Hubris



Hubris is an ancient concept found in the myths and legends of countless cultures from around the world - the idea of hubris came from cultural taboos regarding what was seen as corruptive or dishonorable behavior, often on a battle-field or within a place of worship.

Hubris involved many things but one of the most common was the humiliation or defilement of fallen enemies, in some ways this can be seen as part of the "Code of War".

Hubris resulted in divine punishment as well as social stigma - in ancient times, people feared dark demons or vengeance-gods as well as hauntings from the angry dead as part of this punishment, giving rise to the concept of a Nemesis.

Even in cultures that had one God (monotheism), Hubris exists, though it is often known as "sin" - the Old Testament for example is filled with examples of mankind trying to surpass God or defying His will, which results in numerous punishments such as the 10 Plagues of Egypt, turning cities into salt and being banished from Paradise.