Martyred Messiah

Modern Mythmaking, Political Theology

Sidney Blumenthal, The Guardian, CBS News, Alastair Campbell, Rory Stewart, The Rest is Politics
Submission
IADT Dublin
Language
English
Source
Public Domain
Format
Feature / Opinion
Era
Recent: 2000+
Sphere
Political
Submission
IADT Dublin
Language
English
Source
Public Domain
Format
Feature / Opinion
Era
Recent: 2000+
Sphere
Political

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump in 2024 catalysed a powerful shared narrative that blurs the boundaries between politics, religion, and the supernatural. In the aftermath of this near-fatal incident, a fervent base of supporters adopted a new interpretation of Trump's ordeal, casting him not merely as a victim but as a martyred figure with divine purpose.

This phenomenon demonstrates how contemporary political narratives adopt mythological structures, positioning Trump as a resurrected hero destined to lead a movement grounded in unwavering devotion. The emergence of this narrative illustrates the enduring power of martyrdom archetypes across cultural contexts and historical periods.

Through the lens of modern mythmaking, Trump's near-death experience has been reframed as a miraculous event, with supporters reimagining him as a saviour figure—an embodiment of strength and resilience against adversity. This transformation echoes ancient hero narratives where the protagonist undergoes a symbolic death and rebirth, emerging with renewed purpose and authority.

By examining the role of martyrdom in this political narrative, we can observe how mythic storytelling serves not only to reinforce Trump's public persona but also to entrench his influence in contemporary politics. The revival of such archetypal patterns reveals the persistent human tendency to understand political events through mythological frameworks, regardless of technological advancement or secular governance structures.

𝌇 READ: "Trump as Martyred Messiah", The Guardian; ▷ LISTEN: "The Rest Is Politics", Apple Podcasts; ▷ WATCH: "Trump's 2024 RNC Entrance", CBS, YouTube.

↑ ▢ "Trump's 2024 RNC Entrance", 2024. Close-up still from Republican National Convention final night; Source: CBS News, YouTube, Public Domain.