Diomedes, The Voice of Reason

     I'd like to open this little blog by saying that I am a die hard Diomedes fanboy. I live for the 'history channel replays' in which Diomedes gets to lay waste to large amounts of Trojans. For example in book V:
    "There-- he killed Astynous, then Hyphiron, a frontline captain. One he stabbed with a bronze lance above the nipple, the other his heavy sword hacked at the collarbone, right on the shoulder, cleaving the whole shoulder clear of neck and back."

This blog is not about Diomedes' strength, however. Diomedes may be famed as the 'second best warrior' (second only to Achilles) but I've also come to realize that he also plays the roll of the voice of reason. In book IX he explained that Troy is destined to fall, so it would be foolish of Agamemnon to run. He also had this to say about the 'Embassy to Achilles': 
    "Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, you ought not to have sued the son of Peleus nor offered him gifts. He is proud enough as it is, and you have encouraged him in his pride still further. Let him go or stay  as he will. He will fight later when he is in the humor, and heaven puts it in his mind to do so."

Diomedes is spot on with the last two sentences. He knows that the if the fates say Achilles will fight, he doesn't have a choice in the matter. Achilles may cling to the illusion that he can choose whether he fights or flees, but he's actually at the mercy of the fates. Our old friend Diomedes then concocts this plan of action and presents it to the council:
    "Now, therefore, let us all do as I say: we have eaten and drunk our fill, let us then take our rest, for in rest there is holy strength and stay. But when fair rosy-fingered morn appears, forthwith bring out your host and your horsemen in front of  the ships, urging them on, and yourself fighting among the foremost."

Even though Agamemnon claims that Diomedes is inferior to his father in book IV, he still respects him enough to listen to his words of wisdom and actually act on them. Which is completely out of character for Agamemnon. He usually listens to no one but himself, which only further proves that Diomedes is an eloquent, reasonable and convincing speaker. Respected and feared on the battlefield, revered and trusted in the council, Diomedes really is the perfect example of a true warrior.

In closing I would just like  to say that I wish I could be more like Diomedes. Able to conduct myself with honor, strength and strategy in a conflict, but still have logic, reason and clarity on my side. Loved by the gods, and respected by men.


Until next time,
Benjamin Folse

P.S. I commented on Callie's blog 'Who is in control (of my fate)?