Victims of Vendettas

A vendetta is described as a feud between clans or families. This does not include the obvious, that vendettas end in killings.

The feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys took place in the Appalachian area of Kentucky and West Virginia. The many fights and killings of this famous American vendetta generated speculation over the years comparable to the question of Jack the Ripper’s identity.

Vendettas have caused incalculable wars. The assassination of an Austrian heir ignited World War One. Documents, dissertations, and movies list numerous cause for The American Civil War. A feud is marked by “violent attacks undertaken for revenge.” The feud described as “the war between the states” lasted for four years.

While reading about various vendettas, I recognized one common theme. There are heads on a spike, beheadings, headless horsemen, and double taps to the head. Mob bosses declare, “Heads will roll.” While those being pursued head for the hills, pursuers are told to “Head ‘em off at the pass.”

Touring an Italian town in The Godfather, Michael asks, “Where have all the men gone?” and is told, “They’re all dead from vendettas.” Those men fought and died defending their beliefs.

But what about the horse?