Battleground Archives

Battle cries can vary widely across different cultures. Some are more practical and likely to be shouted in the heat of battle, while others might have ceremonial or historical significance. A Battle Cry is far from just a simple shoutout.

Psychological impact: A battle cry can be a way of intimitading the opponents, instilling fear and uncertainty in their minds before the battle even begins. It can also be used to boost morale. It gives a sense of unity, courage, and determination, motivating the group to fight harder for victory.

Communication: In the chaos of battle, a distinctive cry can help soldiers identify their comrades and rally around a common cause. Commanders may use specific cries to issue orders or signals quickly without relying on more formal communication methods, which could be slower or less effective in the heat of battle.

Cultural Identity: Many battle cries are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and history. They serve to honor ancestors, gods, or heroes of the past, connecting warriors to their heritage. Cries that invoke the nation, its leaders, or symbols can foster a sense of nationalism and pride, motivating soldiers to fight for their country’s honor and independence.

Physical Preparation: Shouting a battle cry can trigger an adrenaline rush, helping soldiers overcome fear and pain, and enabling them to perform physical feats they might not have thought possible. It can also help soldiers focus their energy and concentration, preparing them mentally and physically for the challenges of combat.

Rallying Troops: A well-chosen battle cry can unite disparate groups of soldiers, reminding them that they are part of a larger cause and encouraging them to fight as a cohesive unit. It serves as a rallying point for soldiers to gather around, particularly when the battle is not going well. A powerful cry can turn the tide of morale and momentum.

Tradition and Ritual: In many cultures, battle cries are part of traditional ceremonies and rituals before battle. They serve to invoke the blessings of gods or ancestors, seeking their protection and guidance. Soldiers may shout the same cries their ancestors did, carrying on a legacy of bravery and honor on the battlefield.

Warrior Identity: For many warriors, shouting a battle cry is a way to express their identity as fighters. It connects them to a long line of warriors who have gone before them, creating a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie.

In popular culture, the Vikings cry Till Valhall! when going into battle. No direct quotes exist from the Viking age, but some hints can be found in sagas, poems, and later historical accounts. Valhalla (or Valhall, as it is called in Scandinavian languages) was the hall of Odin in Norse mythology, where fallen warriors were taken after death (Val can be derived from Vald, which translates to chosen; hall is the word for a large feasting hall). Shouting this battle cry would indicate the Viking's readiness to fight bravely and earn his place in Valhall.

Here is a list of Battle cries from around the world, some historic, others contemporary, some just with a ceremonial touch while others are directly linked to the heat of the battle. It is said that battle cries in some ways call to cultural values and imply they are unique. At the same time, many are just variants of the same expressions regardless of their origin, such as the cheerful ‘Hurray!’, a praise to God, solidarity with the nation, or to the ruling monarch. Scratch below the surface and you will, however, find many mottos and more that let us know about historic events and culture.

Scotland

Alba gu bràth! is a Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning Scotland forever or Scotland until Judgment.

France

Montjoie Saint Denis! refers to the banner of the French kings, which included the words Montjoie (mount of joy) and Saint Denis (the patron saint of France). This battle cry invokes the protection and support of Saint Denis, the patron saint of France, and symbolizes the French monarchy’s authority.

En avant! translates to Forward in French and has been used as a battle cry by French soldiers.

United States

Remember the Alamo! is associated with the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution in 1836. This cry reminds Americans of the bravery and sacrifice of the defenders of the Alamo, rallying them to remember their history and fight for independence.

Hooah! serves as a versatile expression in the United States Army, used for everything from acknowledgment to motivation to agreement.

Oorah! is a spirited and aggressive cry commonly used by United States Marines. It is used to boost morale, show motivation, and express enthusiasm. It’s origin is debated.

England

For England and St. George! This battle cry invokes the patron saint of England, Saint George. It signifies loyalty to England and a determination to defend the country, often used in historical battles such as the Battle of Agincourt.

