Eleftheria i thanatos

For the book Freedom or Death by Nikos Kazantzakis, see Captain Michalis. For other uses, see Liberty or Death (disambiguation).

Greek flag

Eleftheria i thanatos (Greek: Ελευθερία ή θάνατος, IPA: [elefθeˈri.a i ˈθanatos]; 'Freedom or Death') is the motto of Greece. It originated in the Greek songs of resistance that were powerful motivating factors for independence. It was adopted in 1814 by the Filiki Eteria, a secret organization formed specifically for the overthrow of Ottoman rule.

Overview

The motto arose during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, where it was a war cry for the Greeks who rebelled against Ottoman rule. It was adopted after the Greek War of Independence and is still in use today. One explanation for the 9 stripes on the Greek flag is that they represent the nine syllables of the motto, five blue stripes for the syllables Eleftheria and four white stripes for i thanatos. The motto symbolized and still symbolizes the resolve of the people of Greece against tyranny and oppression.

Part of the emblem of the Filiki Eteria were two flags with the letters ΗΕΑ and ΗΘΣ; These represent Ή ΕλευθερίΑ Ή ΘάνατοΣ, 'Either Freedom, or Death'. This is also the motto of the 4th Infantry Division of the Greek Army.

The emblem of Filiki Eteria with the letter ΗΕΑ and ΗΘΣ seen on the two blue flags. The letters are an abbreviation of the words Ή ΕλευθερίΑ Ή ΘάνατοΣ ('Freedom or Death').

Cultural references

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

• Give me liberty, or give me death!
• God Save the South, whose lyrics contain the battle cry "Freedom or death!"
• Greek War of Independence
• Hymn to Liberty
• Liberté, égalité, fraternité
• Live free or die
• Thanatos