Eleftheria i thanatos

Greek flag

Eleftheria i thanatos (Greek: Ελευθερία ή θάνατος, pronounced [elefθeˈria ˈi ˈθanatos], "freedom or death") is the motto of Greece.^[1][2] It arose during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, where it was a war cry for the Greeks who rebelled against Ottoman rule.^[3] It was adopted after the Greek War of Independence. It is still in use today, and is a popular theory regarding the use of 9 stripes (for the nine syllables of the motto) in the Greek flag, the five blue stripes for the syllables "Έλευθερία" and the four white stripes "ή Θάνατος".^[4][5] The motto symbolized and still symbolizes the resolve of the people of Greece against tyranny and oppression.

The Filiki Eteria at its emblem had the letters "ΗΕΑ" and "ΗΘΣ". These are the letters of the words "Ή ΕλευθερίΑ" "Ή ΘάνατοΣ", which means Freedom or Death.^[6][7] Also, this is the motto of the 4th Infantry Division of the Greek Army.^[8]

The symbol of Filiki Eteria. It has the letters "ΗΕΑ" and "ΗΘΣ" which are the letters of the words "Ή ΕλευθερίΑ" "Ή ΘάνατοΣ" (Freedom or Death).

Legacy

Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Captain Michalis was subtitled Freedom or Death, which became its title in the United States, Germany, France, and other countries.

See also

• Greek War of Independence
• Hymn to Liberty
• Live free or die
• God Save the South
• Give me liberty or give me death
• Liberté, égalité, fraternité
• Thanatos

References

1. Pedersen, Christian Fogd (1971). The International Flag Book in Color. Morrow. p. 166.
2. Crampton, William (1991). Complete Guide to Flags. Gallery Books. p. 57. ISBN 0-8317-1605-3.
3. "Greek Independence Day.". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2009-09-09. The Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The cry “Freedom or Death” became the motto of the revolution. The Greeks experienced early successes on the battlefield, including the capture of Athens in June 1822, but infighting ensued.
4. Hinde, Robert A.; Watson, Helen (1995). War: A Cruel Necessity?: the Bases of Institutionalized Violence. I.B. Tauris. p. 55. ISBN 1-85043-824-2.
5. Smith, Whitney (2001). Flag Lore of All Nations. Milbrook Press. p. 40. ISBN 0-7613-1753-8.
6. Greek Army website
7. FHW-Membership card of the Philiki Etaireia
8. Greek Army website