Machiavelli the Myth represents the enigmatic and often misunderstood figure whose name has become synonymous with cunning, duplicity, and unscrupulous political maneuvering. This mythologized version of Niccolò Machiavelli stems primarily from his seminal work, "The Prince," which has been interpreted by some as a ruthless guide for autocrats. The term "Machiavellian" has come to describe any action characterized by deceit and strategic manipulation. However, this one-dimensional portrayal oversimplifies the man and his broader body of work, which includes republican ideals expressed in "Discourses on Livy" and a profound concern for the stability and prosperity of the state. The myth often ignores Machiavelli’s context, where his pragmatic advice was aimed at securing Italian unification and protecting Florence from external threats and internal strife. Over centuries, the myth of Machiavelli has been perpetuated by both admirers and detractors, overshadowing the nuanced, complex thinker who grappled with the moral and practical dilemmas of political leadership.