Mítoszok, csapatszellem és valóság

Each major military formation has its own history and myth, which changes and evolves with the actions of its units on the battlefield. In the case of the French Foreign Legion, there are two parallel myths: a negative (demonising) myth and a positive (canonising) myth. The Legion’s role is fundamental in the construction of this myth, both through its actions and through its intervention in the process to its own advantage. Three elements (memory, history and present expectations) are involved in this myth-making process, and the Legion has been able to manage these interactions, to control the evolution of the myth by preserving traditions and by disseminating an image that reinforces the legion (legiomania), in the face of what is known as legiophobia. The esprit de corps that characterises the unit contributes to this successful propaganda activity, so that the unit’s “internal policy” (commemorations, rites, traditions) is largely supported by its “external policy” (PR, interviews, publications, documentaries, etc.). The present paper will attempt to present a brief history of this world-renowned and recognised unit and will then use this historical background to examine the myths surrounding the unit and the specific team spirit that has a fundamental influence on the image of the unit.