There are also stories of women who managed to resist in the face of being spoils of war. Some would use their wits to escape or try to protect their families. In certain wars, a few women were able to negotiate better treatment for themselves and others through their intelligence and courage. They refused to be just passive victims in the midst of this cruel concept of 'women as spoils of war'.
In the Middle Ages, there were stories of women being captured during sieges. When a castle or town was conquered, the women were sometimes at the mercy of the invaders. Some of these women were forced into marriages with their captors. This was a way for the victors to gain more control over the territory and the people. It was also a form of asserting power and dominance. These stories are not as well - known as some of the more famous ancient ones, but they are an important part of understanding the role of women in war throughout history.
One common theme is the moral ambiguity. War often blurs the lines between right and wrong, and in 'spoils of war stories', characters may grapple with whether taking the spoils is just or not. Another theme could be the transformation of the victors. They might change due to the newfound wealth and power from the spoils. Also, the loss and destruction left in the wake of war can be a theme, as the spoils are often taken from a broken and devastated landscape.
The 'Spoils of War' in a Batman fanfic could refer to various things. It might be about the rewards or consequences that characters face as a result of the battles or conflicts within the Batman universe. Maybe it's about the physical items or power that a character gains or loses in the chaos of war - like a villain getting hold of some new weapon or Batman obtaining some crucial evidence against an enemy.
The story of the Elgin Marbles is an example. They were taken from the Parthenon in Athens during the Ottoman occupation by Lord Elgin. It's a controversial 'spoils of war' situation as Greece has long demanded their return. Another is the looting of artworks during World War II. Many valuable art pieces were taken by the Nazis as spoils, and there have been ongoing efforts to return them to their rightful owners.
Common themes in 'Spoils of War' fantasy stories often include power struggles, loyalty, and the consequences of war. There may be battles over territory, magical artifacts, or political control. Characters usually have to decide where their loyalties lie, whether it's to their country, their comrades, or their own ideals. And the aftermath of war can bring about changes in society, such as new leadership, altered power dynamics, or the rebuilding of a shattered land.
The Elgin Marbles are an example. Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, removed many marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens in the early 19th century. These sculptures, which were part of the spoils of war in a sense (as Greece was under Ottoman rule at the time and the British had influence), are now in the British Museum. Their removal has been a source of controversy ever since, with Greece demanding their return.
In Harry Potter fanfiction, 'the spoils of war' could refer to various things. It might be magical items, lands, or even knowledge that is gained as a result of a wizarding war. For example, after the defeat of Voldemort, some fanfictions might explore how the victorious side divides up the Death Eaters' hidden stashes of dark magic items. These could be considered the spoils of war.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this exact 'Spoils of War' short story. But generally, in a story about the spoils of war, there could be soldiers who are either taking or protecting the spoils. There might also be civilians affected by the spoils.
Power is likely a theme. When it comes to the spoils of war, there's often a struggle for power over those items or resources. It can also be about survival. Characters might be forced to adapt and fight for the spoils in order to survive in the post - war chaos.