Eleftheria i thanatos

Eleftheria i thanatos (Greek: Ελευθερία ή θάνατος, IPA: [elefθeˈri.a i ˈθanatos]; 'Freedom or Death') is the motto of Greece.

[1][2] It originated in the Greek songs of resistance that were powerful motivating factors for independence.

It was adopted in 1814 by the Filiki Eteria, a secret organization formed specifically for the overthrow of Ottoman rule.

Part of the emblem of the Filiki Eteria were two flags with the letters ΗΕΑ and ΗΘΣ; These represent Ή ΕλευθερίΑ Ή ΘάνατοΣ, 'Either Freedom, or Death'.

[8] Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Captain Michalis was subtitled Freedom or Death, which became its title in the United States, Germany, France, and other countries.

Greek flag
The emblem of Filiki Eteria with the letter ΗΕΑ and ΗΘΣ seen on the two blue flags. The letters are an abbreviation of the words Ή Ε λευθερί Α Ή Θ άνατο Σ ('Freedom or Death').