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65-660: He was born to Tydeus and Deipyle and later became King of Argos , succeeding his maternal grandfather, Adrastus . In Homer 's Iliad Diomedes is regarded alongside Ajax the Great and Agamemnon , after Achilles , as one of the best warriors of all the Achaeans in prowess (which is especially made clear in Book 7 of the Iliad when Ajax the Greater, Diomedes, and Agamemnon are the most wished for by

130-522: A "woman and a coward" and promised to slay him personally. Diomedes thought three times of turning back and fighting Hector, but Zeus thundered from heaven each time. When all the Achaean seemed discouraged, Zeus sent an eagle as a good omen. Diomedes was the first warrior to read this omen, and he immediately attacked the Trojans and killed Agelaus. At the end of the day's battle, Hector made one more boast, "Let

195-556: A boar and a lion". Adrastus recognized Tydeus as the boar and Polynices as the lion (either by the ferocious manner in which they fought, the animals emblazoned on their shields, or the animal skins they wore ) and wed his daughters to them, keeping them as his sons-in-law in Argos. Through marriage into Adrastus's family, Polynices and Tydeus became princes of Argos, had children, and generally lived well. Adrastus promised that he would help restore their kingdoms to them (or in other versions of

260-517: A child at the time of their marriage and thus a very unlikely suitor. Diomedes is known primarily for his participation in the Trojan War. According to Homer , Diomedes entered the war with a fleet of 80 ships, third only to the contributions of Agamemnon (100 ships) and Nestor (90). Both Sthenelus and Euryalus (former Epigoni) fought under his command with their armies. Sthenelus was the driver of Diomedes' chariot and probably his closest friend. All

325-423: A son, Diomedes. Sometime later, Polynices , a banished prince of Thebes , arrived in Argos; he approached Adrastus and pleaded his case to the king, as he requested his aid to restore him to his original homeland. Adrastus promised to do so and set out to gather an expeditionary force with which to march against Thebes. This force was made up of seven individual champions, each assigned to lead an assault on one of

390-657: A spear, which wasn't enchanted as well as his father's sword. His golden armor bore a crest of a boar on the breast. It was created by a mortal smith but was blessed by Athena, who gave it to Tydeus. When he died, it passed to Diomedes. A skilled smith created the sword for Tydeus, which bore designs of a lion and a big boar. In Aulis, where the Achaean leaders gathered, Diomedes met his brother in arms Odysseus , with whom he shared several adventures. Both of them were favorite heroes of Athena and each shared characteristics of their patron goddess – Odysseus her wisdom and cunning, and Diomedes her courage and skill in battle; though neither

455-670: A special vision to distinguish gods from men and asks him to wound Aphrodite if she ever comes to battle. She also warns him not to engage any other god. He continues to make havoc among the Trojans by killing Astynous, Hypeiron, Abas, Polyidus, Xanthus, Thoon, Echemmon and Chromius (two sons of Priam). Finally, Aeneas (son of Aphrodite ) asks Pandarus to mount his chariot so that they may fight Diomedes together. Sthenelus warns his friend of their approach. Diomedes faces this situation by displaying both his might and wisdom. Although he can face both of these warriors together, he knows that Aphrodite may try to save her son, Aeneas . He also knows

520-429: Is beyond all bounds, and there is none can vie with him in prowess." Helenus then sent Hector to the city of Troy to tell their mother about what was happening. According to the instructions of Helenus, Priam's wife gathered matrons at the temple of Athena in the acropolis and offered the goddess the largest, fairest robe of Troy. She also promised the sacrifice of twelve heifers if Athena could take pity on them and break

585-498: Is considered to be the mightiest and the most skilled warrior among the Achaeans. He was overwhelming Telamonian Ajax in an armed sparring contest when the watching Achaeans bade the men to stop and take equal prizes because they feared for Ajax's life. Ajax gave Diomedes the prize (long sword) because Diomedes drew the first blood. He vanquished (and could have killed) Aeneas (the second best Trojan warrior) once. He and Odysseus were

