Joe

Posted Tuesday, June 21, 2022

1y

INFP

Aquarius

9

1

The Disrespect of Diomedes

I just wanted to say that I think Diomedes does not get the respect he deserves from modern readers of the Iliad. Let's look at some highlights: - He's one of Athena's two favorites. Odysseus is the other, of course. But I'm just saying Athena never drove Odysseus' chariot. Bonus: although Odysseus acted like a coward previously, Diomedes did not call him out on it and regularly asked for Odysseus to accompany him on missions. - He brought the third largest army to Troy. Although one of the youngest Achaean kings, even elders like Nestor respected his counsel. - Takes out TWO gods on the battlefield. Sure, Athena let him see their corporeal forms but Diomedes did the rest. He even refrained from attacking Ares, at first, because Athena told him to only attack Aphrodite. When Athena chastises him for taking it easy, he basically responds that he's just trying to do as he's told. When she gives him the go-ahead, he takes out the literal god of war. - He understands fate and the bounds of mortality. When challenged by a Trojan, he straight up asks if the dude is immortal because Diomedes shouldn't be taking out more immortals (so modest). But then realized this dude's ancestor was friends with his grandfather so decided they should be friends too (so honorable). We remember characters like Odysseus and Achilles but Diomedes gets no respect. It's always bothered me and now I can put it out there into the internet ether lol. Thank you for humoring me. There's more but I've bored you enough. Have a great day! If you believe other mythological figures got the short end of the proverbial stick, tell me all about them!