Founding myth
A
founding myth is a story, sometimes a
myth, but most often a
legend, surrounding the foundation of a nation-state. It is a kind of '
national myth', a part of a nation's
civil religion.
In some cases, the story is unrelated to the actual founding history of the country. In other cases, the popular conception of the historical founding events carries an air of increased nobility or other sentiment, or includes stories and traditions based only loosely on actual events. Noble actions and events are often emphasized, while other parts of the history are largely forgotten. Often, historical figures — especially political and military rulers — become glorified as
heroes or even as semi-
divine.
In New Zealand, the signing of the
Treaty of Waitangi is seen as its founding myth.
Australia and
New Zealand began to move away from the
United Kingdom after the
Battle of Gallipoli in
World War I and is often regarded as the 'founding myth' of these two countries. In
Canada, a similar story developed after the
Battle of Vimy Ridge during the same conflict. In
Switzerland, the story of the
Eidgenosse is a founding myth.
*
National epic
