Lovely metaphor, not remotely true history. This photo is from Paris Match/Daily Mail, 1958. The Algerian donkey was starving to death, so a soldier from the 13th brigade of the French Foreign Legion carried it back to base where it became a regimental mascot named “bambi” https://twitter.com/mhdksafa/status/1246179099695087617

Here’s the story in French

I’ve recently pitched a radio idea about the power of #FakeViralHistory. We so want this stuff to be true, we retweet without checking any sources. And when historians say “that’s bullshit” people are upset that the fun has been ruined. History often treated as wish fulfilment

There are loads of brilliant historians on Twitter. Literally thousands! If you see a viral history thread or photo, please check it with an expert before sharing. Most historians will respond. Think of it like social distancing, help slow the spread

Oh, and while we’re at it, no, the Black Death didn’t cause the Renaissance. Please stop looking for ahistorical silver linings in the deaths of tens of millions of people