The True Origins of the SS Symbol: A Reckoning with Nazi Mythology

Symbols can represent unity, freedom, and progress, or they can be twisted to propagate hatred, oppression, and genocide. Among the most notorious symbols of the 20th century are those of the Nazi regime, which sought to establish a totalitarian state founded on the principles of racial purity and supremacy. At the heart of this ideology lay the enigmatic double lightning flashes of the SS, a symbol that purportedly heralded the ancient greatness of the Germanic peoples. However, a recent revelation has shattered this myth, exposing the true origins of the SS symbol and the calculated deception behind its creation.

For decades, the Nazi leadership, led by Heinrich Himmler, propagated the notion that the SS symbol was rooted in ancient runic tradition, a sacred emblem that harkened back to the glory days of the Germanic tribes. This narrative served to bolster the regime’s claims of racial superiority, fostering a sense of mystique and reverence around the symbol. Yet, a new documentary titled ‘Symbol of Evil’ has pulled back the veil of deception, revealing that the genesis of the SS symbol was far from ancient or mystical.

In 1929, Heinrich Himmler commissioned Walter Heck, an out-of-work illustrator, to design the emblem of the SS. Contrary to the elaborate mythos concocted by the Nazis, Heck’s inspiration was rather mundane – he drew upon the signs found on electricity pylons prevalent in Germany at the time. Moreover, it is suggested that Heck harbored a disdain for the letter ‘S’, deeming its form too ‘soft’ and wavy for the martial ethos of the SS. Thus, the double lightning flashes were born not out of ancient symbolism, but out of the imagination of a struggling artist and the personal preferences of a fervent ideologue.

Himmler, ever the propagandist, seized upon the symbol created by Heck and imbued it with pseudo-historical significance. Under his direction, the SS symbol adorned every uniform and building associated with the ‘black order’, serving as a visible reminder of Nazi dominance and racial hierarchy. The regime went to great lengths to validate the symbol’s purported ancient origins, even resorting to the futile pursuit of runes and markings on prehistoric artifacts that vaguely resembled the SS emblem.

The revelation of the true origins of the SS symbol forces us to confront the power of propaganda and the manipulation of symbols for nefarious ends. It exposes the hollowness of Nazi mythology, revealing how a regime built upon lies and deception sought to cloak its atrocities in the guise of ancient tradition. Moreover, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of ideological fanaticism and the lengths to which individuals will go to justify their actions in the pursuit of power.

In modern-day Germany, the display of the SS symbol, along with other Nazi Party insignia, is strictly prohibited, a testament to the nation’s commitment to confronting its dark past and safeguarding against the resurgence of fascist ideology. Yet, the legacy of the SS symbol endures as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the insidious allure of symbols and the imperative of remaining vigilant against those who seek to exploit them for malevolent purposes.

As we reckon with the true origins of the SS symbol, let us not forget the millions of lives that were destroyed in the name of Nazi ideology. May this revelation serve as a testament to the resilience of truth in the face of tyranny and a call to vigilance against the manipulation of symbols in service of hatred and oppression.