Psychological aspects of war 1, The invasion of Russia in Ukraine compared with some Greek myths
Mythology
Mythology has his own value and meaning in human
history and anthropology. The human mind developed lots of narratives to deal
with the harsh reality of cruelty in nature and aggressive neighbors. Stealing each
other’s valuable possessions and land is as old as human existence. Religions
and Myths are ways to explain the cosmos and daily life and give solutions to
ease the mind in an overwhelming world.
In our Western civilization, Greek mythology is known
as our cradle of values, next to the later accepted Biblical values. There is a lot of psychological and philosophical truth in Greek myths that directly relates to the struggle of Ukraine with the force ofevil. Let us explore two examples.
First, the Furies
In the
heart of Greek mythology lies a tale of vengeance and the horrors of war,
embodied by the fearsome Furies. These avengers of bloodshed and injustice were
born from the primordial gods, the union of Gaia, the Earth, and Uranus, the
Sky. They are also known by their Greek name, the Erinyes, which translates to
"the angry ones."
The Furies
were three terrifying goddesses: Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. With serpents
entwined in their hair and eyes that glowed with the fire of eternal wrath,
they personified the consequences of bloodshed and the consequences of broken
oaths. They were relentless in their pursuit of justice, ensuring that those
who escaped mortal justice would not go unpunished in the eyes of the divine.
The Furies
roamed the mortal realm, haunting those who had committed grievous crimes.
Their primary mission was to avenge the murder of family members, especially
the killing of parents by their own offspring. The Furies would torment the
guilty, driving them to madness and despair, relentlessly pursuing them until
they succumbed to their torment or were brought to justice.
The Furies
did not merely inflict punishment on behalf of the gods. They were the
embodiment of divine justice, guided by a sense of cosmic balance. They ensured
that the scales were not tipped in favor of the wicked. When war erupted and
innocent blood was spilled, they would be awakened, emerging from the depths of
Tartarus to exact their revenge.
During
battle, the Furies would descend upon the combatants, filling their hearts with
an insatiable thirst for violence and revenge. Warriors, driven by their
influence, would lose all sense of reason, succumbing to their darkest
instincts. The Furies reveled in the chaos and carnage, savoring the cries of
anguish and despair that echoed across the battlefield.
However,
the Furies were not without their own rules. They adhered to a strict code of
honor, punishing those who committed acts of betrayal or violated sacred oaths.
They were the guardians of justice and retribution, ensuring that mortals did
not evade the consequences of their actions.
While the
Furies were feared and reviled by many, some saw them as necessary forces of
balance and order. They recognized that without the threat of divine
retribution, mortals would descend into lawlessness and chaos. In this way, the
Furies played a vital role in the preservation of society, reminding humans of
the consequences of their actions and the importance of accountability.
The
mythological tales of the Furies serve as a chilling reminder of the horrors of
war and the necessity of justice. They embody the concept that violence begets
violence, and vengeance, once unleashed, can spiral out of control. As we delve
into the annals of history and mythology, we encounter these vengeful deities,
forever reminding us of the dire consequences that arise from the sins of
humanity. Ukraine needs this Furies and rely on them as well like their defense and counter-offensive, like their and international lawmakers and in their friends (like allies who send weapons and humanitarian help, volonteers and NAFO Fellas).
International
Law, the work of NAFO and civilian investigation
The
internet works for friend and enemy. Clever use of this opportunity helps the
victim of this rude invasion by defending truth and righteousness, by verifying
the right information and promoting this on social media. In the case of MH17
the civilian research institute of Bellingcat proved the big value of this kind
of investigation. The use of internet
and investigate sources of information is very important to find truth,
although limited. The ICC and other courts are the righteous way of vengeance which
can take place against the aggressor who made lots of victims. Having the
Furies and their moral role in mythology in mind.
Second: Medusa and War
Another
Greek mythological resemblance is the link with Medusa. Medusa, one of the most
famous and feared monsters in Greek mythology, possessed a unique ability to
turn anyone who looked into her eyes into stone. This power alone holds great
symbolism in relation to war and its destructive nature.
Medusa's
transformation into a terrifying creature is often attributed to a curse placed
upon her by the goddess Athena. According to the myth, Medusa was once a
beautiful mortal woman. However, she caught the eye of the sea god Poseidon,
and the two engaged in a secret affair in Athena's temple. As a result, Athena,
furious with the desecration of her sacred space, transformed Medusa's hair
into venomous snakes and gave her the power to petrify her enemies.
War,
throughout history, has been marked by acts of aggression, revenge, and the
unleashing of destructive forces. Just like Medusa's power to turn those who
gazed upon her into stone, war has the ability to freeze civilizations, shatter
lives, and leave a lasting impact on both victors and losers. The petrification
caused by Medusa's gaze can be seen as a metaphor for the destructive
consequences of warfare, freezing societies and leaving scars that endure long
after the conflict ends.
Fear and Scaring
Moreover,
the link between Medusa and war can also be explored through the concept of fear.
In ancient times, warriors would often adorn their shields or helmets with
Medusa's image, believing that her terrifying visage would strike fear into
their enemies' hearts. This psychological warfare aimed to weaken the
opposition, making them more vulnerable to defeat. Fear is a powerful weapon in
war, as it can paralyze the enemy, disrupt their strategies, and sway the
outcome of battles.
Additionally,
Medusa's story also connects with the theme of heroism and overcoming
challenges. In Greek mythology, heroes like Perseus and Theseus faced the
daunting task of slaying Medusa. These encounters symbolize the struggle
against chaos and the triumph of order. Similarly, war often calls for heroes
who rise to the occasion, confront adversity, and fight for a greater cause.
The link between Medusa and war, in this context, represents the heroic journey
of individuals and nations who navigate the treacherous landscapes of conflict.
Today's Perseus and Theseus are maybe Zelensky and Stoltenberg, when you use your imagination you can see that all western allies have such a role.
In
conclusion, the link between Medusa and war can be found in the symbolism of
destruction, fear, and heroism. Medusa's power to turn people into stone
represents the frozen aftermath of war, while her terrifying appearance evokes
fear, a tactic used in psychological warfare. Furthermore, the stories of
heroes facing Medusa mirror the heroic struggles witnessed in times of war.
While the connection between Medusa and war is steeped in mythology, it serves
as a reminder of the profound impact that warfare can have on individuals,
societies, and the world at large.
Digital warfare, propaganda and the role of NAFO
Fella’s
We can
conclude this way that NAFO with their Fella’s are the contemporary digital
warriors who fight against the Russian propaganda of scaring on the internet,
against the power of Medusa in their hands to freeze people into stone. Humor
in memes is one of the moral “weapons” against this so called freezing.
Literature:
"Griekse Mythen en Sagen", Gustav Schwab. (Die Schönsten Sagen des Klassischen Altertums)
"Mythological Dictionary", Prof. Dr. G.J.M. Bartelink
"Myths, a brief history", Karen Armstrong
"The Uses of Enchantment", Bruno Bettelheim
On NAFO Fella's and warhero's; "The Hero with the Thousand Faces", Joseph Campbell
More about Mythology and NAFO Fellas in my next blog.
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