Will WW2 Have Zombies? Exploring the Myth and Reality
The short answer is no, World War II did not have actual zombies. While the idea of undead soldiers might make for a chilling video game or a terrifying movie, it’s important to separate historical fact from fictional fantasy. The “zombies” in the context of World War II are primarily a product of creative interpretations in entertainment, and a derogatory term used for those who did not want to fight overseas. However, the historical period did give rise to some interesting uses of the term, and the concept of zombies in WW2 deserves some clarification.
The Origins of WW2 “Zombies”
Derogatory Use of the Term
During World War II, particularly in Canada, the term “zombie” was used in a derogatory way to refer to men who were conscripted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA). These men, often referred to as “conscripted zombies,” were designated for home defense and didn’t initially have to serve overseas. The term was used to show contempt for those who did not want to fight overseas, and it was based on the idea that they were neither fully alive nor dead, a parallel with the living dead depicted in Haitian folklore and early horror movies.
It’s crucial to understand that these “zombies” were real people— conscripted men who, for various reasons, did not wish to serve overseas. The term was a deeply unfair and hurtful label, reflecting the polarized feelings and pressures of wartime. Despite this prejudice, it is important to note that eventually, many of the “zombies” did volunteer for overseas service.
Zombies in Entertainment
The most prevalent association between World War II and zombies comes from pop culture, particularly video games like Call of Duty: WWII Nazi Zombies. This mode presents a horrifying alternate history where Nazi Germany unleashes a supernatural army of the undead. These games are purely fictional, creating a thrilling, albeit grim, setting for entertainment but have no basis in historical reality. It has contributed heavily to the idea of zombies in WW2.
Zombie Themes in Popular Media
The idea of Nazi zombies taps into deep-seated fears and anxieties surrounding war and the dehumanization it can bring. The imagery of undead soldiers serves as a powerful metaphor for the horrors and senselessness of conflict. This trope, though fictional, resonates with many players and viewers by playing off these very real fears. It also creates a convenient villain with no grey area, easy to hate and justify fighting against.
Call of Duty and the Nazi Zombie Trope
The Call of Duty series has heavily popularized the concept of Nazi Zombies, crafting elaborate storylines and maps within a WWII setting. While fictional, it has influenced many people’s perception of war history, conflating a made up horror with a real war. Games like Call of Duty: WWII feature “Nazi Zombies” as an original, terrifying co-operative mode. Maps like “The Final Reich,” “The Tortured Path,” “The Frozen Dawn,” and “The Shadowed Throne,” present a chilling alternative timeline, which has captured the imagination of millions of players worldwide.
The Reality of World War II
In reality, World War II was a conflict with complex causes and devastating consequences. Millions of soldiers fought and died in terrible conditions, facing real dangers of war and facing real fears. This has led to the concept of war being a “real-life zombie scenario” in which soldiers are simply bodies being thrown at a problem that is difficult to solve. There were no reanimated corpses on the battlefields; the real horror of the war was not the undead, but the real death, destruction, and loss experienced by those involved.
Real-Life “Zombies” and Mental Trauma
While physical zombies were not present, the war did leave many soldiers with severe psychological trauma, sometimes referred to as “shell shock” or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These conditions could manifest in ways that made soldiers seem distant, detached, and unlike themselves, a real-life version of dehumanization by war that was, sadly, very common. The idea of not being the same person you were before is a tragic parallel with the concept of being undead. The real horrors of war often had a dehumanizing effect on the soldiers.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Topic
1. What does “Nazi Zombies” refer to?
“Nazi Zombies” is a fictional concept, primarily used in video games, that portrays undead soldiers as part of a Nazi army. It draws upon historical fears of the Nazi regime and incorporates the horror trope of the living dead. It has no basis in real world events.
2. Were there any real “zombies” in World War II?
No, there were no real reanimated corpses fighting in World War II. The term was used derogatorily for conscripted men who did not want to fight overseas. There were also stories and folklore that spoke to the dehumanizing impact of war on soldiers.
3. What were the “zombies” of the NRMA?
The “zombies” of the NRMA were Canadian men conscripted for home defense under the National Resources Mobilization Act. They were derisively called “zombies” because they were initially not required to fight overseas and were seen as not being fully committed to the war effort. The term was a derogatory and unfair label.
4. What is the significance of the term “zombie” in this context?
The term “zombie” was used because the soldiers who did not want to fight overseas were considered by some to be neither alive nor dead, similar to the zombies in Haitian mythology. It was a derogatory term reflecting a lack of respect and the pressures of wartime on those who didn’t fully commit to overseas service.
5. What video games feature WW2 zombies?
The Call of Duty franchise, particularly the sub-series Nazi Zombies, is well known for its World War II zombie mode. Other games have touched on the concept but are far less prominent.
6. What are some popular Nazi Zombie maps?
Some of the popular Nazi Zombie maps from Call of Duty: WWII include “The Final Reich,” “The Tortured Path,” “The Frozen Dawn,” and “The Shadowed Throne.” These maps provide unique gameplay experiences and terrifying environments.
7. Is “Nazi Zombie” based on any real-world events?
No, the Nazi Zombie trope is purely fictional. It draws inspiration from historical fears of the Nazi regime but does not represent any real event or historical reality. It is a popular fiction trope used in entertainment.
8. Why is the zombie trope popular in WWII settings?
The zombie trope in WWII settings is popular because it combines two powerful sources of fear: the horrors of war and the supernatural. The undead serve as a strong visual representation of the dehumanizing impact of war and provide a clear villain.
9. What is the most successful Call of Duty zombies game?
Many consider Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to be the best in the zombie sub-series, with many popular maps. However, popularity is subjective, with many players also liking other zombie modes.
10. What is the oldest zombie map in Call of Duty?
The first zombie map in the Call of Duty franchise was Nacht der Untoten (German for “Night of the Undead”), which was featured in Call of Duty: World at War. This is a classic map in which many people started playing Call of Duty zombies.
11. What is the hardest zombie map?
Many players consider the original map Nacht der Untoten to be the most difficult, due to the lack of advanced gameplay mechanics. Others find maps like Shangri-La, Verruckt, and Zetsubou No Shima to be extremely challenging.
12. What is a “Hambie” or “Alpha Zombie”?
“Hambies,” or “Alpha Zombies,” are a term used to describe hybrid zombie-human figures in some zombie lore. They retain human intelligence while possessing enhanced strength, speed, and agility, like a typical zombie. These are not historically related to WW2.
13. Did zombie-like things exist in WW1?
While there were no actual zombies in World War I, the battle of Osowiec Fortress is sometimes called the closest thing to real-life zombies. This was due to the disfigured, severely injured soldiers who continued to fight despite their wounds, fueled by poison gas and desperation.
14. Were people forced to fight in WW2?
Yes, many countries, including the United States and Canada, had conscription policies that drafted men into military service. While many were volunteers, many people were forced to fight in WW2 through these means.
15. What is the zombie capital of the world?
The city of Pittsburgh is often called the “Zombie Capital of the World” due to the city being the location where many of George A. Romero’s zombie movies were filmed. It also is a location where people gather for zombie events, which supports the nickname.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the concept of World War II zombies provides compelling entertainment, it’s crucial to differentiate fiction from historical fact. The real horrors of World War II were not the undead, but the immense loss of life, widespread destruction, and deep psychological scars left on those who experienced it. The term “zombies” in the real-world context of WW2 was a derogatory label applied to men not willing to fight overseas, and should not be confused with the living dead of zombie stories. The idea of WW2 zombies exists solely in the realm of entertainment, providing a powerful and popular trope, and it will continue to exist as such.