialism, and inspiring entire societies to inflict harm on others in pursuit of a grand, mythical vision of their national identity.

As I touched on in the last blog post, tales of stolen land and the cry for revenge or reclamation can ignite conflict, as nations seek to regain territory or resources, driven by a sense of irredentism.

Religious stories, too, are frequently invoked to justify war. Myths of battling evil for the greater good, with God supposedly on their side, have been used throughout history. During the Iraq invasion, the American-led coalition portrayed their actions as a fight against evil, framing the war as a righteous struggle. Politicians and leaders claimed they were doing God's work, spinning a false narrative to gain public support and legitimize their military agenda, ultimately justifying mass murder by nation-states.

Many cultures have heroic figures—warriors or defenders of the homeland—who live on through the legends that romanticize their violent acts. These stories glorify war, casting killing as an honorable duty in the quest to become a mythical hero.

In the lead-up to war, political leaders and governments often wield these myths, legends, and narratives as propaganda. They manipulate public opinion, rallying people behind the notion that it's acceptable to kill thousands, even millions, in the name of conflict.

For millennia, and even today, leaders, politicians, and military generals have used these stories to glorify war, making it seem noble and essential for the survival of their people.