United Kingdom

For King and Country! British soldiers historically shouted For King and Country as a rallying cry, especially during conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars and World Wars. This cry emphasized loyalty to the monarch and the country, expressing determination to fight for their sovereign and homeland.

Germany

Für Gott und Vaterland! translates to For God and Fatherland in German. This battle cry emphasizes the soldiers’ commitment to defend their country and their belief that they are fighting for a righteous cause.

Vorwärts! translates to Forward in German and has been used by German soldiers as a rallying cry.

Japan

Banzai! (万歳) in Japanese means ten thousand years or long live. This battle cry was used by Japanese soldiers to express loyalty to the emperor and a wish for his reign to last ten thousand years. It was often shouted before or during charges.

Russia

Za Rodinu! (За Родину!) translates to For the Motherland in Russian.

Ura! (Ура!) is a Russian battle cry that is commonly shouted by soldiers and has been used historically in the Russian military. It is an expression of enthusiasm, determination, and readiness for action.

Israel

Haruv, Haruv!” (חרוב, חרוב!) means sword in Hebrew. This battle cry was used by Jewish fighters during the Israeli War of Independence. It symbolizes the strength and determination to defend Israel.

Italy

Avanti Savoia means Forward Savoy in Italian, referring to the House of Savoy, the ruling dynasty of Italy. This cry was used by Italian troops during the World Wars, expressing loyalty to the Italian monarchy and a call to advance.

South Africa

Vuka Uzenzele is a Zulu phrase meaning Wake up and do it yourself. This battle cry was used by South African troops during conflicts, encouraging self-reliance and determination in battle.

Netherlands

Voorwaarts translates to Forward in Dutch, and it has been used by Dutch soldiers as a battle cry.

China

Zhànqǐlái! (战起来!) means Fight on or Rise up to fight in Mandarin Chinese.

Middle East

Allahu Akbar! (الله أكبر) is perhaps one of the most well-known and widely used battle cries in Arabic-speaking countries. Translating to God is the Greatest in Arabic, this cry is often used by soldiers and fighters as a declaration of faith and a call to battle. It is used in various contexts, from religious ceremonies to military engagements.

Yalla, Yalla! (يلا، يلا) is a colloquial Arabic expression meaning Let’s go or Hurry up. In a military context, it can be used as an informal but spirited way to urge troops into action.

Tha’laban, Tha’laban! (ثألبا، ثألبا) is an Arabic cry used to urge on soldiers in battle. The exact meaning and origin of this cry are not universally agreed upon, but it is often used to encourage bravery and fierceness in combat.

New Zealand

Ka Mate haka is one of the most well-known and widely performed Maori haka. It tells the story of a chief, Te Rauparaha, who evaded capture by enemies. It expresses courage, determination, and victory in the face of adversity.

• Ka mate, ka mate (It is death, it is death)
• Ka ora, ka ora (It is life, it is life)
• Ka mate, ka mate (It is death, it is death)
• Ka ora, ka ora (It is life, it is life)
• Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru (This is the hairy man)
• Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā (Who caused the sun to shine again for me)
• Ā, upane, ka upane (Up the ladder, up the ladder)
• Ā, upane, ka upane (Up the ladder, up the ladder)
• Whiti te rā, hī (The sun shines!)

Mongolia

Oorah! (Уурах!) is a Mongolian battle cry used to inspire and motivate soldiers. It is an expression of enthusiasm and readiness for action.

Korea

Tongil! (통일) means Unification in Korean. This battle cry emphasizes the goal of unification and national unity, often used in historical Korean battles.

India

Jai Hind! (जय हिंद!) translates to Victory to India in Hindi.

Vietnam

Tiến lên! means Advance or March forward in Vietnamese.

Thailand

hra Chaoyuhua! (พระเจ้าอยู่หัว) means Long live the King in Thai. This cry is used to express loyalty to the Thai monarch and the country.