650-402: Is fighting among the Trojans". Athena answered "Diomedes most dear to my heart, do not fear this immortal or any other god for I will protect you." Throwing Sthenelus out of the chariot and mounting it herself, the goddess (who invented the chariot and taught humans to drive it) drove straight at Ares. She also put on the helmet of Hades, making her invisible to even gods. Ares saw only Diomedes in

715-510: Is frequently known by the patronymic Tydides . Tydeus was a son of Oeneus and either Periboea , Oeneus's second wife, or Gorge , Oeneus's daughter. He was the husband of Deipyle , the mother of Diomedes. Tydeus was banished from Calydon by his uncle Agrius because he had killed either his brother or a different uncle or six of his cousins. He travelled to Argos , where he married Deipyle, daughter of king Adrastus . While housing Tydeus, King Adrastus of Argos also lodged Polynices ,

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780-425: Is left to fight against a now unarmed Diomedes, who picks up a huge stone and crushes Aeneas' hip with it. Fainting, Aeneas' mother protects him with her garment as Diomedes' comrade Sthenelus springs Aeneas' horses free from the Trojans and taken by Deipylus to their ships. Aphrodite drops her son, Aeneas, while under attack by Diomedes, who is following Athena's orders. Apollo comes to the rescue of Aeneas and sends

845-465: Is of no importance (therefore, trying to change it with gifts is useless). Diomedes said, "Let Achilles stay or leave if he wishes to, but he will fight when the time comes. Let's leave it to the gods to set his mind on that." (In Book 15, Zeus tells Hera that he has already planned the method of bringing Achilles back to battle, confirming that Diomedes was right all along) Agamemnon and Menelaus rounded up their principal commanders to get ready for battle

910-410: Is on several crucial occasions shown to possess great wisdom, which is acknowledged and respected by his much older comrades, including Agamemnon and Nestor . Diomedes, Nestor and Odysseus were some of the greatest Achaean strategists. Throughout the Iliad , Diomedes and Nestor are frequently seen speaking first in war-counsel. Instances of Diomedes' maturity and intelligence as described in parts of

975-619: The epic : Diomedes' aristeia ("excellence"—the great deeds of a hero) begins in Book V and continues in Book VI. This is the longest aristeia in the epic. Some scholars claim that this part of the epic was originally a separate, independent poem (describing the feats of Diomedes) that Homer adapted and included in the Iliad . Diomedes' aristeia represents many of his heroic virtues such as outstanding fighting skills, bravery, divine protection/advice, carefully planned tactics of war, leadership, humility and self-restraint. Book V begins with Athena,

1040-467: The suitors of Helen and, as such, he was bound by the oath of Tyndareus, which established that all the suitors would defend and protect the man who was chosen as Helen's husband against any wrong done against him in regard to his marriage. Accordingly, when the Trojan prince Paris stole Menelaus ' wife, all those who had sworn the oath were summoned by Agamemnon (Menelaus' brother), so that they would join

1105-500: The "Seven", and in the same role in Euripides ' play The Phoenician Women . He kills the defender Melanippus , but is mortally wounded himself. In other versions of the myth, the detail is added that the goddess Athena planned to make him immortal but refuses after Tydeus in a hubristic fit devours the brain of the dead Melanippus. Tydeus is mentioned multiple times in the Iliad . One of

1170-463: The Achaean council, Diomedes was the first one to speak: "Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet Helen, for even a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at hand." These words were applauded by all and Agamemnon said, "This is the answer of the Achaeans." Zeus ordered all other deities to not interfere with the battle. He made the Trojans stronger so they could drive away the Achaeans from battle. Then he thundered aloud from Ida and sent

