The common textbook explanation is that the villagers were defending themselves against enemies.

Blood would go out and defend you against new enemies, when we are the weaker side.

So they could better defend themselves against possible enemies.

"I was required to defend myself against enemies most zealous."

Some were best at defending themselves against enemies.

Still other respondents have more faith in the government's ability to defend them against foreign enemies than to solve domestic problems.

It was built on a hill to defend itself against enemies.

It was built to defend against enemies attacking through the Firth.

I'd wanted to learn to fight to defend myself against enemies, not engage in pack power struggles.

The Mall Rats also have to defend themselves against outside enemies.