Indonesia

Merdeka atau Mati! means Freedom or Death in Indonesian. This battle cry was used during Indonesia’s struggle for independence, emphasizing the willingness to fight for freedom at any cost.

Philippines

Laban! means Fight or Battle in Filipino. This cry is used to rally troops and express determination in the face of challenges.

Pakistan

Pakistan Zindabad! (پاکستان زندہ باد) Pakistan Zindabad means Long Live Pakistan in Urdu. This battle cry expresses patriotism and pride in Pakistan, often used to boost morale.

South Africa

Usuthu! is a Zulu battle cry used by the Zulu warriors. It means Victory! and was famously used by the Zulu warriors, particularly during the Anglo-Zulu War.

Ethiopia

Itiyopia Tikdem! (ኢትዮጵያ ትቅደም) means Ethiopia First in Amharic. This battle cry was used during the Battle of Adwa in 1896 when Ethiopia defeated Italian forces. It symbolizes Ethiopia’s determination to preserve its independence.

Ghana

Wolofie! is an Ashanti battle cry. It means We are coming or We are on the move and was used by the Ashanti warriors as they marched into battle.

Nigeria

Adua! is a Nigerian battle cry. It means Attack! or Charge! and was used by Nigerian soldiers during various conflicts.

Somalia

Allahu Akbar!” (الله أكبر) is a common battle cry in Somalia. It means God is the Greatest in Arabic.

Mali

An Ka Fo! An Ka Filyi! is a battle cry from Mali. It means We will beat them! We will defeat them!

Kenya

Harambee! is a Swahili word often used as a battle cry. It means Let’s all pull together and was popularized during Kenya’s struggle for independence.

Sudan

Allah, Al-Watan, Al-Bashar! (الله والوطن والبشر) is a battle cry from Sudan. It means God, the Nation, and the People and represents Sudanese loyalty and determination.

Algeria

Jaza’ir Horra! (الجزائر حرة) means “Free Algeria” in Arabic. This battle cry was used during Algeria’s fight for independence from France.

Morocco

Hwat! (حوات) is a traditional Moroccan battle cry. It is a call to action, urging soldiers to move forward and engage the enemy.

Mexico

Huitzilopochtli! was the war cry of the Aztec warriors. It is the name of the Aztec god of war and sun, often invoked by warriors to inspire bravery and victory.

Guatemala, Mexico, Belize

Hunahpu! was a battle cry of the ancient Maya. It is the name of a heroic figure from Maya mythology, symbolizing strength and courage in battle.

Peru

Qosqo, Qosqo! means Cusco, Cusco! in Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire. It was used by Inca warriors to rally around the capital city of Cusco and defend their empire.

Chile

Por la razón o la fuerza! translates to By reason or by force in Spanish. This cry was used during the Chilean War of Independence, expressing the determination to achieve freedom either through negotiation or force.

Argentina

Viva la Patria! means Long live the Fatherland in Spanish. It is a patriotic cry used by Argentine soldiers during various conflicts, including the Argentine War of Independence.

Brazil

Independência ou Morte! means Independence or Death in Portuguese. This famous cry was uttered by Dom Pedro I of Brazil during Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.

Colombia

Por la libertad! translates to For freedom in Spanish. It is a cry used by Colombian soldiers during the Colombian Wars of Independence against Spanish rule.

Cuba

¡Viva Cuba Libre! means Long live Free Cuba in Spanish. This cry was used during the Cuban War of Independence against Spanish rule and later during the Cuban Revolution.

Venezuela

¡Independencia y Patria! means Independence and Homeland in Spanish. It is a cry used by Venezuelan soldiers during the Venezuelan War of Independence.

Peru

¡Viva el Perú! means Long live Peru in Spanish. This cry expresses patriotism and loyalty to Peru, used during various conflicts including the Peruvian War of Independence.