1235-645: The Achaeans to fight Hector out of nine volunteers, who included Odysseus and Ajax the Lesser ). Subsequently, Diomedes founded ten or more Italian cities and, after his death, was worshipped as a divine being under various names in both Italy and Greece. In the account of Dares the Phrygian , Diomedes was illustrated as "stocky, brave, dignified, and austere. He was loud at the war-cry, hot-tempered, impatient, and daring." Diomedes was, on his father's side, an Aetolian , and on his mother's an Argive . His father, Tydeus ,

1300-517: The Thebans amassed a force of fifty men, led by Maeon and Polyphontes , and ambushed him. Tydeus killed every man with the exception of Maeon, whom he allowed to live due to signs from the gods. During the war, Tydeus was mortally wounded by Melanippus , the son of Astacus . The goddess Athena intended to make Tydeus immortal, but the seer Amphiaraus , knowing this and hating Tydeus, cut off Melanippus' head and gave it to Tydeus, who proceeded to eat

1365-466: The Thebans, believing this to be the end for them, sought counsel from the seer Tiresias , who urged them to flee the city. They did so, and, faced with no opposition, the Epigoni entered the city, plundering its treasures and tearing down its great walls. Having achieved their objective, the Epigoni returned home, but not before they installed Thersander , son of the fallen prince Polynices (the instigator of

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1430-447: The Trojans and say, 'The son of Tydeus fled before me to the ships.' This is the vaunt he will make, and may the earth then swallow me." Nestor responded, "Son of Tydeus, though Hector say that you are a coward the Trojans and Dardanians will not believe him, nor yet the wives of the mighty warriors whom you have laid low." Saying these words, Nestor turned the horses back. Hector, seeing that they had turned back from battle, called Diomedes

1495-429: The alliance), drowning him while he was fishing. According to other stories, when Palamedes advised the Achaeans to return home, Odysseus accused him of being a traitor and forged false evidence and found a fake witness to testify against him, whereupon Palamedes was stoned to death. Some say that both Diomedes and Odysseus drowned Palamedes. Another version says that he conspired with Odysseus against Palamedes, and under

1560-613: The battleground, Diomedes took his stand before Nestor and ordered him to take Sthenelus' place. Having Nestor as the driver, Diomedes bravely rushed towards Hector. Struck by his spear, Hector's driver Eniopeus was slain. Taking a new driver, Archeptolemus, Hector advanced forward again. Zeus saw that both Hector and Archeptolemus were about to be slain by Diomedes and decided to intervene. He took his mighty Thunderbolt and shot its lightning in front of Diomedes' chariot. Nestor advised Diomedes to turn back since no person should try to transgress Zeus' will. Diomedes answered, "Hector will talk among

1625-557: The boy and held the first Nemean Games in his honor (other stories cite Heracles ' triumph over the Nemean Lion as the cause of the first games). Tydeus won the boxing event at these games. When the expedition reached Cithaeron , Tydeus was sent ahead to demand that the Thebans reinstate Polynices. Frustrated with being ignored by Eteocles, Tydeus issued one-on-one challenges to multiple men and vanquished each one with power granted to him by Athena. While Tydeus returned to his allies,

1690-568: The brains of his killer. As was Amphiaraus's intention, Athena was so appalled that she changed her mind and let Tydeus die. The 7th century poet Mimnermus attributes the murder of Ismene , the sister of Antigone , to Tydeus. No other Classical writer mentions the story, but the scene is represented on a 6th-century Corinthian black-figure amphora now housed in the Louvre . Tydeus also appears in Aeschylus 's play Seven Against Thebes , as one of

1755-638: The chariot and threw his spear which was caught by Athena. Diomedes then threw his spear (which was guided by Athena) at Ares, wounding his stomach. The god screamed in a voice of ten thousand men and fled away. This was how Diomedes became the only human to wound two Olympians in a single day. Diomedes continued his feats by killing Axylus and Calesius. Hector's brother Helenus described Diomedes' fighting skills in this manner: "He fights with fury and fills men's souls with panic. I hold him mightiest of them all; we did not fear even their great champion Achilles, son of an immortal though he be, as we do this man: his rage

