The Beat of the Day - A Pyrrhic Victory

Pyrrhic Victory:

A pyrrhic victory is technically a win, but the results of the victory or the casualties incurred in the process of achieving the victory are absolutely devastating to the victor, either physically or emotionally, to the point where calling the campaign a victory is arguable depending on the observer’s perspective. There is a good dose of reality in the concept as well; the term has its roots in Greek history, and many contemporary global conflicts, regardless of outcome, will bring back combatants who have to deal with the reality of what they experienced, and who may suffer from PTSD or addiction as they try to cope. The lingering question in the Pyrrhic victory is this: Was it worth it?

From History:

The term comes from a quote attributed to King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who defeated the Romans in the Battle of Asculum in 279 BCE. After the victory, Pyrrhus is said to have remarked, “Another such victory and we are lost”.The term comes from a quote attributed to King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who defeated the Romans in the Battle of Asculum in 279 BCE. After the victory, Pyrrhus is said to have remarked, “Another such victory, and we are lost”.

A Thought:

Villains are not immune to this trope either and if anything it happens to them even more often than it happens to heroes. This is often done to show how futile being evil truly is, never being able to win even when you do technically win.

This is one of my all-time favorite story beats. What is your favorite story beat? Had you heard about this one before I showcased it? Drop me a comment below.