Myth, identity and ethnic boundaries

Abstract

Myth represents the narrative based on the particular historical event, which
consists of both objective facts and fi ctitious elements. Th is phenomenon has
an important social and political role, and represents the constituent part of
ethnic and national identity. One of the basic functions of myth is its role in
the strengthening of bonds within one ethnic or national community, and,
at the same time, the establishment of the borders between that and other
communities. Th e social and political power that some historical myths have
especially gains importance in the periods of security crisis, when these narratives
become the important part of ethnic mobilizations. Historical events,
embodied in myths, are one of the most powerful “weapons” used by elites to
manipulate masses, as well as to generate and control the process of ethnic
mobilization. Members of the political elites who can revive the myth can
also mobilize people, exclude those who do not belong to the group, suppress
certain memories, establish solidarity and strengthen the hierarchy of statuses
and values.