1820-399: The city during his time. He was a skilled politician and was greatly respected by other rulers. He still kept an eye on Calydonian politics (his father's homeland), and when the sons of Agrius (led by Thersites) put Oeneus (Diomedes' grandfather) in jail and their own father on the throne, Diomedes decided to restore Oeneus to the throne. Diomedes attacked and seized the kingdom, slaying all

1885-561: The coalition that was to sail from Aulis to Troy in order to retrieve Helen and the Spartan property that was stolen. However, Hesiod does not include Diomedes in his list of suitors. It's possible that labelling Diomedes a suitor of Helen was a later addition, extrapolated from his name being listed in the Catalogue of Ships . If, in fact, Helen ruled Sparta with her husband Menelaus for ten years before her abduction, Diomedes would have still been

1950-472: The exiled son of Oedipus who had shared the rule of Thebes with his brother Eteocles before he was expelled by the latter. Late one night, the two young exiles got into a fierce dispute over the guest room in Adrastus's palace. Awakened by the clamor, Adrastus rushed to the hall to find the two men locked in a brawl. It was then that Adrastus recalled a prophecy that had instructed him to "yoke his daughters to

2015-597: The first Theban expedition), as the city's new ruler. As Diomedes and the Argive forces travelled home, an elderly King Adrastus died of grief upon learning that his son Aegialeus had perished in the battle; as such, Diomedes was left as the last of Adrastus' male descendants. That being so, upon returning home to Argos, Diomedes ascended to the throne. In order to secure his grasp on the throne, Diomedes married Aegialeus' daughter, Princess Aegialia. Diomedes ruled Argos for more than five years and brought much wealth and stability to

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2080-474: The first to fall and many another of his comrades round him. Would that I were as sure of being immortal and never growing old, and of being worshipped like Athena and Apollo, as I am that this day will bring evil to the Argives." These words subsequently turned out to be wrong. In spite of careful watch, Diomedes managed to launch an attack upon the sleeping Trojans. Hector was vanquished by Diomedes yet again and it

2145-497: The glare of his lightning upon the Achaeans. Seeing this, all the great Achaean warriors—including the two Ajaxes, Agamemnon, Idomeneus and Odysseus—took flight. Nestor could not escape because one of his horses was wounded by Paris' arrow. He might have perished if not for Diomedes. This incident is the best example for Diomedes' remarkable bravery. Seeing that Nestor's life was in danger, the son of Tydeus shouted for Odysseus' help. The latter ignored his cry and ran away. Left alone in

2210-428: The great war. Diomedes is the key fighter in the first third of the epic. According to some interpretations, Diomedes is represented in the epic as the most valiant soldier of the war , who avoids committing hubris . He is regarded as the perfect embodiment of traditional heroic values. While striving to become the best warrior and attain honor and glory, he does not succumb to the madness which 'menos' might entail. He

2275-417: The history of Aeneas' two horses (they descend from immortal steeds that Zeus had once given King Tros, original founder of Troy). Since he has to carry out Athena's order, he orders Sthenelus to steal the horses while he faces Aeneas. Pandarus throws his spear mistakenly thinking he mortally wounds Diomedes. Diomedes returns the blow by throwing his spear at a bragging Pandarus, killing him instantly. Aeneas

2340-515: The importance of human choices and proposed to change Achilles' mind by offering many gifts. This proposal was approved by both Agamemnon and Odysseus. The embassy failed because Achilles himself had more faith in his own choices than fate or divine interventions. He threatened to leave Troy, never to return believing that this choice will enable him to live a long life. When the envoys returned, Diomedes criticized Nestor's decision and Achilles' pride saying that Achilles' personal choice of leaving Troy

2405-572: The latter praised his bravery in front of others. Odysseus' words hinted that he actually did not wish to be selected. Tydeus Tydeus ( / ˈ t aɪ d i ə s , - dj uː s , ˈ t ɪ d i ə s / ; Ancient Greek : Τυδεύς Tūdeus ) was an Aetolian hero in Greek mythology , belonging to the generation before the Trojan War . He was one of the Seven against Thebes , and the father of Diomedes , who

