this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2025
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History Memes

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[–] waigl@lemmy.world 29 points 4 days ago (2 children)

The scythe became part of the picture during the time of the black plague. It was supposed to show that death is no longer content taking just a few lives here and there, but huge swathes everywhere.

[–] SeductiveTortoise@piefed.social 9 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That makes a lot more sense to me than it being used as a precise murder weapon. I always wondered.

[–] guy@piefed.social 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

No it's to sever the soul from the glands. Can't do that with a crossbow can you?

Wilhelm Tell might

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I was wondering if the change was to vilify peasants after some revolts.

[–] waigl@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

No, but did you know that "villain" used to be basically just another word for peasant?

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 2 points 4 days ago

Yup. Etymology rocks!