Noah Halili - Soldier Stories Told Through Myth

  In class we have discussed the idea that myth can be a true story with mythical elements. Captain Ronald Speirs becomes a myth among the members of Easy Company during WWII and is described as a mysterious legend in Band of Brothers. C.S. Lewis discusses how myth and fact are related in his article Myth Became Fact. He writes that myth is neither abstract nor a direct experience. He explains that myth is tied to reality and uses the example of Christianity to discuss how myth can become fact. In Band of Brothers, Captain Speirs is surrounded by myth.

For the early part of the miniseries, Captain Speirs is thought of as a heartless being that never shows any emotion. He is established as being merciless and incredibly bold in his tactics on the battlefield. Early on in the series, the members of Easy Company begin spreading rumors, or myths, about Speirs throughout the company. The paratroopers often argue over a now infamous story about Captain Speirs offering cigarettes to Nazi prisoners of war before executing them without hesitation. This myth about Speirs generates fear around him and while many of the stories are exaggerated, the story earns Speirs the respect of his soldiers. At one point in the series, Speirs interacts with a group of soldiers arguing about this legend as they set up their foxhole. During this exchange, he offers the soldiers a cigarette which they each refuse quickly. The myth about Speirs ultimately affects the soldiers who clearly fear any interaction with Speirs.

In Episode 7: The Breaking Point, Speirs is sent to take over leadership of an assault on the town of Foy. This is the first time many of the members of Easy Company see Speirs in action. Furthermore, this battle results in the most famous myth surrounding Speirs. During the battle, Easy Company moves into the town of Foy and plans to trap the Nazi forces by connecting with I Company on the opposite side of the town. However, they struggle to make contact with the other company and soon the potential of a Nazi escape becomes plausible. In an act of sheer boldness, Speirs opts to charge through the enemy forces alone to connect directly with I Company. Furthermore, he astoundedly chooses to return to Easy Company through the numerous Nazi forces. As if assisted by some mythical force, Captain Speirs accomplishes this task without so much as a scratch. This battle leads to Speirs becoming the commanding officer of Easy Company and earning the unconditional respect of his fellow paratroopers.

These two examples along with the other myths surrounding Speirs are all examples of myth becoming fact. The stories are at times exaggerated and some seem impossible or unrealistic. However, historical accounts from the paratroopers of Easy Company along with comments from Speirs himself state that they are all true stories. The myths surrounding Speirs became tools that he could use to keep the men under his command in check. Everyone that followed Speirs showed an immense amount of respect and after the attack on Foy, Sergeant Carwood Lipton states that he feels the members of Easy Company are glad to have a commanding officer like Captain Speirs. His myths not only tell true stories related to him, but also left a real impact on the people around him during his military service. 


Source:

Lewis, C.S. "Myth Became Fact." God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics. Ed.

Walter Hooper. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970. 63-67.


Band of Brothers

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