Myth, identity and ethnic boundaries

Myth represents the narrative based on the particular historical event, whichconsists of both objective facts and fi ctitious elements. Th is phenomenon hasan important social and political role, and represents the constituent part ofethnic and national identity. One of the basic functions of myth is its role inthe strengthening of bonds within one ethnic or national community, and,at the same time, the establishment of the borders between that and othercommunities. Th e social and political power that some historical myths haveespecially gains importance in the periods of security crisis, when these narrativesbecome the important part of ethnic mobilizations. Historical events,embodied in myths, are one of the most powerful “weapons” used by elites tomanipulate masses, as well as to generate and control the process of ethnicmobilization. Members of the political elites who can revive the myth canalso mobilize people, exclude those who do not belong to the group, suppresscertain memories, establish solidarity and strengthen the hierarchy of statusesand values