The Most Badass Ways Someone Has Died in History
From ancient warriors to modern historians, history is filled with tales of individuals who achieved badass feats right to the end of their lives. This article explores some of the most memorable and heroic deaths that have left an indelible mark on history.
Leonidas I of Sparta: A Champion of Ancient Greece
The story of Leonidas I of Sparta is one of the most famed examples of a heroic death. In the battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., Leonidas commanded an army of several hundred men against the Persian Empire, possibly the largest military force the world had ever seen. Faced with overwhelming odds, including a treacherous betrayal, Leonidas fought tenaciously for a week, ultimately succumbing to the superior numbers and strategy of the Persians. However, his legendary stand remains a symbol of unwavering courage and sacrifice.
The Lone Viking from Stamford Bridge
In the year 1066, Harald Hardrada led the Viking army in an invasion of England, aiming to seize the Anglo-Saxon crown. Despite initial victories, failure to maintain a continuous line of defense led to a significant number of Viking soldiers lacking in armor. The Anglo-Saxon forces, led by Harold Godwinson, rapidly marched north, catching the Vikings off guard.
At Stamford Bridge, the lone Viking, armed with an enormous axe, stood against the oncoming Anglo-Saxon army. The bridge was the only passable route, and this single warrior held the bridge against the 5,000-man Anglo-Saxon force for an hour. His efforts allowed his comrades to regroup and continue fighting, ultimately leading to the victory over the Vikings. However, his heroic effort came at a price. A tactical strike by a Saxon soldier using a barrel as a raft and a spear to impale him from groin to stomach eventually brought the lone Viking down, but not before he inflicted severe damage on the Saxon forces.
Egon Friedell: A Pioneer of Austrian Modernism
Egon Friedell (1878-1938) was a remarkable figure in Austrian modernism, known as a historian, journalist, theater critic, and cabaret actor. He also served as the artistic director of the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, which opened in 1907. Friedell was a pioneer of Austrian modernism, working alongside other influential figures such as Karl Kraus, Kokoschka, and Peter Altenberg. Among his friends were many of the leading writers of the time, including Franz Werfel, Hermann Broch, Robert Musil, Rainer Maria Rilke, Arthur Schnitzler, and Hugo von Hofmannsthal.
However, his life ended tragically. As a Jew, Friedell converted to Lutheranism to escape persecution. When the Nazi regime started arresting Jews, Friedell committed suicide by jumping from a window in his Vienna home. His last words, according to legend, were spoken as he faced his impending arrest: "I must go."
Conclusion: Celebrating the Badass in Us All
The stories of Leonidas, the lone Viking, and Egon Friedell demonstrate the incredible bravery and determination of these individuals. Whether facing a numerically superior force or succumbing to the tyranny of the regime, they each displayed the kind of courage and resilience that defies the expectations of what it means to be human. As these tales remind us, the badass way of dying is often a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to bow to adversity.