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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.

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

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

v t e Symbols of Greece
National symbols	Flag Coat of arms Anthem Hymn to Liberty Motto Elefthería í Thánatos National personifications Greece by Delacroix Grateful Hellas by Vryzakis National holidays 25 March (1821) 28 October (1940) Colours Blue and white
Other symbols	Historical symbols Double-headed eagle Phoenix Drachma Meander Other official symbols Vergina Sun
Natural	Dolphin Owl Mount Olympus Olive Tree Bay Laurel
Monuments	Acropolis of Athens Delphi Delos Epidaurus Knossos Meteora Mount Athos Mycenae Olympia Vergina
Music	Aulos Lyre Tambourine Laouto Bouzouki Folk Rebetiko
National poets	Ancient: Homer Modern: Dionysios Solomos, Kostis Palamas
National epics	Ancient: Iliad, Odyssey Modern: Digenes Akritas, Erotokritos
Cuisine	Taverna Wine Souvlaki Feta Greek salad Pita Olive oil Retsina Ouzo
Patron Saints/Religion	Theotokos (Our Lady of Tinos) Saint Andrew Saint George Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Former national symbols	Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Greece Greek crown jewels
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