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Pyrrhic victory facts for kids

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The pyrrhic victory of the Mulligan guards in Maine LCCN2011661828
James G. Blaine tried three times to become the Republican candidate for U.S. President in 1884. He finally won, but the cost was huge – like the cartoon says, "Another victory like this and our money's gone!"

A Pyrrhic victory is a win that costs the winner so much, it feels almost like a loss. Imagine winning a game but losing all your best players and your equipment in the process. Even though you won, the damage might be so bad that it stops you from winning anything else later.

This kind of victory happens when the winning side loses a huge number of people. Or, it could be when the enemy is about to get many more soldiers, making it very hard to win again.

What Is a Pyrrhic Victory?

A Pyrrhic victory is a success that comes with a very high price. The winner might have achieved their goal, but the losses they suffered make the victory feel empty. These losses can be in terms of people, money, or future opportunities.

Why Is It Called "Pyrrhic"?

The name "Pyrrhic victory" comes from King Pyrrhus of Epirus. He was a Greek general and king. In 280 BC, he fought against the Romans in a battle. Pyrrhus won this battle, but he lost a huge number of his soldiers and many of his top commanders.

After the battle, Pyrrhus supposedly said, "One more such victory and I am lost." This meant that if he won another battle with such heavy losses, his army would be too weak to continue fighting. His "victory" was so costly that it put his whole war effort at risk.

Examples of High-Cost Wins

Pyrrhic victories can happen in many areas, not just wars. For example, a business might win a big contract. But if they spent too much money or lost too many key employees to get it, the win might hurt them in the long run. In sports, a team might win a championship. However, if their best players get serious injuries during the final game, it could affect their performance for the next season.

Images for kids

  • Johann Peter Krafft 005

    Last stand and final charge from the fortress of Szigetvár (painting by Johann Peter Krafft, 1825)

  • Aircraft prepare to launch from Japanese carrier Shōkaku during Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, 26 October 1942 (80-G-176150)

    Japanese aircraft prepare to take off from Shōkaku during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands

  • Croatian War 1991 Vukovar street

    The ruined streets of Vukovar ten days after its surrender

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Victoria pírrica para niños

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