2470-490: The most notable mentions is in Book IV where Agamemnon reminds Diomedes of the deeds of his father Tydeus. Agamemnon recites the events told in the section above. Thersander In Greek mythology , the name Thersander ( / θ ɜːr ˈ s æ n d ər , - ˈ s ɑː n -/ ; Ancient Greek : Θέρσανδρος Thersandros means 'bold man' derived from θέρσος thersos 'boldness, braveness' and ανδρος andros 'of

2535-504: The myth, Polynices asks Adrastus to help him take back Thebes) and he organized the expedition of the Seven against Thebes , and their army raised from Argolis (the area around Argos), the largest army that had ever appeared in Greece to that time. Shortly after the expedition arrived in Nemea , the young son of King Lycourgos was killed by a snake. In turn, Adrastus's men killed the serpent, buried

2600-587: The next day. They woke up Odysseus, Nestor, Ajax, Diomedes and Idomeneus. While the others were sleeping inside their tents, king Diomedes was seen outside his tent clad in his armour sleeping upon an ox skin, already well-prepared for any problem he may encounter at night. During the Achaean council held, Agamemnon asked for a volunteer to spy on the Trojans. Again, it was Diomedes who stepped forward. The son of Tydeus explained "If another will go with me, I could do this in greater confidence and comfort. When two men are together, one of them may see some opportunity which

2665-434: The only Achaean heroes who participated in covert military operations that demanded discipline, bravery, courage, cunning, and resourcefulness. Diomedes received the most direct divine help and protection. He was the favorite warrior of Athena (who even drove his chariot once). He was also the only hero except Heracles , son of Zeus, that attacked Olympian gods. He even wounded Ares , whom he struck with his spear. Once, he

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2730-442: The other has not caught sight of; if a man is alone he is less full of resource, and his wit is weaker." These words inspired many other heroes to step forward. Agamemnon put Diomedes in charge of the mission and asked him to choose a companion himself. The hero instantly selected Odysseus for he was loved by Athena and was quick witted. Although Odysseus had deserted Diomedes in the battlefield that very day, instead of criticizing him,

2795-403: The pretence of having discovered a hidden treasure, they let him down into a well and there stoned him to death. Others say that, though Diomedes guessed or knew about the plot, he did not try to defend Palamedes, because Odysseus was essential for the fall of Troy. Diomedes is one of the main characters in the Iliad . This epic narrates a series of events that took place during the final year of

2860-680: The record of wounding not one but two Olympians as a human. The transgression of Diomedes by attacking Apollo had its consequences. Urged by Apollo, Ares came to the battlefield to help Trojans. Identifying the god of war, Diomedes protected the Achaeans by ordering them to withdraw towards their ships. Hera saw the havoc created by her son and together with Athena, she came to the Achaeans' aid. When Athena saw Diomedes resting near his horses, she mocked him, reminding him of Tydeus who frequently disobeyed her advice. Diomedes replied, "Goddess, I know you truly and will not hide anything from you. I am following your instructions and retreating for I know that Ares

2925-434: The river Scamander on his own). His character also helps to establish one of the main themes of the epic: how human choices and efforts become insignificant when fate and immortals are in control. Diomedes follows Homeric tradition closely and having absolute faith on the superiority of fate, he predicts the conclusion of Achilles' efforts to go against fate. Apart from his outstanding fighting abilities and courage, Diomedes

2990-408: The seven gates of the city; Tydeus, Polynices and Adrastus were among them. Together, these champions were known as the Seven against Thebes . The expedition proved to be a complete disaster, however, as all seven of the Argive champions were killed in the ensuing battle, except for Adrastus, who escaped thanks to his horse Arion , who was the fastest of all of his brethren. Diomedes' father, Tydeus,

