Dulce et Decorum Est

Latin is now largely seen as a dead language, exiled to the words of doctors and scientists. Yet its impact on modern language is not insignificant. One phrase comes not from science but instead, most famously, from the world of English twentieth century poetry and literature – that phrase being “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.”

“Dulce et Decorum Est” is the title of a poem first published in 1920, a poem written by Wilfred Owen in 1917. It was a posthumous publication as Owen was killed one week before Armistice Day during the crossing of Sambre-Oise canal.

Wilfred Owen - Unknown - PD-life-70

The English translation, especially in reference to the poem, of “dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” is normally given as “it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.”

The poem has become the epitome of anti-war literature, dismissing the glory of war and showing warfare in all its horrifying detail. Owen titled his poem as a reaction to the widespread use of the term at the start of World War I, where it was used by supporters of the war to encourage the feeling of justification for fighting.

It is an emotive concept as many believe that to die for what an individual truly believes in is surely as good a way to go as any; whilst many also hold the opposite view that war and fighting can never be justified. Arguably though there is no better use of the phrase than at the Arlington National Cemetery, where it is to be found at the central entrance to the Memorial Amphitheatre.

Arlington Memorial - Wknight94 talk - CC-BY-SA-2.0

Wilfred Owen may now be the most famous user of the Latin phrase, but he was by no means the first. Throughout the growth of the British Empire, the term had been used to inspire British soldiers, and even before this, Lord Lovat (Simon Fraser) quoted the line prior to his execution following his role in the Jacobite Uprising. Lord Lovat was himself citing from the works of Horace, the Roman lyrical poet.

“Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori:

mors et fugacem persequitur virum

nec parcit inbellis iuventae

poplitibus timidove tergo.”

["How sweet and fitting it is to die for your native land:

Death pursues the man who flees,

spares not the hamstrings or cowardly backs

Of battle-shy youths."]

Odes iii 2.13

The phrase has spread around the world from Rome and is used as a motto for many organisations beyond the military to journalism and schools. It is a beautiful and memorable phrase that sounds wonderful even if you do not agree with the sentiments.

Copyright - First Published 15th February 2008