The Victor's Tale: How Narratives Demonize the Defeated

In the grand tapestry of human history and mythology, one truth stands out starkly: stories are rarely objective. They are crafted, molded, and often twisted by those who emerge victorious. This isn't just an ancient phenomenon it's alive in our daily lives, from political smear campaigns to viral social media takedowns. Let's dive into how the winners shape the narrative, using timeless examples from mythology and chilling lessons from modern history, to remind ourselves why skepticism is our greatest ally. Myths Reversed: Gods and Demons Across Cultures Consider the fascinating inversion in ancient mythologies. In Hindu lore, the devas are revered as benevolent gods, embodiments of order and righteousness, while the asuras are cast as malevolent demons, chaotic forces bent on disruption. Yet, travel westward to ancient Persia and Zoroastrianism, and the script flips dramatically. Here, Ahura Mazda reigns as the supreme god of wisdom and light, with the daevas (or deh...