3055-418: The spear of Diomedes. Athena, of course, did not grant it. Meanwhile, one brave Trojan named Glaucus challenged the son of Tydeus to a single combat. Impressed by his bravery and noble appearance, Diomedes inquired if he were an immortal in disguise. Although Athena has previously told him not to fear any immortal, Diomedes displayed his humility by saying, "I will not fight any more immortals." Glaucus told

3120-544: The story of how he was descended from Bellerophon who killed the Chimaera and the Amazons. Diomedes realized that his grandfather Oeneus hosted Bellerophon, and so Diomedes and Glaucus must also be friends. They resolved to not fight each other and Diomedes proposed exchanging their armours. Cunning Diomedes only gave away a bronze armour for the golden one he received. The phrase 'Diomedian swap' originated from this incident. Diomedes

3185-479: The traitors except Thersites, Onchestus (who escaped to Peloponnesus) and Agrius (who killed himself) restoring his grandfather to the throne. Later, Oeneus passed the kingdom to his son-in-law, Andraemon, and headed to Argos to meet Diomedes. He was assassinated on the way (in Arcadia) by Thersites and Onchestus. Unable to find the murderers, Diomedes founded a mythical city called "Oenoe" at the place where his grandfather

3250-436: The troops from Argos, Tiryns, Troezen and some other cities were headed by Diomedes. Although he was the youngest of the Achaean kings, Diomedes is considered the most experienced leader by many scholars (he had fought more battles than others, including the war of the Epigoni, the most important war expedition before the Trojan War – even old Nestor had not participated in such military work). Second only to Achilles, Diomedes

3315-588: The two companions' first mission together. However, Pseudo-Apollodorus has Agamemnon send Odysseus and Talthybius instead. According to Euripides, neither of the two went to fetch Iphigenia, though he calls the plan Odysseus' idea in Iphigenia at Tauris . Once in Troy, Odysseus murdered Palamedes (the commander who outwitted Odysseus in Ithaca, proving him to be feigning insanity and thus forcing him to stand by his oath and join

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3380-439: The war-like goddess of wisdom putting valour into the heart of her champion warrior. She also makes a stream of fire flare from his shield and helmet. Diomedes then slays a number of Trojan warriors including Phegeus (whose brother was spirited away by Hera's son, Hephaestus before being slain by Diomedes) until Pandarus wounds him with an arrow. Diomedes then prays to Athena for the slaughter of Pandarus. She responds by offering him

3445-419: The women each of them light a great fire in her house, and let watch be safely kept lest the town be entered by surprise while the host is outside... I shall then know whether brave Diomed will drive me back from the ships to the wall, or whether I shall myself slay him and carry off his bloodstained spoils. Tomorrow let him show his mettle, abide my spear if he dare. I ween that at break of day, he shall be among

3510-616: The wounded Aphrodite fleeing back to Olympus. Disregarding Athena's advice, Diomedes attacks Apollo three times before he warns him not to match himself against immortals. Diomedes then withdraws from combat having failed to kill Aeneas, but succeeding in obtaining what he considers to be the finest steeds alive (and later in Book XXIII, winner of the chariot race for Patroclus, despite starting in last place). Aphrodite complained to her mother about Diomedes' handiwork. The latter reminded her of mighty Heracles (now, an Olympian himself) who held

3575-522: Was Diomedes that ended up being worshipped as an immortal. Agamemnon started shedding tears and proposed to abandon the war for good because Zeus was supporting the Trojans. Diomedes pointed out that this behavior was inappropriate for a leader like Agamemnon. He also declared that he will never leave the city unvanquished for the gods were originally with them. This speech signifies the nature of Homeric tradition where fate and divine interventions have superiority over human choices. Diomedes believed that Troy

3640-439: Was among the nine Achaean warriors who came forward to fight Hector in a single combat. When they cast lots to choose one among those warriors, the Achaeans prayed "Father Zeus, grant that the lot fall on Ajax, or on the son of Tydeus, or upon Agamemnon." Ajax was chosen to fight Hector. Idaeus of the Trojans came for a peace negotiation, and he offered to give back all the treasures Paris stole plus more—everything except Helen. In

