Traïdors

Traïdors is the Catalan term for individuals who betray the trust, allegiance, or obligations of a person, group, or state. Betrayal commonly involves acting against the interests of those who relied on the betrayer, such as by revealing secrets, switching sides in a conflict, or violating oaths or codes of loyalty.

Etymology: The term derives from traïdor, from Latin traditor, “one who hands over,” with the plural traïdors in Catalan. The diacritic on ï marks the hiatus between syllables and is a characteristic of Catalan spelling.

Context: In political and military history, traitors have often been punished or condemned; in literature and film they may be central figures symbolizing betrayal, moral ambiguity, or loyalty conflicts. Not all betrayals are illegal; some arise from pragmatic calculations, survival, or shifts in allegiance and may be judged differently across cultures and eras.

Examples: Well-known traitors include Benedict Arnold (American Revolution) and Vidkun Quisling (Norway during World War II); in religious texts, Judas Iscariot is cited as a traitor. In literature, Brutus is frequently presented as a classical example of political treason.

Impact: The existence of traitors raises questions about trust, loyalty, and state security, influencing laws, ethics, and collective memory.

See also: Treason, Espionage, Betrayal.