Sep
An Enduring Victory
When Hermann the Cheruscan united the Germans to defeat the Roman incursion, he sought the help of the Gods. He was given one requisite for victory. Neither he nor his soldiers were to take any booty from the field. Everything of the enemy’s was to be left where it lay. If the Germans obeyed, they would have an enduring victory.
The Germans did as ordered. They left Roman bodies, weapons,. armor ,and other items where they fell. Not a single coin was taken. History tells us that the Romans never again attempted to go into the region. We know for a fact they took no territory nor built any settlements there, so the Romans obviously stayed out.
When the armies of the Sioux and Cheyenne were preparing for the battle we know as Little Bighorn, their leaders sought the help of their Gods. They received one order. They were to take nothing of the enemy’s from the field. Not so much as a bullet or a button was to be scavenged. Everything had to be left where it fell. That would assure an enduring victory, and the Indians would be left in peace.
The young braves disobeyed. Much to the chagrin of Sitting Bull and Red Cloud, the younger warriors plundered the bodies of the cavalrymen. They stripped the dead soldiers and took everything they could carry. Needless to say, the Indians were defeated soon afterward. Many were put on reservations. Those who escaped faced starvation in Canada. The Sioux and Cheyenne won the battle, but lost the war for all time.
Why would the Gods make such a demand? Perhaps part of the reason is a matter of focus. If victory is desired, then the commitment of a people is shown in their willingness to forego other personal gain. Historically, booty is the reward of battle. To yield that reward was a big issue. Those who are willing to sacrifice that reward have shown they are worthy of enduring victory. On the other hand, those who let their personal selfishness take precedence might not be of the right character. Of course, this is an educated speculation.
The Gods rarely demand that the spoils of war go untouched. In those cases where they do, it is obvious that much more is at stake than winning a battle. The future of an entire people is at hand. Enduring victory requires a very strong commitment that puts the good of all over the good of oneself.
Once again, it reminds me of the matter of commitment. Are you involved, or have you made a commitment? An old joke puts it into perspective. A man had bacon and eggs for breakfast. The chicken was involved in making the breakfast, but that pig, he was committed!
Just something to consider…