3705-408: Was among those who had been slain. Tydeus was Athena 's favorite warrior at the time, and when he was dying she wanted to offer him a magic elixir (which she had obtained from her father) that would make him immortal. However, she withdrew the intended privilege in apparent disgust when Tydeus gobbled down the brains of the hated enemy who had wounded him. Diomedes was four years old when his father

3770-460: Was buried to honour his death. Later, Thersites fought against the Trojans in the Trojan War and noble Diomedes did not mistreat him (however, Thersites was hated by all the other Achaeans). In fact, when Thersites was brutally slain by Achilles (after having mocked him when the latter cried over Penthesilia 's dead body), Diomedes was the only person who wanted to punish Achilles. According to Hyginus and Pseudo-Apollodorus, Diomedes became one of

3835-403: Was even granted divine vision in order to identify immortals. Only Diomedes and Menelaus were offered immortality and became gods in post-Homeric mythology. The god Hephaestus made Diomedes' cuirass for him. He was the only Achaean warrior apart from Achilles who carried such an arsenal of gear made by Hera's son. He also had a round shield with the mark of a boar. In combat, he also carried

3900-441: Was fated to fall and had absolute and unconditional faith in victory. However, this was one of the two instances where Diomedes' opinion was criticized by Nestor. He praised Diomedes' intelligence and declared that no person of such young age could equal Diomedes in counsel. He then criticized Diomedes for not making any positive proposal to replace Agamemnon's opinion – a failure which Nestor ascribed to his youth. Nestor believed in

3965-441: Was himself of royal blood, being the son of Oeneus , the king of Calydon. He had been exiled from his homeland for killing his relatives, either his cousins or his paternal uncles. In any case, Tydeus was exiled, and he found refuge at Argos , where the king, Adrastus , offered him hospitality, even giving him his daughter, Deipyle, to be his wife. The two were happily married and had two children together—a daughter, Comaetho , and

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4030-611: Was killed. At the funeral of their fathers, the sons of the seven fallen champions ( Aegialeus , Alcmaeon , Amphilocus , Diomedes, Euryalus, Promachus, Sthenelus, and Thersander) met and vowed to vanquish Thebes in order to avenge their fathers. These seven sons were known as the Epigoni ("offspring"). Ten years later, the Epigoni set out to launch another expedition against Thebes, appointing Alcmaeon as their commander-in-chief. They strengthened their initial forces with contingents from Messenia, Arcadia, Corinth, and Megara. This army, however,

4095-473: Was still small compared to that of Thebes. The war of the Epigoni is remembered as the most important expedition in Greek mythology prior to the Trojan War . It was a favorite topic for epics, but, all of these epics are now lost . The main battle took place at Glisas where Prince Aegialeus (son of Adrastus and heir to the throne) was slain by King Laodamas, who was in turn killed by Alcmaeon. With their king dead,

4160-454: Was the only human except for Heracles to be granted strength (with permission) to directly fight with immortals themselves and injures two Olympian immortals (both Ares and Aphrodite) in a single day. However, he still displays self-restraint and humility to retreat before Ares and give way to Apollo thus remaining within mortal limits. This is in contrast to Patroclus (who does not give way when opposed by Apollo) and Achilles (who resorts to fight

4225-677: Was wholly bereft of either aspect. They began to combine their efforts and actions already when being in Aulis. When the sacrifice of Iphigenia (Agamemnon's daughter) became a necessity for the Achaeans to sail away from Aulis, King Agamemnon had to choose between sacrificing his daughter and resigning from his post of high commander among Achaeans. When he decided to sacrifice his daughter to Artemis, Odysseus carried out this order of Agamemnon by luring Iphigenia from Mycenae to Aulis, where murder, disguised as wedding, awaited her. According to Hyginus, Diomedes went with Odysseus to fetch Iphigenia, making this

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